Despite being thousands of kilometers away and requiring nearly half a day of travel, Hanoi has unexpectedly become one of the most sought-after destinations for British travelers looking to escape weeks of persistent rain and damp weather.

According to the Daily Mail, while Europe offers numerous sunny getaways, the destination seeing a remarkable spike in searches among British tourists is Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam.

Data from Kayak shows that flight searches to Hanoi from the UK between February and March have risen by 103% compared to the same period last year.

British media reports note that during this time of year, Hanoi enjoys average temperatures of around 24 degrees Celsius, significantly warmer than conditions in the UK. The city is also recognized as one of the most affordable destinations in the world.

According to online data platform Numbeo, a local beer in Hanoi costs about VND25,000 (US$1), a soft drink around VND12,000 (US$0.50), and a three-course meal for two typically costs about VND800,000 (US$33, equivalent to 22.9 euros).

Travel costs to Hanoi are also currently attractive when booked early. At present, airfares are nearly 450 euros lower than in March.

Travel journalist Hugo Brown recently shared in the Daily Mail that he spent just 19.60 euros, or under VND700,000 (US$29), for an entire day in Hanoi, including one night’s accommodation and three meals with drinks.

Meanwhile, traditional winter sun destinations closer to the UK have seen a slight drop in interest compared to last year. For instance, searches for Arrecife on the island of Lanzarote have declined by 11%.

In contrast, several long-haul destinations have gained traction. Colombo has recorded a 20% increase in searches year-on-year, while Cancun has seen a 14% rise.

Kayak travel expert Rachel Mumford commented: “Search data shows that Britons are willing to travel farther in pursuit of sunshine, but cost remains a crucial factor in booking decisions.”

She noted that Hanoi stands out due to its combination of consistently warm weather and low living expenses. “Vietnam offers the feeling of a long-haul adventure while remaining financially comfortable, thanks to its low daily costs,” she said.

Linh Trang