Waking up in the peaceful surroundings of Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province, 62-year-old Australian visitor Beyond said she had found a sense of calm she had long been seeking. She recently chose to stay in Vietnam for an extended period, drawn by lower living costs and a desire to explore local culture.
She rents a private unit at a resort in Ninh Binh for AUD 32 per night, including breakfast and access to amenities such as a swimming pool, a price she said would be difficult to find in Australia.
Another traveller, Brian Johnston, highlighted Vietnam’s street food as a standout experience, describing dishes like banh mi as uniquely flavourful and unlike anything elsewhere.
He also praised the friendliness of local people, noting that even short stays leave a strong impression of warmth and hospitality.
Ha Long Bay is a favourite destination among international visitors (Photo: Instagram/@belenapar).
These experiences reflect a broader trend. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Australia is among Vietnam’s top 10 source markets, with visitor numbers rising sharply in recent years.
From around 383,000 arrivals in 2019, numbers dropped during the pandemic before rebounding to 390,000 in 2023 and 490,000 in 2024. In 2025, the figure reached a record 550,000 visitors.
Australian arrivals to Vietnam in the 2019-2025 period (Graphic: Viet Ha).
Search data also shows Vietnam entering the top 10 most searched destinations by Australian travellers for the first time, signalling growing international appeal.
Popular destinations include Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Danang, Ha Long Bay and Hoi An, offering a mix of scenery, heritage and cuisine.
This group is particularly drawn to local cultural experiences (Photo: Provided by the organiser).
Industry experts say Australian travellers tend to favour in depth cultural experiences over fast paced itineraries, often choosing trips lasting 7 to 12 days in the mid to high end segment.
Average spending per trip ranges from AUD 5,600 to 6,200, placing them among higher spending visitor groups.
Destinations such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc are also gaining traction, with search demand rising 65 per cent and 45 per cent respectively.
Australian visitors enjoy a cruise in Ha Long Bay (Photo: Provided by the organiser).
Direct flights of under 10 hours from major Australian cities, operated by carriers including Vietnam Airlines, Qantas and VietJet Air, are further boosting accessibility.
With competitive pricing, diverse offerings and improving infrastructure, Vietnam is increasingly seen as a “golden destination” for Australian travellers seeking both value and depth in their journeys.
