From Asian Travel to Settling in Dubai: New Mobility Trends for Vietnamese in 2025

In the post-pandemic context, 2025 has witnessed a strong recovery of the global tourism industry, especially in Asia and the Middle East. Vietnamese travelers are not only increasing their international trips but also beginning to explore long-term settlement opportunities in emerging destinations like Dubai. This trend reflects both a thirst for discovery and a desire for a better living and working environment in the future.

Asia’s Tourism Boom Returns

According to Travel and Tour World, over 68 million international visitors traveled to East and Southeast Asian countries—Malaysia, Japan, China, India, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam—during Q1 2025. This figure far exceeded expectations, marking an impressive rebound after pandemic-related disruptions.

Notably, the Mastercard Economics Institute ranked Tokyo, Osaka, and Bangkok among the top 15 most-searched summer destinations worldwide, highlighting rising demand for experiential travel, wellness retreats, and authentic cultural immersion. These new trends are driving sustainable innovations in travel services, from personalized accommodations to small, in-depth cultural and historical tours.

Vietnam: From Tourist Hotspot to Australia’s Favorite

News.com.au reports a 54 percent increase in Australian arrivals to Vietnam compared to pre-pandemic levels, making Vietnam a “hotspot” for Aussie travelers. Tours booked via InsideAsia Tours rose by over 46 percent year-on-year, while hotel bookings through Klook and other OTAs doubled.

Vietnam scores not only on affordability but also on diverse experiences—from street food and UNESCO heritage sites to luxury coastal resorts. Da Nang, Hoi An, Sapa, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City remain the top choices this year.

China: Opening Up to Recover

To boost tourism appeal and compete directly with the U.S., China has waived visa requirements for over 70 countries since early 2025. AP News notes that this policy welcomed more than 20 million visa-free visitors last year, primarily in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

Beyond visa reforms, China is investing heavily in branding itself as a “nation rich in heritage and modernity” through digital culture campaigns, enhanced virtual-reality experiences, and upgraded cashless payment systems for international guests.

Dubai: The New Star of Global Travel and Settlement

No longer just a luxury getaway, Dubai is emerging as an ideal place to live, work, and invest in 2025. With 18.7 million international visitors in 2024 and continued growth in Q1 2025, Dubai demonstrates strong appeal not only for tourism but also for settlement opportunities.

Vietnamese Trends: From Travel to International Careers

Previously a destination for high-net-worth individuals or hospitality professionals, Dubai now attracts many young Vietnamese leveraging flexible visa policies to freelance, launch businesses, invest in real estate, or even settle via the Golden Visa. Visa applications have become much more convenient, especially with support from international consultancy firms. Vietnamese nationals can plan a 30-day Dubai trip and then expand business, work, or long-term settlement opportunities if they meet financial and professional criteria.

Conclusion

From Asia’s tourism resurgence to Dubai’s unprecedented openness, 2025 is opening new doors for Vietnamese—not only to explore the world but also to shape a truly global lifestyle. Dubai, with its seamless mix of modernity and international amenities, symbolizes the rise of borderless living and working trends.