Ticket prices climb as demand spikes

Three weeks before the break, travelers reported steep price rises and limited availability on key routes. Round-trip fares on Hanoi–Hue flights for April 27–28 departures and May 5 returns ranged from about US$165–177, while economy seats during the peak April 29–May 3 window were largely sold out, leaving only premium tickets costing up to around US$380 per person. Rail services showed similar pressure, with limited sleeper berths remaining and many return trains fully booked.

Trang Nhung, a resident of Cau Giay ward in Hanoi, said her family faced difficulties booking flights for a planned trip to Hue and Da Nang due to late arrangements.

“Within just a few days of checking, prices had already jumped, and many convenient flights were nearly sold out. I didn’t expect tickets to run out so quickly this year,” she said.

Airline data indicates demand is concentrated on April 29–30 departures and May 3–4 returns. Popular domestic routes such as Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi–Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc have all recorded significantly higher fares compared to normal periods. On the Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City trunk route, one-way fares commonly range from US$130–190, with many flights nearing price caps. Other routes linking Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Da Lat are also seeing elevated fares, typically US$95–175 per leg, with some services nearly sold out.

Carriers have expanded capacity to meet demand. Vietnam Airlines Group plans to offer nearly 1.12 million seats during the peak, up 15.5% year on year, including more than 3,800 domestic flights. Vietjet Air has added around 500 flights, increasing total capacity to about 832,000 seats, up roughly 18%.

On rail, ticket prices have risen 10–15% amid higher fuel costs, with more than 44,000 tickets sold as of April 7 and additional services deployed on key routes.

Travelers shift to flexible, budget-friendly options

Facing higher travel costs, many holidaymakers are adjusting plans rather than cancelling trips. Some are switching from international destinations to domestic options, booking earlier, or opting for road travel to save money.

By contrast, Nguyen Hoang Nam, a resident from Ho Chi Minh City, said he had to abandon plans for an overseas trip.

“My family initially planned to visit Thailand, but airfare alone for four people was nearly VND24 million (US$911). In the end, we switched to Da Nang to cut costs,” he said.

Similarly, Tran Thuy Mai, also living in Ho Chi Minh City, opted for a different mode of transport.

“Ticket prices this year are almost double compared to last year, so we decided to drive to Phan Thiet instead. It takes longer, but it’s more flexible and much more affordable,” she shared.

This shift has made alternatives such as short-distance travel, road trips and self-driving options increasingly popular during the holiday period, even as related service costs have risen by 30–50% compared to regular days.

Industry insiders said rising transport costs are reshaping consumer behaviour rather than dampening demand.

Bui Thanh Tu, marketing director at travel company Best Price, said customers are not canceling trips but are becoming more selective.

“Travelers are calculating more carefully. Many are choosing nearer destinations, shortening trips or cutting back on services to stay within budget,” he said.

Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, marketing director at travel firm Vietravel, noted a clear market segmentation.

“Some travelers are still willing to pay a premium for better experiences, but the majority now prioritise flexible, reasonably priced options that suit family travel,” she said.

Despite pricing pressures, overall travel demand is strong. Tour bookings are up 15–20% year on year, with many holiday packages already sold out. Domestic destinations such as Phu Quoc, Da Nang–Hue, Nha Trang and Sa Pa continue to attract visitors, while short-haul international markets including Thailand, the Republic of Korea and China remain popular.

Fuel cost surge pushes airfares up

More than 60% of international airlines have either increased or are planning to increase airfares from mid-March, as surging fuel costs continue to put pressure on the global aviation industry, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).