Vietnam 2026: 10 Million Tourists in 5 Months — Is It Still Worth Visiting?
Vietnam just smashed its own tourism records. The country welcomed over 10 million international visitors in the first five months of 2026 alone. That is a 17% jump in May compared to last year. Australia, the United States, Russia, India, South Korea, and China are all fueling this surge. Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Hoi An are overflowing. For travellers, this raises an urgent question: is Vietnam still worth visiting, or has the secret gotten too loud? The answer is yes — but you need to adjust your strategy. The days of empty beaches and deserted ancient towns are fading fast. Yet the country still delivers moments of pure magic. You just have to know where to look.
This explosion didn't happen overnight. Vietnam has been quietly building its tourism infrastructure for a decade. New airports, upgraded highways, and relaxed visa policies have made entry smoother than ever. Direct flights now connect Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with dozens of global hubs. The result? Vietnam is stealing tourists from its neighbours. Thailand, long the region's heavyweight, is reportedly worried. Vietnam offers similar experiences — incredible food, dramatic landscapes, rich history — but often at lower prices. The country's strategic location also makes it a natural stopover for regional travel. What was once an off-the-beaten-path destination has become a mainstream juggernaut.
On the ground, the crowds are real. Popular spots like Hoi An's Old Town feel packed even on weekdays. Ha Long Bay's cruise boats jostle for position. Sapa's rice terraces have more selfie sticks than water buffalo. But here's the twist: the infrastructure has scaled up too. New boutique hotels have opened in quieter districts. Domestic airlines now connect secondary cities like Da Lat and Phu Quoc directly. The food scene remains electric — street stalls still serve pho for under two dollars. The main change is timing. Early mornings and weekdays are your friends. The midday crush can be overwhelming, but early risers still find peaceful moments.
Smart travellers should pivot away from the headline spots. Skip the main Ha Long Bay cruise and book a trip to Lan Ha Bay instead. It's quieter, equally stunning, and less commercial. In Hoi An, skip the Old Town at noon and explore the less-visited Cam Thanh coconut village by bicycle. For a true escape, head to the central highlands around Kon Tum. Few tourists make it there. The hill tribe villages offer authentic homestays and untouched scenery. Alternatively, visit during shoulder months like late September or early March. The weather is still good, but the crowds thin out significantly. Book accommodation with free cancellation — flexibility is now essential.
Practical tip: Download the Grab app before you arrive. It is Vietnam's dominant ride-hailing service — cheaper than taxis, no haggling needed. Use it to move between districts in major cities. For airport transfers, book ahead through your hotel to avoid surge pricing.