Vietnam received about 13.9 million international visitors during the period, up 13.8 per cent from a year earlier and equivalent to around 56 per cent of its full-year target of 25 million, according to the National Statistics Office.
Growth in Australian arrivals therefore outpaced the overall international market.
Austrade data cited by travel companies showed Australian visitors spend around AUD 5,600-6,200 (VND 105-117 million) per trip to Vietnam.
Their trips typically last seven to 12 days, with demand ranging from cultural and nature experiences to beach holidays and high-end tourism products.
Tran The Dung, general director of tour operator Vietluxtour, said visitors from Australia, Europe and the United States in July were 1.5 times the level recorded in the same month of 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said Australian visitors typically stay for 12-16 days, though some trips last seven to eight days and longer itineraries may include Laos and Cambodia.
Their longer stays and higher spending on shopping and services have made Australia an increasingly important market for Vietnam's tourism industry.
Growth has been supported by expanding direct air links between the two countries.
VietJet Air operates direct flights from HCM City to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, while Vietnam Airlines connects Hanoi and HCM City with Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
Vietnam Airlines said the Vietnam-Australia aviation market handled around 757,200 passengers in the first five months of the year, up 6.5 per cent year-on-year.
Travel demand is also supported by people visiting relatives, studying, working and doing business, making the market less dependent on tourism seasons.
Vietnam Airlines plans to increase frequencies on existing routes and is studying a new HCM City-Brisbane service.
Australian citizens are also eligible for Vietnam's electronic visa, valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entry.
