Tourism plays a vital role in promoting Vietnam’s economy. The extensive investment and constant rapid development of infrastructure and transport networks aim to bring more accessibility to major attractions in the country. Vietnam has a long history of Chinese and French influences, and its unique cultural traditions remain. Together with the stunning landscape and breathtaking sceneries, these factors attract over 10 million visitors annually, with revenues estimated at USD 3.7 billion, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Tourism Statistics of Vietnam
Despite being one of Asia’s hotspots for years, the pandemic has taken a severe toll on Vietnam’s tourism industry. In 2020, visitors have plunged due to health concerns and the country’s lockdown restrictions. However, the situation has slowly recovered, with more than 4.5 million visitors in 2024.
Source: statista.com
In its heyday, when Vietnam tourism was in high demand, total international arrivals could reach up to 15,497,791 in 2018. Source: GSO
Top 10 International Visitors in Vietnam (Source: Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism)
Asian visitors comprised the largest portion, with over 3.5 million arrivals, followed by visitors from European nations, with 661,800 arrivals post-pandemic lockdown.
Tourism in Vietnam’s Economy and Its Impact
In a developing economy like Vietnam, a boom in the tourism industry can generate substantial economic benefits directly through hotels, resorts, restaurants, pubs, taxis, souvenir sales, etc., and indirectly through the supply of goods and services to tourism-related businesses.
Vietnam’s tourism industry is projected to have a total revenue of around VNĐ840 trillion ($34.18 billion) in 2024.
Immense effort has been put into the development of tourism
To push for tourism development growth in Vietnam, the local government has put effort into improving infrastructures, like airports, public transportation networks, sewage systems, electricity, and roads. This rapid expansion has led to significant employment creation.
The first metro line will soon come into operation in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and speedboats will travel from Ho Chi Minh to Con Dao in 2019.
With a significant scale of economic development, it comes with both positive and negative consequences.
Positive impacts include increased employment, income, and a general increase in living standards for the local Vietnamese. Some hidden costs and unfavorable effects of tourism include unsustainable tourism, with the development negatively impacting the environment and local culture. Increasing demand for essential goods and services from tourists often results in price hikes for locals, whose income and purchasing power are incomparable to travelers abroad. This might make it difficult for the Vietnamese to meet their basic daily needs.
Depending on their job roles in the hospitality industry, seasonal workers face problems such as job insecurity, with no guarantee of employment from one season to the next, and difficulties in getting sufficient training for the job.
Popular Tourist Destinations in Vietnam
Top tourist attractions in Vietnam and points of interest include the UNESCO World Heritage site at Ha Long Bay, the country’s capital of Hanoi, the terraced rice fields at Sapa, the country’s former capital of Hue, Hoi An’s ancient town, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country at the coastal city of Nha Trang, the central highlands at Dalat, the busy and lively metropolitan of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), and the countryside rice paddies at the Mekong Delta.
Rated as home to 2 out of the 50 most beautiful places in the World in 2017, according to cntraveler, Vietnam is a country on many people’s bucket list.
Why Do People Travel to Vietnam?
As a country rich in culture and traditions, people love traveling to Vietnam to learn and experience something unfamiliar. Seeing the other side of the world first-hand might be better than learning from textbooks in a classroom. Whether learning a new language, culture, cuisine, or a deeper appreciation of faith or spirituality, Vietnam has something for everyone.
Another reason to travel to Vietnam is to escape the everyday norms, which is particularly helpful for workaholics and those with stressful and demanding jobs. Vietnam is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it can not only give you escape but can also heal your mind and body. If you’re looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, Vietnam’s long coast has what you want.
Last but not least, some people choose Vietnam as a destination for travel because they want to challenge themselves and get out of their comfort zone. And Vietnam is the ideal place to put yourself up to the test. With new exposure to people and experiences, finding your way around the millions of motorbikes in the busy city of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and trying to order a meal without knowing how to speak Vietnamese are all exciting challenges. Once you can overcome these obstacles, you’ll realize your ability to tackle new adventures.
Vietnam Travel Information: Money and Local Currency
The primary currency in Vietnam is the Vietnam Dong, or VND for short. When making purchases in Vietnam, the VND is preferred. Some vendors accept USD and credit cards in touristy areas and shops, but we recommend that you travel in VND.
You don’t need to worry about having your VND exchanged abroad because you can easily find currency exchanges in Vietnam at the airports and in your hotels.
Transportations in Vietnam
When you visit Vietnam, many types of transportation are available in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), making navigating and getting around easy. However, getting around rural areas will be challenging, and you will need the help of local guides. While public transport like buses is widely available, routes are not straightforward and could be challenging for some people.
Motorbikes or scooters are the most common type of transport for the Vietnamese. Cars and taxis are available, too, but the motorized 2-wheelers are the day-to-day preferred method of transport and a convenient way to get around town.
Safety, Precautions, and Advice for Traveling to Vietnam
When you travel to any country abroad, the factors that should concern you are safety, scams, and annoyances. Vietnam is safe to visit, but petty crimes like pickpockets and theft occasionally occur. As a word of advice, it is best not to attract attention, and you should be fine.
Summary of Vietnam Tourism
Most people, at some point in their life, will have the urge to discover and travel. As Vietnam becomes more popular with international visitors, it is best to visit it sooner rather than later before the rest of the nation becomes a victim of globalization. Whether you plan to travel to Vietnam for business, vacation, shopping, or pleasure, Vietnam’s tourism industry is improving rapidly daily. As a developing country, there is still room for improvement, and the local government is putting effort into helping Vietnam’s tourism by investing in and implementing the stimulating growth factors mentioned above.