Russian tourists surge, enhancing Vietnam's tourism appeal
WVR - The number of Russian tourists visiting Vietnam is experiencing a significant surge, with over 1 million arrivals in the first eight months of 2026. This growth trajectory is expected to elevate the Russian market to an all-time high, reaching approximately 1.5 million visitors for the entire year.
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According to the Russian news site News.ru, Mr. Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects under the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, predicts that the number of Russian tourists to Vietnam in 2026 could reach about 1.5 million, the highest level in history.
Mr. Nikita Kondratyev noted that even during the peak period before the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2018-2019, the number of Russian tourists to Vietnam was only around 700,000-800,000.
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| With the current growth momentum, the Russian market is expected to reach about 1.5 million visitors in 2026, far surpassing the highest level recorded before the pandemic. (Source: Tourism Information Centre) |
Over 1 million Russian tourists to Vietnam in 8 months
The growth trajectory of the Russian market is clearly reflected in the data from the first eight months of 2026. According to the Statistics Bureau, Vietnam welcomed over 1 million Russian tourists, an increase of 165.7% compared to the same period in 2025.
With this result, Russia has become the third-largest source market for Vietnam's tourism, following China and the Republic of Korea.
News.ru suggests that the growing interest of Russian tourists in Vietnam is driven by the direct flight network between the two countries and the ease of payment in Vietnam.
Additionally, Vietnam is increasingly chosen by Russian tourists as a safe, friendly, and attractive destination in Asia. The resumption and increased frequency of charter flights from major Russian cities to Vietnam's coastal tourist destinations also contribute to the surge in visitors.
Destinations such as Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc continue to attract Russian tourists thanks to their year-round warm climate, diverse cuisine, and well-developed accommodation and resort infrastructure.
Momentum for the goal of 25 million international tourists
The recovery and rapid growth of the Russian market occur in the context of Vietnam's international tourism maintaining a positive growth trajectory.
In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam welcomed nearly 16 million international tourists, an increase of 14.4% compared to the same period in 2025. The 165.7% increase in the Russian market significantly contributed to the overall results of the tourism sector.
As the year-end approaches, with international tourism activities expected to enter the peak season, the number of tourists from key markets is anticipated to continue rising.
With the current growth momentum, the Russian market is expected to reach about 1.5 million visitors in 2026, far surpassing the highest level recorded before the pandemic. This result is also seen as one of the driving forces for Vietnam's tourism to aim for the goal of welcoming 25 million international visitors in 2026.
