Illustrative image (Photo: Vietnamnet)

The number of searches from foreign visitors planning for a long holiday in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, rose by 33% within two weeks after the approval of the policy which extends the validity of tourist e-visas from 30 days to 90 days, and lengthen the duration of visa-free stays from 15 to 45 days for visitors from certain countries.

According to Agoda, the number of accommodation searches by visitors from France topped the list, followed by the Netherlands, New Zealand, Germany and the US.

In terms of total searches of Vietnam's destinations, the US took the lead, surpassing Australia, Canada and Germany.

Following the visa policy change, India rose from 8th place to become the 2nd largest international market for hotel bookings in Vietnam, only behind South Korea.