In response, local authorities and tourism operators are revamping their offerings, expanding transport capacity, and tightening safety protocols to accommodate the surge.
Destinations revamp visitor experiences
Travelers heading to Hanoi over the upcoming National Day holiday will find a diverse array of experiential itineraries. At the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the management center is leveraging historic artifacts and archival materials alongside interactive technology to deliver immersive visits. Meanwhile, the Hoa Lo Prison Relic continues to recount revolutionary history through curated exhibits, historical documents, and eyewitness accounts, catering to strong public interest during the September 2 holiday.
In Ho Chi Minh City, hoteliers and restaurateurs along the Saigon River report occupancy rates reaching 70 to 80 percent, driven by a surge in bookings from visitors eager to watch the festive fireworks displays. At the Cu Chi Tunnels historical site, a cultural festival featuring traditional Gong performances and K'Ho ethnic cuisine from Lang Biang, Lam Dong, will run from August 29 through September 2.
Across the Central region, local authorities are continuously refreshing tourism products to meet shifting traveler preferences toward nature, authentic culture, and local lifestyle immersion. In Hue City, excursions across the Tam Giang Lagoon allow visitors to cast fishing nets, navigate mangrove forests, and savor regional lagoon delicacies.
Da Nang City is diversifying its tourism landscape from coastal urban areas to the western highlands with country market tours, regional gastronomy, traditional Bai Choi folk singing performances, and cultural spaces highlighting the Co Tu and Xedang ethnic minorities. In Hoi An, holiday festivities include the 2026 Creative Week, the signature "Hoi An Memories" outdoor show, and a wide series of cultural activities.
Da Lat continues to draw travelers with its cool climate and destinations that seamlessly blend natural landscapes with cultural products. Sites featuring traditional Gong cultural performances on weekends consistently attract 4,000 to 5,000 visitors per day.
According to Ms. Tran Thi Bao Thu, Marketing and Communications Director at Vietluxtour, three- to four-day itineraries themed around waterways, coastal resorts, highlands, cultural history, and eco-tourism are gaining strong traction. The overarching trend leans toward personalized trips combining relaxation, immersive experiences, and wellness rejuvenation.
In response to the holiday rush, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism has instructed local authorities to enforce strict quality control, mandate transparent price listings, operate dedicated hotlines, and crack down on price gouging, aggressive solicitation, and overcharging. Travelers are advised to book through licensed tour operators, purchase travel insurance, and exercise caution regarding unauthorized tours or packages promoted by social media influencers, including KOLs and KOCs.
Airlines expand capacity as airfares dip ahead of National Day
Transportation providers are ramping up service capacity across the board to meet surging holiday demand. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, domestic airlines plan to supply nearly 1 million seats during the upcoming National Day holiday, a 10 percent year-on-year increase. Additional flights are primarily concentrated on routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with popular destinations including Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hue, and Da Lat.
Demand has already peaked in several regional sectors. On August 29, the heaviest travel day, booking rates reached 100 percent for the Hanoi–Chu Lai route, 99 percent for Ho Chi Minh City–Tuy Hoa, and 98 percent for Ho Chi Minh City–Con Dao. Meanwhile, airfares show signs of cooling. One-way tickets on Vietjet's Hanoi–Phu Quoc route range between VND1.9 million (US$73) and VND2.6 million (US$100), roughly 20 percent lower than the same period last year. Sun PhuQuoc Airways is offering similar routes at around VND2.5 million. Fares for flights connecting Hanoi with Da Nang and Nha Trang, as well as Ho Chi Minh City with Nha Trang, Vinh, and Tho Xuan, are also down by approximately 20 percent.
Speaking with Sai Gon Giai Phong (SGGP) Newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, General Director of the Mien Tay (Western) Bus Station Joint Stock Company in Ho Chi Minh City, confirmed that four to five transport companies serving western provinces have registered price hikes. Ticket prices for regional bus routes are expected to rise by 20 to 25 percent over standard rates during the holiday.
Separately, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism has launched the "Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Souvenir Design Contest 2026" under the banner "Elevating Creativity – Spreading Identity." The competition aims to source signature keepsakes that reflect the metropolis's distinct culture, helping diversify local tourism offerings and boost visitor spending.
The contest is open to domestic and international individuals and organizations legally residing or operating in Vietnam, with a strong push for participation from designers, artisans, architects, academics, and creative businesses. Submissions are open from August 21 through October 21, 2026.
