Vietnam Travel & Hospitality: Record Growth, New Routes, Luxury Boom

✧ This week in Vietnam travel

16 MAR 2026 TOURISM PERFORMANCE

Record 4.68 million international arrivals in Jan–Feb

Vietnam welcomed 4.68 million international visitors in the first two months of 2026, an 18.1% increase year-on-year, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. This marks the third consecutive month arrivals exceeded 2 million, following 2.45 million in January and 2.02 million in December 2025. February recorded 2.2 million visitors, a seasonal 9% dip after peak winter holiday demand. The country aims to reach 25 million international arrivals in 2026.

JAN–FEB 2026 MARKET INSIGHTS

South Korea leads, Russia and India surge

South Korea remained the largest source market with 971,000 arrivals (+10% YoY), driven by beach and golf tourism and strong air links. China followed with 923,000 arrivals as recovery continues. Europe contributed 847,000 visitors (+67.4%), with strong growth from the UK, France, and Germany. Russia reached 247,000 arrivals (+212.5%), drawn primarily to Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. India emerged as the fastest-growing emerging market with 158,000 arrivals (+71%). Within ASEAN, Cambodia grew 95%, Philippines 72%, and Singapore 35%.

MAR 2026 HOSPITALITY

Luxury hotel rates and occupancy surpass pre‑pandemic peaks

In Ho Chi Minh City, 5‑star hotels average USD 170–188 per night with 75–80% occupancy, while 4‑star properties command USD 110–130 at 72–78% occupancy. In Hanoi, 5‑star hotels average USD 160 per night at 70–75% occupancy, and 4‑star hotels average USD 95 at 68–73% occupancy. These figures exceed 2018–2019 peaks, driven by sustained international demand, business travel, and MICE growth.

MAR 2026 HOTEL OPENINGS

Fairmont Hanoi, Rêve Ho Chi Minh City lead luxury pipeline

Fairmont Hanoi (Accor) is set to open, intensifying competition in the capital’s luxury segment. Rêve Ho Chi Minh City, part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, recently launched. Market forecasts indicate Hanoi could add nearly 1,300 new hotel rooms from international brands in 2026, with approximately 4,000 new rooms by 2028, mostly in the 4‑ and 5‑star segments. Satellite localities in northern Vietnam are also expected to increase hotel supply as regional transport infrastructure improves.

MAR 2026 INVESTMENT

Rising costs and capital access remain challenges

Despite optimism, financial pressures persist: rising operating costs, interest rates, and difficulties in mobilizing capital, particularly for smaller developers. New regulations under the 2024 Land Law and Resolution 68 have strengthened the legal framework, though it may take time for policies to translate into new investment projects. Seasonality and heavy reliance on international tourists make resort developments vulnerable to global economic fluctuations.

15 MAR 2026 AIR ROUTES

Phu Quoc – Cam Ranh direct flights launched

Sun PhuQuoc Airways flight 9G2952 operated the inaugural direct connection between Phu Quoc and Cam Ranh (Nha Trang) on March 15, with round‑trip flights achieving 90–100% load factors. The route will initially operate four weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday) carrying approximately 170 passengers per flight, with plans to expand to daily service. Previously, travelers had to transit through Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

2026 INTERNATIONAL AIR

Hanoi–Amsterdam, Da Nang–Jakarta, Nha Trang–Singapore announced

Vietnam Airlines will launch Hanoi–Amsterdam on June 16 with three weekly Airbus A350 flights. Vietjet adds Da Nang–Jakarta (5 weekly from April 29) and Nha Trang–Singapore (4 weekly from June 1). Vietravel Airlines resumes daily Hanoi–Bangkok from April 24 to October 24. Vietnam Airlines also adds nearly 1,000 extra seats on European routes by deploying larger aircraft during peak periods. Lao Airlines resumes Vientiane–Da Nang with two weekly flights.

28 MAR 2026 EVENTS

Gia Lai kicks off National Tourism Year with 50,000 attendees expected

The grand opening ceremony of National Tourism Year 2026 will be held on March 28 in Quy Nhon ward, Gia Lai province, anticipating approximately 50,000 attendees. Events include the VnExpress Marathon, International Youth Football Festival, Summer Tourism Festival, International Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts Festival, and Golden Kite Film Festival. Airlines have been requested to increase flights to Pleiku Airport and Phu Cat Airport to accommodate visitors.

