Vietnam Tourism Boom: Phu Quoc & Hoi An Australian...

Vietnam has emerged as the fastest-growing major overseas holiday destination for Australian travellers, driven by an exceptional combination of affordable luxury, streamlined aviation connectivity, and the complementary appeal of tropical beach sanctuaries like Phu Quoc and heritage cultural gems like Hoi An.

Fresh official data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) shows that Australian holidaymakers are diversifying beyond long-standing regional staples. While traditional destinations like Indonesia (Bali) and New Zealand retain the highest absolute volume of departures, Vietnam recorded an astonishing 17.4% year-on-year surge in Australian trips in the 12 months ending August 2026, reaching 588,490 resident departures.

From the lantern-lined canals of Hoi An to the turquoise waters of Phu Quoc's southern archipelago, Vietnam offers Australian travellers an unmatched spectrum of experiences—seamlessly bridging ancient culture, culinary excellence, and pristine coastal indulgence.

            AUSTRALIA-VIETNAM TRAVEL & REGIONAL CORRIDOR (2026)
            ====================================================

      [ Australian Gateways: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth ]
                                   │
             Direct Flights (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet)
                                   │
                                   ▼
        ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
        │                 VIETNAM TRANSIT HUBS                   │
        ├──────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────┤
        │  NORTH: Hanoi (HAN)      │  SOUTH: Ho Chi Minh (SGN)   │
        │  • Old Quarter & Street  │  • Commercial Gateway       │
        │  • Ha Long Bay Cruises   │  • Cu Chi & Mekong Delta    │
        └────────────┬─────────────┴──────────────┬──────────────┘
                     │                            │
                     ▼                            ▼
        ┌─────────────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────────────┐
        │   CENTRAL: Da Nang /    │  │    ISLAND: Phu Quoc     │
        │   Hoi An Ancient Town   │  │    (PQC Hub)            │
        │ • UNESCO Heritage Site  │  │ • 30-Day Visa Exemption │
        │ • Tailoring & Lanterns  │  │ • Luxury Beach Resorts  │
        │ • An Bang Beach         │  │ • Hon Thom Cable Car    │
        └─────────────────────────┘  └─────────────────────────┘

Australian Travel Surges to Record Highs: The Rise of Vietnam in 2026

Overseas departures among Australian residents reached 12.71 million trips in the financial year ending June 2026, up from 12.26 million in 2024–25. Among the key destination countries tracked by the ABS, Vietnam demonstrated the strongest percentage acceleration, solidifying its position among Australia’s top seven international travel destinations.

Data collected by ATIA indicates that for the 12 months ending August 2026, Australian residents completed approximately 588,490 trips to Vietnam. This 17.4% increase reflects several structural shifts in Australian travel behavior:

Direct Flight Capacity Expansion: Major carriers—including Vietnam Airlines and low-cost carrier VietJet—have launched and expanded non-stop routes connecting Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth directly to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with seasonal and charter links connecting directly to Phu Quoc and Da Nang.
Exceptional Value for Money: Amid domestic cost-of-living concerns in Australia, Vietnam provides outstanding value. High-end dining, five-star boutique resorts, and experiential private tours remain significantly more affordable than domestic Australian holidays or traditional Pacific getaways.
Streamlined Electronic Visas: Vietnam’s upgraded 90-day multiple-entry e-visa system, combined with Phu Quoc Island's special 30-day visa exemption for international visitors, has made itinerary planning remarkably friction-free.
Multi-Destination Route Flexibility: Unlike single-resort island destinations, Vietnam’s elongated geography enables travellers to seamlessly combine vibrant historic cities, dramatic karst seascapes, and tranquil tropical islands within a standard 10-to-14-day holiday.

Australian Bureau of Statistics Data: Comparing the Asia-Pacific Travel Landscape

The ABS Overseas Arrivals and Departures reports evaluate short-term resident returns across Australia’s primary holiday destinations. Comparing financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26 demonstrates how Vietnam outpaced other regional markets in percentage growth.

