Vietnam is emerging as one of Asia’s hottest culinary destinations, driven in part by a surge in Australian travellers seeking food-focused experiences.
Australian arrivals to Vietnam jumped 35.4 per cent in the 2024–25 year, with visitors showing a strong appetite for hands-on, culturally immersive food tourism.
Vietnam’s Michelin Momentum Elevates Global Profile
The boom coincides with Vietnam’s rapidly growing international culinary reputation. The country now boasts nine Michelin-starred restaurants across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, including two Michelin Green Star recipients. A further 63 venues have earned Bib Gourmand status, reinforcing Vietnam’s position as a destination for both high-end dining and affordable, high-quality street food.
Travellers Seek Immersive Market-to-Table Experiences
Food-led experiences — from market tours and cooking classes to regional tastings — are becoming a major drawcard. Vietnam-based operator BestPrice Travel reports rising demand from Australians eager to connect directly with local chefs, farmers and coffee artisans.
“It’s no longer just pho and banh mi,” said founder and CEO Khuc Tan Dung.
“Vietnam’s evolving Michelin scene is showcasing new levels of sophistication rooted in local produce. Australians can’t get enough of it.”
Coffee Culture Adds Another Layer to Vietnam’s Appeal
Beyond food, Vietnam’s thriving coffee culture is also attracting enthusiasts. With over 640,000 coffee farms, the country has become a hub for barista workshops, roasting classes and tastings of signature brews such as egg coffee, coconut coffee and Da Nang’s increasingly popular avocado coffee.
New-Generation Chefs Driving Culinary Creativity
A wave of young Vietnamese chefs — many trained internationally — is helping elevate the nation’s cuisine on the world stage, blending traditional flavours with contemporary techniques and presentation.
BestPrice Travel Curates Culinary Journeys for Australians
BestPrice Travel says its curated itineraries offer everything from bike-led street food tours to luxury dining, wellness cooking classes and market-to-table experiences. Highlights include dining at Spices Villa, a 140-year-old French colonial property in Hanoi’s Old Quarter serving organic Vietnamese cuisine.
“Australians are among the world’s most passionate food travellers,” said Mr. Dung. “We guide them from Hanoi’s street stalls to Da Nang’s fine-dining rooms and into family kitchens in the Mekong Delta.”
The company also offers cultural, sustainable and wellness-focused journeys, with all tours customisable to individual travellers.
