Record arrivals, simplified visas, new direct flights from Europe, an ever-richer travel experience. Vietnam is going through one of the most exciting periods in its tourism history. Here’s why right now is exactly the right time to go.
Is Vietnam a good destination in 2026?
Yes. In 2026, Vietnam is one of the most dynamic, accessible and safe destinations in Asia, with record visitor numbers, an exceptionally open visa policy, and a tourism offering that is rapidly moving upmarket.
Vietnam hasn’t simply recovered to its pre-pandemic level. It has surpassed it.
In 2025, the country welcomed more than 21 million international visitors, an all-time record in Vietnamese tourism history.
Over the first two months of 2026, the momentum accelerated further with an 18% increase year-on-year. The government is targeting 25 million visitors by the end of the year, an objective that looks entirely within reach.
And for French and European travellers, there’s one more reason to make the move: no visa is required for stays of up to 45 days, with zero paperwork needed in advance.
Why is tourism in Vietnam booming right now?
One of the most open visa policies in Asia
No visa required for stays of up to 45 days for French, Belgian, German, British and Swiss nationals, with zero paperwork needed in advance. For longer stays, a 90-day e-visa is available entirely online.
Air connections that are improving fast
Flight options from Europe are multiplying:
- Vietnam Airlines, direct flights from Paris CDG, Frankfurt and London
- From 16 June 2026, brand new Amsterdam to Hanoi direct service, three times a week
- Turkish Airlines, via Istanbul
- Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, via Singapore and Hong Kong
A safety reputation that genuinely sets it apart
Vietnam consistently ranks among the safest destinations in the world: very low violent crime, a welcoming population, political stability. An environment that reassures families, solo travellers and women travelling alone equally.
Slow travel finds its ideal ground here
Vietnam is far more than the express Hanoi, Halong, Ho Chi Minh circuit. Experiences that keep people coming back:
- Motorbike loops through the rice terraces of Ha Giang
- Village stays in the Central Highlands
- Hidden beaches along the central coast
- Street food culture in Hoi An and Hue
A genuine move upmarket
Vietnam is no longer just a backpacker destination:
- 5-star beachfront resorts in Phu Quoc
- Da Nang ranked 2nd best summer destination in Asia
- Premium eco-lodges in Sapa and the Mekong Delta
- World-class restaurants and spas in major cities
Street food remains unbeatable at a few euros, but the upmarket offering is now just as easy to find.
What are the best destinations in Vietnam in 2026?
Vietnam offers rare geographical diversity: a short domestic flight takes you from the terraced rice fields of the north to the tropical beaches of the south, via the historic cities of the centre.
🏙️ Hanoi, the capital that always surprises
The Old Quarter, its coffee shops spilling onto the street, Hoan Kiem Lake and a food scene in full effervescence make Hanoi one of the most captivating cities in Southeast Asia. It’s also the ideal gateway to Halong Bay and the Ha Giang rice terraces to the north.
🏖️ Da Nang, the city on the rise
Ranked 2nd best summer destination in Asia in 2026, Da Nang has transformed into a world-class beach city, with a long coastal strip lined with resorts, a celebrated culinary scene and immediate proximity to Hoi An. Foreign journalists compare it to a miniature version of Rio de Janeiro, with kilometres of seafront amenities.
🏮 Hoi An, the heritage gem
Hoi An remains one of the most unique experiences in the country: its coloured lanterns, colonial alleyways, bespoke tailoring workshops and cooking classes make it a destination you rarely leave without wanting to return to.
Discover the essentiels of Vietnam with this tour
🏔️ Ha Giang and Sapa, for those who seek the authentic
The terraced rice fields of Sapa and the vertiginous mountain passes of Ha Giang attract a new generation of travellers in search of a human and landscape experience with no equivalent elsewhere. These regions, once reserved for seasoned adventurers, are now accessible with significantly improved comfort.
🏝️ Phu Quoc, the island that has it all
White sand beaches, turquoise waters, international resorts, lively night markets. Phu Quoc has become Vietnam’s premium beach destination, reachable by direct flight from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in under two hours.
Who is Vietnam for in 2026?
It is one of the rare destinations in the world that genuinely works for every type of traveller:
- Families, safety, diverse experiences and excellent value for money
- Couples, from intense cultural immersion to secluded luxury resorts
- Solo travellers and women travelling alone, Vietnam consistently ranks among the easiest and safest destinations to explore independently
- Digital nomads, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City offer quality of life, connectivity and a competitive cost of living
- Slow travel enthusiasts, one of the richest grounds in Asia for deep, unhurried travel
Take a look to our family friendly tour in Vietnam
Finally
Vietnam in 2026 is not a destination waiting to be discovered. It is a destination exploding, reinventing itself and maturing at remarkable speed.
Those who go now benefit from an ideal window: the infrastructure is there, the welcome is genuine, and the country has not yet lost the authenticity that makes it so compelling.
The Mai Globe Travels team is specialised in Vietnam and on the ground. Our tailor-made trips are built to give you the Vietnam that matches you, not the one in the brochures. If you have a trip in mind, let’s talk.
FAQ, the questions everyone is asking
Do French or European nationals need a visa to visit Vietnam?
No. French nationals benefit from a 45-day visa exemption with no advance application required. For longer stays, a 90-day e-visa is available entirely online, no consulate visit needed.
Is Vietnam safe for tourists in 2026?
Yes. Vietnam ranks among the safest destinations in Asia, with very low violent crime rates and a stable political environment. Solo travellers, families and women travelling alone all move around with confidence.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
November to April for the centre and south. For the north, March to April and September to October offer the best conditions. Because the country stretches so far from north to south, good weather can be found somewhere in Vietnam at any time of year.
How do I fly from Europe to Vietnam without transiting through the Middle East?
Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights from Paris CDG. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Singapore Airlines via Singapore and Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong are all reliable options completely independent of the Gulf hubs currently experiencing disruption.
Is Vietnam a good destination for families?
Absolutely. The safety, diversity of experiences, child-friendly hospitality and outstanding value for money make it one of the best family destinations in Southeast Asia.
