Vietnamese travelers embrace new ways to holiday this summer
As summer nears, more travelers are moving away from luxury resorts and opting for experiences that offer authenticity, connection and personal meaning.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnamese travelers are planning to spend bigger and venture further this summer, with a growing appetite for immersive experiences and alternative accommodations, according to a new report by Booking.com.
The report highlights a surge in travel optimism, with 88 percent of Vietnamese respondents expressing excitement about upcoming trips, and 76 percent planning to spend more on travel than in 2024.
Hanoi offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit every type of traveler, from budget-conscious explorers to those seeking luxury. Photo: Homestay Ba Vi
This shift in traveler sentiment reflects a trend toward seeking new, immersive vacation experiences. "The definition of a 'perfect' vacation is evolving," the report states. "Alternative accommodations are more popular than ever, with global searches up 10% year over year."
Instead of limiting themselves to traditional hotels, travelers are exploring a wide variety of unique accommodations, including boats, beachside bungalows, countryside cottages, and tents under the stars. These lodging options cater to different travel preferences and group sizes.
Group travel is also booming. One in four Vietnamese leisure travelers plans to holiday with friends, favoring shared accommodations like riads and holiday homes, which have seen global search spikes of 16 percent and 12 percent, respectively.
Simplicity is emerging as a key travel trend for the summer of 2025. Many Vietnamese families are choosing to spend quality time together rather than going on elaborate getaways. Photo: Andochine Villas Resort & Spa Phu Quoc
Meanwhile, couples are favoring intimate getaways that offer privacy and tranquility. Accommodations such as tented camps and chalets, ideal for slowing down and reconnecting, have witnessed global search growths of 16% and 13%, respectively.
Families are rethinking lodging as well. Spacious villas with private kitchens and outdoor space are in demand, especially for those traveling with children. Villa searches globally have jumped 19 percent, while interest in camping is up 16 percent.
“Accommodations that strike a balance between comfort and flexibility are seeing increased interest,” said Varun Grover, Country Head of Vietnam at Booking.com.
Even camping, once considered too rustic for some, is now seen as a rewarding way to reconnect with nature. Modern campgrounds offer safe, activity-rich environments for families, proving that a night under the stars can be both magical for children and rejuvenating for parents.
As travelers across Vietnam and beyond prepare for their summer adventures, one thing is clear: the journey is about more than just the destination; it's also about the experience and the accommodations that bring it to life.
