The Golden Era of Vietnam: Why is its Tourism Flourishing While Its Neighbors Struggle?

SadaNews - At a time when prominent Asian destinations such as Thailand and Cambodia are witnessing a noticeable decline in visitor numbers, Vietnam is experiencing what can be described as a golden era in the tourism sector. According to data from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the country kicked off 2026 by achieving an unprecedented record, having welcomed around 2.5 million international tourists in January alone, an increase of 18.5% compared to the same period last year.

Flexible Policies and Competitive Costs

International tourism reports attribute this boom to a series of integrated factors, including the facilitation of visa procedures, such as streamlining the e-visa system and exempting citizens from several European countries, like Germany, from visas for stays of up to 45 days, making Vietnam a preferred destination during the European winter.

Additionally, the increase in direct international flights has enhanced connectivity between Vietnamese cities and world capitals, alongside the value-for-money factor, as Vietnam today is considered one of the most competitively priced destinations, offering high-quality tourism experiences at prices about 20 to 30% lower compared to some of its regional neighbors.

Notable Regional Disparity

In contrast, Thailand and Cambodia face challenges that have negatively impacted their tourism sectors, including border tensions and recurring clashes in border regions between the two countries over the past year, as well as rising living and tourism costs in Thailand due to inflationary pressures, prompting some travelers to seek more stable and cost-effective alternatives.

A Map of Beauty Stretching from North to South

Vietnam benefits from a remarkable geographical and cultural diversity that allows it to attract various segments of tourists. In the north, Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases stunning limestone formations, alongside the vibrant old quarter of Hanoi, where the "Train Street" is famous for trains passing very close to homes and cafes.

In the central region, visitors are drawn to the lantern-lit city of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue, in addition to Son Tra Peninsula, which offers a rare opportunity to view the endangered red-legged douc monkey, often described as one of the most beautiful primates in the world.

In the south, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) serves as an economic hub and a launching point for Mekong Delta tours, alongside the coastal resort of Nha Trang, extending to Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand, which has begun to witness increasing crowds during the peak season from November to April after previously enjoying relative tranquility.