Vietnam becomes popular end-of-year destination for families in region

Based on searches made between September and November for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period last year.

Da Nang is among top choices for families from the Republic of Korea. (Photo: VNA)
Da Nang is among top choices for families from the Republic of Korea. (Photo: VNA)

HCM City (VNS/VNA) – Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular choice for families in the region and beyond, according to a new report from Agoda.

Based on searches made between September and November for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period last year.

Agoda data shows that the country is attracting more international families than ever this season.

Vu Ngoc Lam, country director at Agoda, said: “It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda’s data shows that travellers are recognising Vietnam’s family-friendly appeal, which further strengthens its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda’s simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities.”

The Republic of Korea take the lead as the top market interested in travelling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five.

Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showed the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians are also expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam’s appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions, it said.

Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travellers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations.

Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favourite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In the fourth place, HCM City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta.

In the North, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, though Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year – China is becoming a noticeable exception.

Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December–January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever./.

VNA

See more

Visitors admire Ho Chi Minh City from above. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City launches helicopter sightseeing tours

Globally, helicopter tourism has become a popular offering in many major destinations. By introducing this experience, Ho Chi Minh City aims to expand its portfolio of high-end tourism products and further enhance its destination image.

The blending of culture, architecture and art on Phu Quoc is shaping a cosmopolitan city. (Photo: Sun Group)

Phu Quoc: Where the world meets through architecture

The presence of diverse international architectural styles across Phu Quoc, rather than a single traditional architectural system, is not accidental but rooted in the island’s unique development context. Unlike cities with centuries of urban heritage such as Hoi An or Hue, Phu Quoc is a tourism destination that has grown rapidly over just the past few decades, without a clearly layered architectural legacy to inherit.

The luxurious resorts ecosystem contribute to elevating Phu Quoc's image in the eyes of international media. (Photo: Sun Group)

Phu Quoc and its luxury resorts "take the leaderboard by storm" in DestinAsian rankings

On March 6, 2026, the prestigious travel magazine DestinAsian officially announced its list of the top 10 islands in Asia for 2026 as part of its Readers' Choice Awards. Not only was it the sole representative from Vietnam, but Phu Quoc also made a remarkable impression by climbing to the runner-up position, continuing an impressive three-year upward trend.

A view of the opening ceremony of the Ban Flower (Bauhinia) Festival 2026 in Dien Bien province on March 8 evening. (Photo: VNA)

Government leader attends Ban Flower Festival 2026 in Dien Bien province

Themed “Hoa Ban – Khat vong Dien Bien,” the festival was a highlight of the Dien Bien Culture and Tourism Week running from March 6 – 12. The annual event celebrated the beauty of the iconic Ban flower and promoted the culture, history and tourism potential of the Northwestern region.

Khem beach in Phu Quoc island of An Giang province. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Quoc strengthens appeal as international arrivals soar in early 2026

Phu Quoc special zone is increasingly affirming its strong appeal to international visitors with impressive growth, positioning the “pearl island” as a standout destination in Southeast Asia and a direct competitor to renowned resort islands such as Bali in Indonesia and Phuket in Thailand.

Leaves of loc vung (Barringtonia acutangula tree) change colour beside Hoan Kiem Lake (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi named among world’s 50 most beautiful cities by Condé Nast Traveler

Hanoi’s appearance within the global media ecosystem of Condé Nast Traveler is expected to provide a significant boost to the city’s tourism appeal. Beyond enhancing its credibility as a travel destination, the recognition could also help attract high-end tourism services and encourage higher spending by international visitors.

Overseas Vietnamese in traditional ao dai explore Nguyen Hue flower street. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Overseas Vietnamese amplify Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism appeal

With their understanding of both local traditions and international contexts, OVs are proving to be an effective “soft bridge” in promoting the city globally, contributing to rising international arrivals and reinforcing Ho Chi Minh City’s position as a creative, globally integrated and culturally rich urban tourism destination

Smoke rises following US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, Iran, on March 1. (Photo: XINHUA/VNA)

Hanoi urges suspension of tours to Middle East conflict zones

Vietnamese citizens have been advised not to travel to Iran, Israel, and other countries in the Middle East at present due to ongoing conflicts and complicated security developments, according to an official dispatch sent by the department to the above-mentioned units on March 3.

A representative of a Vietnamese enterprise shows it products at ITB Berlin 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese firms promote tourism at ITB Berlin 2026

Vietnam’s exhibition area stands out with spacious and visually striking booths featuring businesses' most outstanding products as well as Vietnam's cultural icons such as cyclo models and traditional ao dai attire while a Vietnamese cuisine counter has drawn long queues of visitors.

International tourists are increasingly choosing Phu Quoc over giants like Bali and Phuket, driven by the freshness that Phu Quoc offers (Photo: Sun Group)

US media explains why Phu Quoc is becoming a tourism phenomenon

In 2025, international arrivals to Phu Quoc surged by nearly 60%, marking a new breakthrough cycle. As 2026 begins, during the Lunar New Year alone, the island welcomed nearly 366,000 visitors (a 30% increase year-on-year), with international guests accounting for nearly 93,000 (up 24.3%).

The crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands of Kem Beach are especially appealing to visitors (Photo: Fabl Belek)

Australian magazine hails Phu Quoc as a worthy alternative to Bali

In its list of “the best Bali alternatives worth exploring,” published by Australia’s leading travel site Escape, Phu Quoc is highlighted as a standout Southeast Asian destination, thanks to its appealing blend of reasonable costs, striking scenery, and diverse experiences.

Young locals explore Co Loa Citadel in digital space (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Hanoi festivals embrace digital tools to modernise management

During spring festival season 2026, Hanoi's major celebrations have aggressively adopted digital technologies across management, organisation, communications and promotion, presenting a more orderly and civilised image for traditional events.