The announcement of a four-day New Year’s Day holiday has quickly energized the domestic travel market. Within hours of the official schedule being released, many families began searching for short trips, booking hotel rooms, and planning self-drive vacations, particularly to destinations near Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Last-Minute Travel Plans Become More Common
Several travelers said the extended New Year’s Day break encouraged them to make spontaneous travel decisions. Instead of staying home as initially planned for a shorter holiday, families are now choosing two- to three-day getaways that can be completed comfortably by private car.
Mountain and coastal destinations within four to five hours of major cities are among the most popular choices. Travelers prefer flexible itineraries, minimal transit time, and accommodation that allows them to relax and recharge at the start of the new year.
Increased Demand for Short, Self-Drive Trips
Online travel forums and booking platforms have seen a noticeable rise in accommodation searches for the period from January 1 to January 3. Popular destinations such as Da Lat, Phan Thiet, Dong Van, and Meo Vac are frequently mentioned, especially by independent travelers planning trips without tour groups.
Before the New Year’s Day holiday extension was announced, many hotels and homestays were offering weekday rates with no holiday surcharge. However, demand increased sharply after the news, leading to a surge in direct booking inquiries and online reservations.
Hotels in Scenic Areas Reach High Occupancy
In northern mountain destinations like Moc Chau, accommodation providers report that hotels and homestays with central locations or scenic views are filling up quickly. Some properties still have availability in areas farther from town centers, but these rooms are expected to sell out as the holiday approaches.
Moc Chau remains attractive for New Year’s Day travel thanks to its mild climate, easy road access from Hanoi, and seasonal highlights such as early cherry blossoms, making it ideal for photography and outdoor activities.
Room Rates Show Moderate Fluctuations
A review of booking platforms shows that some resorts and hotels in both northern and southern Vietnam have adjusted prices in response to demand. Room rates at selected properties increased by 200,000 to 500,000 VND within a single day, and certain room categories have already sold out on peak nights, particularly January 2.
Despite these changes, overall room availability at major destinations remains relatively stable, and travelers can still find suitable options with early planning.
Travelers Prefer Booking Close to Departure Dates
Tourism industry representatives note a clear trend: travelers are booking closer to their departure dates. Instead of planning one or two months in advance, many now confirm trips just one to two weeks before travel. This reflects cautious spending habits and a desire to remain flexible while waiting for promotions or finalizing work schedules.
The extended New Year’s Day holiday is expected to further stimulate demand in the coming days, especially for flight-and-hotel packages and short-stay resort deals.
New Year’s Day Seen as a “Warm-Up” Holiday
Industry experts describe New Year’s Day as a “warm-up holiday” that sets the tone for travel in the year ahead. While it does not generate the same volume as Lunar New Year, it plays an important role in encouraging early-year travel and helping the tourism sector maintain momentum.
At the same time, some families choose to stay home due to school schedules or upcoming exams for children, saving longer trips for later holidays. This balance keeps demand steady rather than overwhelming.
Positive Outlook for Early-Year Tourism
Overall, the four-day New Year’s Day break is delivering positive signals for Vietnam’s tourism industry. With growing interest in short, nearby trips and self-drive travel, destinations close to major cities are benefiting most, while travelers enjoy a refreshing start to the new year without the pressure of long-distance travel.
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