Vietnam Draws a Surge of Israeli Tourists as Direct Flights Expand

Vietnam, once seen mainly as a stop for Israelis on post-army backpacking trips, is now attracting couples, families and older travelers as demand rises sharply. Tourism companies say the country is becoming one of the hottest destinations for Israelis in Southeast Asia, helped by new nonstop flights from Ben Gurion Airport and a shift toward more flexible, higher-spending trips.

Tzahi Bela, CEO of Thai Tours, said the company has seen an “unprecedented surge” in Israeli interest over the past year. He said the biggest change is in who is traveling: while backpackers and discharged soldiers still make up a large share, most demand now comes from couples and families seeking four- and five-star vacations with strong value for money. Bela added that Vietnam is seen as very safe, with no restrictions on tourists and, in his experience, no signs of antisemitism. He said it offers a different cultural experience rather than replacing neighboring Thailand.

Yehuda Zafrani, an international aviation expert and head of tourism at the HOT consumer club, said Vietnam is emerging as a major draw for older travelers as well, especially through organized tours. He pointed to the appeal of affordable prices, authentic atmosphere, striking scenery and a less commercial feel. Arkia launched a direct route to Hanoi this year and announced another to Saigon, while El Al plans to open an additional nonstop route from Ben Gurion in the coming months.

Data from LAYA, an app owned by Altshuler Shaham, shows that Israeli travel to Vietnam is increasingly spontaneous. Most of travelers’ budgets are spent only after arrival, and many book flights or hotels just days before departure. The company said March 2026 was the peak month for Israeli tourism there, with overall spending up 43 times and traveler volume up 34 times compared with May 2025. Grab dominates online transport and delivery activity among Israelis, with a 96.1% share of online transactions. LAYA CEO Yotam Raif-Desha said travelers are making more decisions on the move, while Kinneret Academic College tourism lecturer Eran Keter said younger Israelis now use apps and social media to plan flexibly, spend more on experiences and increasingly blend backpacking with comfort.