Vietnam has been named Asia’s new tourism hotspot by U.S. travel site Travel Off Path, which says the country is quickly becoming one of the most popular vacation destinations in Southeast Asia.
The US-based travel website identifies three reasons for the rising popularity: adjusted visa requirements; well-preserved natural beauty; and a focus on tourism growth.
Travel Off Path also mentions Vietnam’s long coastline, which stretches for an “incredible” 3,260 km and “energetic” cities as popularity factors.
"When people think of travelling to Southeast Asia, Thailand is usually the first destination that comes to mind. But if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists in Thailand, then there is an emerging force for tourism in the region that is ripe for exploration - Vietnam," the website says.
"From August 15, visiting Vietnam will be easier than ever for citizens of many countries," it adds.
Starting August 15, the Vietnamese government will extend visa-free access to the country from 15 days to 45 days for passport holders from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. It has also extended the duration of e-visas from 30 days to 3 months.
Citizens of another 80 countries, including the U.S., are currently eligible to enter the country using an e-visa. From August 15, the e-visa will also allow multiple entries, instead of the single entry currently allowed.
"Because Vietnam is an emerging tourist destination and doesn’t yet have the same huge footfall that many other Southeast Asian countries experience, much of its natural beauty spots are still incredibly well preserved," Travel Off Path comments.
"And what a huge range of natural beauty spots they are! To the north of the country, you can explore a rugged mountainous region. In central and southern Vietnam, you will find incredibly beautiful beaches."
According to the U.S. travel site, Vietnamese cities, from the captivating old-world charm of Hanoi to the less explored Halong City, are attracting tourists too.
For those on a tight budget, Southeast Asia in general and Vietnam and Thailand in particular are affordable destinations, it notes.
Travel Off Path also remarks that "Vietnam originally set a target of attracting 8 million visitors in the rest of 2023, but have predicted the figure will grow to 10 million by the end of the year.
"The Vietnamese government wants to turn the country into Asia’s new tourism hotspot. And so far, so good. Their plan is working, and now is the perfect time to explore this incredible and beautiful country."
A chronological recap
According to a Google Destination Insights report, between March and June, Vietnam was the seventh most searched destination in the world and the only country in Southeast Asia to make the top 20 list.
Throughout the year, the country has caught the attention of international publications as a popular place for foreigners to visit and stay.
In a report released mid-July, Vietnam was ranked ninth among the world's 10 most welcoming countries in an annual survey commissioned by Expat Insider of the international organization InterNations.
"With Vietnam coming in ninth place, it is obvious that expats feel welcome there. The friendliness towards foreign residents, rated positively by 83 percent, might have a positive impact on expats’ general well-being," an InterNations report said.
In early June, the country was named among the seven best countries to visit in Southeast Asia by British newspaper The Independent.
"A similarly popular choice for Brits travelling around Asia, Vietnam’s various areas of natural beauty are among the most coveted in the region.
"Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang are the best destinations for those who want to experience Vietnamese cities (Danang also has beach areas), while Hoi An is sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of Vietnam’ due to its canals, alongside its well-preserved Ancient Town comprised of wooden Chinese shophouses and French colonial buildings," it wrote.
In May, leading Australian travel site Traveller named Vietnam among the world's eight budget-busting destinations perfect for family holidays.
"Explore hawker markets, slurp pho, ride a buffalo or take a fun cooking class," it exhorted its readers. Vietnam’s not only a fun, adventurous family destination - it also offers terrific value thanks to the strong Aussie dollar and cheap flights with airlines including Bamboo Airways, Jetstar and newly launched VietJet Air."
In early April, Travel Off Path said Vietnam was being viewed as one of the most attractive destinations on earth this summer, alongside Japan, New Zealand, France and Italy,
In March, New York-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure listed the country among 21 "life-changing trips everyone should experience at least once" .
"A trip through Southeast Asia is a must for any traveler, especially foodies who love street-eats. While you could spend weeks in each of these countries, Thailand and Vietnam can easily be paired for an exciting trip packed with lush scenery, cultural experiences and delicious food," it wrote.
The magazine suggested: "Have a little extra time to spare? Add Cambodia to the mix and include a visit to expansive Angkor Wat."