Vietnam welcomed 6,300 tourists from the Netherlands in December, a decrease of 1,740 visitors compared to November, reflecting a month-on-month decline of 21.64 percent, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism. Dutch arrivals reached 78,043 in 2024, showing a 14.7 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Dutch travellers are attracted to Vietnam’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. Popular destinations include Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, offering a mix of historical landmarks, bustling markets, and vibrant street food scenes. Natural wonders like Halong Bay and the beaches of Da Nang and Phu Quoc also appeal to leisure-seeking Dutch tourists.
Many Dutch visitors favour eco-tourism activities, such as trekking in Sapa or exploring the Mekong Delta. Culinary tourism also plays a significant role, with travellers eager to sample traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho, banh xeo, and fresh seafood.
Although there are no direct flights between the Netherlands and Vietnam, major airlines such as KLM, Qatar Airways, and Emirates offer connecting routes via hubs like Doha, Dubai, and Bangkok, ensuring accessibility. The December decline may be attributed to seasonal factors, with European winter holidays impacting travel patterns.
Despite the monthly drop, Vietnam continues to attract Dutch tourists as a long-haul destination, supported by targeted marketing campaigns and the country’s reputation for affordability and cultural richness.
See also: Vietnam’s Tourism Industry