At Cover Page Media, we bring to you the latest news in the travel world trending globally. Amidst the ongoing middle east crisis, you would think tourism is no a low radius but surprisingly, the slow market of one place is turning the gains of another market off the roofs.
Vietnam’s tourism sector is experiencing explosive growth in 2026, with 4.7 million international visitors in the first two months—an 18.1% year-on-year increase. February alone saw over 2.2 million arrivals, marking the third consecutive month exceeding 2 million. Air travel dominates, accounting for 81.8% of arrivals, while road and sea travel also show strong growth. The government aims for 25 million international visitors in 2026, generating $42.9 billion in revenue.
Asia remains the largest source market (73% of arrivals), led by South Korea (971,000 visitors) and China (923,000). Notably, India has emerged as a fast-growing market, with a 71% surge to 158,000 visitors. European arrivals jumped 67.4%, driven by a 212.5% increase from Russia, while the US contributed 210,000 visitors, up 16.3%.
Phu Quoc Island Sees 72% Surge in International Tourism
Phu Quoc Island has become a major tourism hotspot, recording a 72% year-on-year increase in international arrivals in early 2026. The island welcomed over one million visitors in the first two months, driven by new flight routes from Air India, China Eastern, and Cathay Pacific. The Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday drew 366,000 tourists, and January alone brought 983,387 visitors, a 60% increase from 2025. Tourism revenue in January hit VND 6.1 trillion ($236 million), up 140% year-on-year.
The Vietnamese government is supporting this growth with infrastructure upgrades, including expanding Phu Quoc International Airport to handle up to 20 million passengers annually. Luxury resorts from Marriott, Hilton, and InterContinental are expanding, positioning Phu Quoc as a premier destination in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia Reaches 1.16 Million International Arrivals in February 2026
Indonesia recorded 1.16 million international visitors in February 2026, an 8.5% increase from January and 13.37% higher than February 2025. The surge was fueled by a 69% year-on-year rise in Chinese tourists, reaching 150,822 visitors, making China the second-largest source market after Malaysia. The Chinese New Year celebrations significantly boosted travel to destinations like Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta.
While arrivals from East and Southeast Asia grew, Middle Eastern tourism declined by 30.69% due to regional conflicts. The average stay was 10.33 nights, with Yemeni visitors staying the longest (36.52 nights) and Timor-Leste tourists the shortest (2.03 nights). Indonesia’s government aims for 17.6 million foreign tourists in 2026, supported by infrastructure investments in airports and transport.
7-Day Vietnam Itinerary: North & Central Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport and check into your hotel in the Old Quarter. Spend the afternoon exploring Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting Ngoc Son Temple, and wandering the bustling streets. In the evening, enjoy Bun Cha or Pho and experience a traditional water puppet show.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Visit key landmarks including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison. In the afternoon, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s 54 ethnic groups. End the day with egg coffee at a local café.
Day 3: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise
Travel to Halong Bay (3.5 hours by car). Board a luxury cruise and sail through emerald waters surrounded by limestone karsts. Enjoy a seafood lunch, kayak through Luon Cave, explore Sung Sot Cave, and watch the sunset from the deck. Spend the night onboard.
Day 4: Halong Bay to Da Nang
Wake up to Tai Chi on deck and a sunrise view. After breakfast, visit Titop Island for panoramic views and join a fruit carving or cooking class. Disembark and return to Hanoi, then take a flight to Da Nang. Check into your hotel and rest.
