Vietnam’s four-day New Year break fuels travel surge
The four-day New Year break in 2026 is already sending ripples through Vietnam’s tourism market, driving airfares higher and rapidly tightening seat availability on key leisure routes.
THE HANOI TIMES — The government's announcement of an extended holiday at the start of 2026 (from January 1 to 4) has triggered an immediate surge in bookings, as travelers rush to secure flights and accommodation for a rare long weekend to kick off the year.
Within hours, airlines and online platforms recorded a sharp rise in demand. Routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to popular destinations such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Lat and Hue filled up quickly, with daytime flights selling out first as holidaymakers sought to make the most of their time away.
Moc Chau is a highland township located in the northern mountain province of Son La, in northwestern Vietnam, around 200 km northwest of Hanoi’s center. Photo: Hoang Hai
On the Hanoi - Phu Quoc route, several Vietnam Airlines flights in the days before the holiday are nearly full. One-way economy fares range from VND5 million (US$210), about 20%-25% higher than usual. Meanwhile, morning departures, usually the most popular, are almost sold out. Travelers booking late are left with late-night or early-morning options.
Return flights have also tightened, for example, Vietjet Air’s Phu Quoc - Hanoi service on January 4 shows limited availability, with an 8:40 AM departure priced at more than VND4 million ($167) before taxes and fees. Later flights remain available but extend into the evening.
For many families, rising fare means tough trade-offs. “If we choose morning flights to save vacation time, round-trip airfare alone would be about VND33 million ($1,375) for four people,” said Lien Huong, a Hanoi resident planning a late-December trip to Phu Quoc. “Cheaper flights mean losing almost a full day. With hotels and food, the cost adds up quickly.”
Price pressure is not confined to beach destinations. Routes from Hanoi to Da Lat, Hue and Buon Ma Thuot have also seen above-average fares. Round-trip economy tickets to Da Lat are currently priced at VND5 million to VND7 million ($208-$292) per passenger, roughly 30% higher than on normal travel days.
As airfares surge closer to departure, many travelers are pivoting to shorter and road-based trips. Hanoi travel agencies report rising demand for destinations within 200 kilometers of the capital, including the mountainous Ba Vi region, Duong Lam Ancient Village in Son Tay Ward (Hanoi), the northern province of Hoa Binh and the Moc Chau Plateau in the northern province of Son La.
Nguyen Tien Dat, Vice President of the Hanoi Tourism Association, said businesses are adjusting by refreshing products with a stronger focus on cultural tourism, craft villages and suburban experiences. New offerings such as the “South Thang Long Heritage Route” aim to attract travelers seeking something new without long-distance travel.
With demand rising fast, tourism experts advise travelers to book early and remain flexible on timing and destinations to avoid higher costs as the holiday approaches.
