National Day Destinations for Vietnamese Tourists: Da Lat Tops the List, with Thailand and Indonesia Gaining Popularity

3:54:36 PM | 8/21/2024

This year's National Day holiday, from September 1 to 4, presents a good opportunity for travelers to embark on extended trips, discover new destinations, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures. In addition to domestic locations offering pleasant climates, many tourists are also opting for nearby international excursions.


Da Lat consistently ranks as the most searched destination for the National Day holiday

Domestic tours: Da Lat taking the lead; Phan Thiet surprisingly entering top 10

According to data from Booking.com, during this year's National Day holiday from August 31 to September 3, 2024, Vietnamese tourists have shown a strong preference for destinations that offer both relaxation and exploration.

Da Lat (Lam Dong) continues to dominate the list of the most searched destinations, retaining its top position for the second consecutive year. Renowned for its peaceful landscapes, pleasant climate, and charming French colonial architecture, Da Lat remains a favorite among travelers.

Following Da Lat are popular coastal cities: Da Nang ranks 2nd, Vung Tau 3rd, and Nha Trang 4th. These destinations are ideal for tourists seeking sunny beaches and vibrant coastal experiences.

Major urban centers such as Ho Chi Minh City (5th), Hoi An (6th), Hanoi (7th), and Hue (10th) attract visitors with their rich historical, cultural, and modern offerings.

Notably, Sapa (Lao Cai) secured the 9th position in the list of most searched destinations. Additionally, Phan Thiet made its debut in the top 10, thanks to the newly opened Dau Giay-Phan Thiet expressway. This new infrastructure has significantly reduced travel time from Ho Chi Minh City, enhancing convenience and boosting the region’s appeal.


Trips to Korea and Bali (Indonesia) typically range from VND10 to 15 million, making them affordable options for many Vietnamese families

Thailand and Bali - top choice for international tours

In addition to popular domestic destinations, international tours in the Asia-Pacific region are also highly favored. Top destinations include Bangkok (Thailand), Bali (Indonesia), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (Korea), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Singapore, and Hong Kong (China). These places are emerging as top choices for Vietnamese tourists planning their long vacations.

The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy reported a significant rise in Vietnamese tourists visiting Indonesia, particularly Bali. In August, the number of Vietnamese visitors to Indonesia surged by over 30% compared to the same period last year, with expectations for continued growth during the September 2 holiday. This increase is attributed to expanded direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Bali by airlines such as Vietjet Air, facilitating easier and more convenient travel.

Bali is becoming a "hot" destination among Vietnamese tourists, offering a range of attractive activities including sightseeing, diving, and cultural experiences. Popular attractions in Bali include the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, dolphin watching at Lovina Beach, and exploring ancient temples with rich cultural significance. According to Mr. Dadang Djatnika, Deputy Director of the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Agency in Southeast Asia, Bali’s appeal lies not only in its stunning landscapes but also in its high-quality tourism services. "Bali remains a top destination for Vietnamese travelers, especially during the September 2 holiday when people have extended time off," noted Mr. Djatnika.


Indonesia is increasingly becoming a top destination for Vietnamese tourists who plan extended vacations

Ms. Le Hoa, Director of Hanoitourist, highlighted the resurgence in international travel, driven by new destinations and the introduction of direct flights at competitive prices. Outbound travel companies are also implementing attractive promotional programs to draw tourists.

Mr. Pham Tien Dung, Director of Golden Tour, shared: “To cater to evolving preferences and express our appreciation to customers, Golden Tour has introduced a range of new fall and winter tours, including classic convertible Volkswagen rides, dolphin watching, scuba diving, and visits to film studios. We’ve upgraded our tours to Bali, Japan, China, and South Africa with special incentives such as 5-10% early booking discounts and free room upgrades for groups of six or more. We believe these enhanced offerings and promotions will provide meaningful experiences for travelers.”

These trends reflect the diverse choices available to tourists during the September 2 holiday, spanning from domestic getaways to international adventures. Domestic tours range from VND5-10 million, while Southeast Asia tours are priced between VND7 to 14 million for 5 days and 4 nights. European tours start at around VND50 million, with trips to Korea and Bali typically costing between VND10-15 million, making them accessible for many Vietnamese families.

By Giang Tu, Vietnam Business Forum