Survey: Hanoi among top affordable Asian destinations
Hanoi, known for its cheap food and accommodation options, is much more affordable than many other Asian destinations, according to a MasterCard survey.
Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi, known for its cheap food and accommodation options, is much moreaffordable than many other Asian destinations, according to a MasterCardsurvey. Statistics show thateach foreign visitor to the city spends an average 110 USD per day, while alocal tourist spends around 55 USD. The numbers are much lower than for otherleading tourist cities in the region. According to aMasterCard survey last year tourists spent 258 USD per day in Seoul, 255 USD inSingapore and 262 USD in Beijing. In Bali tourists oftenspend around 125 USD, according to the Indonesian central bank. In July the 2016TripIndex report by TripAdvisor named Hanoi the least expensive among 20favourite cities surveyed for the third year in a row. It beat Bangkok andMumbai. But the data could varybased on the source.-VNA
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the only in the list to be granted the green-tick status, indicating the site's remarkable credibility among international visitors.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Phu Quoc surpassed Hoi An, a longtime top draw for international visitors, to get into the top five most-searched destinations in Vietnam during the first half of 2025.
With its pristine natural beauty, diverse tourism options, and growing focus on sustainability, Vinh Hy Bay is truly a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the wonders of Khanh Hoa province.
To encourage domestic visitors, the Tourism Department has launched the 2025 tourism promotion scheme themed "Hanoians and Tourists Experience Four- and Five-Star Hotel Services in Hanoi", with a special focus on the week leading up to Vietnam Family Day (June 28).
The success story of Vietnam's tourism reflects coordinated efforts across the sector, which has rolled out a range of concerted solutions, including policy advice, innovative promotional strategies, various tourism stimulus programmes, and diversified tourism offerings.
Following Hanoi and Da Nang, Phu Quoc becomes the third Vietnamese city to welcome APEC’s top-level gathering. The event presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the island’s potential as a leading global destination while elevating Vietnam’s stature on the world stage.
In the first quarter of 2025, Ha Giang recorded over 848,000 tourist arrivals, including nearly 108,000 international visitors and more than 740,000 domestic travellers.
Demand for travel is rising, with a shift towards high-quality, experience-based tourism over mass-market, budget travel. To capitalise on this trend, the management board is launching initiatives to support 85 partner businesses and potential members of the geopark’s network.
To offer competitive pricing with diverse experiences, Vietravel has collaborated with both domestic and international service providers, including national tourism boards from Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong (China), the Republic of Korea, and Japan.
In this ranking, Phong Nha stands out as the most budget-friendly destination in Asia, making Vietnam a top choice for those yearning for a complete adventure while still saving money this spring.
The plan envisions developing Mui Ne into a global tourism centre, fueling economic growth and boosting the competitiveness of tourism in both Binh Thuan province and Vietnam. The area, spanning 14,760 ha, includes key locations in Phan Thiet city, Bac Binh district, and Tuy Phong district.
As the number of tourists surge at Mang Den ecological tourism site in Kon Plong district, the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum, local authorities are working to balance tourism development with environmental protection.
Together with Tra Que Vegetable Village and Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong is one of the most famous craft villages in Hoi An, of the central province of Quang Nam.
Part of Hanoi (Photo: VNA) 
