Airfares on routes from Vietnam to Thailand have surged sharply ahead of the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday as travel demand from Vietnamese tourists grows and international itineraries become a priority for holidaymakers.

Industry surveys and booking data indicate that ticket prices for flights from major Vietnamese hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Bangkok and other Thai destinations are significantly higher than at other times of the year, with round-trip fares effectively doubling on many peak travel dates.

Vietnamese carriers and global airlines have released large volumes of seats for the Tet season, reflecting an unprecedented appetite for travel both domestically and internationally.

Vietnam Airlines Group and Vietjet Air have expanded their flight schedules amid heavy booking activity, but the surge in demand has outpaced even expanded capacity, contributing to steep pricing across popular routes.

Domestic aviation sources report that round-trip airfares on key internal routes have already been observed at up to twice the standard rate, a trend mirrored on international services.

Travel industry stakeholders point to a combination of factors behind the increases.

The 2026 calendar provides a long break that bridges the traditional nine-day Lunar New Year period with an extended public holiday, encouraging many Vietnamese travellers to combine Tet visits home with leisure trips to nearby countries such as Thailand.

Holidaymakers appear to be allocating a significant portion of budgets to international travel, with Thailand’s vibrant tourism offerings and relative proximity making it a top choice.

The tight window of peak travel dates has further inflated prices.

Flights during the days immediately before and after Lunar New Year’s Eve command premium rates, and economy-class inventory on many high-traffic services is now fully booked.

Although airlines have added flights and seats to address demand, the imbalance between supply and demand remains acute, particularly on routes linking Vietnam with Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

Consumers are reacting to the price environment in various ways.

Some travellers are locking in tickets well in advance to avoid expected further increases, while others are considering alternate travel dates or alternative modes of transport.

Travel agents note that early reservation and flexible scheduling are key to managing costs during the peak period.

The rise in airfare costs is also part of a broader regional trend of elevated travel prices during major holiday periods.

Carriers across Southeast Asia have reported sustained high load factors and generally higher average fares compared with pre-pandemic levels, driven by robust demand as well as operational and inflationary pressures.

For Vietnamese and other regional travellers planning Tet itineraries, the current pricing environment is reshaping travel behaviour and reinforcing the value of early planning.

Airlines and tourism authorities continue to monitor market conditions as ticket sales and travel flows evolve over the coming weeks, with Thailand remaining a central destination for celebratory holiday travel and cross-border tourism.