Asia’s Most Visited Countries in 2025: The Full Year Numbers
2025 was a record year for many of Asia’s most visited countries. Japan passed 40 million international visitors for the first time. Malaysia and Vietnam set new highs, and Bali had its busiest year yet.
The figures below are full year totals reported by each country. They aren’t perfectly comparable, because countries count arrivals in different ways. Some include day trippers and cross border visits, while others count only overnight stays. Read them as a guide to where travellers went, rather than a strict league table.
| Country | Arrivals in 2025 | Change on 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 42.7 million | Up 15.8% |
| Malaysia | 42.2 million | Up 11.2% |
| Thailand | 32.97 million | Down about 7% |
| Vietnam | 21.2 million | Up 20.4% |
| Singapore | 16.9 million | Up about 2% |
| Indonesia | 15.39 million | Up about 11% |
Japan crosses 40 million
Japan welcomed 42.7 million international visitors in 2025, up from 36.9 million in 2024. It was the country’s first year above 40 million and the highest total in Asia.
South Korea was the largest market with about 9.5 million visitors, followed by China with 9.1 million, Taiwan with 6.8 million and the United States with 3.3 million. Visitors spent a record 9.5 trillion yen.
A weak yen did much of the work. At around 150 yen to the US dollar, Japan felt good value to many travellers for the first time in years. Chinese arrivals slowed sharply at the end of the year after a diplomatic dispute.
The government’s target is 60 million visitors and 15 trillion yen in spending a year by 2030.
Malaysia close behind
Malaysia recorded 42.2 million visitor arrivals in 2025, up 11.2% on 2024 and about 20% above its 2019 level. It was the largest total in Southeast Asia for the second year running.
The number needs a little context. Malaysia’s figure counts all visitors crossing its borders, including excursionists who visit for the day without staying the night. Singapore is by far its largest market, and many Singaporeans cross the Causeway to Johor Bahru for shopping and meals. That’s why spending per visitor is lower than in Thailand, and why the government’s focus for Visit Malaysia 2026 is longer stays and higher spending rather than more arrivals.
Visit Malaysia 2026 is running through this year, with events running across the country.
Thailand, a quieter year
Thailand hosted 32.97 million international arrivals in 2025, a fall of about 7% on 2024. It was the country’s first annual decline outside the pandemic years.
Malaysia was the largest source market with 4.52 million visitors, just ahead of China with 4.47 million. India followed with 2.49 million, then Russia with 1.9 million and South Korea with 1.55 million. Foreign visitors generated around 1.53 trillion baht in tourism revenue.
The drop came from several directions, including fewer Chinese tour groups, an earthquake in March, border tensions with Cambodia and flooding in the south late in the year.
Vietnam’s best year on record
Vietnam welcomed 21.2 million international arrivals in 2025, up 20.4% on 2024 and the first time it has passed 21 million.
China led with 5.28 million visitors, followed by South Korea with 4.33 million and Taiwan with 1.23 million. The United States sent about 849,000 and Japan about 814,000. India grew fastest among the large markets, up nearly 49%, helped by new direct flights.
Wider visa exemptions for European travellers and a 90 day e-visa for all nationalities made Vietnam easier to visit. Da Nang, Hoi An, Phu Quoc and Ha Long Bay all drew strong numbers.
Singapore and Indonesia
Singapore recorded 16.9 million international visitors in 2025 and tourism receipts of about 32.8 billion Singapore dollars, its highest ever. Mainland China, Indonesia and Australia were the biggest spenders, and long haul markets such as Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States grew by double digits. Big events, including the World Aquatics Championships, drew extra visitors.
Indonesia welcomed 15.39 million foreign tourists, ahead of its own target of 14 to 15 million. Malaysia was its largest source market. Average spending per visitor reached about 1,267 US dollars.
Bali, 6.95 million visitors
Bali alone received 6.95 million foreign visitors in 2025, up 9.7% on 2024 and nearly half of all foreign arrivals to Indonesia.
Australia led with 1.63 million arrivals, close to a quarter of the total. India followed with about 569,000, then China with 537,000, South Korea with 347,000 and the United Kingdom with 318,000. December was the busiest month, with almost 573,000 foreign visitors. Arrivals by sea rose by about 66%, as more cruise ships called at the island.
Foreign visitors now pay a tourist levy of 150,000 rupiah on entry to Bali, which funds culture and environmental programmes.
What 2026 and 2027 may bring
Most of the region expects further growth. Japan is working towards its 2030 goal, Malaysia is in the middle of Visit Malaysia 2026, and Vietnam has set higher targets after 2025’s record. Thailand is working to win back Chinese travellers and grow long haul markets. Currency, air capacity and events in the Middle East will all shape the next 2 years.
Common questions about Asia’s most visited countries
Which Asian country had the most visitors in 2025?
Japan, with 42.7 million international visitors. Malaysia was close behind with 42.2 million.
Why are Malaysia’s numbers so high?
Malaysia counts all border crossings, including day trippers from Singapore who don’t stay overnight. That adds millions to the total.
Did Thailand’s visitor numbers fall in 2025?
Yes. Thailand hosted 32.97 million international arrivals, about 7% fewer than in 2024. Malaysia, China and India were its largest markets.
How many tourists visited Bali in 2025?
Bali welcomed 6.95 million foreign visitors, a record for the island. Australians made up about 23% of arrivals.
