Digital travel platform takes the road less traveled.
Digital travel platform Agoda today released its first “Vietnam’s New Horizons” list of fast rising, lesser-known destinations. The study, which compares year-on-year search data between 2022 and 2023 highlights emerging destinations that have seen noteworthy growth in interest by travelers inside and outside of Vietnam.
“While Vietnam’s best-known and best-loved destinations have been well-covered and frequently explored by our homeland’s travelers, in the past year we have seen spikes in searches for some of the nation’s less-visited locales,” explained Agoda Vietnam Country Director Lam Vu.
“We wanted to highlight a few of the locations off Vietnam’s beaten track, and into the aspirations of its evolving travelers, who are often looking to expand their travel horizons and take the road less traveled.”
Leading the way was the northern mountain retreat of Tam Dao, which saw an incredible 279% increase in search traffic year-on-year – and it’s not hard to see why. Located just 80 kilometers from Hanoi, and easily accessible by car, bus, motorbike – and even occasionally by the adventurous bicyclist – the stunning retreat, with its hotel-and-homestay dotted hillscape has proven an irresistible getaway for Hanoians seeking a quick respite from the busy capital.
Recording a 234% increase in search volume was Bac Ninh. The spiritual epicenter of northern Vietnam is just 40 kilometers from Hanoi, and offers myriad options for culture-seekers and art-lovers. It famously features year-round traditional festivals, frequently in and around one of the region’s many pagodas and temples.
Staying in the north, beach town Sam Son clocked 228% growth in searches off the back of a particularly hot northern summer, and as the area has grown in popularity for its sandy shores and rolling seas.
Located off the coast of resort-meccas Phan Thiet, Phu Quy Island – ably assisted by influencers drawn by its irresistibly Instagrammable endless-horizons, the tiny isle, with its comfy homestays saw interest in its gorgeous scenery spike by an impressive 180% more searches year on year.
Rounding out the 2023 list of Vietnam’s New Horizons is Quy Nhon. The expansion of resorts and infrastructure to the city has seen a rise in search interest from Agoda users to the tune of 178% in the past year, drawn to its stunning beaches and fabulous cuisine.
Honorable mentions in the 2023 roundup included Cat Ba Island (127%), Tuy Hoa, which saw search traffic more than double (103%), and mountainous Yen Bai, which almost doubled (88%).
“Vietnam has so much to offer, and we are seeing increased interest in a number of second and third tier destinations, and Agoda is always here and willing to support travelers with some of the best deals and best experiences Vietnam has to offer,” Lam Vu concluded.
