During the New Year’s holidays 2026 (January 1 to 4), the Vietnam tourism industry received and served approximately 3.5 million visitors, the country’s National Tourism Administration reported.
The average occupancy rate in tourist accommodation nationwide reached approximately 51 percent; however, some key destinations recorded higher levels (65 percent), the same source said.
Among the localities that received the largest number of travelers during this period, Ho Chi Minh City led with about 1.24 million, a year-on-year increase of 65 percent, including 75,700 foreigners; followed by Quang Ninh (where Ha Long Bay is located – one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in the world), followed by Ninh Binh, Lam Dong, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Khanh Hoa, Lao Cai, An Giang, Phu Tho and Hue.
The number of international visitors to Vietnam from markets such as China, South Korea, the United States, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore has grown positively, thus providing promising signals for the leisure industry.
The country’s National Tourism Administration also stated that market trends indicate that domestic tourism continues to be the main one, while international tourism tends to be more selective, prioritizing nearby destinations, easily accessible and that fit a short period of time.
According to Nhan Dan, the New Year’s holidays mark an excellent start to 2026 for Vietnam tourism, which aims to receive this year about 25 million foreign tourists and about 150 million nationals.
It should be noted that in 2025, tourism in Vietnam experienced extraordinary growth, with the arrival of 21.2 million international tourists, which represents an increase of 20.4 percent compared to the previous year, the highest figure recorded to date.
Ha Long Bay remains the most popular destination
The arrival of tourists, both national and international, to the northern Vietnamese province of Quang Ninh increased significantly during the first days of the New Year 2026 holiday, according to the local Culture, Sports and Tourism Service.
During that period, the main tourist sites and entertainment areas of the province received a large number of visitors for leisure and tourism activities. Overall, the number of visitors grew by 20 to 30 percent compared to normal days, including a particularly positive increase in the arrival of international tourists.
In detail, from December 31, 2025 to January 2, 2026, Quang Ninh received approximately 530,000 visitors, including 44,400 foreigners. About 158,000 overnight stays were recorded, while total tourism revenues reached more than 48.55 million dollars.
Ha Long Bay, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in the world, continued to be the most popular destination, with a daily average of more than 12,000 visitors, mostly foreigners.
To welcome New Year 2026, more than 10 cruise ships, floating restaurants and tourist boats organized New Year’s Eve parties with artistic presentations and fireworks shows. These high-level tourist products were well received by visitors, which consolidates the reputation of Ha Long Bay for its quality services and unique experiences.