More and more travellers are eschewing itineraries packed with dawn-to-dusk activities. Instead, they're consulting pillow menus and retiring early. Photo: Booking.com

According to Booking.com's recently released Travel Predictions 2024 research, at a time when stress and sleep disorders are on the rise, sleep tourism is emerging as a transformative solution that combines the allure of travel with the essential need for quality sleep. 

"Sleep Tourism" has become a trend in Vietnam

The travel booking platform's figures show that nearly two-thirds (66%) of APAC-based travellers want to  travel in 2024 to focus solely on uninterrupted sleep. This trend is particularly strong in China, where 83% of travellers are looking for holidays that focus solely on a peaceful night's sleep. Hong Kong and Thailand follow closely with 76% and 75% respectively, while Vietnam is tied with Singapore at 67%.

Varun Grover, Country Head, Vietnam at Booking.com, shared that in an increasingly hectic world, sleep is fast becoming a precious commodity.

"As predicted in our Travel Predictions 2024 report, 'sleep tourism' is a major trend. Nearly 67% of Vietnamese travellers surveyed are looking for sleep-focused retreats in 2024, a shift towards prioritising rest is evident," he said.

“In response, resorts and hotels in Vietnam are offering amenities and services to help guests get a healthy dose of rest,” he added.

The trend of "sleep tourism" is not too new to the world, but it has only become popular in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many experts predict that sleep tourism will continue to grow strongly in the near future. Research firm HTF Market Intelligence estimates that it will grow by around 8% between 2023 and 2028, to reach $400 billion.

According to Dr Rebecca Robbins, a sleep researcher and lecturer in medicine at Harvard Medical School in the United States, travellers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of sleep when travelling. "The days of travelling and coming home exhausted are over," she told CNN about sleep tourism.

In addition, according to Robbins, one in three adults do not get the recommended number of hours of sleep per night (7 to 9 hours), causing them to fall into a state of unconsciousness and seriously affecting their mental health.

Rebbeca Ng., a tourist from Singapore, told The Hanoi Times that she wanted to have a quality holiday in Vietnam to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and work back home.

"I want to travel to a place that is quiet, cool, with lots of trees and completely different from where I live," she said.

Even in Vietnam, travelling for relaxation and a good night's sleep is becoming increasingly popular among young people. "All I dream about is delicious food, a long, deep sleep without being woken up by noise or deadline nightmares," Phuong Linh, a digital content expert at a five-star hotel in Hanoi, told The Hanoi Times.

Ideal destinations for “Sleep Tourism”

According to Booking.com, Vietnam has a number of ideal relaxing destinations for sleep tourism. Among them, two central destinations and a small northern town tick all the boxes for a perfect getaway this time of year, with cool, fresh climates and not too crowded. 

Nestled in the Vietnamese highlands,  Dalat City in Lam Dong Province boasts an average temperature of 23°C, making it an ideal destination for year-round sleep. Fresh mountain air and stunning scenery add to the sleep-inducing ambience, making Dalat truly an ideal place for sleep tourism. Both locals and tourists who have visited Dalat swear by the city's ability to send even the lightest sleeper into a deep slumber.

According to Booking.com, the central coastal city of  Danang in Quang Nam Province is the most searched for destination by Vietnamese travellers in the first quarter of this year. With a perfect blend of mountains, beaches, forests and rivers, it's easy to see why Da Nang remains a hot tourist destination. This vibrant city caters for all types of travellers, offering several 4-5 star resorts with personalized experiences and, of course, sleep-centric amenities. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure or simply rejuvenation, Danang promises a restful stay at affordable prices.

Or try the charming town of Tam Dao  in the northern province of Vinh Phuc. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, invigorated by pine forests and cascading waterfalls. Summer brings cool breezes, while autumn and winter offer mystical beauty, with mist and clouds creating a dreamy atmosphere.

"Imagine sleeping amidst the clouds after a day of exploring the surrounding natural wonders - pure bliss," said the Booking.com report.

In addition to Vietnam, three other destinations in the Asia-Pacific region have been selected by the travel booking site as ideal for sleepovers, including Suzhou in China, Bali Island in Indonesia and Koh Samui in Thailand.

Hanoitimes