Cancel those Bali plans right now, this is where everyone is going instead
As an Aussie, I love Bali as much as the next gal. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
But between rising prices, Bali belly, and the risk of being hit by a rogue scooter, I'm starting to wonder — is it really worth it?
And, I'm not the only one.
For years, Bali has been our go-to for cheap holidays, barefoot luxury, and last-minute group getaways.
But lately, there's a quiet shift happening. Flights are pricier. Villa costs are soaring higher than ever before. Even a sunset cocktail is starting to feel just like Sydney's daylight robbery.
And if you've ever had the joy of spending 24 hours in a hotel bathroom clutching your stomach for dear life … you'll understand why some travellers are ready to break up with Bali (or at least take a Ross and Rachel-style break).
'I've been to Bali four times now, but sadly, I'm not sure I will go back.' Bridgette, a new mum from Newcastle, said.
'I have twins and a mortgage. It was always an amazing destination for a luxury-feel holiday on a budget, but prices have gotten very expensive.
'As much as I love it. I just can't justify it anymore. Flights alone are more than double what they used to be and going to a gym class was over $30 a day.'
And, it's not just young parents feeling the pinch.
Dee, a bride-to-be, recently had a hens party in Bali, and said it would probably be her last trip.
'When you want to have a fun little getaway with friends without breaking the bank, the first place that comes to mind is Bali,' she said.
'But this time around has changed my mindset on that. If you add wine and cocktails, splitting a bill at dinner works out around $100 per person, which is what you'd pay in Australia anyway.'
She also suggested avoiding beach clubs if you're on a budget.
'I know beach clubs are known to be more expensive than other places. But on a hens you want to do that kind of thing.
'It was over $100 for one cocktail jug, or $17 for a single cocktail.'
So, if Aussies are falling out of love with Bali, where are they going instead?
Enter: Vietnam
Travel insiders report a 54 per cent spike in Aussie visits to Vietnam during the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2019.
Bookings via InsideAsia are up 46 per cent, and Klook reveals hotel stays have soared 250 per cent.
And it's not hard to see why.
Meals and taxis average around $5 and bottled water is about 80 cents, making it the ideal spot to stretch that dollar. Because the cost of living is no joke.
Miranda, a young Aussie traveller, recently visited Vietnam with her boyfriend and was floored by how much she loved it.
'Vietnam was so good — the food was amazing. Most of our meals were just a few dollars, and we were getting banh mis and beers for under two bucks. It was wild.'
Whether you're after lantern-lit romance in Hoi An, resort luxury in Da Nang, or a cruise through Halong Bay that doesn't cost you your entire tax return, Miranda says Vietnam has options.
'Hanoi was my favourite city — the cultural heritage is so rich, but every place we went felt completely different and special in its own way,' Miranda said.
'One of the best things we did was the Ha Giang Loop — it's this incredible four-day motorbike tour through Northern Vietnam. You ride 400km, stay in homestays with local guides, and eat traditional food. It was honestly the highlight of our whole trip.'
Direct flights from Australia to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh? Check.
A life-changing banh mi that costs less than half your matcha oat latte? Check.
Luxury beach resorts and cruises on the cheap, cheap? Check.
It's all sounding very sexy on paper. Go off, Vietnam.
Miranda also loved the overall vibes.
'Everyone was so friendly and welcoming — I never felt unsafe once,' she said.
'It's not as humid as Bali or Thailand, which made it way easier to spend all day exploring without feeling gross.'
It's much cheaper than Bali, where average hotel rates are also going up 15 per cent year-on-year, according to travel expert Quentin Long on Today.
'Luxury Escapes is reporting the average daily rate of a Bali hotel is up 15 per cent year on year.'
Dee and her fiancé have been to both countries, and she says there's a clear winner.
'I've been to both Bali and Vietnam, and honestly? Vietnam wins. It's so much cheaper,' Dee said.
'Bali was a vibe when I went with friends for a celebration, but I wouldn't go back unless it was for a special occasion. Vietnam just makes way more sense.
'I spent like $5000 in Bali over 10 days — and that's without flights or accommodation. In Vietnam, we were there for 14 days and I spent about $2000–3000 total. Big difference.
'Vietnam is just so much better value — and it still felt like a proper adventure.'
Call it a break-up, a fling, or just a Ross-and-Rachel-style 'break', but Aussies are officially seeing other destinations.
And Vietnam is giving 'the hot rebound that turns out to be long-term material'.
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