Why Australians Are Flocking to Vietnam in 2024 Instead of Bali
Something unexpected is happening in Australian travel. While Bali has long been the go-to escape for sun-seeking Aussies, Vietnam is suddenly the hot ticket. The Guardian recently reported that Australian arrivals to Vietnam have surged, with many travellers skipping the familiar beaches of Indonesia for the chaotic charm of Hanoi, the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, and the neon-lit streets of Ho Chi Minh City. This shift isn't just a blip. It's a full-blown trend. Airlines have added direct routes. Tour operators are scrambling to meet demand. And social media feeds are filling with bowls of pho and photos of terraced rice fields. For any Australian traveller planning their next holiday, Vietnam has become the destination to watch.
Why the sudden love affair? A few factors are at play. Bali, while beloved, has become more crowded and expensive. Accommodation prices have climbed. The infamous 'Bali belly' and traffic jams in Kuta have worn thin for repeat visitors. Meanwhile, Vietnam offers incredible value. Your Australian dollar stretches further here. A bowl of pho costs a couple of bucks. A comfortable hotel room in the Old Quarter sets you back less than a hostel in Seminyak. There's also a sense of discovery. Bali feels familiar to many Australians. Vietnam still feels fresh, slightly edgy, and full of surprises. The pandemic gave people time to rethink their travel habits, and Vietnam emerged as a compelling alternative.
So what does this mean for you on the ground? First, the crowds are growing. Popular spots like Ha Long Bay and Hoi An are busier than ever, especially during Australian school holidays. Bookings for tours and accommodation need to happen weeks, not days, in advance. The upside? Infrastructure is improving rapidly. New airports, upgraded roads, and better train services make getting around easier. You'll find more English speakers in tourist areas and a growing number of cafes serving flat whites and avocado toast. But the real magic remains in the unexpected moments: sipping egg coffee in a hidden Hanoi alley, cycling through the rice paddies of Mai Chau, or bargaining for silk in Hoi An's night market.
Smart travellers should adjust their approach. Don't just follow the herd to Ha Long Bay. Consider less-crowded alternatives like Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. They offer similar scenery with fewer boats. Instead of spending all your time in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, add a few days in the central highlands around Da Lat or the northern mountains near Sapa. These areas offer cooler weather, stunning landscapes, and a slower pace. Also, consider travelling during shoulder season — March to April or September to November. The weather is still good, but the crowds thin out. And if you're an Australian who usually heads to Bali for a quick beach fix, give Da Nang a try. It has beautiful beaches, great seafood, and direct flights from several Australian cities.
Practical tip: Before you go, download the Grab app for rides and food delivery. It works like Uber and is essential for getting around Vietnamese cities. Also, carry cash — many small vendors and markets don't accept cards. And always negotiate taxi fares upfront or insist on the meter.