Holidaymakers seek for green, cultural tours in this summer
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
Quang Ninh province is a popular destination in summer. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – This summer marks significant changes in the travel habits of Vietnamese holidaymakers as they tend to seek experiences enjoying nature, culture and relaxation rather than crush to check-in as many destinations as possible like🧔 previously.
Since early May, tourism activities in many domestic destinations have become vibrant. Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers. Specifically, 61% of families are opting for coastal destinations, while 59% prefer exploring nature and visiting major cities. The most searched domestic destinations include Ha Long (Quang Ninh), Cat Ba (Hai Phong), Sam Son (Thanh Hoa), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), and Vung Tau (Ba Ria - Vung Tau).
Most travel agencies have reported a significant increase in bookings for tours to traditional destinations such as Ha Long, Da Nang – Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Quy Nhon. Major travel companies like Vietravel, VietSense Travel, BestPrice Travel, and Saigontourist have launched appealing promotional tours to attract domestic travellers, anticipating a 15-20% increase in the number of summer tourists compared to the same period in 2024.
Tourists visit Can Gio district in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)
Among the coastal destinations, Da Nang has gained considerable attention by hosting the international fireworks festival from late May to mid-July. In addition to fireworks festival, the city planned to organise 20 activities and events, including those promoting tourism connections between the central city and ASEAN, Japan, or the Republic of Korea.
Meanwhile, Nha Trang in the south central province of Khanh Hoa will host over 30 artistic and sporting events, food fairs, and island tours to attract visitors.
Quy Nhon in the central province of Binh Dinh is emerging as a promising destination with its growing focus on coastal, ecological, and cultural tourism. Culinary experiences, sightseeing tours, and the "Return to the Land of martial arts" train tours are increasingly captivating tourists.
Phu Quoc in the southern province of Kien Giang continues to solidify its status as a premium travel destination thanks to upgraded infrastructure and luxurious resorts appealing to families, young groups, and international visitors.
Dao Thi Kim Lan from Royal Travel said that Phu Quoc's tourism is evolving along three trends -high-end relaxation, eco-tourism, and personalised experiences. More travellers are seeking not only natural beauty and seafood but also personal wellness and energy rejuvenation.
In addition to coastal areas, the Mekong Delta and northern mountainous regions offer many options. Cities like Can Tho, An Giang, Dong Thap, and Ca Mau are known for their unique aquatic ecosystems, productive lands, and mild climates, making them ideal for eco-tourism and cultural exploration.
The northern mountainous region attracts visitors with breath-taking routes, improved transportation infrastructure and diverse trekking tours that showcase ethnic minority cultures.
Technological assistance in holiday planning
The shift in travel habits has also transformed how holiday plans are made.
Previously, Vietnamese travellers relied heavily on packaged tours. However, now, they eye more towards self-guided, online bookings, and personalized itineraries. This shift puts pressure on travel companies to innovate their approaches, develop products, and communicate effectively.
Tran Duong Duy from Tran Gia Travel noted that in the competitive tourism landscape, many agencies are utilising new media channels like TikTok and YouTube, as well as influencers, to promote their offerings. In addition to creating flexible service packages from all-inclusive to individual options, travel companies are actively providing knowledge and advice on attractive destinations while helping tourists avoid overcrowding that could detract from their experiences.
The advancement of technology, particularly online service booking apps, has made it easier for travellers to independently choose transportation, accommodation, and activities. A smartphone can replace a traditional travel agent, allowing customers to easily find information, compare prices, and book services with just a few clicks. This not only enhances flexibility but also helps travelers save time and costs.
The demand for green values, local culture, and sustainable tourism requires the industry to focus on customised products, and environmentally friendly services. This presents an opportunity for regions and businesses to adapt and develop more civilised, sustainable, and community-responsible tourism services./.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
Nationwide, average occupancy rates at tourist accommodation facilities reached around 70%, with figures surpassing 80% during the first days of the break.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
The tour is scheduled to run every weekend from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a variety of activities, including temple rituals, traditional music performances, water puppetry, 3D mapping shows, calligraphy, local cuisine tasting, and handicraft workshops.
Local authorities have implemented a range of coordinated measures to boost tourism and service sectors, focusing on efforts to draw more visitors, especially international cruise tourists, and diversifying services and tour routes to Bai Tu Long Bay.