Destination Country	Trips (Year Ending June 2025)	Trips (Year Ending June 2026)	Annual Change (%)	Core Market Dynamics
Indonesia	1,741,370	1,777,270	+2.1%	Largest outbound market by volume; Bali remains primary anchor
New Zealand	1,409,320	1,489,460	+5.7%	Steady demand for outdoor touring, ski seasons, and visiting friends/relatives
Japan	910,640	992,550	+9.0%	Strong growth driven by favorable yen exchange rates and culinary culture
China	652,960	743,960	+13.9%	Continued recovery following expanded visa-free policies and family travel
Thailand	643,530	624,260	-3.0%	Slight contraction due to increased regional competition from Vietnam
India	590,560	615,740	+4.3%	Consistent performance across heritage, cultural, and diaspora visitation
Vietnam	490,510	567,480	+15.7%	Highest percentage growth rate among all top-tier destinations
Fiji	408,240	430,070	+5.4%	Resilient family-friendly luxury beach getaway

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Overseas Arrivals and Departures, financial-year releases. Note: These figures represent short-term resident return trips, not unique individual travellers.

While Indonesia maintained the top spot with nearly 1.78 million trips, its annual growth plateaued at 2.1%. In contrast, Vietnam’s 15.7% financial-year jump (and 17.4% in the 12-month period to August 2026) illustrates a clear migration of Australian holiday spending toward mainland Southeast Asia.

Five-Year Growth Trajectory: From Reopening Baseline to Market Outperformer

A five-year analysis tracing Australian travel from the pandemic reopening in 2021–22 through to 2025–26 highlights Vietnam’s remarkable trajectory.

Destination	2021–22	2022–23	2023–24	2024–25	2025–26	Five-Year Overall Growth
Indonesia	93,400	1,127,180	1,531,190	1,741,370	1,777,270	+1,802%
New Zealand	195,370	1,196,620	1,309,860	1,409,320	1,489,460	+662%
Japan	10,960	311,080	702,730	910,640	992,550	+8,956%
Thailand	66,990	422,620	535,250	643,530	624,260	+831%
India	157,500	483,770	515,000	590,560	615,740	+290%
Vietnam	29,160	271,580	388,580	490,510	567,480	+1,846%
Fiji	127,290	375,740	395,830	408,240	430,070	+237%

Source: ABS annual analysis of short-term resident returns (values rounded to nearest ten trips).

In 2021–22, when Australia first lifted border restrictions, only 29,160 Australian trips were logged to Vietnam. By 2025–26, that number climbed to 567,480—an almost 19.5-fold increase. While early growth naturally reflected recovery from a zero baseline, the fact that Vietnam maintained double-digit growth year after year throughout 2024, 2025, and 2026 demonstrates enduring market demand rather than a temporary post-pandemic spike.

Inbound Tourism Surge: Distinguishing Australian Trips from Total Arrivals

To understand Vietnam's tourism landscape accurately, travel planners must distinguish between two different metrics: total inbound foreign arrivals recorded by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), and overseas trip departures reported by the ABS.

Year / Period	Total Inbound Arrivals to Vietnam	Australian Trips Recorded	Statistical Context & Key Insights
2022	3.66 million	29,160 (Australian FY22)	International tourism reopened; initial border recovery
2023	12.60 million	271,580 (Australian FY23)	Strong rebound; Australia entered Vietnam's top source markets
2024	Over 17.50 million (+39.5% YoY)	388,580 (Australian FY24)	Vietnam surpassed 2019 pre-pandemic levels; Australia contributed ~491k arrivals
2025 (Jan–Oct)	17.20 million (+21.5% YoY)	490,510 (Australian FY25)	Australia generated 447,000 arrivals in the first 10 months alone
2026	Projected >20.0 million	567,480 (FY26) / 588,490 (12m to Aug)	Australia solidifies position as top 7 global inbound contributor

Sources: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), Vietnam Government News, ABS, and ATIA.

