As the COVID-19 situation improves in many countries and social restrictions are being lifted, the travel itch that has been subdued for months now grows even stronger. Vietnam has been ranked fourth in the top searched destinations for travel until the year-end according to search data revealed by Agoda.com.

Agoda’s search data showcases that travelers across the world are dreaming again of distance shores, as well as the option to explore their domestic travel scene. However, while in 2019, there was a clear mix of international search destinations across the Asia Pacific, now with fewer markets for international travelers open.

In Vietnam, the Vietnamese travelers show strong support for domestic tourism, with no overseas destinations featured on any traveler types’ lists this year.

Nha Trang is gaining popularity leaping to the first place across all, couple, group, and solo traveler type, pushing out Da Nang for the top spot. Coastal city of Khanh Hoa province jumps from seventh to the first spot this year on solo travelers’ lists. Ho Chi Minh City, #3 on 2019’s couple list, now slips to #8, replaced by Phu Quoc Island as number three most searched destination.

Family travelers set their hearts on sunshine and seashore in Phu Quoc island (#1), jumping from #6 last year, and coastal cities like Nha Trang (#2), Da Nang (#3), and Vung Tau (#4).

“While Agoda’s search data has seen a shift toward domestic destinations as regulations are being eased for domestic travel, people are still dreaming about international travel adventures. What Agoda’s data is showing us is there is still a hunger to travel, people are enjoying exploring their own countries whether alone, with family, or with friends. But most importantly, they still have hope that travel corridors will open later this year to some key markets where COVID has been more contained, and are looking out for great deals for when they do,” said Tim Hughes, Vice President of Corporate Development, Agoda.

Taiwan tops the travel escape searches list among all different traveler groups from couples to solo travelers, family or groups, beating last year’s champs – Thailand, which is knocked into the second most popular searched destination ahead of Japan, Vietnam, South Korea in the top five. The United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia complete the top ten. Agoda’s search data shows distinctions between destinations searched by type of travelers, with Japan and Thailand taking second and third spots of solo travelers, while more family travelers are searching for travel deals in Thailand, ahead of Vietnam. For group travelers, Vietnam vies for the second spot ahead of Thailand for those traveling and also group travel has a more diverse range of destinations including the Philippines and Israel, which don’t feature in the top ten for all travelers.