HCM CITY — HCM City has been recognised as the city with the most affordable domestic summer flight routes and remains a top choice among destinations that travelers are eager to visit this summer holiday season, according to reports from online travel agents.

Agoda's latest data, which analysed one-way bookings made between March to May for departures between June to August 2026, reveals that flights from HCM City to Tuy Hoà City in the Central Highlands province of Đắc Lắc (formerly Phú Yên) and Kuala Lumpur have emerged as the most cost-effective domestic and international flight options for travelers.

HCM City has been recognised as the city with the most affordable domestic summer flight routes. — Photo Courtesy of Agoda Vietnam

Summer presents an excellent opportunity for travel, with school breaks and warm weather encouraging families and adventurers to relax, reconnect with loved ones, or seek new experiences. Whether discovering new destinations or revisiting familiar vacation spots, finding the best deals is essential to maximising the holiday experience, as emphasised by Agoda.

For those looking for an affordable summer getaway close to home, the HCM City–Tuy Hoà route ranks first, with fares as low as US$24. Renowned for its scenic coastline and laid-back atmosphere, Tuy Hoà provides an attractive option for travelers seeking a beach escape at reasonable prices.

Other budget-friendly domestic routes to and from HCM City include HCM City–Đà Nẵng, Tam Kỳ–HCM City, and HCM City–Quy Nhơn. These routes offer travelers affordable access to some of Việt Nam's most popular coastal and urban destinations during the summer season.

In terms of international travel, short-haul regional routes remain popular among Vietnamese travelers seeking to make the most of their vacation budgets.

The HCM City–Kuala Lumpur route is identified as the most affordable international flight departing from Việt Nam, with fares starting at $34, providing travelers with convenient access to Malaysia's vibrant capital city, diverse culinary scene, and shopping experiences.

Other cost-effective international routes include HCM City–Johor Bahru, HCM City–Singapore, and HCM City–Bangkok (Don Mueang). These affordable regional connections offer Vietnamese travelers various options for quick and convenient overseas getaways this summer.

HCM City – one of most attactive destinations for summer 

With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse travel offerings, HCM City remains a destination that travelers are keen to explore in the country.

Booking.com's Travel Predictions 2026 describe this year as the "Era of You," reflecting the evolving approach of Vietnamese travelers to their getaways. Travelers are increasingly opting for intentional journeys, moving away from rigid itineraries to tailor trips around their personal preferences.

A traditional music show in. HCM City is a destination that many visitors choose for their to be their destination summer holiday 2026. — VNS Photo Thu Ngân

This summer, travel patterns are shifting towards destinations that better align with individual interests and a desire for seamless travel experiences. As summer continues to be a peak travel period for Vietnamese travelers, this intentional mindset is translating into well-thought-out trips as families and groups make use of school holidays and seasonal breaks to plan quick getaways and reconnect with loved ones.

To identify this summer's top travel trends, Booking.com, a leading digital travel platform, examined search patterns for Vietnamese travelers booking stays from June 1, 2026, through August 31, 2026.

HCM City is listed as one of the primary destinations alongside Đà Nẵng, Nhà Trang, Hội An, Phú Quốc, and Quy Nhơn.

HCM City continues to be one of the most attractive destinations in the country, with positive growth in visitor numbers and revenue.

In the first five months of 2026, the city welcomed over 5.59 million international visitors, achieving 50.8 per cent of the annual target. Domestic tourists reached approximately 22.97 million, fulfilling 45.9 per cent of the set goal.

The city's tourism industry is dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience, prolonging stays, and increasing tourist spending through the introduction of new products and service quality improvements.

To maintain the appeal of its destinations, travel businesses in HCM City are actively promoting unique products such as river tours, food tours, night tours, and cultural experiences integrated with urban life.

The city's current tourism development strategy is centred on improving service quality and increasing tourism revenue to enhance the visitor experience and economic impact rather than solely on increasing visitor numbers.

The tourism industry is actively supporting businesses in developing new products, refreshing existing offerings, and improving service quality to provide a wide range of experiences to tourists, ultimately leading to higher spending and greater economic efficiency for the sector.

In addition to traditional tourism offerings, many businesses are investing in technology-based products to enhance the visitor experience. The city's tourism sector is also intensifying promotional activities internationally to introduce new products and enhance the allure of HCM City as a destination. — VNS