Mainland China remained the top source market during the January-July period, with 3.1 million arrivals, a 45% year-on-year increase, followed by South Korea (2.5 million), Taiwan (736,000), the U.S. (521,000), and Japan (449,000), according to the General Statistics Office.

The rest of the top 10 were Cambodia (401,000), India (387,000), Australia (323,000), Russia (315,000) and Malaysia (303,000).

In July alone, foreign visitors to Vietnam reached 1.56 million, up nearly 7% against June and 36% over the same period last year.

Russia posted the highest growth during the July period, with arrivals surging 300% year-on-year thanks to the resumption of direct flights after a long time of suspension due to the war in Ukraine.

Tourism experts attributed Vietnam’s strong performance to favorable visa policies, expanded promotional campaigns, and a series of events held to celebrate major national holidays.

Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals fell by 6% in the first seven months, with a corresponding 4.22% decline in international tourism revenue, Nation Thailand reported. The drop is attributed to intensified competition from regional rivals, particularly China, Japan, and Vietnam, which are heavily promoting their own tourism sectors.