Vietnam has seen a significant increase in the number of Russian visitors this year, with more than 742,000 people in the first half of 2023, which is 2.8 times more than the same period last year. As a result, Russia has become Vietnam’s third-largest inbound tourist market after China and the Republic of Korea.
Vietnam’s growing popularity among Russian tourists is explained by the increase in flights and overall accessibility, reported the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).
Strong Performance in the Russian Market
The Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR) highlighted that Vietnam ranked fourth in the Russian outbound tourism market for package tours in July. It took 7.8% of the Russian market for outbound tourism, up 3.2 p.p. year-on-year. This allowed Vietnam to take second place in the Russian “package tour” market, overtaking Thailand (4.7%) and China (4.3%).
Experts believe that the trend of increased demand will continue throughout the year. Accordingly, several tour operators have already organized charter flights to Da Nang for the summer. In addition, there are plans for direct flights to Phu Quoc in the autumn. Thus, the Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR) expects about 1.5 million Russian tourists to visit Vietnam this year.
Why Russian Tourists Choose Vietnam
The reason for choosing Vietnam, according to Russian travel experts, is reflected in the saying: “Vietnam is cheaper than Turkey, more colorful than Thailand.” Experts have identified five reasons why Russians are choosing Vietnam:
- Convenient access - direct flights and simplified visa procedures.
- Competitive pricing - highly attractive costs compared to other popular destinations.
- Diverse accommodation - options suitable for all traveler profiles, from budget to luxury.
- Safety and hospitality - a secure environment paired with warm welcome.
- Rich experiences - diverse landscapes, attractive excursions, and a vibrant coffee culture that resonates with visitors.
The popularity of Vietnam as a destination for Russian tourists is due to several factors. In particular, the increase in direct flights and the ease of obtaining a visa have allowed the country to take its place in the Russian outbound tourism market. In addition, Vietnam offers amazing opportunities for exploring nature, visiting local attractions, and exploring a wide variety of cuisines. This has made Vietnam one of the most desirable countries for travel among Asians for Russians.
