Vietnam is gaining traction among Russian travelers, but sustaining that momentum will depend on how well it competes with China's easier access and Thailand's established tourism infrastructure.
Spain, the world's second most visited country after France, registered 11.5 million air passengers from abroad, an increase of 5.1% year-on-year, according to data released by Spain's tourism body.
Restaurants in Thailand have won world titles for French, Indian, and Chinese foods at the 2026 World Culinary Awards, putting Bangkok and Phuket in the spotlight for food beyond Thai cooking.
Gabriel, a 20-year-old Frenchman, could not speak Vietnamese when he joined strangers singing karaoke on a Ho Chi Minh City street. An hour later, he had made friends and memories that would bring him back.
Phu Quoc, voted Asia's best island by Condé Nast Traveler readers this year, attracted rising interest from Indonesian and Malaysian travelers in the third quarter, according to the quarterly Traveloka SEA Index.
Malaysia, Southeast Asia's third richest country by GDP per capita, has channeled RM935 million (US$229 million) into tourism and culture in 2027 to boost international connectivity, improve tourism infrastructure and support major events as the Visit Malaysia campaign is extended into next year.
Southeast Asia has five of the world's 50 Best Bars in 2026, according to one ranking.
