The cost of flights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City has risen by approximately 15% since last year, and numerous hotels are completely reserved due to an influx of tourists planning to visit the city for the approaching April 30 celebration.
Thanh Luân, who hails from Hanoi but works in Ho Chi Minh City, mentioned that he intended to bring his extended family of ten people down from the northern region for the five-day celebration marking both Vietnam’s Reunification Day and Labor Day. The festivities run from April 30 through Sunday, May 5, and Thanh Luân was looking forward to witnessing a spectacular military procession along with various nationwide events commemorating half a century since the nation's unification.
Luán attempted to reserve hotel rooms for early April but found it challenging to locate available options. He mentioned that places offering lower rates usually didn’t align with his standards of comfort and cleanliness, whereas more upscale lodgings within his budget range were all taken.
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On March 28, 2025, residents and visitors gathered to observe fighter jets and helicopters practicing for the forthcoming parade scheduled for April 30 in Ho Chi Minh City. The image was captured by VnExpress/Khuong Nguyen. |
“Securing a room is tough enough, but obtaining air tickets proves to be twice as challenging, with prices being extremely steep,” Luan commented.
A survey conducted by VnExpress suggested that numerous travelers began their trip planning at the start of this year, with the busiest travel days stretching from April 27, which is the Sunday preceding the holiday, through May 4. During this timeframe, airfare prices have risen significantly in comparison to earlier weeks.
By April 2nd, return tickets from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City were priced anywhere from roughly VND4.7 million (USD$200) for overnight journeys up to VND6.5 million for peak evening flights over the holidays. During normal days in April, these prices usually fluctuate within the range of VND4-4.5 million.
Data from the Vietnamese travel agency Best Price indicates that airfares reached their peak on April 28 because of increased demand. Year-over-year, ticket costs for flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have risen approximately 10-15%.
A Best Price spokesperson noted that with fewer available flights and higher demand, ticket prices have increased.
Agencies in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have observed that travelers predominantly favor departures on the evening of April 26 or the morning of April 27. Some flights operated by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are almost entirely reserved at these times. Since early March, airlines have seen a significant increase in bookings during this period.
Nonetheless, certain travelers who made reservations prior to March found themselves paying fares comparable to today’s rates. Minh Duc, from Hanoi, secured his flight tickets 45 days ahead to join the parade. Despite these tickets costing him VND4.3 million—which was akin to prevailing prices at present—he felt content with having locked down an earlier reservation for greater assurance and improved travel arrangements.
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Helicopters practiced over central Ho Chi Minh City in anticipation of the event marking the 50th anniversary of national unification on March 27. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong. |
Hotel rooms in HCMC are also filling up quickly.
VnExpress 's April 2 survey of online booking platforms like Booking and Traveloka showed limited availability in central districts such as District 1, District 3, and Phu Nhuan for stays between April 27 and May 4. Many downtown homestays are also fully booked.
Thi Quoc Duy, Director of the Independent Travel Center at BenThanh Tourist, said one of BenThanh Group’s five hotels is already fully booked, and the remaining properties are expected to reach full occupancy about two weeks before the holiday.
A representative from the 4-star Kim Do Royal Hotel Saigon said their 127 rooms, priced from VND2.3 million per night, were fully booked a month ago. Similarly, Tan Son Nhat Hotel in Phu Nhuan District reported being fully booked from April 15 to May 20. Hotel representatives noted that most reservations were made in mid-March by tour groups and individual guests booking via online platforms.
Nguyen Tran Phuong Uyen, a hotel sales consultant with over 10 years of experience, observed that before the pandemic, travelers typically preferred vacationing away from urban areas. However, an increasing number of people, especially younger travelers, now choose city breaks. The many planned events for the April 30 holiday have significantly driven up demand for accommodation in HCMC.