Domestic flight prices during the upcoming 2/9 holiday are expected to surge, according to a survey on airline websites. Prices are projected to be 1.5-2 times higher than usual and will likely increase as the holiday approaches. For the Hanoi-Nha Trang route, Vietnam Airlines’ round-trip tickets, including taxes and fees, range from VND 3 to 4.8 million in economy class and VND 5.4 to 13.2 million in business class. Vietjet Air offers more affordable options, with round-trip tickets costing over VND 2.5 to 3 million in economy class. Bamboo Airway tickets fluctuate between VND 2.9 and 3.6 million. These prices indicate an increase of VND 0.5 to 1 million compared to flights in July and mid-August for the same route.
The captivating autumn scenery in Asian countries delights many travelers. Source: Shutterstock.
This surge in domestic flight prices has a knock-on effect on the cost of domestic tour packages during the holiday period. As a result, international destinations are gaining popularity among travelers, with a preference for nearby locations offering reasonable prices and attractive promotional policies.
Taiwan, China, China, South Korea, and Thailand are among the top choices for international tours during the 2/9 holiday. Newly reopened Southeast Asian destinations, such as Cambodia and Laos, are also attracting travelers due to their shorter travel durations (4-5 days), moderate tour prices, and the allure of exploring these destinations during the autumn season, which offers pleasant weather and stunning landscapes.
Mr. Bui Thanh Tu, Marketing Director of BestPrice Travel Company, noted that tours to China, Thailand, and Taiwan-China have been in high demand and booked well in advance, with some international tours reserved a month before the holiday period.
“Despite a 20-40% increase in tour prices compared to regular days, our international tour packages for the 2/9 holiday are almost fully booked,” said Mr. Tu. “The cheapest tour, Hanoi-Thailand, priced at VND 8.9 million and departing on August 30, has been very popular. If travelers are still considering their holiday plans, they may want to explore domestic options, which offer a wider range of hotel and cruise choices,” he added.
Thailand is a popular choice among Vietnamese travelers. Source: ivivu
Ms. Tran Thi Bao Thu, Director of Marketing and Communications at Vietluxtour, observed that 60% of their customers opted for international tours, while 40% chose domestic tours. “This year’s 2/9 holiday tour prices remain stable compared to the same period last year, as the tourism industry has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. “Some routes have seen a slight increase of 2-5% due to rising flight and accommodation costs.”
According to Ms. Thu, the average tour price range that individual travelers prefer is between VND 12 and 15 million per person. As of now, approximately 80% of Vietluxtour’s target bookings for the holiday period have been achieved, with remaining availability mostly in Southeast Asian and domestic tours.
In anticipation of the surge in tourist numbers during the National Day holiday on September 2nd, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism advises travelers to thoroughly research travel packages, especially regarding travel programs and accommodations. They also recommend choosing reputable tourism service providers that comply with legal regulations.
