Vietnam Surges as a Top Destination for Australian Travelers
A Rising Star in Southeast Asia
Vietnam has overtaken Singapore and Malaysia to become the third-most visited Southeast Asian destination for Australians, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The number of Australian residents returning from short trips to the country has more than doubled since 2016—from 246,000 to 528,000 in 2024.
Why Australians Are Choosing Vietnam
“There’s a very strong alignment between what Australian travellers want and what Vietnam offers… premium experiences at mid-range prices.” — Dr. Truc Le, Griffith University
Dr. Le attributes the rise to a combination of affordability, a favorable exchange rate, and a growing preference for authentic, non-overcrowded experiences. The Australian dollar has maintained significant buying power against the Vietnamese dong, especially compared with the US dollar and euro—making high-end experiences accessible at mid-range costs.
Affordability in Action
- Event coordinator Mandy Lan, 25, spent less than $1,500 on a two-week trip (excluding flights), including dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and commissioning five custom-made garments for just $250.
- Content creator Georgia Quinn budgeted $6,000 for herself and her partner, including flights, on a recent journey to Da Nang.
Flight and Search Data
- Jetstar reported a 30% increase in passengers flying to Vietnam since 2023, with 15% more flights offered.
- Expedia registered year-on-year growth in accommodation searches for Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc from 2025 to 2026.
Cultural Appeal: A Shift from Backpacker to Trendsetter
Industry experts highlight Vietnam’s young median age of 33 and a resurgence of diaspora youth returning to start businesses. This wave is reshaping the country’s food, fashion, music, and nightlife scenes.
“You also have a diaspora community from the second generation who are taking over their parents’ restaurants and changing them up.” — Linh Phan, founder of Hidden Saigon
Brian Letwin, co-founder of Urbanist Travel, describes the new scene as having a “nonconformist” feeling—a dynamic cultural energy that appeals to Australians seeking fresh, unpolished experiences.
Georgia Quinn, a lifestyle content creator who first visited Vietnam 15 years ago as a backpacker, noted that the country was once less popular than Thailand or Bali. On her recent trip, she observed many new developments in Da Nang and encountered numerous Australian tourists.
Over-Tourism Concerns
While Vietnam’s tourism sector is expanding rapidly, some observers draw parallels with over-tourism in Bali. However, local business owners note that many trendy venues primarily rely on local clientele, which may help buffer the impact of tourist influxes and preserve the authenticity that first drew travelers to the country.