Faced with fluctuating prices, especially for airfare and accommodation, many families and groups of friends are adjusting their plans, prioritizing nearby destinations and shorter trips to save money. The trend of "micro-holidays," with carefully planned 2-3 day trips, is becoming increasingly popular.
A survey conducted on April 20th showed that domestic airfares for the holiday period have cooled down compared to the beginning of the month. Round-trip flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (April 28th - May 3rd) range from approximately 5.3 to 6.4 million VND depending on the airline. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang and Hanoi to Da Nang have decreased by about 200,000 VND compared to the peak booking period. However, the overall price level remains higher than usual. A representative from Viet Travel Company stated that airfares during the holiday period are expected to increase by an average of about 20% compared to the same period in 2025, due to international airlines adjusting fuel surcharges starting in March 2026.
Not only airfares, but hotel room rates and tour prices have also increased across the board. In Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Vung Tau, room rates have risen by 10-30%, while in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, they have increased by 20-30%. Data from Agoda shows that domestic accommodation searches increased by 81% for the end-of-April holiday compared to the same period last year, with beach destinations such as Vung Tau, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Phan Thiet leading the way.
In reality, many tourist destinations are experiencing early occupancy rates. In Phu Quoc, 3-star hotels are filling up the fastest, with many establishments in the central area almost fully booked. In Ly Son (Quang Ngai), over 400 rooms have been booked, while in Co To (Quang Ninh), occupancy is nearly 100%, enough to accommodate approximately 12,500-13,000 guests. In Da Nang , many beachfront hotels and those in the An Thuong area are also fully booked early.
In the North, Cat Ba has emerged as a new destination, with booking rates for holiday periods reaching nearly 100%. Meanwhile, travel agencies report that many tours have reached 70-85% capacity since the end of March. Paradise Vietnam recorded overnight cruises at 70-75% capacity, with some days reaching 100%. Vietluxtour achieved 75-80% of its plan, an increase of 10-15% compared to the same period last year, while TransViet also recorded many itineraries that were nearly fully booked.
One notable change is the timing of bookings. Previously, customers typically booked 2-3 weeks in advance, but now many book earlier, especially for international tours, which are often booked 2-3 months in advance to secure visas and price. Domestic travelers are more flexible but also tend to search early after the Lunar New Year and finalize bookings strongly in March.
Cost pressures continue to impact tourists' choices. Car rental prices have increased by 30-40%, and tour prices by approximately 15-20% compared to last year, leading many to opt for shorter, more independent trips or reduced itineraries. In Hai Phong, the number of group tours has decreased by about 30%, and international tourists by 10%.
Simultaneously, the demand for experiences is increasing. Tourists prioritize itineraries that combine relaxation, culinary experiences, and exploration of local culture, rather than simply sightseeing. New products such as caravan tours, signature tours, and tours for the next generation also reflect this shifting market trend.
Against this backdrop, tourism businesses are proactively adapting by optimizing costs, designing flexible tours, and implementing numerous promotional programs for early bookings. Combo packages of airfare and hotels, short-day tours, and group discounts are being promoted to maintain appeal during peak season.
Overall, the tourism market for the April 30th - May 1st holiday this year entered its peak season earlier than usual. Early planning by tourists not only helps secure accommodations and reasonable costs, but also demonstrates a clear shift in travel habits: being proactive, calculated, and prioritizing experiences.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/du-lich/khong-con-hung-len-la-di-khach-dat-som-1-2-thang-de-giu-cho-223012.html
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