VNAT reports that Australia consistently ranks as one of Vietnam’s highest-yielding markets. Australian visitors stay an average of 12.5 days—considerably longer than travellers from neighboring East Asian markets—and spend significantly on independent dining, internal flights, guided excursions, and boutique handicrafts.

Regional Hotspots in Focus: Why Phu Quoc and Hoi An Lead the Australian Influx

The surge in Australian visitation is largely anchored by two contrasting destinations: Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town of Hoi An in Central Vietnam.

1. Phu Quoc: Tropical Island Escapes and Exclusive Visa Perks

Phu Quoc, located off the southwestern coast in Kien Giang Province, has transformed into Vietnam's flagship resort island. It offers Australian travellers a compelling alternative to Bali and Phuket.

30-Day Visa Exemption: Unlike mainland Vietnam, Phu Quoc operates as a special economic zone offering a 30-day visa-free stay for international visitors who arrive directly by air or transit through domestic hubs under an exempt transfer itinerary.
Pristine Beaches & Luxury Resorts: From the white powdery sands of Sao Beach (Bai Sao) and Khem Beach (Bai Khem) in the south to the tranquil sunsets of Ong Lang Beach in the west, Phu Quoc features world-class properties including the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, Regent Phu Quoc, and InterContinental Long Beach.
Hon Thom Cable Car: The Guinness World Record-holding 7.9-kilometre three-wire cable car carries visitors over turquoise waters and fishing fleets to Hon Thom Nature Park, offering spectacular aerial vistas.
Sunset Town and Night Markets: Mediterranean-inspired Sunset Town and the bustling Duong Dong Night Market allow travellers to savor freshly caught sea urchin, king prawns, grilled scallops with scallion oil, and Phu Quoc’s renowned native black pepper.

2. Hoi An Ancient Town: Living Heritage, Tailoring, and Coastal Charm

Located in Quang Nam Province, just 30 kilometres south of Da Nang International Airport, Hoi An is universally regarded as one of Southeast Asia's most charming cultural destinations.

Preserved Trading Port Architecture: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, Hoi An’s car-free Ancient Town preserves a unique architectural synthesis of Vietnamese shophouses, French-colonial balconies, Chinese assembly halls, and the iconic 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge.
Artisanal Tailoring and Craft Culture: Australian visitors flock to Hoi An's bespoke tailors and leather cobblers, where custom-fitted suits, dresses, and leather goods are crafted within 24 to 48 hours at accessible prices.
Lantern-Lit Nights on the Thu Bon River: At dusk, electric lights give way to thousands of silk lanterns illuminating historic timber facades. Visitors take traditional wooden sampan boat rides to release floating paper candle lanterns for good fortune.
An Bang Beach: Located just four kilometres from the ancient centre, An Bang Beach offers laid-back beachfront bars, sun loungers, and seafood shacks, enabling travellers to combine cultural sightseeing with relaxing coastal days.

3. Complementary Hubs: Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City

Australians rarely visit Vietnam for a single stop. The country's primary gateways enhance the holiday experience:

Da Nang: The coastal metropolis bordering Hoi An features the famous Marble Mountains, urban My Khe Beach, and the spectacular Golden Bridge suspended by giant stone hands at Sun World Ba Na Hills.
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay: In the north, Hanoi's thousand-year-old Old Quarter and bustling street-food alleys serve as the staging ground for overnight luxury cruises through the emerald karst islands of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
Ho Chi Minh City: The bustling southern commercial hub offers rooftop cocktail lounges, French-colonial landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, and guided day excursions to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta waterways.

