Cities take the top spot crown but beach and rural destinations rank high in this year’s top ten

Travelers are looking for new experiences to celebrate the start of 2022.  Famous cities remain hot destinations but the travel trend to ‘escape’ to more off-beat nature or beach destinations dominates this year’s New Year’s Eve plans, according to data from digital travel platform, Agoda. And again this year, travelers are choosing luxury to welcome in the New Year.

Ho Chi Minh City has retained its top spot through the past two years for the NYE period, while Sapa has risen the ranks from #7 to #2 pushing Dalat into the third spot. Hanoi (#4) ranks next with its historic French and Chinese architecture for travelers to enjoy while waiting for international travel to open up. Phu Quoc Island, which will soon be opening up to the world ranks #5 for NYE celebrations this year. New entrant Ninh Binh known for its untouched natural beauty pushes Quy Nhon off the top ten list this year. Nha Trang rises from #8 to #6 spot for NYE celebration this year.

Top 10 destinations for New Year’s Eve by Vietnamese travellers

While Asia wide, capital cities dominate each market’s top destinations for New Year’s Eve, including the return of Bangkok to Thailand’s number one spot, world class beach destinations like Goa (India) (India #1), Bali (Indonesia), Cebu (Philippines), Pattaya (Thailand), Jeju Island (South Korea), and Penang (Malaysia) also make the list with partygoers this year are taking advantage of the lifting of restrictions to be more adventurous and exploring further.

Agoda’s data shows that across many markets there are many newcomers to this year’s top ten, including coastal destinations Batam Island (Indonesia, #10), Andaman and Nicobar Island (India, #7), and Kenting (Taiwan, #10). Lush green mountains and scenic destinations, including Khao Kho (Thailand, #9), Bohol (the Philippines, #8), and Ninh Binh (Vietnam, #10) also gain in popularity. In Vietnam, Sapa and Dalat knock Hanoi out of this year’s top three.

Travelers are taking care of themselves after on-and-off lockdowns this year. According to data by Agoda, the preference for 4-5 star hotels is even stronger with Taiwan and Thailand travelers upgrading to 4-5 star hotels, from 1-3.5 star accommodation for New Year’s Eve this year, joining Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam travelers who continue to choose 4-5 star venues to celebrate the arrival of 2022. In India, 1-3.5 star hotels remain popular among travelers, reflective of trends in 2020.

“Travel is back, although domestic travel remains the predominant source of business for Asian destinations during this NYE celebration season. Agoda data shows that in addition to the big city, traditional, celebration destinations, travelers across Asia are showing their ongoing desire to get out, to getaway and to escape the constrictions and controls of Covid impacted cities.  The city staycation is booming.  Equally the appeal of Asia’s beaches, stunning scenery and freedom of open space has people heading for the coast and mountains in droves. In Vietnam, Hanoi was knocked out of the top three by Sapa. In addition, consumers want luxury.  There are great 4-5 star, luxury, hotel deals available during the COVID recovery,” says Timothy Hughes, Vice President Corporate Development, Agoda.