Australian travellers are flocking to Vietnam in record numbers, with short-trip visits more than doubling since 2016. The surge reflects a broader travel trend: Australians increasingly prioritize affordable, accessible destinations within Southeast Asia rather than distant, expensive alternatives.
Vietnam now ranks among Australia's top travel choices. The country offers exceptional value for money, with meals costing $2-5 USD, accommodation ranging from $15-40 per night for quality mid-range hotels, and activities priced a fraction of what travellers pay in established destinations like Thailand or Bali. Airlines including Qantas, Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, and Air Asia have expanded routes between Australia's major cities and Vietnamese hubs like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, driving down airfares and making weekend trips feasible.
Content creator Georgia Quinn, who first visited Vietnam as a backpacker 15 years ago, notes the shift in perception. "It wasn't off the beaten path but it definitely wasn't as popular as, say, Thailand or Bali," she observes. That dynamic has reversed. While Thailand and Indonesia remain popular, Vietnam's reputation has matured beyond backpacker circuits. Travellers now recognize Hanoi's French colonial architecture, Ha Long Bay's limestone formations, and Ho Chi Minh City's bustling energy as world-class experiences at fraction of Thai or Balinese prices.
Several factors drive this boom. Post-pandemic travel patterns favored nearby, cost-effective destinations. Australians, facing higher domestic inflation and property costs, seek vacations that stretch their budgets. Vietnam delivers: a week-long trip costs $1,200-1,800 including flights from Sydney or Melbourne, compared to $2,500-4,000 for equivalent Thailand trips.
Infrastructure improvements matter too. Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City now handle direct flights from Australia's east coast. Hotels like the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Park Hyatt Saigon, and budget operators like Bunk Saigon offer quality accommodation across price points. Tour operators including Buffalo Tours and Intrepid Travel run specialized Vietnamese itineraries targeting Australian preferences.
Social media amplified the trend. Instagram and TikTok creators featured Vietnam's lantern-lit streets, street food culture, and affordable luxury stays, normalizing the destination among younger Australians. Educational travel, wellness retreats, and culinary tours now compete with traditional beach holidays.
The timing coincides with Thailand and Bali fatigue. Overcrowding in Phuket, Krabi, and Bali's Seminyak district pushed some travellers elsewhere. Vietnam offers similar tropical climates and cultural richness without the saturation. Mekong Delta tours, motorcycle adventures through Northern mountains, and island hops around Cat Ba remain less crowded than comparable Thai experiences.
Airlines profit from this shift. Jetstar expanded Ho Chi Minh City routes; Vietnam Airlines increased frequency to Melbourne and Sydney. Competitive pricing on these routes, sometimes undercutting Thai competitors, accelerates adoption.
This trend will accelerate. Vietnam's visa policies remain straightforward for Australians. Exchange rates favor Australian dollars against the Vietnamese dong. As more Australians share positive experiences, peer recommendations drive further visitation. Hotels in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and resort areas like Nha Trang already report peak bookings from Australian guests.