By aussiematesvietnam 
Travel Trends 2025: What’s Driving Aussies to Vietnam in Record Numbers
G’day, fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from the bustling streets of Hanoi where I’ve called home for nearly two decades now. My wife Tracy and I have witnessed Vietnam transform from a relatively untapped destination to what’s shaping up to be the hottest spot for Aussie travellers in 2025. And fair dinkum, it’s not hard to see why!
Back in 2005 when we first landed in Vietnam with our backpacks and wide-eyed curiosity, we had no idea we’d still be here, running tours and helping fellow Aussies discover this gem of Southeast Asia. What started as a six-month adventure has turned into a life-changing 20-year love affair with this incredible country.
[IMAGE:aussie-couple-vietnam]
As international travel roars back to life post-pandemic, Vietnam is experiencing a remarkable surge in Australian visitors. The numbers don’t lie – tourism forecasts for 2025 suggest Vietnam will see more Aussie tourists than ever before. So what’s driving this boom? Let’s dive into the trends that are putting Vietnam at the top of Australian travel itineraries for 2025.
Value for Money: The Australian Dollar Goes Further Here
Let’s face it, we Aussies love a good bargain, and Vietnam delivers that in spades. With the cost of living in Australia continuing to climb, the appeal of a destination where your dollar stretches significantly further is undeniable.
A decent meal back home might set you back $30-40, but here in Vietnam, Tracy and I regularly feast like royalty for under $10. A cold beer costs about $1, comfortable accommodation ranges from $30-100 per night for quality digs, and internal flights between major cities can be snagged for as little as $50.
One of our recent tour groups – a bunch of retirees from Brisbane – couldn’t believe the value. “We’re living like kings for a fraction of what we’d spend on a weekend in Noosa,” one bloke told me as he tucked into his third plate of fresh seafood.
Direct Flights: Easier Access Than Ever Before
Remember the days when getting to Vietnam meant multiple layovers and nearly 24 hours of travel? Those days are long gone, mates. By 2025, we’re looking at more direct flights from Australian cities to Vietnamese destinations than ever before.
Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, and Bamboo Airways have all expanded their routes, with direct flights now connecting Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and even Da Nang. What’s more, the competition has driven prices down – you can now snag return flights for under $800 if you time it right.
[IMAGE:airplane-landing-vietnam]
Tracy’s sister visited us last month and couldn’t stop raving about how she left Melbourne after dinner and was having breakfast with us in Hanoi the next morning. That accessibility is a game-changer for Aussies with limited holiday time.
Safety First: A Secure Destination for Mature Travellers
For many of us in the 40-60+ age bracket, safety isn’t just a preference – it’s a non-negotiable. Vietnam consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for tourists, with low rates of violent crime and a generally welcoming attitude toward foreigners.
As someone who’s lived here for two decades, I can tell you that I feel safer walking around Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City at night than I do in parts of Sydney or Melbourne. The biggest dangers you’ll likely face are crossing the chaotic streets (there’s an art to it, which Tracy has mastered better than me) or perhaps overdoing it on the delicious coffee.
The Vietnamese government has also invested heavily in tourist police presence in major destinations, with many officers speaking English and specifically trained to assist international visitors.
Health and Wellness Tourism: The New Drawcard
Here’s something you might not expect – Vietnam is quickly becoming a hub for health and wellness tourism, particularly appealing to us baby boomers who are increasingly focused on maintaining our health while traveling.
From traditional Vietnamese medicine practices to world-class spas incorporating local ingredients like coffee scrubs and coconut oil treatments, the wellness offerings here are top-notch and come without the eye-watering price tags you’d find in Bali or Thailand.
[IMAGE:spa-treatment-vietnam]
Tracy and I recently spent a week at a wellness retreat in Da Nang that combined daily yoga, meditation sessions overlooking the South China Sea, and nutritionist-designed meals featuring local organic produce. The entire week cost less than three days would have at a comparable Australian facility.
By 2025, medical tourism is also expected to boom, with state-of-the-art dental clinics and cosmetic surgery facilities catering specifically to Australian clients. Many of our tour guests now build in time for dental work, with savings so substantial they essentially pay for their holiday.
Diverse Landscapes: Something for Every Traveller
One of Vietnam’s greatest strengths is its incredible diversity packed into a relatively small country. In a two-week trip, you can experience the bustling energy of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, cruise among the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, wander through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, relax on pristine beaches in Phu Quoc, and explore the lush rice terraces of Sapa.
