While travel demand has picked up, many holidaymakers are reconsidering their plans as ticket prices for flights, trains and buses continue to climb, directly affecting travel decisions.

Market observations show that domestic airfares tend to surge on weekends and ahead of public holidays, at times reaching 1.5 to 2 times higher than off-peak levels. One-way tickets that typically range from VND1.5 million to VND3.8 million can rise to VND4–5 million during peak periods.

Routes such as Hanoi–Da Nang have seen sharp increases, with fares climbing to nearly VND5 million per leg during peak times. As a result, some travelers are shifting to nearer destinations or choosing weekday departures to reduce costs.

Le Ngoc Diep, a resident of Hanoi, said her family had initially planned a beach holiday but decided to change their destination due to high airfare costs, noting that ticket prices could rival or even exceed accommodation expenses.

Similarly, Nguyen Phuong Lien, another resident from Hanoi, said travel planning has become more cost-sensitive, especially for families. She noted that round-trip airfare for a family of three to four could reach VND8–10 million during peak periods, prompting them to book early or adjust travel schedules.

The rise in airfares is not only affecting travelers but also reshaping strategies within the tourism industry.

Bui Thanh Tu, marketing director at BestPrice Travel, pointed out that while customer interest in tours remains strong, many hesitate to make bookings due to high ticket prices. In response, companies are designing tour packages to nearby destinations accessible by road or private vehicles to help reduce overall costs.

Travel firms are also working with airlines to secure fixed ticket allocations, allowing them to offer more stable and competitive pricing compared to flexible flight options, he added.

Nguyen Cong Hoan, general director of Flamingo Redtours and a representative of the Vietnam Tourism Association, shared rising airfare costs are accelerating a shift toward alternative transport, particularly rail travel, which is less sensitive to fuel price fluctuations.

He noted that railway tourism saw strong growth last year and is expected to remain a popular choice, while both travelers and tour operators are adjusting budgets by balancing transport costs with spending on accommodation and services.

Rising transport costs are driving noticeable changes in travel behaviour. Instead of relying primarily on air travel, more tourists are exploring alternative transport options and choosing closer destinations.

From a broader perspective, this shift presents an opportunity for Vietnam’s domestic tourism market to diversify. Road and rail travel, along with short-haul destinations, are regaining attention as the industry adapts to evolving cost structures and consumer preferences.

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