Australian tourists are flocking to Vietnam
DNO - Favourable exchange rates, affordable prices, and a diverse experience ecosystem have spurred the number of Australian tourist arrivals to Vietnam. Australia has indeed become one of Vietnam's top 10 international tourism source markets.
As reported by the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, Viet Nam welcomed 13.9 million international visitors in the first seven months of 2026, up 13.8% year-on-year, achieving about 56% of this year's target of 25 million foreign arrivals.
In particular, Australia ranked as one of Vietnam's top 10 international tourism source markets with approximately 397,000 arrivals, an increase of 22.5%. The growth of Australia and other high-spending markets increases not only the number of international tourists but also Vietnam's tourism destination's value.
According to news.com.au, Luxury Escapes, an Australian travel company, recorded a 64% year-on-year increase in bookings for Vietnam tours last month. Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hanoi were among the most popular destinations. Meanwhile, Intrepid Travel, a company specializing in small-group tours, also reported an 87% rise in visitor numbers to Vietnam in June and a 17% increase in July, 2026.
Attractions
Vietnam is attracting Australian tourists thanks to the purchasing power of the Australian dollar (AUD). Tristan Dakin, Australian country manager for money transfer business, Wise, noted that the AUD has appreciated by approximately 8% against the Vietnamese dong over the past year. He said the exchange rates combined with low prices at the destination means travel budgets stretch significantly further.
Tristan Dakin also said that Vietnam can provide tourists' demands with a single trip, from urban experiences, beaches, and mountains to coffee culture and street food. A convenient transportation network also makes it easy for travelers to tailor their itineraries. Here, travelers can enjoy a high-end beach vacation at reasonable prices or a backpacking-style adventure.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) also indicates that the number of trips from Australia to Vietnam for the 12 months ending in February 2026 reached 527,880, a 16.1% increase compared to the same period. This represents the highest growth rate among the international destinations listed in the data, slightly surpassing China (15.9%) and Japan (15.6%).
According to Head of Asia-Investment at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), Michael Helleman, Vietnam is emerging as Australia's potential tourism market while increasing its attractiveness to Australians. Austrade is implementing its initiatives to support the Vietnamese market while developing its new products aligned with trends in community-based, nature-focused, and sustainable tourism.
According to Dtinews, Australian tourists flocking to Vietnam has also been supported by expanding direct air links between the two countries. VietJet Air operates direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, while Vietnam Airlines connects Hanoi and HCM City with Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Vietnam Airlines said the Vietnam - Australia aviation market handled around 757,200 passengers in the first five months of the year, up 6.5 percent year-on-year.
According to Australia’s travel site Escape, Vietnam is gaining traction as a leading destination in 2026. Travel experts note that Vietnam offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, rich culture, diverse experiences, and vibrant cuisine, making it highly attractive to international visitors.
Last year, Sky News Australia wrote, Vietnam was rapidly emerging as a top travel destination for Australians, especially those in search of meaningful cultural experiences at affordable prices.
Nicole Newport, Regional Sales Director for Oceania at InsideAsia Tours, attributed the surge to Vietnam’s proximity to Australia and its diverse offerings. Vietnam feels like several destinations in one, from ancient cities and bustling street markets to spectacular natural landscapes.