For active boomers, the options are endless – cycling through the Mekong Delta, hiking in the northern mountains, or even caving in the world’s largest cave system at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
I’ll never forget taking a group of 60-something Aussies from Perth on their first motorbiking adventure through the Hai Van Pass. The looks on their faces as they rounded each bend to reveal another breathtaking coastal view – that’s what makes this job so rewarding.
[IMAGE:halong-bay-cruise]
Food Tourism: The Way to an Aussie’s Heart
Let’s be honest – the food alone is worth the flight. Vietnamese cuisine has exploded in popularity in Australia, but nothing compares to experiencing it at the source.
Food tourism is expected to be a major driver for Australian travellers to Vietnam in 2025, with specialized culinary tours, cooking classes, and food markets featuring prominently in travel itineraries.
Tracy has become something of a local legend for her street food tours in Hanoi. She takes small groups to hidden gems where generations of families have perfected a single dish – whether it’s the perfect bowl of pho, crispy banh xeo, or the deceptively simple but heavenly bun cha (a dish that even impressed Barack Obama when he visited).
The beauty of Vietnamese food is its freshness, balance of flavors, and health benefits. Many of our older travellers comment on how they can eat to their heart’s content without feeling heavy or uncomfortable like they might after rich European meals.
Digital Nomad Visas: Not Just for the Young’uns
Here’s a trend that might surprise you – it’s not just the twenty-somethings taking advantage of Vietnam’s new digital nomad visa programs. By 2025, we’re seeing a surge in what I call “semi-retired digital nomads” – Aussies in their 50s and 60s who can work remotely part-time while exploring Vietnam.
With the cost of living in Australia continuing to rise, more boomers are looking at alternatives that allow them to stretch their retirement funds while maintaining an exciting lifestyle. Vietnam’s digital infrastructure has improved dramatically, with reliable high-speed internet now available even in smaller towns and beach destinations.
Just last month, I met a couple from Adelaide – both in their late 50s – who had sold their family home, moved their accounting practice online, and were spending six months a year living in Da Nang. “We’re saving money while living a better lifestyle,” they told me over dinner. “Our clients back home don’t even know we’re overseas half the time.”
[IMAGE:digital-nomad-cafe]
Community Connection: Finding Your Tribe Abroad
One of the most heartwarming trends we’re seeing is the growth of Australian expat communities throughout Vietnam. For many first-time visitors, discovering these ready-made support networks makes the idea of extended stays or even retirement in Vietnam seem much more accessible.
Tracy and I host a monthly barbecue for Aussies in Hanoi that regularly draws 50+ people. We see similar gatherings in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, and even smaller destinations like Dalat. These communities help newcomers navigate everything from visa requirements to finding the best flat white in town (yes, the coffee scene here has exploded to accommodate Aussie tastes).
The Australian government has recognized this trend too, with enhanced consular services and support networks being planned for 2025 to accommodate the growing number of Australians choosing Vietnam for extended stays.
Sustainable Tourism: Doing Right by Vietnam
As more Australians become conscious of their environmental footprint, Vietnam’s efforts in sustainable tourism are proving attractive. By 2025, we’re seeing a significant shift toward eco-friendly accommodations, tour operators committed to environmental protection, and experiences that benefit local communities.
Tracy and I have partnered with several Vietnamese-owned businesses that prioritize sustainability – from homestays in minority villages that fund local education programs to restaurants that source ingredients exclusively from local organic farms.
Many of our boomer clients are particularly drawn to these opportunities, often commenting that they want to ensure beautiful destinations like Vietnam remain pristine for their grandchildren to enjoy someday.
The Bottom Line: Why Vietnam Calls to Aussies
After nearly 20 years of calling Vietnam home, Tracy and I understand why this country continues to capture Australian hearts. It offers that perfect balance we seek as travellers – exotic enough to be exciting but comfortable enough to navigate, affordable without compromising on experiences, traditional yet rapidly modernizing.
Vietnam in 2025 isn’t just another stop on the Southeast Asian circuit – it’s becoming a destination where Australians of our generation are finding new adventures, forming lasting connections, and in some cases, even creating new chapters of their lives.
[IMAGE:sunset-beach-vietnam]
If you’re considering where to point your compass in 2025, give Vietnam a go. Whether you’re after a two-week holiday packed with experiences or contemplating a longer stay, this remarkable country has a way of exceeding expectations. And if you happen to find yourself in Hanoi, look Tracy and me up for a cold beer and some local insights. We’re always happy to welcome a fellow Aussie to our adopted home.
Until next time, safe travels!
Aussie Mates