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During the just-ended Lunar New Year period, the Lao Cai International Border Gate recorded nearly 500,000 travelers processing immigration. At travel agencies, overland and inbound tours to China were selling out, dominating the international tour market with about 30%–40% share in Q1. Several factors are driving these figures.
Many outbound trips are priced in the range of 3 to 5 million dong. Travelers can use sleeper buses, complete border crossing procedures with a passport at low cost, and join 3-day, 2-night itineraries. Longer tours into inland China are also described as competitively priced compared with domestic long-haul flights.
The combination of flexible costs, no need for complex proof of funds, and rapid group visa processing has helped these trips attract a wide range of travelers, from students to families.
China’s broad geographic range and climate variety are also cited as key demand drivers. The familiar subtropical monsoon climate encourages travelers to seek new visual experiences, while China offers diverse landscapes.
For culture and history enthusiasts, ancient towns such as Fenghuang and Lijiang—known for mossy tiles and a slower pace—are highlighted. For travelers seeking major natural scenery, attractions including the changing colors of waters at Jiuzhaigou and year-round snow on Yulong Snow Mountain are mentioned as standout experiences.
The appeal is not limited to long trips: even weekend itineraries remain attractive, supported by the region’s vastness and ecological diversity throughout the year.
Food is described as a major part of the travel decision. Instead of focusing on trendy street foods at home, many visitors choose authentic flavors at night markets or local eateries, often at prices considered reasonable. This is presented as contributing to a more complete experience covering both sightseeing and taste.
Advances in technology are also changing travel dynamics. One traveler said: “My first trip to China surprised me… Later I took a few more independent trips and had consistently good experiences, despite not speaking the language, thanks to wallet-integrated payments and translation apps.”
In busy destinations, aggressive touting and price bargaining are said to be minimized. In places such as Lijiang and Shangri-La, management is described as strict, which helps create a smoother visitor experience.
China’s tourism ecosystem is also described as emphasizing interaction rather than only sightseeing. Visitors may be encouraged to take part in immersive activities such as trying on traditional costumes on film locations or enjoying carefully staged shows, supported by transport connectivity and diverse cuisine—factors presented as helping produce higher-quality itineraries.
Traveling abroad for a short break is described not as a replacement for domestic destinations, but as an expansion of options. With economic considerations and a desire for new scenery and culture, neighboring-country itineraries remain a priority for many Vietnamese travelers in the near term.
Source: DoisongPhapLuat; 04/26/2026 20:23 (GMT+7)
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