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Is this 2025’s breakout destination? New data shows record Aussies heading to this SE Asia nation

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data highlights a 54 per cent surge in visitation to this South-East Asian hotspot as the most popular destination in the region for Aussies in 2025 – and experience bookings show these numbers will only increase.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data highlights a 54 per cent surge in visitation to this South-East Asian hotspot as the most popular destination in the region for Aussies in 2025 – and experience bookings show these numbers will only increase.

Vietnam is seeing a clear rise in interest among Australian travellers with 54 per cent growth in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2019.

New Klook data forecasts no end to this trend with hotel bookings in Vietnam up 250 per cent and activities up at least 170 per cent between March and June 2025.

Hanoi, Vietnam Australian travellers – South-East Asian hotspot
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a drawcard for Australians.

While increasing numbers of Australians are visiting South-East Asia generally, up by 24 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2019, according to ABS numbers, the Aussie appetite for Vietnam as a South-East Asian hotspot is rapidly outpacing other popular destinations globally.

While Klook’s Vietnam hotel bookings have more than tripled, the experience platform also found Thailand hotel bookings have more than doubled (up 145%) in the same period.

Young traveler Couple Walking on the Golden Bridge in Bana hills, enjoying the morning , Danang Vietnam
The Golden Bridge in Bana Hills near Da Nang.

According to Klook data, the most searched destinations within Vietnam are Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Halong Bay and Hoi An. 

Meanwhile, Nha Trang was a new entry into Mastercard’s global trending summer destinations 2025 list this year at number 11, highlighting increasing tourism demand for this South-East Asian hotspot.

Aerial image of Long Song Pagoda in Nha Trang, Vietnam  – South-East Asian hotspot
The world’s biggest Buddha statue is at Long Song Pagoda in Nha Trang.

Klook Managing Director of Oceania, UK & The Americas Henry Hooper attributed Vietnam’s growing popularity among Aussies as a South-East Asian hotspot to the nation’s proximity and increased air capacity, including low-cost options such as Vietjet, from Australia.

“While Vietnam has traditionally remained an undiscovered destination for Aussies visiting South-East Asia, with increasing low-cost and full-service flight connections being made available to Australians, it’s no surprise the growing popularity to Aussie travellers,” he said.