{"id":29773,"date":"2026-02-19T23:00:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T15:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=29773"},"modified":"2026-02-19T23:00:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T15:00:34","slug":"why-tourists-are-choosing-vietnam-over-thailand-and-cambodia-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=29773","title":{"rendered":"Why tourists are choosing Vietnam, over Thailand and Cambodia in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Vietnam<\/span> has kicked off the new tourism year by shattering records. According to the national tourism authority, VNAT, almost 2.5 million international visitors arrived in January \u2013 the highest number ever recorded in a single month and an 18.5 per cent jump over the previous year.<\/div>\n
While these figures represent an economic triumph, they also highlight a shifting geopolitical map.<\/p>\n
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<\/div>Tourist boats sail through the world-famous waterscape of Halong Bay. Photo: dpa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
This surge is being driven by a diversifying demographic.<\/p>\n
While most visitors still hail from within Asia, European arrivals are climbing significantly. VNAT credits this boom to eased visa rules \u2013 such as the 45-day visa-free stay for German<\/span> citizens \u2013 alongside a rise in direct international flights and Vietnam\u2019s growing reputation as a premier long-haul winter escape.<\/div>\n
And above all, the country offers a diverse mix of \u200cnature, culture and beach holidays.<\/p>\n
The country\u2019s appeal lies in its geographic diversity, starting in the north.<\/p>\n
Ha Long Bay\u2019s spectacular Unesco-listed limestone cliffs remain a primary draw.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
![\"Tourist](\"https:\/\/img.i-scmp.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto\/sites\/default\/files\/d8\/images\/canvas\/2026\/02\/12\/6af4abc9-345d-40d8-b877-d7686fc8fa2f_bb90fb86.jpg\" "\\"Tourist")
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