Eastern European tourists increasingly like Vietnam, especially Phu Quoc.

The expanded visa exemption policy is bringing "sweet fruit" to Vietnam tourism, as the number of Eastern European tourists searching for Vietnam destinations via the Agoda platform has increased sharply by 59%. Among them, Phu Quoc has risen to the top of the most favorite list.

According to the latest data from digital travel platform Agoda, the number of searches for accommodation in Vietnam from Eastern European countries has increased by 59% since the new visa exemption policy took effect on August 15, 2025. This is a positive sign that the liberal visa policy is having a clear effect in attracting tourists from distant markets.

The five countries that recorded the highest growth were Slovenia (77%), Poland (74%), Bulgaria (72%), Romania (69%) and Slovakia (61%). These are destinations that were considered geographically far away and previously had few direct flights to Vietnam. The visa relaxation has made it easier for tourists from this region to travel, while opening up new opportunities for the Vietnamese tourism industry to diversify its visitor sources.

Tourists crowded at the turtle-shaped aquarium at VinWonders Phu Quoc - the largest theme park in Vietnam

PHOTO: LE NAM

Mr. Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Vietnam, commented: "Simplifying entry procedures and improving accessibility have contributed to increasing the number of tourists from Europe and other distant markets to Vietnam."

In the list of 5 most searched destinations by Eastern European tourists, Phu Quoc rose to the top with a growth of 113% compared to the same period last year. The "Pearl Island" is favored by tourists thanks to its warm climate, blue beaches, high-class resorts and the appearance of a series of international hotel brands.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City ranked second and third, recording increases of 77% and 56% respectively, demonstrating the attractiveness of the two largest economic and cultural centers of the country. Meanwhile, Da Nang and Nha Trang also made it into the top 5 with impressive growth rates of 36% and 35% respectively.

Sunset in Phu Quoc makes many people fascinated

PHOTO: LE NAM

More than just search numbers, this trend also represents a clear shift in travel behavior among Eastern European travelers, who are more inclined to experience nature, local culture, and peaceful destinations than bustling cities.

A report from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam also recorded a similar trend. In the first 9 months of 2025, the number of European visitors to Vietnam increased by 35% compared to the same period last year. In the third quarter alone, Vietnam welcomed 568,370 European visitors, an increase of 38% compared to the previous quarter and 60% compared to the same period in 2024.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khach-dong-au-ngay-cang-thich-viet-nam-dac-biet-la-phu-quoc-185251021161000425.htm