Instead of waiting until the traditional high season in June and July, travel demand has surged in the weeks leading up to the long holiday, with many tourism products approaching full capacity.

Early planning drives strong booking rates

Travel firms including Vietluxtour, TransViet and Du Lich Viet reported a sharp increase in bookings compared to the same period last year, with many packages reaching 70–85% occupancy before departure dates.

A representative from Vietluxtour said demand has risen by around 10–15% year on year, while TransViet noted that several routes are nearly fully booked. Du Lich Viet also reported that island and long-haul tours are filling up quickly, with some products expected to close sales one to two weeks before the holiday.

In the premium segment, Paradise Vietnam said overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay have reached occupancy rates of around 70–75%, with peak dates already fully booked.

Beach destinations lead early surge

Coastal destinations remain the top choice for travelers during the holiday period, thanks to favourable weather and strong demand for leisure and family-oriented trips.

However, occupancy rates are rising faster than expected, forcing some companies to stop selling early due to limited flight availability and high-end accommodation shortages.

Data from digital travel platform Agoda shows domestic accommodation searches by Vietnamese travelers have increased by roughly 80% ahead of the holiday compared to the same period last year.

Beach destinations dominate the trend, with notable growth in search demand for Vung Tau, Nha Trang, Da Nang and Phan Thiet. This indicates that summer beach tourism in 2026 is not only maintaining its appeal but also entering a busy phase earlier than usual, with the holiday acting as a key trigger.

Alongside coastal travel, mountainous destinations such as Sa Pa and Ha Giang are also attracting visitors seeking cooler climates and nature-based experiences. These destinations are becoming increasingly popular among travelers looking to avoid overcrowding at major beach hubs.

Rising pressure on flights and accommodation

Tour operators have highlighted supply constraints as one of the biggest challenges during this period. Airfares are rising rapidly as the holiday approaches, while hotels in key destinations are nearing full capacity.

Air transport costs now account for 50–70% of tour prices, pushing overall package prices up by 15–30% compared to normal periods. In response, travel firms such as TransViet and Vietluxtour are adjusting their offerings by promoting shorter trips and more flexible itineraries.

According to BestPrice Travel, travelers are increasingly prioritising personalized experiences, wellness tourism and cultural exploration.

Family groups tend to opt for higher-quality services, while younger travelers are drawn to immersive activities. Paradise Vietnam also noted rising demand for slow travel and multi-generational trips, reflecting a shift toward more meaningful travel experiences.

Notably, the April 30–May 1 holiday period is increasingly seen as a “second New Year”, encouraging longer trips and higher spending.

Outlook: early peak and intensifying competition

Current trends suggest that the holiday period is not only a short-term peak but also the starting point for the entire summer travel season.

With beach tourism continuing to lead demand and competition for flights and accommodation intensifying, the market is expected to remain dynamic in the coming months.

Amid rising costs and higher service expectations, travel companies will need to remain flexible to balance pricing and customer experience while meeting increasingly proactive consumer demand.

Which beach in Vietnam boasts the Pantone - “color of the year 2026

As soon as the Pantone Color Institute unveiled “Cloud Dancer” as the Color of the Year 2026, travel lovers quickly made the connection to Kem Beach – the iconic beach in Phu Quoc famed for its rare, velvety-white sand, soft and distinctive in texture.