Dhaka, March 8 -- Vietnam has begun 2026 with a record surge in international tourism, as travelers increasingly choose the Southeast Asian destination over traditional regional hotspots such as Thailand and Cambodia.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), the country welcomed nearly 2.5 million foreign visitors in January, marking the highest monthly figure on record. The total represents an 18.5 percent increase compared with the same period a year earlier.

Industry observers say the growth reflects shifting travel preferences in Asia, with tourists opting for destinations perceived as more stable.

Ongoing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have discouraged some travelers, prompting many to redirect...