Micro-holidays gain ground among Vietnamese tourists: Traveloka

Under the Labor Code, public employees are entitled to one day off for Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day and two days for the Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day holiday.

In 2026, the Hung Kings holiday, which falls on the 10th day of the third lunar month, coincides with Sunday, April 26. Workers will receive a compensatory day off on Monday, April 27, resulting in a three-day break from April 25 to April 27.

For the Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day holiday, the two official days off fall on Thursday and Friday. Combined with the weekend, workers will have a four-day break from April 30 to May 3.

According to Traveloka, the way Vietnamese travelers enjoy extended breaks is undergoing a clear transformation.

Shorter but more frequent trips

As the April 30 and May 1 holiday approaches, notable changes can be seen in booking behavior, with travelers no longer prioritizing faraway destinations but instead focusing on deeper experiences. 

 Ahead of the holiday, demand for short trips lasting two to three days has surged nearly 40 percent, in line with the growing 'micro-holiday' trend.

Under this trend, travelers opt for short, well-planned getaways of two to three days, prioritizing the quality of the experience over travel distance.

The trend is even more evident in the rising demand for nearby destinations with shorter travel times.

According to Traveloka, searches for short-haul domestic flights have grown more than 40 percent compared to the same period last year. Routes seeing notable increases include Hanoi – Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc, and Hanoi – Hue.

The growing preference for shorter trips is not driven by a desire for simplicity, but by a clearer understanding of what makes a journey truly meaningful.

Trending destinations today share common traits: inspiring natural landscapes, strong local identity, and experiences that genuinely help travelers recharge, rather than simply offering entertainment.

From mass demand to more selective choices

At the same time, international destinations across Northeast and Southeast Asia continue to attract interest.

Traveloka data for this holiday period shows positive growth, with total searches for flights and accommodations rising about 30 percent.

This indicates that Vietnamese travelers remain highly interested in international destinations that are easily accessible and offer dense, high-quality experiences within a short timeframe.

Nguyen Minh Man, deputy CEO of VinaGroup Travel, said the market is shifting from mass demand to more selective choices, where 'value for money' and depth of experience matter more than ultra-low prices.

“Travelers are choosing trips that fit both their budgets and their time off,” Man said.

“The clearest trend is a shift in destinations: from long-haul, expensive trips to Europe and the United States to closer regions such as Southeast and Northeast Asia.

“South Korea, China, and Japan are currently the three fastest-growing markets."

A ‘smarter’ generation of travelers shaping new trends

Beyond destination choices, the way travelers plan their trips is also changing significantly.

Traveloka has recorded a clear increase in early bookings and bundled packages that combine flights, hotels, and activities into a single itinerary.

Today’s travelers are approaching trip planning with more information, greater intention, and a stronger preference for convenience, with all their needs met on a single platform.

According to Baidi Li, vice-president of commercial at Traveloka, short trips are no longer a fallback option but are becoming a preferred choice.

“Travelers are becoming more proactive in choosing destinations, planning earlier, and prioritizing truly meaningful experiences,” she said.

“This is a generation that knows exactly what they want from a trip.”

Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, director of marketing and communications at Vietravel, noted that to adapt to these new behaviors, the company has had to prepare early in terms of services, transportation partners, accommodation, tour guides, and operations.

This ensures consistent experiences during peak periods while also meeting the needs of early planners.

According to Khanh, market developments show that holiday travel is gradually shifting toward more selective, experience-driven travel that prioritizes peace of mind, quality, and personalization.

“This is also a positive signal for travel companies to upgrade their products rather than compete solely on price,” Khanh said.