Vietnam surges in popularity, emerges as new favourite among Australian tourists

This Asian nation is soaring in popularity — with its growth in Aussie visitation rapidly outpacing other beloved destinations.

Vietnam is quickly emerging as a new favourite international destination among Aussie travellers.

New data shows the country has soared in popularity this year — its growth rapidly outpacing other beloved destinations. And industry experts say the new obsession is not slowing down.

Australian traveller numbers increased by 54 per cent during the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2019, Australian Bureau of Statistics figures reveal.

InsideAsia Tours told news.com.au its latest sales figures show a 46 per cent year-on-year increase in direct bookings for the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Nicole Newport, the tour company’s group sales manager for Australia, said this was “clear evidence that Vietnam is quickly becoming a top-choice destination”.

Vietnam is known for its culture and bustling cities. Picture: istock

“Demand for travel to Vietnam has been consistently strong this year, and we don’t see that momentum slowing down,” Ms Newport said.

“The destination’s close proximity to Australia and rich variety of experiences – from historic cities and chaotic market streets to towering natural landscapes – the sheer variety of scenery means a visit to Vietnam can feel like several countries in one.

“More travellers than ever are seeking meaningful cultural adventures that go beyond the typical tourist trail.”

But its stunning natural environment also draws visitors. Picture: istock

According to data from Klook, hotel bookings in Vietnam rose by 250 per cent between March and June this year, compared to the same period last year. Activity bookings in the country surged by as much as 170 per cent during the same period.

Klook’s Oceania managing director Henry Hooper said the app was expanding its experience and accommodation offerings to meet demand.

“While Vietnam has traditionally remained an undiscovered destination for Aussies visiting Southeast Asia, this shift comes at a time when increasing flight options have launched and tourism infrastructure is continuing to develop rapidly in the destination,” he said.

Data from the travel industry groups and businesses show the country has soared in popularity this year and its not slowing down. Picture: istock

Travel Money Oz told news.com.au one factor that made Vietnam so popular was the exchange rate.

“Vietnam consistently offers Australians incredible value, and with the Australian dollar’s steady appreciation against the Vietnamese dong in recent months; travellers can enjoy even more bang for their buck,” a spokeswoman for the foreign currency exchange company said.

“This translates directly to your holiday budget, with an average meal or a taxi ride costing around just $5 AUD, and bottled water at around 80 cents for a big 1L bottle — an essential as you need to avoid tap water in Vietnam.”

Tourists like that Vietnam offers ‘incredible value’. Picture: istock

According to the Australian Travel Industry Association’s (ATIA) latest Travel Trends Report, Vietnam was the country that saw the biggest growth in Aussie visitors in April at 28.5 per cent, followed by Japan at 17 per cent and China at 12.7 per cent.

As for the first four months of the year, Japan saw the strongest rise at 33.8 per cent, followed by China 26.9 per cent, but Vietnam was still ranked third with 25 per cent growth on the same period last year.

About 920,000 Australians visited Japan in 2024, setting a new record. But the Japan National Tourism Organisation is bracing for even more Aussies this year, expecting to break the one million mark for the first time.