As the upcoming national holidays approach, many Vietnamese travelers are facing a dilemma when it comes to choosing their vacation destination. The popular island of Phu Quoc, known for its stunning beaches and lush forests, has become a pricey option for holiday-goers due to soaring airfares.
Ngoc Linh, a resident of HCMC, shared her disappointment in not being able to afford a trip to Phu Quoc this year, as ticket prices have skyrocketed to 1.5 times the normal rate. Instead, she and her family have opted to explore other beach destinations near HCMC, such as Vung Tau and Mui Ne.
Similarly, Nguyen Ho Phong and his wife had initially planned to visit Phu Quoc but were deterred by the high cost of a tour package to the island, which was equivalent to a trip to Thailand. They have now decided to travel to Thailand for the holidays instead.
The situation has led to a decrease in bookings for local tour companies, with some even removing Phu Quoc tours from their itineraries. Phan Van Manh, director of Phu Quoc Golden Dragon Company, expressed hope that airlines would reduce fares closer to the holidays to improve the situation.
Despite the challenges posed by expensive airfares, some hotels in Phu Quoc have eliminated holiday surcharges to attract more visitors. However, it is predicted that many travelers, especially those from the south, will opt for nearby beach destinations like Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, and Ho Tram instead.
As the tourism industry in Phu Quoc grapples with high airfares and other issues, it remains to be seen how travelers will adjust their holiday plans to accommodate their budgets.