Hanh Nhi, 30, from Hanoi, initially planned a trip to Japan with her sister to view the autumn foliage, with a budget of over 30 million VND per person. However, upon researching, she discovered that autumn in China is "just as beautiful" at half the cost. "The money for a trip to Japan for two people is enough for our family of four to travel to China," Nhi said, and decided to book a tour to Beijing for her parents in October.

Hanh Nhi's family's decision reflects a broader trend in the Vietnamese tourism market.

Autumn at the Forbidden City, China. Photo: Helpful panda

Autumn at the Forbidden City, China. Photo: Helpful panda

Dao Mai Dung, Deputy Director of Nam Thanh Travel, reports that Vietnamese tourists booking autumn tours to China in August and September (for travel in October and November) have almost reached the total number of bookings for the entire autumn of 2024, signaling a more vibrant peak season.

Online platforms have also seen a surge in bookings. At etrip4u.com, China autumn tours accounted for nearly 40% of total international tours sold in Quarter II, surpassing many popular destinations in Northeast Asia and Europe. Similarly, Pham Anh Vu, Deputy General Director of Vietravel, confirms a 10-15% increase in bookings for autumn foliage tours compared to the same period in 2024, with China topping the list of preferred destinations, followed by South Korea, Japan, Europe, and the US. The most scenic autumn foliage destinations in China include Jiuzhaigou, Xinjiang, and Beijing.

"Tourists started booking international autumn foliage tours as early as July for large groups, while individual travelers began booking in early August. September is the peak booking period due to concerns about flight availability and visa processing time," Vu adds.

Tran Thi Bao Thu, Communications Director of Vietluxtour, also points out a significant shift: while in previous years, autumn tours were dominated by Southeast Asian routes, this year Northeast Asia, especially China, is "considerably more active."

Golden autumn at Heaven Lake, China. Photo: Luong Thanh Chuong

Golden autumn at Heaven Lake, China. Photo: Luong Thanh Chuong

Experts identify three primary reasons for this surge in China tourism this autumn.

The most attractive factor is the cost, which is only half that of other popular destinations. According to Pham Anh Vu, while tour prices for Japan and South Korea continue to rise due to high demand, China stands out with its competitive pricing. A 5-day, 4-night tour to China currently starts from 15 million VND, offering savings of 20-50% compared to similar tours to Japan or South Korea. This makes China a suitable option for both young travelers and families.

The diverse scenery and rich experiences are another advantage. "China's autumn can be compared to South Korea or Japan," asserts Mai Dung. The beauty of autumn stretches from north to south, each region with its own unique characteristics: from the brilliant golden ginkgo forests in Beijing and the crimson maple forests in Harbin to the "paradise on earth" of Jiuzhaigou with its turquoise lakes interspersed with gold and red leaves.

Convenient travel arrangements and visa processes also contribute to Vietnamese tourists' booking decisions. Traveling to China has become increasingly easier thanks to numerous direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to major Chinese cities with high frequency. For destinations near the border, such as Yunnan, travelers can opt for overland travel at a much lower cost, starting from 4-5 million VND for a 3-4 day tour.

"The Chinese visa application process is also simpler than before, with many travel agencies offering comprehensive support within a few working days. This encourages Vietnamese tourists to choose China over countries with more complex visa procedures, like South Korea or Japan," adds Mai Dung.

The allure of China's autumn is also spreading through travel groups. Hanh Nhi recounts that when she mentioned contributing funds for her parents' trip to Beijing, a close friend also changed her plans and booked a tour to China. "My friend has always dreamed of visiting the Forbidden City because of her love for historical dramas. This autumn, her dream will come true," Nhi shares.

Vietnamese tourists take photos in Beijing during autumn 2024. Photo: Nam Thanh Travel

Vietnamese tourists take photos in Beijing during autumn 2024. Photo: Nam Thanh Travel

Tips for experiencing autumn in China:

Timing: Book tours or flights early to secure the best time for viewing the foliage. In China, the peak season for autumn colors is typically from 20/9 to 5/11.

Visa: For countries requiring visas, prepare the application 1-2 months in advance.

Attire: Autumn in temperate countries is often cold with occasional rain. Pack warm clothing, scarves, and non-slip shoes.

Booking time: According to Pham Anh Vu, September is the peak booking time due to concerns about flight availability and visa processing time.

Phuong Anh