10 'bizarre' travel trends for Vietnamese tourists in 2026

Enjoying leisure activities in Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Phuong Lam .

Based on a survey of over 29,000 travelers in 33 countries and territories, including Vietnam, and drawing on experience in the tourism and technology sectors, the digital travel platform Booking.com has outlined 10 key trends for 2026. All emphasize that holidays are increasingly becoming journeys with a strong personal touch.

A "magical romantic" getaway.

The rise of the "romantasy" genre (a blend of romance and fantasy) is leading travelers to experiences beyond the pages of books. 94% of Vietnamese travelers are willing to visit destinations inspired by fantasy worlds ; 81% want to participate in role-playing journeys based on their favorite games, stories, or movies.

Technology continues to drive this trend, with 87% of Vietnamese travelers willing to accept AI-powered suggestions to explore "mythical lands".

Houses equipped with state-of-the-art robots

In 2026, vacation rentals will enter a new era with robots for cleaning, cooking, dishwashing, and energy-efficient automated systems. 98% of Vietnamese travelers are willing to book this type of accommodation; 53% are convinced by cleaning robots, 41% are interested in chef robots, and 35% want robots to provide sustainable support.

The modern, novel experience piqued the curiosity of 39% of travelers, and 35% wanted to "show off" having lived in their future home.

Relaxation combined with high-tech beauty treatments.

The trend of specialized skincare tourism is booming, with 92% of Vietnamese travelers wanting to book high-tech beauty vacations. AI plays a significant role, with 86% considering using artificial intelligence to choose destinations suitable for their skin condition.

90% want to experience smart skin hydration services; 81% prefer skin analysis mirrors; 95% are interested in rooms that optimize sleep through lighting and sound.

American tourists visiting and experiencing Hanoi. Photo: Scott Campbell.

Travel to test compatibility

85% of Vietnamese travelers are willing to travel with someone they're dating, a colleague, or a new friend to "test" their compatibility. 69% want to go to remote locations to observe their adaptability; 80% are interested in role-reversal vacations; and 68% are willing to try a trip on a limited budget or facing language barriers.

Gen Z continues to lead the way, with 88% wanting to try real-life simulation rides.

Preserve your experience with souvenirs

90% of Vietnamese tourists consider buying handcrafted kitchenware, spices, and food containers when traveling. 84% choose destinations famous for their kitchen products. 52% appreciate the value of local craftsmanship; 33% enjoy reliving memories through kitchenware; and 17% are attracted by limited editions or rare designs.

Innovate long-distance travel

Long-distance travel in 2026 will become a journey of spontaneity, connection, and discovery. 92% of Vietnamese travelers are willing to carpool; 84% want to use apps to find people with similar routes. 93% appreciate the flexibility and the opportunity to meet new people.

Gen Z is at the forefront, with 82% using self-driving cars or AI to design routes; 81% of Vietnamese tourists use AI to find beautiful, lesser-known routes.

Travel by cosmic signals

Spiritual signals, astrology, and lunar cycles are increasingly influencing travel plans. 78% of Vietnamese travelers are willing to change their travel plans if a spiritual advisor advises against it; 73% consider their horoscope; and 61% adjust their itineraries during Mercury retrograde.

65% view spiritual factors as part of their plans; Gen Z and Millennials are the most sensitive groups.

Tourists take photos on the Ho Chi Minh City metro line during the trial phase in November 2024. Photo: Duy Hieu .

Quiet travel

45% of Vietnamese tourists want to be close to nature; 37% seek "quiet" activities such as insect observation, birdwatching, fishing, and foraging for wild plants. 85% consider insect observation; 93% enjoy fishing or birdwatching; 91% want to stay in a place where they can harvest food from nature.

Travel back in time

Technology helps tourists "revisit" memories by using tools to identify locations within photos and trace their origins.

89% of Vietnamese tourists want to recreate past moments by returning to the location in their photos; 57% want to visit places that hold family memories; 46% seek a sense of familiarity; and 41% view it as a journey of growth or healing.

Travel to celebrate personal milestones

Celebrating personal achievements has become a popular motivator, with 84% of travelers willing to book a vacation simply because they feel they deserve it.

The reasons are becoming increasingly diverse: celebrating a new job or promotion, ending a relationship, showing off a new outfit, or receiving an unexpected tax refund.

Health goals are also inspiring, with 33% of travelers choosing to travel to mark positive changes such as quitting alcohol or improving their physical condition.

Source: https://znews.vn/10-trao-luu-du-lich-la-lung-cua-khach-viet-nam-2026-post1609779.html