Vietnam tops list for meaningful cultural adventures among Australian travellers
The article describes Vietnam as a vibrant, atmospheric, and culturally rich nation. Citing the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), it notes that the number of Australians visiting Vietnam in the first quarter of 2025 surged by 54% compared to the same period in 2019, outpacing all other international destinations.
Golden Bridge - an attractive tourist destination for local residents and tourists when visiting the coastal city of Da Nang. (Photo: VNA)
Sydney (VNA)🐻 – Vietnam has emerged as a top choice for Australian tourists seeking “meaningful cultural adventures,” according to an article published recently by Sky News Australia, which highlights the Southeast Asian country’s high-quality travel experiences at a fraction of the cost compared to other popular destinations.
The article describes Vietnam as a vibrant, atmospheric, and culturally rich nation. Citing the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), it notes that the number of Australians visiting Vietnam in the first quarter of 2025 surged by 54% compared to the same period in 2019, outpacing all other international destinations.
Nicole Newport, Regional Sales Director for Oceania at InsideAsia Tours, said there is “clear evidence” that Vietnam is rapidly becoming a favourite travel destination for Australians, a trend she believes will continue in the coming years.
A screenshot photo of the article on Sky News Australia website (Photo:VNA)
According to Newport, Vietnam’s geographic proximity to Australia and its wide array of experiences - from historic cities and bustling markets to breathtaking natural landscapes - make the country feel like multiple destinations in one. She further stated that more travellers than ever are now seeking meaningful cultural adventures that go beyond the typical tourist trail.
Another major factor contributing to Vietnam’s appeal is the favourable exchange rate between the Australian dollar (AUD) and the Vietnamese dong. A spokesperson for Travel Money Oz said that Vietnam consistently offers Australians incredible value. With the Australian dollar’s steady appreciation against the Vietnamese dong in recent months, travellers are enjoying even more benefits. For example, an average meal or taxi ride costs around 5 AUD, while a one-litre bottle of purified water is priced at just 80 cents.
Meanwhile, travel platform Klook reported a remarkable 250% year-on-year increase in hotel bookings in Vietnam between March and June 2025. The most searched destinations include Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An./.
In 2024, Vietnam surpassed Singapore to become the third most-visited country in the region, welcoming 17.5 million international arrivals - just behind Malaysia with 25 million and Thailand with 35 million.
Recent reports from both domestic and international tourism research firms highlighted Vietnam as a top searched destination with numerous attractive locations for international travellers.
The northern coastal province of Quang Ninh, home to UNESCO-recognised world natural heritage site Ha Long Bay, welcomed nearly 500,000 tourists on April 30 and May 1, a year-on-year increase of 16%.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
