Foreign arrivals to Vietnam in the first four months of this year surpassed the pre-pandemic period by 3.9%, showing a robust recovery and growth of Vietnam's tourism industry, according the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Foreign travelers at the Quang Phu Cau incense-making village in Hanoi. Photo: Le Giang

The first four months of this year saw a significant increase in international visitors to Vietnam, with a remarkable 68.3% growth over the same period last year. In April alone,  the figure soared to 1.55 million, an impressive 58.2% increase over the same period last year.

The agency also noted that Vietnam's domestic tourism is entering its peak season. Vietnam welcomed 10.5 million domestic visitors in April, bringing the total number of domestic tourists in the first four months of the year to 40.5 million. Total tourism revenue is estimated to reach VND271.4 trillion (US$10.7 billion).

South Korea remains the largest source market for Vietnam with 1.6 million visitors (25.8% of the total market share). China ranks second with 1.25 million visitors (20%), followed by Taiwan (China) in third place (418,000), the USA in fourth (301,000) and Japan in fifth place (235,000).

Asia led the growth with a 77.2% increase over last year. Northeast Asian markets, including China, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan (China), are experiencing the fastest growth.

Southeast Asian markets are also showing good growth, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia and Singapore, with the exception of Thailand, which is down 18%.  India continues to show impressive gains (41.1%) and Australia is up 37.8%.

Arrivals from European markets continue to grow, with an increase of 63.8%, thanks to the relaxed visa policy in place since 15 August 2023. The majority of markets show an optimistic outlook, including major markets such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland.

Hanoi with a variety of exciting programs for the holiday

Bao Son Paradise Park is offering a full day-to-night experience. Photo: Bao Son Paradise Park

Hanoi, one of the country's major tourist hubs, has lined up a number of exciting programs and activities for the  April 30 and  May 1 holidays.

Hanoi's pedestrian areas are known as attractive destinations for visitors. The streets around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter are closed to traffic for pedestrians during the holiday. Visitors can explore historical sites and themed exhibitions in the area on foot.

Meanwhile, around the Tran Nhan Tong pedestrian street (Hai Ba Trung District), the Hanoi Tourism Festival is taking place in Thong Nhat Park. As well as finding affordable summer travel packages, visitors to the festival can enjoy a variety of artistic performances, ranging from traditional to contemporary.

West Lake Water Park is a must-visit destination during this time. From April 27  to  May 1, the park has hosted a number of enticing programs, including musical performances, circus acts and interactive shows featuring carnival dancers.

In Bao Son Paradise Park,  an exciting Hula Summer program is underway  from April 29 to May 1.  The park also offers attractions such as an Australian-style farm, a safari zoo and a wide range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities.

Baara Land Park, located in Tuan Chau's Quoc Oai district, is another popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a full day and night experience. Visitors can enjoy thrilling water games at the water park, a saltwater beach with wave technology and artificial sand banks. In the evening, they can watch the live performance of "the Quintessence of Tonkin".

At the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism (Dong Mo Tourist Site, Son Tay Town), various activities showcase the cultures of different ethnic groups, including the Muong people of Hoa Binh Province and the Lo Lo people of Cao Bang Province, with the Rain Praying Festival.

At Duong Lam Ancient Village (Son Tay), visitors can explore the village and sample local cuisine, while at Bat Trang Pottery Village (Gia Lam District), they can try their hand at pottery in local households or at the Center for the Quintessence of Vietnamese Craft Village.

Visitors can also try out new tourism products in the outskirts of Hanoi, such as the "Explore the Heritage Road in South of Thang Long" tour, which passes through the districts of Ung Hoa - Thanh Oai - My Duc. Highlights of the tour include a visit to the incense-making village of Quang Phu Cau and the community-based tourism site in the village of Mien (Ba Vi district), which is famous for the health care and herbal bathing practices of the Dao ethnic people.