Ninh Binh tourism surge outpaces Maldives in first half of 2026

In the first six months of 2026, Vietnam’s Ninh Binh province recorded an estimated 17.6 million tourist arrivals, of which about 1.8 million were international visitors. This international volume is more than 1.7 times the 1.04 million foreign arrivals reported by the Maldives, which also saw a 5 % decline over the same period.

Tourism revenue in Ninh Binh reached roughly VND 17,836 billion, representing 89 % of the province’s annual target. Lodging income alone was about VND 9,232 billion, driven by 3.4 million guest stays and over 2.58 million overnight stays across 1,540 accommodation facilities. By June, the province operated around 22,400 rooms, including eight 4‑ to 5‑star establishments, supporting higher‑spending visitors and longer stays.

The rapid growth has positioned Ninh Binh as a leading Vietnamese destination, leveraging attractions such as the UNESCO‑listed Tràng An landscape complex and sites like Tam Cốc‑Bích Động.