China–Vietnam Flights Surge 90% in 2025: Why Travel Professionals Must Act Now

Between July and August 2025, travel searches between China and Vietnam surged by nearly 90%—a dramatic shift highlighted by Taiwan News and major travel platforms. In just two months, Vietnam has become one of the most sought-after destinations for Chinese outbound travel.
This is not a random spike. It is the beginning of a new travel wave fueled by expanding air connectivity, shifting traveler behavior, and rising demand for affordable yet high-quality international experiences.
For travel professionals, DMCs, tour operators, OTAs, wholesalers, MICE planners, airlines and hotels, this surge signals one thing:

The China–Vietnam travel corridor is reopening—and early movers will dominate the market for the next decade.

1. Why Travel Interest Exploded: Beyond Just Numbers

The 90% surge is impressive, but the underlying reasons are even more powerful.

1.1 Real demand is returning—fast

After years of uncertainty, Chinese travelers are ready to go abroad again. As soon as flight availability increased, search interest skyrocketed. This demand is pent-up, powerful, and long-term.

1.2 Vietnam offers everything Chinese travelers want

Chinese outbound travelers in 2025 are looking for:

• Nearby international destinations
• Affordable luxury
• Unique cultural experiences
• Safety and reliability
• Diverse activities in one trip

Vietnam checks every box — offers better value than Thailand or Japan.

1.3 New flight routes changed the game

Before 2025, limited flights created friction. Now, dozens of new direct routes from Tier 1 and Tier 2 Chinese cities make Vietnam faster, easier, and cheaper to reach than ever before.

2. New China–Vietnam Flight Routes: The Real Game Changer

Flight connectivity is the single biggest driver of travel growth.
In 2025, airlines accelerated expansion like never before.
Major carriers now operating new or expanded routes:

• Vietnam Airlines
• China Southern Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• Xiamen Air
• Spring Airlines
• VietJet Air

Key China-Vietnam city pairs now connected:
From China:
Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Xian, Kunming
To Vietnam:
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc
This explosion of connectivity has:
✅ Reduced travel time
✅ Lowered flight costs
✅ Simplified weekend & short-break trips
✅ Enabled multi-city itineraries
✅ Opened access to new source markets

The biggest change?

Second-tier Chinese cities are finally connected directly to Vietnam.
Cities like Chengdu, Xian, Wuhan, Chongqing have massive populations with high disposable income—and until now, fewer outbound travel options. These cities represent the next billion dollars of travel demand.

3. What This Means for Travel Professionals: Urgency + Opportunity

This surge is not just consumer interest—it is a clear business signal.

3.1 The China outbound market is back

After a slower-than-expected recovery in early 2024, demand is rebounding aggressively in 2025. Experts estimate that Chinese outbound travel will fully surpass 2019 peak levels by late 2025.
Those who prepare now will capture the first wave.
Those who wait will be too late.

3.2 Demand is coming from multiple segments (not just group tours)

In 2019, Chinese outbound travel was dominated by group packages.
In 2025–2026, the landscape is very different:

If you only sell group tours, you’ll miss 50% of the opportunity.

3.3 Timing is critical

Flight routes are open—but capacity (seats, rooms, guides, transport) is still limited.
Whoever locks contracts first will control the market.

4. The New Chinese Traveler Segments You Must Target

Understanding behavior = winning the market.
Here are the five most profitable Chinese traveler segments in 2025–2026:

4.1 Leisure FIT (Young Millennials, Gen Z)

• Book on digital platforms (Ctrip, Fliggy, Xiaohongshu)
• Want culture, food, Instagrammable spots
• Prefer partial freedom + curated experiences
• Higher expectations for quality and aesthetics

Opportunity: Create semi-flex tours, boutique stays, photo and food experiences.

4.2 Group Tours (Still core volume)

• Multi-city, multi-day itineraries
• Mandarin-speaking guides required
• Still preferred by first-time travelers and seniors

Opportunity: Offer standardized, well-priced circuits.

