South Korea remained the largest source of tourists (3.6 million), followed by mainland China (1.7 million), Taiwan (851,000), the U.S. (717,000), and Japan (589,000), acording to a report from the General Statistics Office.

Foreign tourists take a boat tour in Ninh Binh Province in northern Vietnam, November 2023.

Thailand (489,000), Malaysia (470,000), Cambodia (402,000), India (392,000) and Australia (390,000) rounded off the top 10.

In December alone, the country welcomed 1.4 million arrivals, the highest monthly number since it reopened its borders after Covid in March last year.

Despite surpassing the intial target of 8 million set earlier this year, the number of foreign tourists to Vietnam was still much lower than other Southeast Asian countries.

Thailand received 27.25 million foreign tourist arrivals from Jan. 1 to Dec. 24 and is targeting 28 million for the full year, its tourism ministry said on Tuesday.

As of late November, Malaysia received over 26 million tourist arrivals.

Southeast Asian countries have sped up in tourism recovery race as Thailand and Malaysia already waived visas for Chinese and Indian tourists.

Indonesia recently considered granting visa-free entry to nationals of 20 countries, including China.

Singapore also plans a 30-day mutual visa exemption for Chinese tourists early next year.

Though the tourism industry achieved all its targets, experts said 2023 was not a particularly successful year for it as its hospitality and travel businesses struggled to survive challenges.

This year, five million Vietnamese traveled abroad, double last year, with Thailand, South Korea and Japan being the most favored destinations.

Bac Giang develops Tay Yen Tu cultural tourism, exploits heritage values and strengths linkage

BAC GIANG- In order to develop unique and attractive cultural and spiritual tourism products on the side of Tay Yen Tu Mountain, the related agencies, localities, units and businesses have actively promoted and exploited the heritage values while boosting the linkage, thereby contributing to attract domestic and international tourists to Bac Giang.

Bac Giang – Tay Ninh exchange experiences in tourism development

BAC GIANG - On December 17, the working delegation of Bac Giang province led by Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Mai Son paid a visit and worked with Tay Ninh province to exchange and learn experiences in tourism development in 2023.

Bac Giang Culture - Tourism Week 2024 to take place from February 20 - 25, 2024

BAC GIANG - In 2024, the Bac Giang Provincial People's Committee continues organizing the Spring Culture - Tourism Week themed “Sacred Tay Yen Tu” at the provincial level in 6 days from February 20 - 25, 2024 (the 11th to the 16th of the first lunar month).

Bac Giang welcomes more than 2 million tourist arrivals

BAC GIANG - In 2023, the northern province of Bac Giang expects to welcome over 2 million tourist arrivals including more than 16,000 foreign visitors, up more than 51 percent compared to 2022, reported the Provincial Steering Committee for Tourism Development.

Vietnam earns almost 26 billion USD from tourists in 11 months

Vietnam recorded about 628.3 trillion VND (over 25.8 billion USD) in total earnings from tourists during January - November, said the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

Source: VnExpress