Hanoi, May 17, 2026 – The Europe Today: Vietnam’s coastal tourism sector is entering the 2026 summer peak season on a strong note, with major destinations such as Đà Nẵng, Nha Trang, Phú Quốc, Hạ Long Bay and Cát Bà reporting robust visitor growth since early May.
Tourism operators say demand for summer travel has arrived earlier than usual this year, with strong bookings recorded for late May and early June. The surge is being driven mainly by families and short-break travellers, as many tourists opt for nearby coastal destinations amid relatively high transport and travel costs.
Among the standout performers, Đà Nẵng has recorded particularly strong growth. The city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported more than 1.46 million visitors between April 25 and May 3, marking an increase of over 35 per cent year-on-year. Authorities expect a series of beach festivals, cultural events and promotional campaigns to further boost tourism throughout the summer.
Other destinations are also maintaining steady momentum. Hạ Long Bay continues to attract large weekend crowds, while travel agencies in Nha Trang and Phú Quốc report rising demand for family vacations, short beach holidays and combined leisure-entertainment packages.
According to travel industry leaders, the sector’s growth is not only seasonal but also supported by improved infrastructure, including transport links, accommodation facilities and entertainment services.
Nguyễn Văn Tài said that the recovery of international arrivals from markets such as the Republic of Korea, China, India and Southeast Asia is also contributing to the strong summer outlook.
Tourism operators further noted that travellers are becoming more selective, prioritising convenience, service quality, dining standards and overall experience over price alone.
In Quảng Ninh province, visitor numbers continue to rise, particularly on weekends, with tourism demand gradually spreading more evenly beyond peak holiday periods.
Hoàng Văn Công said preparations for the peak season have been completed, including staffing and service upgrades. The cruise currently serves around 700 passengers daily, with numbers expected to increase significantly between June and August.
To attract more visitors, the company has expanded onboard entertainment offerings, including LED dance performances, DJ sets, film screenings and acoustic music alongside bay sightseeing tours.
Meanwhile, Vũ Thị Mơ said hotel occupancy rates in May have remained strong, particularly on weekends, as operators enhance staff training and streamline operations for the busy season.
Tourist Minh Anh noted that destinations with convenient transport links are increasingly preferred by families with limited travel time, reflecting a broader shift in travel behaviour this summer.
