2025’s Hottest Travel Crush is Definitely Vietnam
By Kelli Luu | 11 Mar, 2025

Private beaches, iconic views, and unique cuisine fuel Vietnam’s tourism boom

It’s time for Japan and France to take a seat—Vietnam is going to be 2025’s ultimate it-girl travel destination! In just a couple years, the Southeast Asian country has transformed from being a hidden gem to a global stop that deserves a spot on everyone’s travel bucket list. 

And the world is clearly catching on as Vietnam welcomed 2.1 million international travelers in January 2025, marking a 36.9% increase when compared to January 2024. Gorgeous landscapes, lively cities, and a Tết (Lunar New Year) celebration that had the rest of the world watching—these are just a few of the factors making everyone want to book that Viet vacation.

As a Vietnamese girl myself, I feel like I am having a big-sister moment, seeing my motherland getting all the recognition she deserves. So, let’s take a look at what is fueling her ride to the top.

One of the biggest reasons for Vietnam’s tourism boom is the fact that it just simply has everything a tourist could ask for—great food, panoramic views, Instagram worthy restaurants—how much better can it get than that? 

When visiting, you don’t even have to make the choice between luxury or affordability because in Vietnam, you can easily have both. I’m talking private beaches, five-star resorts, and Michelin star-worthy street food for a fraction of what it would cost in any American state. 

Sink your toes into white sand of Phú Quốc, a place we can consider the Maldives of Southeast Asia because the scenery purely depicts a paradise. Or possibly, you’re more the adventurous type. Hop on the back of a motorbike for a classic Hanoi tour where you can weave around the streets just like a true local. And if you’re looking to capture a photo that can be found on the back of a postcard, book a kayak tour in Hạ Long Bay so you can admire the unique limestone cliffs and take a dip in the emerald green water. 

But if you’re anything like me and absolutely love the thrill of scoring a vintage gem at a thrift store, then Vietnam is a treasure hunt just waiting to happen. Tourists are making sure to stop in Ho Chi Minh City since it is a hotspot for luxury second-hand shopping, which has been quite the trend all over the world. Dior denim, timeless Chanel purses—all at prices that make the hunt even sweeter.