DA NANG / PHU QUOC, Dec. 19, 2025 — For holidaymakers hoping to book a last-minute luxury getaway to Vietnam’s premier coastal destinations this Christmas, the window of opportunity has officially closed.
According to the latest reports from the hospitality sector, 4- and 5-star resorts in Phú Quốc and Đà Nẵng are reporting a "sold-out" status, with occupancy rates surging past 90% for the peak week of December 24 to January 1, 2026. As the Northern Hemisphere freezes, Vietnam has become the ultimate warm-weather refuge, driven by aggressive visa reforms and robust international flight connectivity.
| Phu Quoc Island |
1. The "No Vacancy" Signs are Up
The surge is most visible in the high-end segment. General Managers of luxury properties like the InterContinental, JW Marriott, and Furama Resort are reporting fully booked inventories for the Christmas and New Year's Eve nights.
The Golden Week: The period between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day is seeing unprecedented density.
Revenue Spike: Hotels report that guests are not just booking rooms but are maximizing spending on in-resort services, including elaborate Gala Dinners, spa packages, and private island tours.
"We haven't seen demand this intense since before the pandemic. If you haven't booked your ocean-view suite by now, you are likely out of luck," noted a spokesperson for the Phú Quốc Tourism Association.
| Phu Quoc Island |
2. The "Visa Effect" and the International Wave
While domestic tourists are active, the driving force behind this 90% occupancy rate is the influx of international visitors. The flexible visa policies implemented by Vietnam over the last two years (including 90-day e-visas and extended visa-free stays) are paying massive dividends.
The "Winter Escape" Demographics:
South Korea: Remains the dominant market for Đà Nẵng. The coastal city is so popular among Koreans for its golf courses and proximity to Hội An that local businesses have ramped up Korean-language services significantly.
Russia & Eastern Europe: Phú Quốc has re-established itself as a favorite for travelers from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Eastern Europe. With charter flights operating at full capacity, these visitors are seeking long-stay vacations (10-14 days) to "thaw out" from the harsh winter at home.
3. Two distinct vibes, One common goal
The two destinations offer different appeals for the holiday crowd:
Đà Nẵng: Offers a cosmopolitan Christmas. Visitors are flocking here for the blend of beach relaxation and the festive nightlife along the Han River, plus the ability to take day trips to the lantern-lit ancient town of Hội An.
Phú Quốc: Offers a secluded island escape. The "Pearl Island" is attracting those looking for privacy, pristine sunsets, and nature-focused luxury.
4. A Strong Start for 2026
This holiday boom is viewed as a critical indicator for Vietnam's tourism health heading into 2026. The heavy presence of high-spending international guests suggests that Vietnam has successfully repositioned itself from a "backpacker favorite" to a legitimate competitor in the luxury travel market, rivaling Phuket and Bali.
With the weather forecasted to be a perfect 26°C-28°C (79°F-82°F) with clear skies throughout the holiday week, the stage is set for a record-breaking end to the year.
