Australian tourists increasingly choose Vietnam over Thailand and Bali

Content creator Georgia Quinn said she is “not surprised that people finally realize this is a wonderful place to visit,” noting a surge of Australian travelers to Vietnam. Jetstar flights to Vietnam have risen more than 30 % since 2023, with the airline adding 15 % more flights. Expedia reports growing searches for accommodation in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Phú Quốc. Experts attribute the trend to Vietnam’s mid‑range pricing, the country’s “high‑value, mid‑price” experiences and a strong Australian dollar. Visits to Da Nang impressed Quinn, who likened it to a “Gold Coast” of Vietnam, while many Australians report spending under US 1,500 for two‑week trips that include Michelin‑starred meals and locally made clothing.

The rise reflects a broader shift: Vietnam has moved from the fifth‑most‑popular short‑stay destination for Australians in Southeast Asia a decade ago to the third, overtaking Singapore and Malaysia, with over 528 000 Australian short‑trip visitors this year, more than double the 2016 figure.