Six Asia-Pacific Competitors: How Vietnam Compares with Australia's Top Destinations

For Australian travellers weighing their next overseas trip, comparing Vietnam against competing Asia-Pacific markets highlights distinct differences in cost, atmosphere, and holiday style:

Destination	Primary Appeal to Australians	Travel Style & Accommodation	Key Considerations for 2026
Vietnam	Diverse culture, street gastronomy, pristine beaches, affordable luxury	Heritage boutique stays, luxury island resorts, multi-city touring	Exceptional currency value; rapid flight connectivity; high safety ranking
Indonesia (Bali)	Surfing, nightlife, beach clubs, wellness villas, short flight times	Private pool villas, luxury beach clubs, family resorts	Growing road congestion in Canggu/Seminyak; new local tourist taxes
New Zealand	Alpine scenery, self-drive road trips, adventure sports, wine regions	Luxury lodges, holiday parks, campervans, lakefront hotels	Higher on-the-ground food, petrol, and accommodation expenses
Japan	Punctual high-speed rail, seasonal foliage/snow, ultra-clean urban culture	Ryokans, boutique city hotels, minimalist luxury	Favorable yen value tempered by high flight costs and peak seasonal crowding
Thailand	Established island resorts, ornate Buddhist temples, nightlife, street food	Coastal villas, budget hostels, mega-resorts	High repeat visitation; competition from cheaper regional destinations
Fiji	Family-oriented beachfront resorts, private islands, diving, warm hospitality	All-inclusive luxury bures, private coral island hideaways	Higher overall package costs; limited cultural touring outside resort perimeters

Regional Culinary Guide: Flavours That Define a Vietnamese Journey

Gastronomy is a cornerstone of the Australian travel experience in Vietnam. The country’s culinary traditions vary by geography, balancing sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami notes:

Pho (Northern Specialist): Aromatic beef or chicken bone broth simmered for 12 hours with star anise, cinnamon, and charred ginger, poured over delicate rice noodles and topped with scallions and fresh herbs.
Bun Cha (Hanoi Classic): Charcoal-grilled pork patties and pork belly served in a bowl of warm, diluted fish sauce with pickled green papaya, accompanied by fresh vermicelli noodles and baskets of perilla, mint, and cilantro.
Cao Lau (Exclusive to Hoi An): Chewy wheat-and-rice noodles steeped in lye water made from local Cham island wood ash, topped with braised pork slices, crisp bean sprouts, aromatic greens, and fried noodle croutons.
White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac): Delicate translucent rice dumplings filled with minced spiced shrimp or pork, crimped into rose shapes, steamed, and topped with crisp shallots and sweet chili dipping sauce.
Banh Mi (Nationwide Staple): Crusty French baguettes smeared with rich liver pâté, mayonnaise, assorted cold cuts, pickled daikon and carrot, fresh cucumber, chili, and cilantro.
Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung): Strong Robusta drip coffee topped with a thick, velvety sabayon whipped from egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar—a dessert-like specialty invented in Hanoi.

Curated 10-Day Vietnam Discovery Itinerary

This 10-day itinerary balances northern cultural immersion, central heritage exploration in Hoi An, and tropical relaxation on Phu Quoc Island.

