Saturday, June 14, 2025

Thailand and Vietnam are experiencing an extraordinary tourism boom this summer, fueled by a powerful combination of resumed direct flights, relaxed visa policies, and a surge in outbound Russian travel demand. As Russian tourists seek sun-soaked, affordable, and culturally rich destinations outside Europe, both Southeast Asian countries have emerged as top contenders. Vietnam’s aggressive charter flight expansion and visa-free entry until 2028, alongside Thailand’s established tourism infrastructure and continued visa exemption for Russians, are driving a dramatic rise in visitor numbers and reinforcing their positions as dominant forces in the post-pandemic travel revival.

Thailand and Vietnam are experiencing a significant surge in Russian tourist arrivals this summer, fueled by the return of direct flights, favorable visa policies, and pent-up travel demand. As travel confidence returns and international connectivity improves, both Southeast Asian nations have reestablished themselves as top picks for Russian vacationers seeking warm climates, cultural exploration, and affordable luxury.

Projections from the Russian Tour Operators Association indicate that more than 6.4 million Russians are anticipated to travel abroad this summer, marking a significant increase from the 5.15 million who did so during the same timeframe last year. This 24% growth underscores a broader revival of outbound travel among Russians, with Thailand and Vietnam among the key beneficiaries.

Vietnam’s tourism sector has made remarkable progress in reclaiming its share of the Russian market. In May 2025, Vietnam Airlines resumed its non-stop service between Hanoi and Moscow, reviving the route after a three-year suspension caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This strategic resumption has significantly eased accessibility and increased Vietnam’s appeal among Russian travelers.

Tour operators have also responded to demand with expanded services. , a major operator for inbound Russian tourism, has ramped up its charter flights from , one of Vietnam’s premier coastal destinations. Between April and June, Anex has operated , with plans to further scale operations to , reflecting soaring booking volumes and growing traveler interest.

In a move that further enhances Vietnam’s competitiveness as a travel destination, . This long-term policy provides added convenience and eliminates a major barrier to travel, positioning Vietnam as a go-to destination for Russians seeking tropical escapes without bureaucratic hassle.

According to Russian media outlet KP.RU, , marking a stunning . The combination of beach tourism, affordability, and simplified entry has made Vietnam one of the most attractive choices for Russian vacationers this year.

Thailand, already a favorite among Russian tourists for its diverse experiences and tourist-friendly infrastructure, continues to draw robust interest. With , Thailand remains one of the easiest destinations for Russians to enter without prior visa applications.

According to industry reports, Thailand is expected to receive , an increase of . This steady growth affirms Thailand’s enduring popularity and ability to adapt to evolving travel patterns.

In the , Russia was the to Thailand, contributing 961,000 visitors to the country’s tourism sector. Russian travelers frequently visit resort towns such as Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui, as well as cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, lured by the combination of beach relaxation, adventure activities, nightlife, and cultural exploration.

With the Thai baht remaining relatively stable against the Russian ruble and an abundance of Russian-language services available across the country, Thailand continues to be viewed as a familiar and welcoming destination for Russians of all age groups.

The resurgence of Russian outbound tourism to Southeast Asia reflects broader trends in global mobility and recovery following the pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions. With much of Europe still off-limits or complicated for Russian travelers due to sanctions and diplomatic constraints, destinations in Asia have gained a competitive edge by adopting more neutral, welcoming stances and offering easier travel logistics.

Both Vietnam and Thailand are capitalizing on this shift by fostering strong airline partnerships, implementing flexible visa measures, and offering tourism experiences that blend affordability with high service standards.

Thailand and Vietnam are witnessing a major tourism surge as Russian travelers return in record numbers, driven by resumed flights and relaxed visa rules. These strategic moves have positioned both countries as top destinations for summer 2025.

As direct flights return and visa policies remain traveler-friendly, Thailand and Vietnam are set to enjoy a booming summer travel season fueled by Russian demand. Vietnam’s aggressive charter expansion and visa waivers, combined with Thailand’s established appeal and growing tourist infrastructure, underscore their roles as leading destinations in the evolving global tourism landscape. For millions of Russian tourists this year, Southeast Asia isn’t just a convenient getaway—it’s the epicenter of their long-awaited return to international travel.