Vietnam’s Tourism Sector Expands to Attract Russian Visitors
Vietnam is making significant efforts to attract more Russian tourists and maintain its strong growth in this key market. The country has launched promotional campaigns, improved service quality, and expanded air connectivity to strengthen its position as a top destination for travelers from Russia.
In the first half of 2025, Vietnam welcomed approximately 260,000 Russian tourists, surpassing the full-year total of over 232,300 arrivals in 2024. This growth places Russia among Vietnam’s top 10 international source markets and highlights it as one of the fastest-growing markets from Europe.
Before the pandemic, Vietnam saw over 650,000 Russian visitors in 2019, making Russia the sixth-largest source of international tourists that year. However, the number of arrivals dropped significantly during the pandemic. Despite limited international flights, Russian arrivals in 2024 exceeded 232,300, reaching 36% of pre-pandemic levels and showing an 85% increase compared to 2023.
Russian tourists are known for their extended stays, often spending up to 12 days in popular destinations like Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province. Their preferences include fresh seafood, tropical fruits, Vietnamese coffee, and locally made fashion, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Cam Ranh International Airport received 144 flights from former Soviet Union countries in April 2025, doubling the number of flights from March. Russian passengers made up the majority of these flights. In the first five months of 2025, Khanh Hoa welcomed 121,000 Russian visitors, marking a year-on-year increase of 192%.
Deputy Director of Khanh Hoa’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Cung Quynh Anh, noted that the resumption of direct flights from Russia to Cam Ranh significantly boosted arrivals from Russia and Kazakhstan. Phan Dang Anh from Anex Vietnam Travel and Trading Co. Ltd. pointed out that Vietnam was one of the few Asian countries to quickly resume charter flights from Russia. He attributed this to favorable visa policies, safe destinations, and the revival of Russia’s domestic tourism. Central Vietnam’s warm climate offers an attractive alternative to traditional Russian winter holiday spots.
The strong rebound of the Russian market has not only revived tourism in Khanh Hoa but also contributed to Vietnam’s overall tourism recovery. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), Russia was the only international market to record a growth rate of over 139% in the first half of 2025.
Visa facilitation is playing a crucial role in this growth. Russian citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa, while Vietnamese travelers can apply for a 16-day e-visa to Russia. Proposals are being reviewed to extend this period to 30 days.
VNAT Deputy Director Ha Van Sieu emphasized that the resumption of commercial and charter flights by airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Aeroflot, and Azur Air is essential for boosting tourism flows. To further expand market share, he suggested that Vietnam should implement supportive measures for businesses and localities, including streamlined visa issuance for tour groups and additional direct flights to new destinations.
Efforts should also focus on accelerating information sharing regarding tourism policies, investment opportunities, and market trends. Developing products tailored to Russian visitor preferences is another key area.
Vietnamese businesses are encouraged to develop niche offerings such as wellness and culinary tourism, while upgrading infrastructure and services. Plans are underway to expand flight networks to Russian cities like Kazan and Ufa in 2025–2026.
Both sides are actively promoting tourism through marketing events in Russian cities. Vietnam also plans to host Russian Culture Days, involving airlines and travel firms, which are expected to enhance bilateral tourism ties.
With this positive momentum, Vietnam aims to welcome 430,000 Russian tourists in 2025—nearly double the 2024 figure. Russia is expected to be a key contributor to Vietnam’s target of 22–23 million international visitors this year.