According to Madison Brennan-Mills, the article’s author, Bali, once a favourite destination for Aussies, is reportedly losing its charm due to rising costs, overcrowding, and a decline in the quality of the travel experience.

Madison said she loved Bali that held a special place in her heart. But she quickly questioned whether the current state of Bali is still worth it due to skyrocketing prices, overcrowded streets, and dangerous traffic.

Madison isn’t alone in her doubts. Many Australians are beginning to question whether Bali is still the budget-friendly paradise it once was. Travellers report that the cost of a Bali holiday is now nearly comparable to, or even higher than, staying in Australia. Airfares have doubled, accommodation prices have also soared.

Bridgette, a young mother from Newcastle, said she had visited Bali four times but is now reconsidering another trip. With a tight budget and two small kids, she said she need a more reasonable option.

In contrast, the article showered praise on Vietnam, a rising star in the travel world, offering affordable prices and rich experiences. According to data from travel agencies and booking platforms, the number of Australian visitors to Vietnam has surged recently.

Tourist arrivals from Australia to Vietnam rose by 54% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to pre-pandemic levels, and reached over 320,000 visits in the past seven months, placing Australia among Vietnam’s top 10 international markets.

Tour operators like InsideAsia and travel platform Klook also reported impressive growth, with bookings to Vietnam increasing by 46%, and hotel sales surging by 250%.

Vietnam’s appeal lies in the combination of low costs and high-value travel experiences. The article notes a meal or a taxi ride in Vietnam costs around AUD5, while a bottle of water is less than AUD1, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travellers.

Popular destinations such as Hoi An, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay were praised not only for their beauty but also for their friendly atmosphere, safety, and rich cultural heritage.

Miranda, a young Australian traveller, recently spent 14 days in Vietnam with her boyfriend and expressed deep admiration for the country.

“Most of our meals were just a few dollars, and we were getting bánh mì and beers for under two bucks. It was wild,” she said.

One of the highlights of Miranda’s trip was exploring the Ha Giang Loop on a motorbike – a popular route in northern Vietnam. Beyond affordability, she also appreciated Vietnam’s weather, which she found more pleasant than Bali or Thailand.

She revealed that she spent over AUD5,000 on a 10-day trip in Bali – excluding flights and accommodation. In contrast, her 14-day trip to Vietnam cost only around AUD2,000 to 3,000 in total.

The article concludes by emphasizing that Vietnam offers far better value for Australian travellers, not just due to lower prices, but also thanks to its authentic, diverse, and unique travel experiences. With rising visitor numbers and glowing reviews from tourists, it’s easy to see why Vietnam is a popular tourist destination among Australians.

Australian tourists increasingly interested in Vietnam: NZ Herald

There’s been a steady increase in interest in Vietnam among Australian travellers over several decades, though right now, it’s booming, according to an article published on The New Zealand Herald on May 9.