Vietnam is no longer just a "cheap" travel destination.

Australian travelers are looking for a "local but comfortable" experience.

Following a survey trip to Northern Vietnam organized by the Hanoi Department of Tourism in collaboration with travel agencies in mid-May, Gareth Moore, representative of MTA Travel Group (Australia), said he was quite surprised by the changes in Vietnamese tourism today.

“Previously, I thought Vietnam might be quite similar to Thailand or Indonesia. But the reality is completely different. Vietnam has its own unique character, beautiful landscapes, diverse experiences, and a very authentic feel,” Gareth Moore shared.

According to the Australian visitor, the most appealing aspect of Vietnam lies in its diverse range of experiences. Tourists can spend weeks here and still find new places and experiences each time they return.

An international survey team experiences eco-tourism in Northern Vietnam. Photo: Thanh Tú

Beyond mere sightseeing, Australian travelers are increasingly prioritizing trips that offer deeper experiences, combining relaxation, culture, nature, and mental well-being.

According to Mr. Bui Thanh Tu, Marketing Director of BestPrice Travel, the trends among Australian tourists are shifting significantly after the pandemic. Instead of "quick check-in" travel, they are more interested in slower-paced journeys, authentic local experiences, and rejuvenating vacations.

"Australian tourists particularly appreciate the 'local but comfortable' model – meaning they still want to experience the local culture but with convenient, professional, and internationally standard services," Mr. Tu observed.

This is also why many products such as retreats, wellness tourism, nature vacations, light trekking, and healing tourism are becoming new trends in Northern Vietnam.

From "budget" destinations to high-spending travelers

According to BestPrice Travel, Australia is currently one of the outbound markets with high spending, long stays, and aligns well with Vietnam's high-quality tourism development strategy.

Australian tourists typically stay for 7-14 days, or even longer for middle-aged or retired travelers. They are willing to spend on experiences if they feel the product is truly worthwhile.

Visitors viewing the exhibition area

Australian tourists prefer immersive experiences that combine culture and relaxation. Photo: Thanh Tú

"Australian tourists don't place too much emphasis on low prices; they are more interested in service quality, comfort, the authenticity of the experience, and personalization," Mr. Tu said.

During this famtrip, Australian businesses had the opportunity to experience various high-end resort and tourism products in Northern Vietnam, such as 5-star cruises in Ha Long Bay, resorts in Ninh Binh , and wellness products in Yen Tu.

According to a representative from BestPrice Travel, many international partners are quite surprised by the significant improvement in the quality of Vietnam's tourism services in recent years, especially in the high-end resort and cruise segments.

This company expects that after these field surveys, Vietnam will not only be perceived as an affordable destination, but also as a place offering quality experiences, cultural depth, and suitability for high-spending international tourists.

Source: https://laodong.vn/du-lich/tin-tuc/du-lich-viet-nam-khong-con-chi-la-diem-den-gia-re-1706542.html