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-qua♒lity 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%.
Unlike more developed destinations such as Sa Pa or Mu Cang Chai, Mien Doi remains untouched by mass tourism, appealing to those seeking a slower pace and authentic local experiences.
From 2022 to 2024, Hanoi saw a strong annual growth rate of 28.3% in visitor numbers during the National Day holiday, with international visitors rising 62.5% annually. Tourism revenue grew by 31.6% per year, reinforcing Hanoi’s status as a vibrant, culturally rich, and safe destination.
Following the recent administrative restructuring that merged the city with the neighbouring provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau, HCM City now boasts 681 potential tourist sites. With a population of over 14 million, it has become Vietnam’s largest intra-provincial tourism market, both in scale and in diversity.
The three-month contest aims to encourage content creators and travel lovers to showcase the beauty of the landscapes, people, and culture of Vietnam through short videos, to international audiences in an emotionally engaging and modern way.
With its “simple, green, and friendly” vibe, Cao Bang is establishing itself as Vietnam’s most welcoming getaway, rocketing up the list of top spots in the northern mountains.
Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 3.85 million foreigners in the first half, a 44% surge year-on-year, alongside 18.3 million domestic tourists, up 7%. The influx generated nearly 117.94 trillion VND (4.53 billion USD) in revenue, a 27.3% yearly rise, putting the city nearly halfway to its annual target, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
In the article titled "The World's Largest Cave Has Its Own Climate System With Jungles, Rivers, and Clouds—and This Is the Only Way You Can See It", Travel+Leisure describes Son Doong as a “surreal natural wonder,” featuring massive domes, a primeval jungle hidden underground, an underground river system, and its own secluded climate.
Hanoi’s Department of Tourism has introduced a series of new attractive tourism products, aiming to make a strong breakthrough during the National Day (September 2) holiday, and accelerate growth through the end of the year.
With its pristine natural beauty, diverse tourism options, and growing focus on sustainability, Vinh Hy Bay is truly a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the wonders of Khanh Hoa province.
In line with guidance from the Government Office and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the capital has assigned its Department of Agriculture and Environment to raise public awareness and disseminate legal knowledge on biodiversity conservation and resource use.
To encourage domestic visitors, the Tourism Department has launched the 2025 tourism promotion scheme themed "Hanoians and Tourists Experience Four- and Five-Star Hotel Services in Hanoi", with a special focus on the week leading up to Vietnam Family Day (June 28).
Vietnam led the region with a 30% increase in international arrivals compared to Q1 2024, and ranked second in terms of recovery rate, with a 34% rise over the same period in 2019.
The show's popularity is continuously going viral on social media in Vietnam, with a record of over 13 million views on YouTube after its first five episodes.
The H1 figure stood at 49% of the full-year target of 22-23 million tourists, but it should be noted that the peak international tourism season in Vietnam lasts from October to March.
In the Best Islands category, Phu Quoc was the sole representative from Vietnam, ranked third among the top ten islands. This achievement adds to Phu Quoc’s list of international accolades over the past two years.
Australian journalist and photographer Ronan O’Connell has visited Vietnam 19 times over the past 18 years as he is lured by the country’s diverse charm, lively atmosphere, and hospitality.
Over 50 Vietnamese and Japanese travel firms and tourism authorities gathered at a tourism promotion seminar in Hanoi on July 2 to showcase their products, exchange market insights, and strengthen practical and effective cooperation between the two countries.
Mongolia and Vietnam are the top two foreign destinations for Korean travelers during the 2025 summer holiday season, with flight booking data showing Mongolia accounting for 18.3% and Vietnam 16.8% of total reservations.