13–15 MAR 2026 EVENTS

Hanoi Tourism Festival concludes with “Green Tourism – Digital Experience”

The three‑day festival at Thong Nhat Park concluded on March 15, themed “Green Tourism – Digital Experience.” The event showcased Hanoi’s cultural and tourism experiences, featuring a green open space, craft village demonstrations, tea tastings, culinary exchanges, and digital technology applications such as VR360 experiences and AI‑powered services. Participating provinces included Khanh Hoa, Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh, Tuyen Quang, Nghe An, Gia Lai, and Quang Ninh.

24–26 MAR 2026 TRADE SHOW

Food & Hospitality Vietnam 2026 to host 400 exhibitors

Taking place March 24–26 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, the event will feature approximately 400 exhibitors from 27 countries and territories. Highlights include 21 international pavilions and the debut of HOTELEX Vietnam, a hospitality equipment exhibition. Around 17,000 industry professionals are expected to attend.

MAR 2026 SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Czech Republic to help develop trail‑marking system in Vietnam

The Embassy of the Czech Republic has partnered with the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism to establish a trail‑marking system, modeled on the Czech Republic’s comprehensive national network. With approximately three‑quarters of Vietnam’s territory covered by hills and mountains, the country has strong potential for adventure trekking and trail running. Czech experts will visit Vietnam this month to present technical standards. A pilot project will launch with training for forest rangers, local residents, and student volunteers.

MAR 2026 MICE

MICE segment drives high‑end accommodation demand

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment is becoming a primary driver of demand for upscale hotels. Properties integrated with conference and event facilities have strong growth potential, particularly in major cities. MICE tourism helps reduce seasonality and attracts higher‑spending business travelers who often extend stays for leisure.

11 MAR 2026 NEW PRODUCT

Helicopter sightseeing tours begin in Vung Tau

On March 11, helicopter sightseeing tours officially launched at Vung Tau Airport, operating four flights on the first day and serving 48 tourists. The product is offered by VinaGroup Travel with flight services provided by Southern Helicopter Company, adding a new luxury tourism experience in southern Vietnam.

MAR 2026 OUTLOOK

Middle East tensions and fuel prices pose fresh challenges

Escalating Middle East tensions have driven up fuel prices, increasing operational costs for airlines and travel companies. Tour operators report that prices for affected routes may increase by approximately 1–3 million VND (USD 38–114) due to higher transport costs. The slight February decline serves as an early warning sign, with competition from Thailand and Indonesia requiring proactive measures. Diversifying source markets while leveraging the domestic market of nearly 100 million people remains essential.

MAR 2026 DESTINATION

Phu Quoc ranked runner‑up in Asia’s top islands

In the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, Phu Quoc climbed to runner‑up position among Asia’s top 10 islands, the sole Vietnamese representative and continuing a three‑year upward trend. Key attractions include the Hon Thom Cable Car (Guinness World Record as the world’s longest sea‑crossing cable car at nearly 8 km) and the Kiss Bridge. In 2025, Phu Quoc welcomed over 8.1 million visitors, generating nearly VND 44 trillion (USD 1.7 billion) in tourism revenue.

MAR 2026 INTERNATIONAL

Hanoi named among world’s 50 most beautiful cities

Condé Nast Traveler included Hanoi in its list of the world’s 50 most beautiful cities. Vietnam is also ranked among the top five destinations searched by French travelers (alongside Japan, Thailand, Italy, and Spain). Asia is becoming the most prefered region for French tourists in 2026, with Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, unique culture, and dynamic development driving interest.

12 MAR 2026 PROMOTION

VNAT and VFS Global partner for tourism promotion

On March 12, VNAT met with VFS Global (operating in 165 countries with over 3,900 application centres) to discuss cooperation. Proposed initiatives include “Tourism Kiosk” information points at visa application centres in key markets (China, India, Middle East), connections with international travel agency networks, communication campaigns, market research, and targeted promotional strategies.

MAR 2026 PROMOTION

Vietnamese firms showcase tourism at ITB Berlin

Vietnamese tourism businesses actively promoted the country at ITB Berlin, with booths featuring cultural icons such as cyclo models and traditional áo dài attire, alongside a Vietnamese cuisine counter drawing long queues of visitors. The presence helped reinforce Vietnam’s image in the European market.