Khanh Hoa attracts Russian tourists

Russian visitors increase dramatically

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Russia is one of the most prosperous international tourist markets, leading in the number of European visitors and having the strongest growth rate in Vietnam. In the first 7 months of 2025, more than 315,000 Russian visitors came to Vietnam, an increase of nearly 2.6 times over the same period last year. According to statistics from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in the first 8 months of 2025, Khanh Hoa welcomed about 279,000 Russian visitors, an increase of 294.9% compared to 2024. It is likely that this year, the number of Russian visitors to Khanh Hoa will exceed that of 2019, the peak of Russian visitors.

Russian tourists buy souvenirs in Nha Trang.

Mr. Pham Minh Nhut - Chairman of Khanh Hoa Tourism Association explained that the increase in the number of Russian tourists is mainly due to airlines reopening many direct flights from Russia to Cam Ranh. In addition, the cost of traveling in Khanh Hoa is quite reasonable compared to many other destinations. Sharing the same view, representatives of many businesses said that, along with the convenience of flight routes, the attraction of Khanh Hoa tourism to Russian tourists is also in the price of services, cuisine and favorable weather. Russian winters are harsh, while the warm, sunny weather in Vietnam becomes a big plus. During the day, Russian tourists like to swim in the sea and participate in cultural discovery tours. In the evening, they prefer to socialize and enjoy quality drinking experiences. Music, drinks and communication are important parts of the Russian holiday. "The value of a trip to Khanh Hoa for Russian tourists is very high compared to the cost, especially when compared to traditional destinations in Europe. This is even more meaningful in the current economic context, when people around the world are tightening their spending," said Mr. Herbert Laubichler-Pichler - General Director of Alma Resort.

Airlines increase flights

Recently, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism organized a program to promote Vietnamese tourism in the capital Moscow and the city of Irkutsk of the Russian Federation. The program made an important mark in promoting the image of the country, people and tourism of Vietnam; at the same time, expanding business cooperation opportunities between enterprises of the two countries. Khanh Hoa is one of the destinations that Russian tourism enterprises are most interested in. Also during this time, Saigon - Cam Ranh Ground Services Joint Stock Company organized a promotion trip with the participation of tourism enterprises specializing in welcoming Russian guests. Participating in the trip, Ms. Hoang Thi Phong Thu - Chairwoman of the Board of Members of Pegas Misr Vietnam Travel Company Limited said: "Russian airlines and tourism enterprises are very interested in Khanh Hoa. Many airlines will increase flights here at the end of the year".

Russian tourists fly directly to Khanh Hoa on Aeroflot Airlines flights.

Russian tourists fly directly to Khanh Hoa on Aeroflot flights.

Currently, there are 30 flights per week from Russian cities to Cam Ranh, including 26 charter flights operated by Ikar Airlines, IrAero Airlines, Vietjet Air, Azur Air, RedWings and 4 commercial flights operated by Aeroflot. Notably, Aeroflot has just launched a direct flight route from Irkutsk to Cam Ranh from September 5 with a frequency of 2 flights/week, which can be increased to 3 flights/week from October 6. Aeroflot will also open additional routes from Yekaterinburg (September 29), Novosibirsk (September 30) and Vladivostok (October 1) to Cam Ranh. Nordwind Airlines will also launch flights from Moscow, Ekaterinburg and several other Russian cities to Khanh Hoa in late September and early October.

With these signals, the number of Russian tourists to Khanh Hoa will increase significantly when entering winter. According to the leader of Anex Vietnam Trading and Tourism Company Limited, from September to December 2025, the company will coordinate with partners to bring more than 85,000 Russian tourists to Vietnam, of which more than 70,000 Russian tourists will come to Khanh Hoa. Similarly, the number of Russian tourists booking tours through Pegas Misr Vietnam Travel Company Limited and Amega General Trading and Tourism Company Limited has also increased recently.

Attracting Russian tourists brings many economic benefits, because Russian tourists often stay for a long time (15 - 30 days), creating a positive impact not only for hotels but also for restaurants, local services and attractions. Moreover, Russian tourists are classified as "loyal customers" who often return to Khanh Hoa, so exploiting the Russian tourist market requires special attention. According to Mr. Phan Dang Anh - Deputy General Director of Anex Vietnam Trading and Tourism Company Limited, to attract more Russian tourists, it is necessary to increase the publication of tourist documents in Russian, train hotel and restaurant staff and Russian-speaking tour guides; develop specialized tours on history, cuisine and health tourism - factors that attract Russian tourists. Vietnamese tourism in general and Khanh Hoa in particular need to actively participate in major tourism fairs to increase its presence in the Russian market, taking advantage of opportunities from the strong recovery of this tourist segment.

XUAN THANH

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/du-lich/202509/khanh-hoa-hut-khach-nga-0317a5c/