The newswire outlines that when people think of traveling to Southeast Asia, Thailand is one of the first destinations that comes to mind. But for those who want to avoid the crowds of Thailand, then Vietnam represents an emerging force for tourism in the region that is ripe for exploration.

According to information provided by a Google Destination Insights report, the period between March and June saw Vietnam rise to become the seventh most searched destination in the world and the only country in Southeast Asia to make the top 20 list.

The website also pointed out three reasons that make Vietnam to become attractive to foreign tourists. 

Adjusted visa requirements

From August 15, visiting will be easier than ever for citizens of many countries. The Vietnamese Government has extended visa-free access to the country from 15 days to 45 days for passport holders from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.

The duration of e-visas to enter the nation has also been extended from 30 days to three months.

An 80 additional countries, including the United States, are currently eligible to enter the country using an e-visa. From August 15, an e-visa will also allow for multiple entries into the nation, rather than the current system of each e-visa only being eligible for a single entry.

This will allow guests to come and go as they please, traveling to and from the country as part of a wider Asian tour.

For those who are required to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam, then the visa application is easy, straightforward, and affordable.

Well-preserved natural beauty

Because Vietnam is an emerging tourist destination and doesn’t yet have the same huge footfall that many other Southeast Asian countries enjoy, much of its natural beauty spots remains incredibly well preserved.

The huge range of natural beauty spots nationwide is also outstanding. To the north of the country visitors can explore a rugged mountainous region, whilst in central and southern Vietnam they will find incredibly beautiful beaches.

The countryside is lush and green, whilst the Vietnamese Government has managed to preserve their cultural heritage sites beautifully.

The cities are attracting tourists too. From the captivating old-world charm of Hanoi to the less explored Ha Long, Vietnam is fast becoming Asia’s new tourist hotspot thanks to all of these attractions and so much more.

For travelers on a tight budget, money should be a consideration when exploring the popularity of Vietnam. Southeast Asia is an affordable destination in general, with both Thailand and Vietnam being cheap spots for those on a budget.

But Vietnam is widely considered to be one of the best budget options in the region. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all cheaper in the nation compared to those in Thailand, especially in rural parts of the country.

A focus on tourism growth

The Vietnamese Government is focusing on encouraging more tourists to visit and growing their tourism numbers this year.

The original target was to attract eight million visitors in the rest of year, but there are predictions that the figure will grow to 10 million by the end of the year.

Furthermore, social media trends have a huge influence on travel choices, with Vietnam being strongly promoted across social media networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The number of hostels in the country’s largest cities is growing, and according to a spokesman from Fuse Hostels and Travel, “We’re seeing in the last three months a substantial uptick in the number of international guests staying in hostels.”

The Vietnamese Government is keen to turn the country into Asia’s new tourism hotspot. So far this policy has been a success and their plan is working. Therefore, now is the perfect time to explore this incredible and beautiful country.