According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of Australian tourists visiting Vietnam in the first quarter increased by 54% compared to the same period in 2019. Data from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism shows that Australia ranked among the top 10 source markets for tourists in the first six months of the year. The number of Australian arrivals in Vietnam during the first two quarters reached 276,000, ranking 8th.

Australian tourist Grant Wilson checks in at An Giang. Photo: Grant Wilson

Australian tourist Grant Wilson checks in at An Giang. Photo: Grant Wilson

Australia-based tour operator InsideAsia Tours reported a 46% increase in direct bookings to Vietnam in the first six months of the year compared to the same period last year. Nicole Newport, InsideAsia Tours’ Head of Sales for the Oceania region, said this clearly demonstrates that Vietnam is rapidly becoming a top destination. Demand for travel to Vietnam has been steady since the beginning of the year and shows no signs of slowing down.

According to Newport, the proximity, diverse experiences ranging from historic cities and bustling markets to breathtaking natural landscapes, make a trip to Vietnam feel like exploring multiple countries in one.

"More and more Australian tourists are seeking meaningful cultural journeys that go beyond traditional tourist spots," Newport said.

Statistics from the travel booking platform Klook show that hotel bookings in Vietnam by Australian tourists from March to June increased by 250% compared to the same period last year. Bookings for tours and experiences also increased by 170% during the same period. Henry Hooper, Klook’s Chief Operating Officer for the Oceania region, said the app is expanding its range of experiences and accommodations to meet demand.

Australian tourists Kryssy and Cindy explore a food tour in Ho Chi Minh City, 12/2024. Photo: Bich Phuong

Australian tourists Kryssy and Cindy explore a food tour in Ho Chi Minh City, 12/2024. Photo: Bich Phuong

"Vietnam has often been an overlooked destination in Southeast Asia for Australian tourists, but this trend is changing thanks to new flight routes and increasingly developed tourism infrastructure," Hooper said.

Representatives from Travel Money Oz suggest that the exchange rate is another factor making Vietnam attractive to Australian tourists. The Australian dollar has recently strengthened against the Vietnamese dong, allowing visitors to get more for their money. This directly impacts travel budgets. An average meal or taxi ride costs only about 5 AUD (86,000 dong), and a one-liter bottle of water is less than one AUD.

According to the latest Travel Trends Report from the Australian Tourism Industry Association (ATIA), Vietnam had the highest growth in Australian tourist arrivals in April, at 28.5%, followed by Japan at 17% and China at 12.7%.

Mai Phuong (News.com.au)