Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled a list of emerging destinations attracting growing interest from Vietnamese travellers this summer. Tourists are increasingly seeking out lesser-known locations, encompassing seaside escapes, mountain retreats and cultural experiences.
Among the most popular emerging domestic destinations for summer 2026 are Ly Son Island (Quang Ngai Province), Mai Chau (Phu Tho Province) and Mang Den (Quang Ngai Province). Internationally, Cebu in the Philippines, Kaohsiung in Taiwan (China) and Barcelona in Spain are among the most searched destinations by Vietnamese travellers planning overseas holidays.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Viet Nam, said: “Vietnamese travellers are increasingly interested in new destinations that offer meaningful experiences and better align with individual preferences and travel needs.”
Ly Son, Mang Den (Quang Ngai Province), Ninh Binh and Mai Chau stand out for summer 2026
Topping the list of emerging domestic destinations is Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Province. Interest in the island has surged significantly in 2026 compared with the previous year. With its crystal-clear waters, dramatic natural scenery, colourful coral reefs and tranquil pace of life, Ly Son is becoming an appealing alternative for travellers seeking a different experience from more crowded island destinations such as Phu Quoc, Phu Quy and Vinh Hy.
Ninh Binh has also recorded steady growth in search interest compared with the same period last year, thanks to its harmonious blend of natural landscapes, heritage attractions and cultural tourism. Iconic sites such as the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and Tam Coc–Bich Dong continue to captivate visitors with their spectacular limestone mountains, caves and winding rivers. At the same time, the province’s diverse cultural and spiritual tourism offerings add further depth to the visitor experience.
Home to the Trang An Landscape Complex, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and boasting a rich network of historical monuments, Ninh Binh has reinforced its reputation as an ideal destination for travellers seeking to combine nature exploration with cultural discovery.
No longer an unfamiliar name, Mai Chau, a mountainous region in Phu Tho Province, continues to grow in popularity among travellers thanks to its combination of convenient accessibility and complete escape from the bustle of urban life.
An ideal mountain retreat for those seeking a peaceful alternative to Sa Pa, Mai Chau charms visitors with its terraced rice fields, ethnic minority culture and traditional stilt houses set amid tranquil rural landscapes, making it a preferred choice for leisurely short breaks from Ha Noi.
A newcomer to the list, Kon Von Kle, better known as Mang Den, highlights the growing appeal of Viet Nam’s Central Highlands. Increasing numbers of travellers are seeking destinations that offer cool climates and immersive nature-based experiences.
In recent years, Mang Den has emerged as an attractive alternative to the increasingly crowded Da Lat, thanks to its vast pine forests, majestic mountain scenery and relaxed pace of life. Its appearance in Agoda’s rankings reflects a growing openness among Vietnamese travellers towards lesser-known highland destinations that offer fresh air, close contact with nature and a genuine sense of discovery.
Tay Ninh has also secured a place among the most favoured destinations, supported by the province’s tourism development in recent years. Benefiting from its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, the renowned Ba Den Mountain spiritual tourism complex and steadily improving infrastructure, Tay Ninh is increasingly attracting southern visitors seeking pilgrimage experiences, cultural exploration and eco-tourism opportunities.
“For this year’s summer holiday season, travellers are gravitating towards destinations that bring together nature, culture and a spirit of exploration, ranging from pristine islands and heritage centres to highland regions with temperate climates,” Vu Ngoc Lam noted.
New international destinations attract travellers
Alongside domestic tourism, Agoda’s data show that Vietnamese travellers are actively searching for more distant international destinations when planning their mid-year holidays.
Cebu Island in the Philippines recorded the strongest growth in travel searches. Its appeal lies in its beautiful beaches, diving opportunities, diverse island-hopping tours and convenient connections to other parts of the Philippines, making Cebu an ideal destination for an extended tropical getaway within the region.
Other emerging destinations reflect Vietnamese travellers’ growing desire to diversify their international experiences. Located in southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung offers a distinctly different side of the island from Taipei, featuring harbour views, night markets, artistic spaces and coastal cultural attractions.
Barcelona, Spain, is an ideal destination for travellers passionate about architecture, Mediterranean culture and football, while Fujikawaguchiko in Japan appeals to those seeking peaceful lakeside retreats and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji rather than bustling metropolitan centres.
Istanbul, Türkiye, continues to attract Vietnamese visitors thanks to its unique blend of history, culture and unparalleled transcontinental experiences. Türkiye’s intensified tourism promotion efforts in Viet Nam, coupled with a simplified e-visa process, have made Istanbul a more accessible destination for Vietnamese travellers during this year’s summer holiday season.
