Vietnam emerges as top destination for Russian tourists
Vietnam has seen an unprecedented surge in Russian visitors. In 2025 the country's National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) recorded nearly 690,000 visits from Russia. In the first six months of this year alone, that number exceeded 742,000. Russia now ranks third among countries sending tourists to Vietnam, behind only China and South Korea. According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), Vietnam is among the top five destinations for package tour sales from Russia. The newspaper Kommersant has analyzed the reasons behind this growing popularity
Flights between Russia and Vietnam resumed in 2024 (after the pandemic) but were limited — tourists had to connect via other countries or fly to Hanoi and then take domestic flights. In 2025, Vietnam Airlines launched direct Moscow–Hanoi flights, Aeroflot started flying to Nha Trang, charter flights also returned, and more routes were opened.
The expansion of air transportation has been the key driver behind the recovery in demand for holidays in Vietnam. Market players report that sales surged afterward. "Previously, direct flights were only from Moscow to Ho Chi Minh City; now planes fly to Nha Trang from several Russian regions," said Oleg Kozyrev, Marketing Director at Travelata.ru. "The resumption of direct scheduled and charter flights from Russian cities, as well as the launch of new charter programs, for example to Da Nang, played a decisive role," confirmed the press service of Intourist. Demand for Vietnam has multiplied over the last two years. Intourist reported that sales increased by tens of times in 2025, and this trend has only strengthened in 2026. The tour operator is now seeing a 231% growth in demand compared to the same period last year. Russian Express reported that booking volumes for 2025 increased by 294% compared to 2024. As of this July, the number of bookings is comparable to the entire previous year. Popularity has also grown among independent travelers. Elena Shelekhova, Head of Press Service at OneTwoTrip, noted that due to the variety of flights, demand among clients increased by 25% this year, with the destination now accounting for 3.5% of bookings.
Vietnam's popularity isn't just about more flights. Because of instability in the Middle East, many tourists now see Vietnam as a safer option, so demand moved there.
Competition with Thailand and China and Early Booking Trend
According to Intourist data, the current average check for a holiday in Vietnam is approximately $1,200 per person. Last year, it was 12% lower. Russian Express reported that a summer tour with flights, 7 nights in a 4-star hotel with breakfast for two starts at 153,000 rubles (approx. $1,749). In autumn, prices start at 158,000 rubles (approx. $1,806). New Year tours cost from 179,000 rubles (approx. $2,046). According to PAC Group, seven nights in a 4-star hotel with breakfast and flights for two costs approximately 150,000 rubles (approx. $1,714).
Vietnam's main competitors are Thailand and China (Hainan Island). Competition is primarily based on price. Vietnam often costs tourists less than Thailand and other Asian countries, increasing its appeal. According to Ostrovok, the average cost per night in Vietnamese accommodations this year is 6,300 rubles (approx. $72). Meanwhile, the average cost per night in Thailand is 8,900 rubles (approx. $102), in Indonesia – 9,000 rubles (approx. $103), and in Sri Lanka – 10,000 rubles (approx. $114). "Vietnam remains a more affordable destination than its key Asian competitors," said Elena Shelekhova, noting that OneTwoTrip clients stay longer in Vietnam (5.6 days) than in Thailand (5.1) and China (3.4), getting more days for a smaller budget.
Russian Express highlighted another global trend for Southeast Asia in general and Vietnam in particular – increasing number of early bookings. "Given the explosive growth in popularity in 2025, many popular hotels were already fully sold out 1-2 months before arrival. Therefore, recently we have bookings 7-8 months in advance," the company reported. This is especially relevant for Da Nang during the summer season, where the hotel base is not yet extensive, and for Phu Quoc for the 2026/27 season.
Who Is Traveling
The main Russian audience vacationing in Vietnam consists of families. They often travel for fairly long periods – on average 10 nights. "The most popular format is similar to the Thai one: accommodation in city hotels near the beach with 'breakfast' or 'half board' meal plans. Tourists spend a lot of time outside the hotel, exploring the surroundings, trying street food, and going on excursions," Intourist reported. At the same time, the company notes a significant increase in demand for large beach hotels with all-inclusive systems over the past year, especially in the Cam Ranh region. Russian Express added that there are increasingly more such hotels in the country.
Most Popular Resorts
Nha Trang is the most popular resort due to its developed infrastructure, wide selection of accommodations, and beach holiday opportunities. Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, and Da Nang are also in demand. Among independent travelers, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are also popular. The country is suitable for holidays year-round. From November to April, it's ideal for southern resorts like Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, and Mui Ne. From May to October, central and northern regions like Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, and Da Nang are especially popular.
