Home » TOURISM NEWS » Hanoi Emerges as a Top Global Destination in 2025 With Record-Breaking International Visitor Growth and Unprecedented Revenue Boost across The Tourism Sector
Published on
December 26, 2025
Hanoi has emerged as a top global destination in 2025, thanks to its record-breaking international visitor growth and an unprecedented boost in tourism revenue. Hanoi’s tourism industry has exceeded projections, with over 7.8 million foreign visitors arriving in the city—a 22.8% increase from the previous year. Revenue has increased by 21.5% as a result of the influx of tourists, reaching 134.46 trillion VND (roughly 5.3 billion USD). Hanoi’s remarkable recovery and growth can be attributed to strategic infrastructure investments, such as the expansion of Noi Bai International Airport and improved transportation networks.
Hanoi’s tourism sector has made an impressive recovery in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels with a surge in both visitor numbers and total revenue. The Vietnamese capital has experienced a remarkable revival, positioning itself as one of the most dynamic destinations in Southeast Asia.
Tourism Growth Surpasses Expectations
According to recent data from the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the city is expected to welcome over 33.7 million visitors in 2025, marking a 20.8% increase compared to the previous year. This growth is primarily driven by the city’s strategic tourism initiatives and its growing appeal among international travelers. The influx of both international and domestic visitors has significantly contributed to Hanoi’s robust recovery, with international visitors reaching 7.82 million—an increase of 22.8% compared to 2024. Domestic tourism has also seen an uptick, with 25.9 million local visitors representing a 20.3% year-on-year growth.
Total tourism revenue is projected to hit 134.46 trillion VND (approximately 5.3 billion USD), a 21.5% rise from 2024. This marks a significant milestone, as Hanoi’s tourism revenue has not only recovered to pre-pandemic levels but has also exceeded 2019 figures, when the city attracted its highest number of visitors, approximately 29 million.
Infrastructure and Accessibility Boost Tourism Appeal
Hanoi’s infrastructure has played a pivotal role in its tourism resurgence. The city’s Noi Bai International Airport continues to serve as a key gateway, connecting travelers to major global destinations. The expansion of the urban expressway and ring-road network has also improved accessibility, allowing tourists to easily navigate the city and its surrounding areas. With more than 3,700 accommodation facilities, including a growing number of high-end hotels catering to meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), Hanoi is well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of international visitors.
Changing Demographics of International Visitors
Hanoi’s tourism has seen a shift in its international visitor profile. In addition to traditional markets in Northeast Asia and ASEAN, the city has successfully attracted travelers from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Australia. Visitors from Europe, Australia, and the Americas have steadily increased, with some markets showing growth of up to 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Australian arrivals, in particular, surged by 64.5%, reaching over 135,000 visitors in 2025, a significant increase from 82,275 in 2019.
The city’s proximity to key markets such as Japan, South Korea, and China remains a strong advantage, with Northeast Asia continuing to dominate Hanoi’s international tourism. As of October 2025, the city welcomed 4.5 million tourists from Asia, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year and a 26% growth from 2019. Notably, visitors from India have experienced a remarkable fivefold increase since 2019, a trend fueled by the introduction of new direct flight routes.
Tourism Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While Hanoi’s tourism growth has been robust, the city faces challenges in increasing the length of stay and overall spending of international tourists. On average, international visitors spend just two to three nights in Hanoi, which is relatively short compared to regional competitors such as Bangkok and Singapore, where visitors typically stay longer. Additionally, spending on shopping remains limited, which hinders the city’s ability to maximize its economic potential.
Hanoi has often been viewed as a “transit destination,” where tourists stop briefly before heading to other parts of Vietnam or Southeast Asia. This perception has hampered the city’s efforts to establish itself as a primary tourist destination. Furthermore, the city still lacks large-scale, international events that could anchor significant tourism campaigns and draw attention from global audiences.
Regional Tourism Integration to Extend Visitor Stays
To combat these challenges, experts recommend that Hanoi strengthen its regional tourism links with nearby destinations such as Ninh Binh, Ha Long, and Sa Pa. By creating multi-destination itineraries that combine cultural, heritage, nature, and leisure experiences, Hanoi could encourage tourists to extend their stay from an average of 2.8 days to 4–6 days. This would not only increase tourist spending but also enhance Hanoi’s visibility in the international market.
The integration of these regional destinations into Hanoi’s tourism offerings is seen as a key strategy to boost tourism revenue and provide a more comprehensive travel experience for visitors. Collaborative efforts with neighboring provinces could create a seamless and enriched travel experience, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of northern Vietnam.
Hanoi’s Tourism Vision for 2026
Looking ahead, Hanoi has set an ambitious target to welcome 35.8 million visitors in 2026, representing a 6.2% increase over 2025. The city aims to attract 8.6 million international visitors and 27.2 million domestic tourists, with total tourism revenue projected at 160 trillion VND (about 6.3 billion USD). To achieve this, Hanoi plans to implement a more refined marketing strategy that highlights its unique cultural offerings and positions the city as an unmissable destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences.
The tourism authorities in Hanoi are also focusing on repositioning the city’s tourism brand. By aligning with global trends in experiential and cultural tourism, Hanoi aims to create a distinct identity that resonates with modern travelers. The city’s tourism strategy will emphasize digital marketing and data-driven outreach, focusing on targeted campaigns rather than broad-based promotions.
Hanoi’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth, with strong prospects for the future. The city’s recovery from the pandemic and its ability to surpass pre-COVID tourism figures are a testament to its resilience and appeal. By focusing on regional integration, extending visitor stays, and capitalizing on its cultural heritage, Hanoi is well on its way to becoming a leading destination in Southeast Asia.
Hanoi has emerged as a top global destination in 2025, with a 22.8% surge in international visitors and a 21.5% increase in tourism revenue, driven by strategic infrastructure investments and growing global appeal.
As the city looks toward 2026, Hanoi’s tourism authorities are committed to elevating the city’s global profile and ensuring that the capital remains a vibrant, competitive player on the international tourism stage.