4.3 Family & Multi-Generational Travel

• 2–3 generations travel together
• Need comfort, convenience, safety
• Love theme parks, shopping, cultural shows, beaches

Opportunity: Private transport + all-inclusive resorts.

4.4 Luxury Travelers

• High-income Tier 1 & Tier 2 city residents
• Seek exclusivity, privacy, bespoke experiences
• Willing to pay for villas, yachts, Michelin dining

Opportunity: Upsell premium, personalize everything.

4.5 Incentive & MICE Groups

• Corporate rewards, team-building, product launches
• Want "wow" factor experiences
• Require flawless logistics and professional event handling
• Huge repeat potential

Opportunity: Vietnam is emerging as a top incentive destination thanks to cost efficiency + luxury experiences.

5. High-Performing Vietnam Circuits That Sell (and Why They Work)

Vietnam has a major advantage: it offers multiple “micro-destinations” in one macro-destination.
Chinese travelers love variety + efficiency in one trip.

Here are the most profitable circuits:

5.1 Northern Vietnam Circuit (Culture + Nature + Heritage)

Hanoi → Halong Bay → Sapa
Why it sells:
UNESCO heritage (Halong Bay)
Iconic social media moments (Fansipan, Golden Bridge-style photos)
Cooler climate
Culture + adventure mix
Perfect for: FIT, Groups, Luxury, Incentive

5.2 Southern Circuit (City Energy + River Life + Island Paradise)

Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta → Phu Quoc Island
Why it sells:
HCMC: Shopping, nightlife, heritage
Mekong: Unique experiences (boats, coconut forest, rural life)
Phu Quoc: 5-star beach resorts, Sun World, VinWonders
Perfect for: Families, Luxury, Incentive, Group leisure

5.3 Central Vietnam Circuit (Beach + Culture + Entertainment)

Danang → Hoi An → Bana Hills
Why it sells:
My Khe Beach: Top 10 in the world
Hoi An: UNESCO + lantern nights = viral content
Bana Hills: Golden Bridge, Sun World theme park
Perfect for: FIT, Group, Incentive, MICE, Luxury

5.4 All-Inclusive Resort Packages (Chinese Favorite)

Vietnam now offers true all-inclusive experiences similar to Maldives or Phuket—at half the price.
Locations: Danang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang
Includes:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Activities
• Transport
• Spa / entertainment

Chinese travelers love convenience.

5.5 Incentive Group Experience Circuit

A sample winning structure:

• Welcome dinner with cultural theme
• Scenic city + cultural tours
• Team building on the beach
• Gala dinner with live performances
• Shopping and relaxation day

Result: High engagement, unforgettable memories, repeat bookings.
✅ Key insight:
Vietnam’s diversity = unlimited product flexibility.

6. Strategic Partnerships: Airlines – DMCs – Hotels – OTAs

To scale fast, no one wins alone.
The strongest players build ecosystems.

6.1 Airlines

Seat blocks
Charter flights
Co-branded promotions
Package bundles (flight + land)

6.2 Hotels & Resorts

Allotment agreements
Mandarin-speaking staff
Chinese breakfast options
Payment method integration (WeChat Pay, Alipay)
Tailored welcome amenities

6.3 Local DMCs (Core to success)

A strong DMC provides:
Local supplier network
Contracting power
Mandarin-speaking guides
Cultural insights
Event logistics
24/7 ground support
Without a local DMC, execution risk is high.

7. Market Forecast 2025–2026: The Biggest Boom Since 2019

The question isn’t “Will the China–Vietnam market grow?”
The question is “How big will it get—and how fast?”

7.1 Arrival projections

Analysts predict:
By late 2025: China arrivals will surpass 2019 peak
By 2026: Vietnam may become the #1 outbound destination for Chinese travelers in Southeast Asia

7.2 Segment growth estimates

FIT: +30% per year
Group: Return to full scale by 2025
Family: +20% per year
Luxury: +22% per year
MICE & Incentive: +25% per year

7.3 Why Vietnam will win

Competitive pricing
Short flights
Rich experiences
New 5-star developments
Strong governmental tourism cooperation