Travel firms report that the rush to book National Day tours started as early as the first quarter, with enticing destinations ranging from Southeast and Northeast Asia to Europe, Australia, and the Americas.
According to a Vietluxtour representative, more than 70 per cent of the company's overseas tour slots for the holiday were snapped up as early as late in the first quarter.
Vietravel Hanoi launched its National Day holiday tours from early June, expanding its international line-up from Thailand, Singapore, Bali (Indonesia), South Korea, and Japan to long-haul markets such as Europe, the US, and Russia.
Meanwhile, Du Lich Viet Company reported a steady rise in international bookings throughout August, with many tours to South Korea and China selling out ahead of the holiday.
With tour prices holding steady this year, the market has managed to retain a large customer base, a crucial factor in the post-Covid-19 recovery.
Despite strong demand, not all journeys run smoothly. Some destinations have faced disruptions, forcing both tour operators and travellers to struggle.
Pham Anh Vu, a representative of Du Lich Viet Company, said that China has changed its visa rules this year, requiring individual rather than group visas for tours to Beijing from August 10 to September 8, making customers more hesitant to book.
For Thailand, Vietnamese tourists have been unsettled by recent news. Tour operators have had to provide constant updates and reassurances to customers that popular destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket remain safe.
Japan has seen demand cool following an unfounded earthquake prediction. The baseless rumour, circulated on social media, sparked doubt among some travellers considering a trip to the country.
However, Du Lich Viet has still seen a growth of 10-15 per cent compared to the same period of last year.
Tour operators report that Vietnamese outbound travel this autumn is expected to grow by 25-30 per cent.
Short-haul packages to destinations like Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan (China) are priced between VND 10-18 million (USD 390-700) per person, while long-haul tours to Europe and the Americas start from VND 55 million, depending on the itinerary. Overall, prices have risen by just 2-5 per cent, driven mainly by peak-season airfares and accommodation costs.
