Vietnam welcomed 54,488 tourists from Malaysia in December, marking an increase of 6,042 visitors compared to November, representing a month-on-month growth of 12.47 percent, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism. Malaysian arrivals reached 495,383 in 2024, showing a modest 5.4 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Malaysian tourists are drawn to Vietnam’s cultural landmarks, bustling cities, and shopping opportunities. Popular destinations include Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where visitors enjoy markets, historical sites, and street food experiences. Additionally, coastal areas such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang remain favoured destinations for leisure travellers seeking tropical escapes.
Short-haul flights and affordable travel costs contribute to the popularity of Vietnam among Malaysian tourists. Many visitors travel in groups for family vacations, shopping trips, or business purposes. The availability of halal food options and mosques in major cities further supports Vietnam’s appeal to Muslim travellers from Malaysia.
Key airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia, and Malaysia Airlines operate frequent flights connecting Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian cities to Vietnam’s main travel hubs. Improved air connectivity and targeted promotional campaigns have driven the steady growth in arrivals.
As a key ASEAN market, Malaysia continues to be an important contributor to Vietnam’s tourism sector, and the recent increase highlights Vietnam’s sustained appeal among regional travellers.
See also: Vietnam’s Tourism Industry