VietNamNet Bridge – The number of visitors booking tours for the upcoming five-day holiday is on the rise, despite a hefty increase of 20-30% in prices.

According to travel agents, hotels in key tourist attractions such as Danang, Sapa and Ha Long have been fully booked days before the holiday.

“I booked a hotel in Sapa five months ago, but the receptionist said the reservation got lost and they have no more rooms,” said Hong Nhung, a disenchanted traveler living in Hanoi.

“Some hotels still have rooms but the price is much too expensive, often a two fold increase compared to other days,” she said. “We have bought train tickets, and have no choice but to pay a much higher price.”

For short trips, tourists tend to choose several northwestern localities including Dien Bien, Son La, Moc Chau, and Ha Giang to enjoy the breathtaking scenery in the seasonal change, comfortable weather and distinctive dishes of various ethnic groups.  Tour prices fluctuate between around VND1 million-VND4 million.

Tours to Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Danang always attract a huge number of visitors with the cost of VND 5 million and VND10 million for 5 days.

These tour prices have surged by 30%-35% on average due to the increase in transport costs.

Inbound up, outbound down

Few people have chosen tours overseas on this occasion, and travel firms say many families have still tightened their belt due to economic difficulty.

Travel companies are even offering discount packages of up to 50% for overseas tours to attract more visitors.

Visitors are keen on 4-5 day tours to Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and China. The number of visitors who have bought long-day tours to the Republic of Korea, Japan, the US, Holland and France, has increased slightly thanks to favourable weather and stable prices.

Hanoi Tourist reports that discounted tours to Japan have been sold out during the upcoming holiday.

VOV/VNN