Vietnam tourism surge sees 1.8 million arrivals in May

Vietnam attracted nearly 1.8 million international visitors in May, a 16.5 % increase over the same month a year earlier, according to Booking.com data. Popular hotspots include Da Nang, the “land‑locked Ha Long Bay” of Thuong Lam, Ninh Binh’s green villages and the historic towns of Hội An and Hanoi. Travel platform Evaneos promotes sustainable itineraries that combine public transport, local guides and eco‑friendly activities, emphasizing cultural immersion and respect for people and wildlife. The tourism sector is also leveraging artificial‑intelligence‑driven media campaigns to boost the country’s image and support sustainable development goals. A delegation of about 5,000 MICE professionals visited Da Nang in early June for conferences and site inspections, underscoring the city’s growing role as a meetings‑and‑events hub. Authorities note rising concerns about visa misuse for illegal work, while travelers increasingly favor nearby, safe destinations amid higher transport costs and security worries.