Vietnam has rapidly become one of the most popular overseas destinations for Australian travellers, with short-term trips more than doubling since 2016. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the country has risen from the fifth most visited Southeast Asian destination a decade ago to the third by 2024, surpassing Singapore and Malaysia. In 2025, more than 528,000 Australians returned from short stays in Vietnam, compared with 246,000 in 2016, highlighting a significant shift in travel preferences. The growth is being driven by a combination of affordability, accessibility, and changing travel habits. Industry figures point to increased flight capacity, with airlines such as Jetstar expanding services and reporting more than 30% growth in passenger numbers since 2023. Travel platforms like Expedia have also recorded strong year-on-year increases in searches for Vietnamese cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc. Experts suggest that cost-of-living pressures and global uncertainty are encouraging Australians to choose closer, value-for-money destinations instead of long-haul European trips. Vietnam offers what analysts describe as a strong price-to-quality ratio, with mid-range costs delivering high-end experiences such as fine dining, boutique fashion, and tailored clothing at relatively low prices. The favourable exchange rate for the Australian dollar has further strengthened its appeal. Travellers and industry figures also point to Vietnam’s evolving cultural scene as a major draw. Younger generations and returning diaspora are reshaping food, fashion and entertainment, creating vibrant urban experiences that appeal to visitors seeking authenticity without mass tourism saturation. However, some tourism experts caution that Vietnam must manage growth carefully to avoid the overtourism challenges seen in destinations like Bali. Overall, Vietnam’s combination of affordability, cultural dynamism and improved connectivity is positioning it as a leading holiday choice for Australians seeking accessible and diverse travel experiences in Southeast Asia.

Iran has struck international airports in the UAE following Israeli and US attacks, killing one person and disrupting flights across the Middle East.