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Vietnam vacation site
Episode 3197 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about what Australian vacationers have discovered in Vietnam. The featured story is titled Why Vietnam is Australia’s rising star destination and it appeared on the Bugle App website. It was submitted by John Stapleton.
Stapleton reported that Australian travel media have spent the past year spotlighting Vietnam’s rapid rise as a favorite destination, and the enthusiasm is backed by striking numbers. While Bali remains popular, Vietnam attracts near-universal praise from visitors. Australian arrivals surged 54% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with 2019, with more than 276,000 Australians visiting in the first half of 2025 alone. Booking platforms report explosive growth, including a 250% increase in hotel bookings between March and June 2025.
Vietnam’s appeal lies in a rare combination of affordability, quality infrastructure, safety, friendly locals, dramatic landscapes, rich history, distinctive culture, favorable climate, and world-class food. For Australians grappling with rising living costs at home, value for money is the decisive factor. Outside major tourist zones, everyday expenses are remarkably low: dollar coffees and beers, $3 bowls of pho, and long taxi rides for around $10. Travel writers consistently highlight this affordability, amplified by a strong Australian dollar against the Vietnamese dong.
Beyond price, Vietnam offers a glimpse of a thriving, socially cohesive society. Streets buzz with informal commerce, from time-specific food stalls to home-based shops, reflecting an industrious culture unburdened by excessive regulation. Families and community life are central, with children appearing well cared for, disciplined, and joyful across all economic levels.
Vietnam’s social conservatism also distinguishes it from regional competitors. Unlike Thailand’s overt party tourism, excesses are contained, contributing to a more orderly atmosphere. Combined with deep national pride and a remarkable transformation from post-war poverty to modern prosperity, Vietnam increasingly captivates Australians seeking both value and meaning in their travels.
Listen to Episode 3197 and discover more about what Australian vacationers have discovered in Vietnam.
