Travellers eye Việt Nam as destination for New Year, with HCM City top choice

HCM City tops the charts as the most sought-after destination, where visitors can ring in ‘25 with fireworks above the Sài Gòn River. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — With inbound accommodation searches up 30 per cent compared to last year, Việt Nam is set to sparkle as a favourite for international revelers looking to welcome New Year 2025, Agoda said.

Of Vietnamese cities, Agoda said, HCM City tops the charts as the most sought-after destination, where visitors can ring in ‘25 with fireworks above the Sài Gòn River.

The analysis was made between November 1 and 27 with a check-in date of December 31. Comparisons are based on data from November 1-27, 2023.

The tourism service platform said that travelers from South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan (China), and the United States are leading the charge to see 2024 off in Sài Gòn-style.

Lâm Vũ, country director for Việt Nam at Agoda, shares his excitement: "Việt Nam's growing popularity as a New Year’s Eve destination reflects its unique blend of culture, energy, and natural beauty.”

On the list, Phú Quốc Island climbed to second place, rising from fifth last year, while Đà Nẵng, Hà Nội, and Nha Trang round out the top five hotspots.

Vietnamese travelers are also making bold choices for their New Year escapes. Domestically, HCM City reigns supreme, followed by the romantic highlands of Đà Lạt, the serene beaches of Vũng Tàu, capital city Hà Nội and the beachside of Nha Trang. Nha Trang reclaims its spot in the top five, nudging out Phan Thiết.

For those looking to expand their travel horizons, international searches point to Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong as top contenders for ringing-in the new year.

In New Year 2024, Việt Nam welcomed 3.2 million tourists, increasing by 6.6 per cent over the same time of 2023.

In October and November this year, total tourists coming to Việt Nam reached 3.1 million.

In the first 11 months of this year, foreign tourists visiting Việt Nam totaled 15.8 million, surging by 41 per cent year-on-year. — VNS