Summer travel in 2026 is starting to heat up.

Numerous festivals, entertainment activities, and promotional programs were launched starting in late May, marking the beginning of the 2026 summer tourism season.

This year's summer tourist season in Ho Chi Minh City started off quite early with a series of cultural, entertainment, and festival events organized consecutively to cater to the recreational needs of the people, while also stimulating spending and attracting tourists.

Many programs start early.

On May 22nd, Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Park announced the 22nd Southern Fruit Festival (Suoi Tien Farm Festival 2026). This is an annual cultural and tourism event of Ho Chi Minh City, considered one of the activities that kicks off the city's summer tourism season. According to Ms. Bui Thi To Trinh, Deputy General Director of Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Joint Stock Company, the festival will open on May 31st and last throughout the summer.

Many amusement parks have launched summer events to cater to visitors.

This year, the festival continues to showcase and offer a tasting experience of specialty fruits and agricultural products from many localities across the country. Visitors can enjoy a fruit buffet, tour Suoi Tien Farm, and sample agricultural products grown there.

In addition, there are a series of nighttime art performances combining modern sound and lighting; an artistic fruit-decorated street; a theatrical retelling of the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh; and many cultural exchange activities, community building, and international cooperation. According to representatives of Suoi Tien, expanding the cultural experience space and enhancing the international element is one of the key directions to improve the attractiveness of the destination for domestic and international tourists.

Not only Suoi Tien, but many amusement parks and tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City are also simultaneously launching new products to welcome summer visitors. For example, Dam Sen Cultural Park is organizing the Southern Flavors and Colors Food Festival 2026, taking place from May 21 to 24, bringing together dozens of participating units with culinary products, regional specialties, handicrafts, OCOP products and entertainment services.

According to Phu Tho Tourism Services Joint Stock Company, the unit managing Dam Sen Park, the event has become a familiar meeting place for city residents after many years of organization. Each festival season attracts over 10,000 visitors and more than 50 booths in various fields.

Increased input cost pressure

Meanwhile, travel businesses report a gradual increase in summer tour bookings since the beginning of May. Representatives from many companies stated that the positive effects of early-year holidays, especially Hung Kings' Commemoration Day and the April 30th holiday, have significantly boosted the tourism market as it enters its peak season.

Previously, at the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2026 held in April, approximately 1,000 domestic and international tourism products were introduced with many promotional programs, some products discounted by up to 50%. This activity not only helped people access affordable tours but also created opportunities for businesses to promote new products.

Mr. Pham Huy Binh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, assessed that the promotional programs have contributed to creating a positive effect on the tourism market before the summer season. According to him, the city's tourism is shifting from quantitative growth to improving the quality of experiences, increasing connectivity between localities, and expanding the ability to attract tourists.

However, behind these optimistic signs, travel businesses still face numerous challenges. According to Mr. Pham Anh Vu, a representative of a tourism company in Ho Chi Minh City, airfare continues to be the biggest pressure. During many peak periods, round-trip economy class tickets on the Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi route range from 5-6 million VND per person, causing the price of a 5-day tour to the North to increase to approximately 9.6-10 million VND per person.

To reduce costs, some companies have adjusted their itineraries. Instead of flying directly to Hanoi, passengers are arranged to fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don and then travel by road to Ha Long and nearby tourist destinations. This option saves costs while the travel time remains relatively unchanged.

Mr. Do Van Thuc, Sales Director of Dat Viet Tour Company, believes that rising fuel prices have led to escalating transportation costs, from airfare to tour buses. Along with that, the prices of accommodation, food, and sightseeing services at many destinations are also trending upwards, making it difficult for businesses to create attractive tour packages as before. "Customers are now more cautious in their spending, so businesses have to carefully consider their products. Short-day tours, nearby destinations, and reasonable costs are being prioritized by many families this summer," Mr. Thuc stated.

The airline is increasing baggage check-in fees.

Vietjet and Bamboo Airways have recently adjusted their fees for additional checked baggage, applicable to baggage beyond the standard allowance included with the ticket. For Vietjet, domestic baggage fees have increased by 15%-25%, with the 20kg package rising from VND 200,000 to VND 250,000 and the 40kg package from VND 400,000 to VND 480,000 (excluding VAT). Some ancillary services such as oversized baggage and priority carry-on baggage have also increased in price. On international routes, the increase varies depending on the route, with some packages seeing increases of over 30%.

Bamboo Airways has implemented new seasonal fees, with domestic baggage packages increasing by approximately 15.4% during the peak summer and Tet holiday seasons. Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines have not yet recorded similar adjustments.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/du-lich-he-2026-bat-dau-nong-196260522211910664.htm