Although once considered "paradise islands", destinations like Bali and Jeju are gradually losing their appeal as Vietnamese tourists have more affordable options.
Representatives of many travel agencies said that tours often create attraction in the first time of launching but it is difficult to maintain the heat continuously due to fierce competition in the market. Many newly launched tours have more attraction and better prices, causing many old destinations to be forgotten or have significantly reduced purchasing power. Below are tours that once attracted Vietnamese tourists but are gradually losing their position.
Bali
According to Ms. Luu Thi Thu, Deputy Director of Hoang Viet Travel, Bali tours became popular in 2018, associated with the image of a "paradise island" and a famous place like a dinosaur's back. When it was first launched, the tour cost between 11 and 13 million VND for a 4-5 day trip. Bali maintained its popularity until 2023 and currently the price remains around 12-13 million VND, expected to remain unchanged in 2025.
However, Bali has gradually lost its appeal due to its unattractive beach experience, long travel time to reach the dinosaur spine, and cuisine that is not really suitable for Vietnamese tourists' taste. Although Bali has many beautiful beaches, most of this area is not suitable for swimming due to the terrain and big waves.
Ubud resorts used to be a hit thanks to their terraced fields, but in recent years, many mountain resorts in Vietnam have developed strongly, making this experience no longer so special. With prices similar to Bali, Vietnamese tourists tend to choose high-end resorts in the country, enjoying more luxurious and convenient services.
Singapore
Singapore tourism has been popular since the 2000s thanks to the launch of many attractive tour packages. The island nation is famous for its modernity, smart planning, clean environment and unique attractions such as Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Universal Studios and bustling shopping areas. In particular, the fusion of Chinese, Malaysian and Indian cultures brings a diverse cultural space and rich cuisine.
Mr. Pham Anh Vu, Deputy General Director of Viet Travel, said that Singapore was a favorite destination for Vietnamese tourists from 2000 to 2015. Initially, the price of a 4-day, 3-night tour was about 8 million VND per person, now it is about 10-12 million VND. However, this route has gradually lost its appeal due to the sharp increase in the cost of living in Singapore, the familiar destination and competition from Malaysia with lower costs.
Russia
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tung, Director of Danh Nam Travel, said that the period of 2018-2019 was the peak period of Russian tours when many travel companies exploited this market. In Hanoi alone, there were about 20 groups departing each month, of which the Russian Union organized from 8 to 10 groups, each group of 25-30 guests.
Russian tours remained stable until 2019. Tour prices ranged from 55-60 million VND per person, now down about 5 million VND, but most tours have to transit through China.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, Russian tours have not been able to recover due to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, causing tourists to be apprehensive and limiting flights. In 2024, in Hanoi, the number of departing groups is very small, mainly private tours. It is expected that in 2025, travel agencies will begin to re-exploit this market with products such as Hanoi - Moscow - St. Petersburg, transiting through Chengdu or Guangzhou.
Dubai
Dubai has attracted Vietnamese tourists since 2010, especially after the completion of the Burj Khalifa tower. The Middle Eastern city is famous for its lavish architecture, desert tours, camel rides, driving on sand dunes and enjoying BBQ parties under the stars. In addition, Dubai is also a shopping paradise with a series of luxury shopping centers.
When it first appeared, the Dubai tour cost about 25 million VND for a 6-day, 5-night trip; currently, the tour costs from 30 million VND. However, after the boom period of 2019-2021, the attraction of this tour has gradually decreased due to high costs, harsh weather and differences in culinary culture. Economic factors also affect the travel decisions of Vietnamese tourists when income is affected and airfare costs increase.
Cambodia
Cambodia tours exploded in 2017 with weekly group tours departing from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The journey is attractive thanks to the mysterious Angkor Wat temple complex, unique street food with insect dishes and ancient temples covered with trees, with a characteristic ghostly charm.
Tour price is also a big advantage. When it was first launched, the road tour from Ho Chi Minh City cost 5 million VND, and the flight from Hanoi cost 8 million VND. Currently, the price has increased to 8 million VND for the road tour from Ho Chi Minh City and 13 million VND for the flight tour from Hanoi. In addition, strong competition from China road tours priced at 8-12 million VND or Thailand tours priced at 7-9 million VND with many cultural, culinary and entertainment experiences has also caused Cambodia tours to "gradually weaken".
Jeju
Jeju Island tours began to attract Vietnamese tourists in 2012 thanks to the influence of romantic Korean movies. Initially, this was a tour on demand, but since 2016, charter flights to Jeju have made this journey more popular, with prices at that time fluctuating around 15 million VND. Jeju maintained its appeal until 2018, then gradually decreased. Currently, the tour price is around 15.9 million VND.
However, the number of group tours to Jeju is currently not much because this destination has not very special scenery, the experience is quite monotonous. According to Ms. Thu, with similar prices, Vietnamese tourists tend to choose Seoul and Busan, which have many vibrant attractions, rich shopping and a modern culture combined with tradition.
Nanning
Danh Nam Travel representative said that in 2023, when China just reopened, the 3-day Nanning tour would depart regularly and "sell very well" because there was less competition from low-cost flight tours. At that time, the departure price from Hanoi would fluctuate around 4 million VND per person, making it an economical and easy choice.
However, by 2024, this tour will gradually lose its appeal due to competition from more attractive road routes such as Tuyet Kieu Mountain from December to February or Kunming - Dali with more impressive landscapes. At the same time, the Phoenix Ancient Town tour has direct flights at competitive prices, from 11 million VND for a 5-6 day trip, the promotion period reduced to 9 million VND.
With such prices and experiences, short-term road tours such as 3-day Nanning or Nanning - Guilin - Yangshuo are almost no longer possible to organize individual group tours, only suitable for private groups.
Source
Comment (0)