Trends in choosing destinations of Vietnamese tourists in 2022

Costumes of the Ha Nhi ethnic group in Ha Giang. Photo: Contributor/Vietnam+

According to Booking.com's annual Travel Prediction study, up to 80% of Vietnamese travelers said they needed to make up for the time they were "locked in" due to the pandemic, with nearly half (43%) wanting to experience a lesser-known place, instead of the destinations that are too familiar.

In particular, the travel preferences results from the above research also show the booking trends of tourists in Vietnam to share the most popular destinations that are being chosen to prepare for trips this year - including unique and lesser-known destinations with hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Minority Cultural Paradise

Meo Vac (Ha Giang province) is a charming small valley on the rocky plateau in the Northeast, surrounded by limestone mountains and is mainly inhabited by the H'Mong and Ha Nhi people... 84% of Vietnamese tourists want to have authentic local cultural experiences here.

A unique culinary specialty with thang co dish made from beef, pork, and buffalo organs and cooked in a large pan makes 70% of Vietnamese tourists curious to try it when traveling in 2022.

For those who love adventure travel or are photographers, a trip to Meo Vac will hardly be complete without riding a motorbike up Ma Pi Leng Pass to admire the majestic mountains, the deep blue Nho Que River like a soft silk strip winding between the green high peaks and the moss-covered stilt houses, occasionally obscured by drifting clouds.

The “green staircase” for nature lovers

Home to a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa) boasts the natural beauty of spectacular forests and terraced fields, as well as the rich culture of local ethnic minority villages that have lived here for centuries.

Majestic nature in Pu Luong. Photo: Contributor/Vietnam+

This is a destination for nature lovers and those who want to explore new lands. 76% of Vietnamese tourists want to experience a new way of life and hear a new language (49%). Pu Luong has ancient and charming villages where you can learn the traditional weaving, embroidery and basket making skills of the local people.

With 77% of Vietnamese tourists wanting the money they spend on travel to be given back to the local community, this will be a suitable destination to learn new things while still being able to support local businesses and indigenous people as well as help preserve traditional cultural identity.

The "muse" of majestic nature

The great thing about Pleiku, a city in Gia Lai province, is that it still retains its wild beauty and rich, rustic indigenous culture. Dubbed the “green lung” of the Central Highlands of Vietnam, this destination boasts lush green forests and historical relics.

Tourists can visit the Sea Lake formed from an extinct volcano. In addition, food lovers should not miss delicious dishes such as dry pho, crab vermicelli and grilled chicken with bamboo tube rice when coming to Pleiku.

Wild nature and rich indigenous culture of Pleiku people. Photo: Contributor/Vietnam+

Hidden gem in the middle of the sea paradise

In the southern region, when mentioning Ba Ria-Vung Tau, people often think of beautiful beaches, windy hills or fresh seafood. However, many tourists want to go to Thang Tam commune - one of the interesting and impressive destinations in terms of services and tourism for those who love spiritual culture.

If you have the opportunity to visit, do not forget to visit Thang Tam communal house, a complex of 3 relics: Thang Tam communal house, Ba temple and Whale tomb. In addition to the ancient architecture and valuable cultural and historical values, this place is also visited by many tourists to pray for luck and peace.

A Closer to Home Getaway

Just a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, a day trip to Tay Ninh is a great option for Saigon visitors looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Tay Ninh not only has ancient architecture but also modern, magnificent constructions today. Photo: Contributor/Vietnam+

Tay Ninh is home to one of Vietnam’s most fascinating indigenous religions – Caodaism, and the highest mountain in Southern Vietnam – Ba Den Mountain. For those who are passionate about religious culture and architecture, the Cao Dai Holy See is a place not to be missed.

This is one of the most unique and amazing religious structures in Asia with a blend of French cathedral architectural designs, Chinese temple intricate designs and the splendor of a mosque.

Secret Beach

If the thrill of experiencing a completely undiscovered location excites you and you've always wanted to visit deserted beaches, then Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), a quiet beach town next to the famous Nha Trang, might be just the thing for you.

On the coast of Cam Ranh. Photo: CTV/Vietnam+

Although not well known to coastal people, this is a quiet stop chosen by 87% of Vietnamese tourists, who said their mood would immediately change to a more positive direction when seeing the sea here.

This is also home to the largest floating park in Vietnam, protected by thesureoffers you exciting thrills such as parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving and banana boating.

According to Vietnam+