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Vietnam overtakes Thailand: record tourists from China await us!
Thailand is losing its status as the top destination for Chinese tourists to Vietnam as visitor numbers decline.
Vietnam overtakes Thailand: record tourists from China await us!
Once again it is clear that Vietnam has made a significant leap forward in international tourism. How vietnam.vn reports, the country could expect 25 million international visitors in 2025, which would even surpass pre-pandemic numbers. Above all, the increasing number of visitors from China is a real driving force for development.
Compared to Thailand, which has been stagnating this season, Vietnam has lined up in the right way. By October 2025, Vietnam had already recorded 17 million tourists, including 4 million from China alone. In contrast, the number of Chinese guests in Thailand has fallen by around 30% to just 3.8 million, not least due to security concerns. The Vietnam trend gained additional momentum following the kidnapping of a Chinese actor in Thailand in January 2025.
Positive balance for Vietnam
Vietnamese tourism has almost completely recovered from the damage caused by the pandemic. The government has extended visa exemptions for twelve countries and specifically promoted increasing numbers of visitors from China. Travel companies are adopting new strategies to meet the changing needs of modern Chinese travelers. This travel group is often independent and educated and steers away from traditional budget travel. There was a 43% increase in Chinese tourist arrivals to nearly 4.4 million, showing a clear trend in Vietnam's direction.
In Quang Ninh province, which borders China, officials and private travel companies have jointly launched initiatives to extend tourists' stays. Attractions such as paragliding and hot air balloon festivals are designed to attract guests and offer them authentic experiences. In cities like Da Nang, the influence of Chinese tourists is clearly visible, not only through multilingual signage in hotels and restaurants, but also through staff who speak Mandarin or use translation apps.
Market changes and new strategies
The developments in Vietnam are no coincidence. Demand for specialized experiences is increasing, and companies like Hava Travel have adapted their strategies accordingly. The CEO reports that over 40% of Chinese tourists traveling abroad for the first time are looking for new, authentic experiences and are willing to spend a little more money to get them. At the Mercure Nha Trang Beach Hotel, about half of the rooms are constantly occupied by Chinese tourists, which speaks of the popularity of the destination.
In summary: Vietnam is an emerging destination that has positioned itself strongly despite the challenges that other countries in the region are currently facing. The adjustments and innovations in the tourism industry are having an impact and may have established the country as the new favorite among travelers, especially from China.