The number of Russian tourists to Vietnam has increased by 60 percent in the first half of this year, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department.

Saigontourist received 450 Russian tourists in the reviewed period, while 800 came to the country in tours organised by the Ben Thanh Tourism Company.

More than 23,000 Russians travelled to Vietnam last year, a year-on-year increase of 94 percent, according to the Vietnam National Administration for Tourism. Most popular destinations were Nha Trang, Phan Thiet and Phu Quoc Islands.