Vietnam ranks among top five most popular diving destinations in Asia
The survey was conducted in 11 key tourism markets in the region, with a focus on Southeast Asia. Across Asia, Indonesia takes the top spot as the most popular diving destination, followed by the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Vietnamese tourists dive with sardines in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines in September 2024. (Photo: Thien Nguyen Ngoc)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The online travel pla🐻tform Agoda has just released th💙e results of its 2025 Diving Deals survey, revealing trends among diving enthusiasts across Asia.
The survey was conducted in 11 key tourism markets in the region, with a focus on Southeast Asia. Across Asia, Indonesia takes the top spot as the most popular diving destination, followed by the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.
These countries boast unique marine treasures, attracting divers from all over the world. Thailand was voted by Vietnamese travellers as the top diving paradise, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine ecosystem and world-class dive sites.
Beyond Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are also among the most favoured destinations for Vietnamese divers, reflecting a growing interest in exploring the underwater world.
The report also highlights that underwater relaxation is the biggest inspiration for diving enthusiasts.
Nearly 30% of survey participants said they dive to experience the calm and tranquility of the vast ocean.
This trend is particularly popular among travellers from the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand.
Additionally, the passion for exploring the underwater world is another major motivation, with 24% of travellers drawn to the mystical beauty and rich marine ecosystem.
Scuba diving enthusiasts tend to seek affordable accommodations, but are willing to spend more on underwater experiences. 40% of respondents said they are ready to pay 15 to 30% more for diving trips compared to regular vacations.
Short trips are becoming a trend in scuba diving tourism, with 48% of travellers preferring trips lasting between four and seven days. Weekend diving trips are also gaining popularity, with 40% of surveyed participants choosing this option.
This reflects the growing demand for short yet fulfilling experiences, catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of modern travellers.
Coral reefs remain the top diving destination, with 75% of diving enthusiasts prioritising reef locations for their ocean explorations. With its diverse marine ecosystem and vibrant coral reefs, Asia continues to be a must-visit destination for diving lovers./.
According to the Kien Giang provincial Department of Science and Technology, Phu Quoc boasts around 108 species of coral, primarily found in the shallow coastal waters of the southern part of the island.
Diving events at the 31st Southeast Asian Games wrapped up on late May 11 with women’s synchronised 10m platform and men’s single 3m springboard competitions.
Nha Trang, in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, has been ranked among Asia's top diving destinations by the online travel platform Agoda. The city is increasingly popular with diving enthusiasts, drawn by its warm water and vibrant marine ecosystem.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
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VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
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