If Thailand is currently the "expensive elder sibling" of Southeast Asian travel, Vietnam is the hungry upstart winning over the crowd. The preliminary numbers for January 2026 are in, and they are eye-popping: Vietnam served approximately 3.5 million visitors in the 2026 New Year period alone. With a national target of 25 million international arrivals for 2026, the country isn't just on track—it’s sprinting.
But the real story isn’t just the total numbers; it’s the poaching. Regional flow data suggests that travelers who traditionally spent their January in Pattaya or Phuket are increasingly hopping on 1,500 THB flights to Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City. The reason? A simple look at the wallet.
Word on the street is that Vietnam is currently 15% to 25% cheaper than Thailand for the average tourist. While a mid-range hotel in Bangkok might push $75 per night, you can find comparable luxury in Da Nang or HCMC for under $55. In a year where global budgets are tight, that "Vietnam Discount" is acting like a magnet.
And it's not just the classic hubs that are trending. While Hanoi and Saigon remain the anchors, Mui Ne has recently topped global trend lists as the #1 "booming" destination for 2026. Known for its surreal sand dunes and world-class kiteboarding, it’s attracting a younger crowd that feels Thailand’s main hubs have become a bit too "transactional."
"The coffee culture here is addictive—sitting on a plastic stool in Hanoi with a $1 Ca Phe Sua Da... it feels more visceral than a resort lounge."
Tourists are also raving about the "Authenticity Factor." In places like Ninh Binh—often called Ha Long Bay on Land—the experience remains centered on local rhythm rather than mass-market polish. You might trade a bit of convenience for it, but for the 2026 traveler, that "raw" connection is the new luxury.
Vietnam is benefiting from a "perfect storm"
Ultimately, Vietnam is benefiting from a "perfect storm." A stable, traveler-friendly currency, an aggressive expansion of low-cost domestic flights, and a reputation for being the safest and most affordable alternative for those who find the "Golden Baht" just a bit too heavy to carry this season.
