- Vietnam welcomed 3.5 million visitors during the New Year holiday from January 1-4
- Tourism demand spread across cities, beaches, and hill towns with high accommodation use
- Top destinations included Phu Quoc, Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang
Vietnam has started the year with a strong tourism headline. During the New Year holiday period, the country recorded one of its busiest travel spells on record, welcoming around 3.5 million visitors in just four days (January 1-4). Major cities, beach resorts and hill towns all reported high footfalls. Accommodation facilities operated at high levels, as per reports. Popular regions such as coastal islands, central beach cities and northern cultural hubs emerged as clear favourites, underlining the breadth of Vietnam's travel appeal. The numbers come after an already robust year for tourism, reinforcing Vietnam's position as one of Southeast Asia's fastest-recovering and most in-demand destinations. For Indian travellers searching for popular international destinations, this early surge offers timely context as holiday planning for 2026 begins.
What The New Year Numbers Show
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Official data from Vietnam's National Tourism Authority highlights a few patterns during the holiday period. Travel demand was spread across multiple regions rather than concentrated in one city, with both established hotspots and emerging destinations reporting strong arrivals. Domestic air routes operated at high frequencies, while hotels and resorts in key leisure destinations saw significant occupancy. Together, these details point to Vietnam's ability to handle high-volume travel across varied geographies over a short, peak-demand window.
For Indian travellers considering Vietnam, these figures and destination trends help illustrate the kind of experiences currently drawing visitors and the range of places being considered.
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Destinations Driving Vietnam's Tourism Boom
One of the standout aspects of Vietnam's New Year travel performance was the diversity of destinations that attracted visitors. From islands and beaches to cities and hill towns, demand was spread across the country.
1. Phu Quoc
A tropical island destination known for white-sand beaches, clear waters and high-end resorts, Phu Quoc continues to rank among Vietnam's most visited leisure hotspots, especially during holiday periods.
2. Da Lat
With its mild climate, pine forests and lakes, Da Lat remains a popular escape for travellers seeking cooler weather and scenic landscapes, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City. Photo Credit: Unsplash
Vietnam's largest city continues to be a major entry and transit point, drawing visitors with its mix of history, shopping districts, food scenes and urban energy.
4. Mang Den
Mang Den's growing visibility reflects rising interest in quieter, nature-focused destinations. Its waterfalls, forests and slower pace have helped it gain attention alongside more established spots.
5. Hanoi
Hanoi's Old Quarter, cultural landmarks and cafe culture keep it firmly on travellers' itineraries, particularly for those interested in heritage and distinctive local experiences.
6. Da Nang
Da Nang. Photo Credit: Unsplash
A key central hub, Da Nang benefits from beaches, modern infrastructure and proximity to heritage sites, making it a frequent choice for both short stays and longer holidays.
7. Nha Trang
Known for its coastline and water-based activities, Nha Trang remains a strong draw for travellers looking for lively beach destinations.
8. Vung Tau
Located close to Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau continues to attract weekend and short-break travellers, especially during peak holiday periods.
9. Mui Ne
Mui Ne's sand dunes and relaxed coastal setting have helped it feature among the most visited destinations during the holiday rush.
Why This Matters For Indian Travellers Planning Vietnam Trips
For Indian tourists exploring international options in 2026, Vietnam's New Year travel data offers a snapshot of what destinations are currently drawing crowds and how widely travel demand is distributed. The strong showing across islands, cities and hill towns suggests that travellers are not limited to a single circuit and can plan multi-stop itineraries depending on interests related to beaches, culture, nature or urban experiences.
With Vietnam already featuring on the radar of Indian travellers looking for short-haul international holidays, these trends provide specific cues.
Also Read: Budget Vietnam Trip Under INR 35,000: Here's How To Plan It
Planning A Vietnam Trip: Practical Pointers
- Best time to visit: November to April is widely preferred for comfortable weather across most regions.
- Trip duration: A 6-10 day itinerary allows travellers to combine a city with a beach or hill destination.
- Getting around: Domestic flights connect major cities efficiently; trains and road travel suit scenic routes.
- Food considerations: Vegetarian-friendly options are more easily found in large cities and tourist areas.
- Costs: Vietnam continues to be considered good value compared to many international destinations, especially for mid-range travel.
Vietnam's strong start to the year places it firmly among Southeast Asia's most active travel markets. For Indian travellers mapping out future holidays, the New Year numbers provide useful insights. With established hotspots and emerging gems sharing the spotlight, Vietnam is shaping up as a destination that offers both familiarity and discovery: an increasingly attractive combination for trips planned in 2026.
