As the peak summer travel season begins, Vietnamese travel planning is undergoing significant changes. Data from the Traveloka travel platform, released on 11/6, indicates a strong surge in domestic travel demand. Domestic accommodation searches for the 4-5/2026 period rose 46% compared to the 1-2/2026 period.

Halong (Quang Ninh) recorded a remarkable increase, with accommodation searches nearly three times higher than the same period. Tourism experts attribute Halong's rise in popularity primarily to the improved expressway network connecting Hanoi and northern provinces, which significantly shortens travel time. Additionally, the locality has introduced a series of night tourism products, pedestrian zones, and sea festivals to stimulate demand.

In terms of overall search volume, Da Nang continues to lead the list of most sought-after accommodation destinations. Accommodation searches in areas like Ngu Hanh Son, Hoi An, and Son Tra all saw an increase exceeding 45%. The destination sustains its allure through a diverse tourism ecosystem, combining beach resorts with large-scale entertainment activities.

In the southern region, Phu Quoc and Con Dao also stood out as prominent destinations. Summer flight searches to Phu Quoc increased by 56%, the highest across the country, while Con Dao saw a 42% increase. This indicates that high-quality island and beach holidays remain the top choice for travelers with strong purchasing power.

A night tourism street in Halong, 10/5. *Photo: Dieu Huong*

However, the most prominent trend for summer 2026 is the rise of micro-holidays and staycations. An increasing number of tourists prioritize trips that are only one to three hours of travel from their place of residence, such as routes from TP HCM to Vung Tau, Phan Thiet - Mui Ne; from Hanoi to Halong, Ninh Binh; or from Da Nang to Hoi An and Hue.

Ms. Huynh Thi Mai Thy, a Traveloka representative, noted that travelers are adopting a more pragmatic approach to domestic travel. Instead of committing their budgets to aspirational, longer vacations, many are choosing easily accessible locations to travel more frequently.

"Vietnamese travelers are increasingly booking short-duration trips, emphasizing travel convenience over the destination itself", Ms. Mai Thy said.

Phuong Anh