Day	Primary Location	Morning Itinerary	Afternoon Activities	Evening & Dining
Day 1	Hanoi	Arrive at Noi Bai (HAN); check into boutique hotel in the Old Quarter	Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake; visit Ngoc Son Temple	Street-food walking tour; sample Bun Cha and egg coffee in Ta Hien alley
Day 2	Hanoi → Ha Long Bay	Transfer to Tuan Chau Harbour; board luxury overnight bay cruise	Kayak through Luon Cave; swim at Ti Top Island	Sunset cocktail deck session; multi-course seafood dinner onboard
Day 3	Ha Long Bay → Da Nang	Sunrise Tai Chi on sundeck; explore Sung Sot Cave; brunch onboard	Disembark; transfer to Hanoi airport for 1-hour flight to Da Nang (DAD)	Check into Hoi An riverside resort; evening stroll amidst silk lanterns
Day 4	Hoi An Ancient Town	Guided walking tour: Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky House, Assembly Halls	Bespoke tailoring fittings; cycle through tranquil Tra Que vegetable village	Dinner on the Thu Bon River; release floating candle lanterns from a wooden boat
Day 5	Hoi An & An Bang Beach	Morning cooking class starting with an ingredient tour at local market	Relax on sun loungers at An Bang Beach; swim in the East Sea	Casual beachfront barbecue dinner with fresh grilled fish and cold Bia Hoi
Day 6	Hoi An → Phu Quoc	Morning visit to Marble Mountains; transfer to Da Nang Airport	1.5-hour direct or connecting flight to Phu Quoc International (PQC)	Check into beachside resort; sunset cocktail on the sands of Ong Lang
Day 7	Southern Phu Quoc	Ride the world-record Hon Thom Cable Car across emerald waters	Snorkel coral reefs at Gam Ghi and May Rut islands via speedboat	Dinner in Sunset Town; watch the Kiss of the Sea multimedia light show
Day 8	Phu Quoc Island Life	Visit the Frung Dong pepper farm and traditional fish sauce distillery	Unwind at Bai Sao (Star Beach); swim in shallow turquoise waters	Explore Duong Dong Night Market; feast on grilled scallops and squid
Day 9	Phu Quoc → Ho Chi Minh	Morning yoga or paddleboarding; afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City	Explore the Central Post Office, Notre Dame, and War Remnants Museum	Sunset cocktails at a rooftop lounge overlooking District 1 skyline
Day 10	Ho Chi Minh City → Return	Morning souvenir shopping for coffee and ceramics at Ben Thanh Market	Relax with a traditional Vietnamese herbal spa massage	Transfer to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) for non-stop evening flight to Australia

Essential Practical Advice for Australian Holidaymakers

Visa Rules: Australians visiting mainland Vietnam must secure an e-visa via the official Vietnamese Government Immigration portal before departure. Single-entry (US$25) and multiple-entry (US$50) visas are valid for up to 90 days. Travellers heading exclusively to Phu Quoc for 30 days or fewer do not require a visa, provided their transit adheres to exemption guidelines.
Direct Flight Bookings: Vietnam Airlines operates non-stop flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Low-cost airline VietJet provides competitive fares from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Booking 3 to 5 months in advance yields significant savings during Australian school holiday periods.
Currency and Card Usage: The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While Australian credit and debit cards are widely accepted at resorts, supermarkets, and upscale restaurants, cash is indispensable for taxis, street stalls, and rural markets. ATMs are abundant across all major towns.
Weather and Seasonality: Vietnam’s climate varies by region. Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long) experiences cool winters (December–February) and warm summers. Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang) is sunniest between February and August, with seasonal rains common from October to December. Southern Vietnam and Phu Quoc enjoy warm tropical weather year-round, with peak dry conditions running from November through April.
Health and Safety: Tap water is not potable; stick to bottled or filtered water. Download the Grab ride-hailing application for fair, transparent taxi and food delivery pricing across all cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Vietnam becoming so popular with Australian travellers?

Vietnam offers exceptional affordability, convenient non-stop flights from major Australian cities, a streamlined e-visa system, safe travel conditions, and a diverse holiday mix spanning historic towns, tropical beaches, and world-class street gastronomy.

How many trips to Vietnam did Australians make in 2026?

According to ATIA and ABS data, Australian residents made approximately 588,490 trips to Vietnam in the 12 months ending August 2026, representing a 17.4% year-on-year increase and making it Australia's fastest-growing major destination.

Do Australians need a visa to visit Phu Quoc?

Australians visiting Phu Quoc directly for 30 days or fewer do not need a visa, as the island is a designated Special Economic Zone. However, travellers visiting mainland destinations like Hanoi or Hoi An must obtain an e-visa.

What is the best month to visit both Hoi An and Phu Quoc?

February to April is the optimal window to visit both regions. During these months, Hoi An experiences dry, warm weather ideal for walking and cycling, while Phu Quoc enjoys clear skies, calm seas, and minimal rainfall.

Vietnam Surges as Australia’s Fastest-Growing Holiday Destination: Phu Quoc and Hoi An Lead Travel Boom