HCMC among top 10 trending Google Flights destinations searched for in US

Ho Chi Minh City was ranked second among the top 10 trending Google Flights destinations searched for in the U.S. at an annual roundup of Year in Search trends by Google.

According to US cable news channel CNN, Google's Year in Search covers a wide variety of topics, including tourism.

"Among the various data released by the tech company is a list of top 10 trending destinations on its online flight booking search service Google Flights, which gives clues about where Americans want to go this year and beyond", CNN said.

"It's no surprise that travel-related searches picked up big time in 2022, as more destinations re-opened and dropped Covid-related regulations like mandatory testing," it added.

In September, the leading US travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler listed Ho Chi Minh City among seven destinations trending this fall.

Generally warm year-round, fall marks the end of the rainy season as temperatures cool, making it a good time to visit city landmarks like the Cu Chi Tunnels, the underground defense system in Cu Chi district, 70 kilometers northwest of HCMC; Notre Dame Cathedral; and Ben Thanh Market, the oldest market located in District 1, it reported.

The other destinations on the list in order were: London (UK), Paris (France), New Delhi (India), Toronto (Canada), Rome (Italy), Mumbai (India), Vancouver (Canada), Lisbon (Portugal) and New York (US).

CNN explains: "Overall, countries in Asia were much slower to reopen than their European relatives. As a result, the Asia-Pacific region is set to lose its title as the world's largest travel region this year."

"That could explain why Ho Chi Minh City placed high on Google Flights' trending list. Vietnam reopened to tourism in early 2022, while other traditionally popular countries like Japan and China remained shut," it noted.

"A spate of new hotels opening in popular destinations like Phu Quoc and Ke Ga Bay, both of which are in the southern part of the country and accessible via Ho Chi Minh City, doesn't hurt, either."

Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island off the southern province of Kien Giang, became well-known globally after the government allowed 30-day visa-free entry to the island in 2014. The island received five million visitors in 2019, pre-pandemic time, 541,600 of them foreigners, according to official data.

Meanwhile, about an hour by motorbike from Phan Thiet city in the southern province of Binh Thuan, with unique stone slabs undulating towards the sea, Ke Ga Bat is an irresistible attraction for those who love wild and majestic beauty.

CNN noted: "India's two big hubs, Mumbai and New Delhi, also made the US Google Flights list. India reopened its borders in late 2021, and US passport holders can apply for travel visas online."