Why Australians Are Ditching Bali for Vietnam in 2025

Something curious is happening in Australian travel circles. Everyone seems to be heading to Vietnam. The Guardian recently reported a surge in Aussie tourists trading Bali’s crowded beaches for Hanoi’s chaotic charm and Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts. It’s not just a blip. Flight bookings from Sydney and Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City have jumped 40% year-on-year. Meanwhile, Bali — long the default holiday spot for sun-hungry Australians — is seeing a drop in visitor numbers. The stakes are clear: if you’re planning a trip from Australia in 2025, Vietnam is the destination stealing the spotlight. And it’s not hard to see why.

This shift didn’t happen overnight. For decades, Bali was the no-brainer choice. Cheap flights, familiar vibes, and a strong expat community made it easy. But post-pandemic, things changed. Bali’s infrastructure struggled under overtourism. Traffic jams in Canggu became legendary. Then there’s the Thailand visa news: tighter rules for Aussies from 2026 mean longer waits and more paperwork. Meanwhile, Vietnam quietly made itself irresistible. E-visas for Australians became simpler and cheaper. Direct flights multiplied. And the word spread: Vietnam offers better value, fewer crowds, and food that rivals any in Southeast Asia. The numbers tell the story — Australians are voting with their wallets.

So what does this mean for your next holiday? On the ground, Vietnam delivers immediacy. Step into Hanoi’s Old Quarter and you’re hit with the scent of sizzling bánh mì and the roar of motorbikes. A bowl of phở costs less than $3 AUD. A private room in a boutique hotel in Hoi An runs around $40 a night. Compare that to Bali, where a similar stay might set you back double. The experience feels less packaged, too. You won’t find influencer-packed brunch spots on every corner. Instead, you’ll discover hidden alleyway cafes, ancient temples, and locals who greet you with genuine warmth. It’s raw, real, and refreshingly unpolished.

Smart travellers should adjust their approach. Don’t just replicate your Bali itinerary in Vietnam. Skip the generic beach resorts and head inland. Spend three days in the northern mountains around Sapa — the rice terraces in September are electric green. Take the overnight train from Hanoi to Da Nang; it’s an experience in itself. And here’s the trick: book your internal flights early. Vietnam is long and narrow, and road travel eats up time. VietJet and Bamboo Airways offer cheap connections between Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi. Also, learn a few Vietnamese phrases. "Cảm ơn" (thank you) goes a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and you’ll get better service.

Practical tip: Download the Grab app before you arrive. It’s Southeast Asia’s Uber, and it’s essential for navigating Vietnam’s chaotic traffic. Never take a taxi from the airport without it — you’ll overpay every time.