Vietnam welcomed over 17.5 million international visitors in 2025, yet most travel agents still default to the same Hanoi-Ha Long Bay-Ho Chi Minh triangle. While these destinations remain essential, the real profit margins and client satisfaction come from destinations your competitors are not selling.
Why Vietnam's Secondary Destinations Matter in 2026
The Vietnamese government is investing heavily in infrastructure connecting secondary cities. New expressways, domestic flight routes, and upgraded accommodation mean destinations that were logistically challenging just two years ago are now perfectly viable for mainstream tourism.
For B2B travel agents, this translates to higher margins. Wholesale rates in emerging destinations are 25-40% lower than saturated markets like Ha Long Bay, while client satisfaction scores consistently run higher due to fewer crowds and more authentic experiences.
Ninh Binh: The Terrestrial Ha Long Bay
Just 90 minutes south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh offers dramatic limestone karst landscapes without the tourist boat congestion. The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides the same geological drama as Ha Long Bay but navigated by hand-rowed sampans through flooded caves.
Selling Points for Your Clients
- Tam Coc boat rides through rice paddies flanked by towering karsts - stunning photography opportunities
- Bai Dinh Pagoda - Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist complex with 500 stone Arhat statues
- Mua Cave viewpoint - Instagram-worthy panoramic views after a 500-step climb
- Cycling tours through villages with zero tourist infrastructure - authentic Vietnam experience
Agent Tip: Package Ninh Binh as a day trip from Hanoi or, better yet, sell it as an overnight stay. The evening atmosphere when day-trippers leave is magical, and overnight packages yield 60% higher margins.
Da Nang & Hoi An: Central Vietnam's Dynamic Duo
Da Nang has transformed from a transit city into a destination powerhouse. The combination of pristine My Khe Beach, the iconic Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, and proximity to UNESCO-listed Hoi An makes Central Vietnam a complete package.
What Makes This Region Sell
- Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge - The giant stone hands holding a golden bridge became a global viral sensation and remains a must-visit
- Hoi An Ancient Town - Lantern-lit streets, custom tailoring in 24 hours, and cooking classes that clients rave about
- Marble Mountains - Cave temples and panoramic views, perfect half-day excursion
- My Son Sanctuary - Vietnam's answer to Angkor Wat, with far fewer tourists
Pricing Edge: Central Vietnam hotels offer rates 30-50% below equivalent properties in Singapore or Bangkok. A 4-star beachfront resort in Da Nang costs what a 3-star city hotel costs in Singapore.
Phu Quoc Island: Vietnam's Maldives Alternative
Phu Quoc has emerged as Southeast Asia's most exciting island destination. With its own international airport receiving direct flights from across Asia, this island offers a beach luxury experience at a fraction of Maldives pricing.
- VinWonders theme park - Vietnam's largest amusement park with cable car, aquarium, and water park
- Sunset Town - Mediterranean-inspired coastal village with the world's first kiss bridge and nightly shows
- Hon Thom cable car - World's longest three-rope cable car over the ocean at 7.9km
- Snorkeling & diving at An Thoi archipelago with pristine coral reefs
B2B Opportunity: Position Phu Quoc as the budget luxury beach alternative. Clients who cannot afford Maldives water villas can get comparable experiences here at 40-60% less. Several resorts now offer overwater bungalows.
Sapa & Ha Giang: Northern Mountain Adventures
The northern highlands offer experiences that simply do not exist elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Sapa's terraced rice fields and Ha Giang's extreme mountain passes attract adventure travelers willing to spend premium on unique experiences.
- Fansipan Summit - Indochina's highest peak, now accessible via cable car for non-trekkers
- Ha Giang Loop - 3-4 day motorbike or jeep journey through Vietnam's most dramatic landscapes
- Homestay experiences with Hmong, Dao, and Tay ethnic minorities
- Rice terrace photography tours during harvest season (September-October)
How to Package Vietnam for Maximum Conversions
Recommended Itinerary Structures
7-Day Classic + Hidden Gem: Hanoi (2N) → Ninh Binh (1N) → Ha Long Bay (1N) → Da Nang/Hoi An (2N) → Ho Chi Minh City (1N)
10-Day Comprehensive: Hanoi (2N) → Sapa (2N) → Ha Long Bay (1N) → Da Nang/Hoi An (3N) → Phu Quoc (2N)
5-Day Beach Focus: Da Nang (2N) → Hoi An (1N) → Phu Quoc (2N)
Visa Information for 2026
Vietnam now offers 90-day e-visas for citizens of 80+ countries, making multi-destination itineraries much easier to sell. Indian passport holders can apply online with 3 working days processing.
Start Selling Vietnam Today
With DMC Quote's B2B platform, you can access wholesale Vietnam ground handling rates, build custom packages with real-time availability, and earn competitive commissions on every booking. Register as a travel agent to access our Vietnam inventory.
