Australian tourists flock to Vietnam because of attractive prices

Australian tourists to Vietnam have increased sharply since the beginning of the year due to airfares and other costs being much cheaper than elsewhere.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nearly 82,000 Australian visitors visited Vietnam in the first quarter, up 14.4% over the same period in 2019. While airfares to Europe from Australia this summer increased by 63% compared to before the pandemic, flights to Vietnam are seeing a significantly smaller increase of 21%.

Kelly Szymanowicz and her family are traveling to Vietnam after three years of the pandemic. The Sydney-based tourist said a trip to Disney Park in Florida, USA, costs at least $50,000. Meanwhile, round-trip flights to Vietnam for six people, including two domestic flights, cost just over $6,100.

Nicole Reddan bought a round-trip ticket to Vietnam for more than $400. Photo: SHM — Nicole Reddan bought a round-trip ticket to Vietnam for more than $400. Photo: *SHM*

The Szymanowicz family vacation lasted three weeks. They tried to " explore this fascinating country as much as possible", and rated Vietnam as "very wallet-friendly" for tourists. According to Szymanowicz, the beaches, rich culture and low cost of living made Vietnam an ideal destination for her family.

Melbourne resident Nicole Reddan also found cheap flights through a Vietnamese airline. She booked a return ticket in November for just over $430. “It was a great deal. Food, accommodation, activities and tours in Vietnam are reasonably priced,” Reddan said.

Inflation and rising living costs are making many Australians think twice before deciding where to go. With its affordable prices, Vietnam is becoming a popular choice for travellers like Szymanowicz and Reddan. European countries are at the bottom of the list.

Nicola Carmichael, brand director of booking platform Kayak, commented that Vietnam is a popular destination for many Australians. Searches for Ho Chi Minh City in the second half of this year increased by 140% compared to the same period in 2019. "This is a great option for travelers looking for airfares under $1,000," Carmichael said. Return economy flights from cities in Australia to Ho Chi Minh City are currently priced at an average of more than $880.

Professor Rico Merkert, an aviation expert at the University of Sydney, said that with the addition of two Vietnamese airlines to the Australian route, the capacity of flights to Ho Chi Minh City has exceeded the pre-pandemic level. Vietnam will even become a competitive destination with Bali (Indonesia), which previously attracted Australian tourists.

“Everything is so much cheaper when you come to Vietnam, not only compared to Europe or the US but also compared to Asian destinations like Bali,” Merkert said.

Lauren McRae, director of a travel agency, said 30% of her company's bookings are for Vietnam.

Nate White, a hotelier in Melbourne, admitted that she couldn't resist going to Vietnam instead of Europe when she saw a return ticket for only $400. She bought a ticket to Vietnam in May. "I can find great prices for flights from Paris or Frankfurt via Ho Chi Minh City. Many people decide to stop over for 3-4 nights in Vietnam after a vacation in Europe," White said.

Anh Minh (According to SHM )

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