In the first three months of the year, more than 367,000 Russians visited the country, becoming the third largest source market after mainland China and South Korea.
The figure was nearly triple that of the same period in 2025 and a record high.
Industry executives attributed the surge to several factors.
Long-standing ties between Vietnam and Russia, along with the country’s strong appeal, ranging from beaches and cuisine to competitively priced luxury resorts, continue to attract Russian travelers, they said.
Accessibility has also improved, with a 45-day visa exemption for Russian citizens and a growing number of direct and charter flights linking the two countries.
In addition, Vietnam’s image as a safe destination has strengthened its position amid global uncertainties.
Over the past decade Russian arrivals have rebounded strongly and now stand at 1.6 times the pre-Covid peak in 2018-19.
Notably, first-quarter arrivals this year was roughly 1.5 times the total number in all of 2024 and more than half of the 2025 total.
Russian tourists walk on a street in Nha Trang, 2020. Photo by Read/Bui Nhan |
Laurent Myter, general manager of The Anam Group, which operates a chain of luxury resort hotels in Vietnam, said the swift restoration and expansion of direct flights following the pandemic has been a key driver behind the record number of Russian tourists.
Following the resumption of charter flights from Moscow to Cam Ranh in March last year, and the launch of services to Phu Quoc in October the same year, both charter and scheduled flights have increased in frequency, enhancing connectivity and creating new opportunities for coastal destinations such as Cam Ranh, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.
Russian-speaking guests now account for around 15% of bookings at properties operated by The Anam Group.
Vietnam’s year-round warm climate, combined with lower travel costs compared to some regional competitors, has further boosted its attractiveness.
In terms of travel behavior, Russian visitors tend to favor beach holidays and longer stays, typically ranging from one to three weeks. They are also high spenders on dining, spa services and premium experiences, making them valuable clientele for resort operators.
Compared to longer vacations in other Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand, a trip to Vietnam is cheaper while still ensuring a quality overall vacation experience.
“Vietnam is more attractive in terms of value for money,” Myter said.
Pham Ha, chairman of luxury cruise tour operator Lux Group, said Russian tourists arriving in Phu Quoc or Cam Ranh on charter flights often stay in five-star hotels and book additional tours to explore other destinations.
Instead of rushing to numerous destinations, they tend to visit fewer places, around one or two like Hanoi or Quang Ninh, but tend to stay longer there.
The luxury cruise segment has seen significant growth, with demand for private yacht rentals and three-six night itineraries connecting two or three bays (Ha Long – Lan Ha) in one trip doubling from a year ago.
“Russian tourists are no longer the mass market segment they once were, but are shifting towards the mid- to high-end segment, willing to pay for unique, private and culturally rich experiences,” Ha added.
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