Why Aussies Are Ditching Australia for Vietnam in 2024

Something strange is happening on the travel front. It seems like every second Australian you meet is posting beach photos from Da Nang, not Byron Bay. And the numbers back it up. Vietnam has become the hottest destination for Aussie travellers in 2024, with flight bookings surging past pre-pandemic levels. The Guardian recently reported that Vietnam now ranks as one of the top three most-searched destinations from Australia. That's a big deal for a country that's historically been more about Bali or Europe. For travellers, this shift signals something deeper: Australians are craving value, novelty, and experiences that don't break the bank. And Vietnam delivers all three. If you're planning a trip to Australia this year, you'll notice fewer locals at home — they're all in Hanoi eating pho.

To understand why this matters, look at the numbers from a few years back. Before COVID, Chinese travellers were Australia's biggest tourism cash cow. They flooded the Gold Coast, bought bags of vitamins, and filled luxury hotels. Then the pandemic hit. China's borders slammed shut, and they never fully reopened to Australia in the same way. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation recently reported that Chinese visitor numbers are still far below 2019 levels. That left a massive gap. Hotels, tour operators, and airlines needed new customers. Enter the domestic market — but Aussies had other plans. They discovered they could fly to Vietnam for less than a flight to Perth. The value equation shifted. Suddenly, a week in Hoi An cost less than a weekend in Sydney.

So what does this mean if you're actually travelling to Australia right now? On the ground, you'll find it quieter than expected. Popular spots like the Great Ocean Road, Uluru, and even parts of Cairns feel less crowded with international tourists. That's good news if you want a more relaxed experience. But there's a catch. Some services that relied on Chinese tourists — like Mandarin-speaking guides, certain duty-free shops, and Asian-focused restaurants — have scaled back or closed. You won't struggle to find a good meal, but you might notice fewer options in areas like Sydney's Chinatown. On the flip side, domestic tourism campaigns are in full swing. You'll see more Aussie families exploring their own backyard, especially in national parks and regional towns.

Smart travellers should adjust their strategy. First, book your accommodation early if you're heading to popular spots like the Whitsundays or Tasmania's Cradle Mountain — domestic demand is still strong there. Second, consider lesser-known destinations like the Kimberley region in Western Australia or Kangaroo Island in South Australia. These places offer incredible landscapes without the crowds. Third, take advantage of the weaker Australian dollar. It's not as strong as it was a decade ago, but your money still goes further compared to Europe or the US. If you're an Australian planning a trip overseas, don't sleep on Vietnam. The flights are cheap, the food is incredible, and the Aussie dollar stretches impressively far. Just expect to run into plenty of your fellow countrymen.

Practical tip: Before you fly home from Australia, use the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) to claim back the 10% GST on any goods over $300 you buy in the 60 days before departure. Keep your receipts and the items handy — customs officers at the airport will need to inspect them. It's an easy way to save serious cash.