Vietnam leads surge in Filipino travel as value-for-money destinations rise

Vietnam has emerged as the fastest-growing travel destination for Filipinos, reflecting a broader shift toward affordable, experience-rich destinations in Asia.

According to Klook, bookings to Vietnam surged by 193% in 2025 compared to the previous year — the highest growth among emerging destinations tracked in its Travel Pulse study.

Taiwan followed with a 124.4% increase, while Thailand recorded 67.1% growth.

Klook Philippines General Manager Michelle Ho said the sustained rise of Vietnam signals a shift beyond traditional travel hubs.

“We don’t consider Vietnam a hype, it has remained a top choice even after its initial surge,” she said.

Unlike traditional destinations such as Japan or Singapore, Vietnam offers:

• Lower overall travel costs
• Diverse landscapes (mountains, cities, coastal areas)
• Strong social media visibility

Destinations such as Sapa, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City have gained traction through viral content, making them aspirational yet accessible.

Klook said a key common factor among rising destinations — Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand — is value for money.

As travel costs increase globally, Filipinos are gravitating toward destinations where their budgets stretch further without sacrificing experiences.

Shifting regional hierarchy

While Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore remain top choices, the rapid rise of Southeast Asian destinations suggests a gradual shift in the regional travel hierarchy.

Instead of replacing traditional favorites, these destinations are expanding options for Filipino travelers, particularly those seeking affordability and novelty.

Less predictable travel trends

Ho noted how travel behavior is becoming harder to predict, due to social media influence.

“A single experience, a café, a view, a tour, can suddenly make a destination trend,” she said.

This makes emerging destinations like Vietnam not just alternatives, but potential new mainstays in Filipino travel.

— LA, GMA Integrated News