Australia And US Drive Record-Breaking Christmas And New Year Travel Surge To Vietnam’s Tourism Sector

Published on December 8, 2025

Australia and the United States are driving a record-breaking surge in Vietnam’s tourism sector this Christmas and New Year, as increasing flight availability, expanded visa policies, and the country’s growing reputation as a holiday hotspot attract more international travelers than ever before. The surge in arrivals from these key markets reflects the broader global trend of recovery in tourism, with Vietnam becoming a top destination for holidaymakers seeking unique experiences and vibrant cultural celebrations.

Vietnam’s tourism sector is set for a vibrant and successful conclusion to the year, building on a solid foundation of growth over the past 11 months. With the year-end peak season fast approaching, the industry is experiencing a surge in demand, driven by new digital innovations, festive promotions, and an increasing number of travellers eager to explore the country.

The final months of the year are always a key period for tourism, and expectations are higher than ever for 2025. The market shows clear signs of recovery, with both domestic and international tourism segments showing impressive growth, creating a wave of optimism throughout the industry.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), domestic tourism has already reached an estimated 125 million travellers in the first 10 months of 2025. Meanwhile, international arrivals have soared to 17.2 million. This increase in tourist numbers has translated into significant revenue, with travel businesses generating nearly 77.4 trillion VND (around 3 billion USD) over the same period. Accommodation and dining services have also benefited, contributing more than 695 trillion VND to the economy. These positive results have bolstered business confidence, positioning Vietnam’s tourism industry for a strong finish to the year, with expectations of meeting or surpassing annual targets.

In light of these favourable trends, many regions and localities have revamped their tourism products, incorporated cutting-edge technologies, and launched exciting new programs aimed at enticing both domestic and international visitors. One of the most notable shifts has been the incorporation of digital technology into traditional tourism experiences. Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and QR-code-based applications are now regularly featured in heritage tours, allowing visitors to interact with cultural stories in innovative ways.

For example, the “Legendary Truong Son Trail – Command Bunker” VR tour in Quang Tri offers a captivating, immersive experience that allows tourists to explore the rugged terrain of Highway 20 – Quyet Thang. The experience vividly recreates the challenges faced by wartime drivers, providing a highly engaging educational tool. This digitalisation of cultural and historical tours has proven particularly appealing to younger travellers who value interactive and immersive experiences. By offering “try-before-you-book” digital experiences, conversion rates from initial interest to actual bookings have significantly improved.

In preparation for the festive season, tour operators have rolled out a range of promotional offers. From vouchers and e-vouchers to flight-and-resort combo packages, these deals are designed to attract bookings and stimulate demand, particularly in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year. With tour and hotel room searches already surging in November and December, the industry is well-positioned to make the most of the high travel season.

Looking ahead to the international market, Vietnam’s tourism sector has high hopes for growth from key regions including Australia, the US, Europe, and Northeast Asia. According to experts, arrivals from these markets are expected to rise steadily from November 2025 through the first quarter of 2026, further boosting Vietnam’s tourism sector. Meanwhile, domestic tourism remains stable, benefiting from the strong demand generated by year-end holidays and the ongoing festive spirit.

Backed by 10 months of strong performance, Vietnam’s tourism sector enters the holiday season with optimism. New tech-driven tours, along with refreshed cultural and resort-based experiences, have broadened the revenue potential of the industry. These developments ensure that the country’s tourism goals for the year remain within reach, with positive momentum extending into 2026.

The Vietnam Tourism Association has also called for an increased focus on digital marketing in key international markets to capitalise on the growing interest. Furthermore, strengthening familiarisation programs (famtrips) for international partners is seen as essential to ensuring that Vietnam’s new offerings reach the right target audience.

The demand for Christmas travel is already rising, with popular destinations such as Da Lat drawing large crowds. The picturesque morning mist over Xuan Huong Lake, coupled with the Christmas lights adorning the hills, have once again captured the hearts of visitors. As the central areas become crowded, many tourists are opting to explore quieter areas such as Trai Mat and Xuan Truong, where they can enjoy a more peaceful holiday experience.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the festive atmosphere is in full swing. Streets like Dong Khoi, Le Loi, and Nguyen Hue are ablaze with lights, artificial snow displays, and towering Christmas trees. Iconic landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and Diamond Plaza are teeming with visitors eager to take photos, while Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street transforms into a vibrant hub for thousands of revelers celebrating New Year’s Eve. The streets come alive with fireworks and festive cheer, providing an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists.

Meanwhile, Phu Quoc offers a distinct “tropical Christmas” experience, with its golden beaches and calm seas creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxing holiday. December marks the island’s peak season, offering travellers an escape from the winter chill. Unique touches like seashell-themed Christmas trees and European-style night markets, combined with seaside feasts, create a festive atmosphere that blends relaxation with celebration.

Australia and the US are fueling a record-breaking surge in Vietnam’s tourism this Christmas and New Year, driven by increased flights, expanded visa policies, and the country’s growing appeal as a holiday destination.

If the current momentum continues and ongoing stimulus programmes are optimised, Vietnam’s tourism sector is poised to close 2025 on a high note. With steady growth expected in the coming months, the industry is well-positioned for another successful year in 2026. The combination of digital innovation, refreshed tourism products, and festive enthusiasm promises to deliver a significant boost to Vietnam’s economy, reinforcing its position as a top destination for both domestic and international travellers.