“Three layers of experience” drawing Taiwanese travelers to Vietnam this summer
Summer in Taiwan is often associated with two parallel needs: to find a place to escape the heat and to choose a journey that feels truly far from home. However, as travel costs become increasingly sensitive to rising airfares driven by fuel prices, choosing a destination is no longer simply about where is beautiful, but about where is reasonable - worthwhile - and different enough to be memorable.
This is why short haul international trips are gaining popularity, with Vietnam becoming an increasingly prominent choice. Beyond its close proximity, the country allows travelers to move through three distinct layers of experience including islands, iconic architecture and highlands within a single seamless journey.
Phu Quoc - when an island is more than a place to relax
Sunset Town in Phu Quoc lights up the sky with year round fireworks displays
For many Taiwanese travelers, beaches are not a rarity. What makes the southern part of Phu Quoc different lies in how the experience is thoughtfully “designed”.
At Sunset Town, the space goes beyond scenery and operates as a destination with its own rhythm. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along coastal slopes, stop by distinctive cafes such as Apollo Cafe or the Eric Kayser bakery, and end the day with the moment when the sunset falls between both sides of the Kiss Bridge, known as an unique “non touching” bridge.
This is an experience defined by timing and atmosphere “being in the right place at the right moment”, a factor that Taiwanese travelers particularly appreciate.
Many visitors quickly notice a familiar feeling upon arrival, an accessible version of “a Mediterranean dream”. Without the need to travel long distances to Europe, they can still experience that atmosphere in a tropical setting in Southeast Asia.
When night falls, the experience continues. Multimedia shows and nightly fireworks turn the area into a rare nighttime destination. The fact that a destination can sustain two fireworks displays each evening throughout the year makes Phu Quoc almost unmatched in the region, and a reason why visitors choose not only to come for its beauty but also to stay and fully experience it.
Da Nang - where one structure can define an entire journey
If Phu Quoc represents a moment of relaxation, Da Nang brings a sense of climax.
At Ba Na Hills, the journey begins with a cable car ride that feels like a transition from tropical summer to a cooler climate. Then the Golden Bridge appears, not just as a structure but as an image many travelers have already seen on social media.
Its appeal lies in the moment when a familiar image becomes a real experience. Walking through the clouds on a bridge supported by giant hands creates a feeling that is both familiar and new, something that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Some visitors even compare the anticipation of waiting for the clouds to clear and reveal Ba Na to the excitement of waiting for Machu Picchu to appear, a moment shaped by emotion and timing.
Beyond that, the experience is further enriched by multiple layers. Visitors can stroll through a French style village, explore a castle themed Pop Mart space, enjoy craft beer at Bana Brew House or take in a series of international performances.
More importantly, Da Nang allows travelers to combine different types of experiences including beaches, mountains and entertainment within a short travel radius. For Taiwanese visitors who carefully plan their time, this is a clear advantage.
This summer, the city becomes even more vibrant with the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival DIFF 2026 - “All Stars” season bringing together ten of the world’s leading fireworks teams, taking place from May 31 to July 12, 2026 under the theme “Da Nang - United Horizons”. It is an event that can turn a trip into a memorable occasion rather than a routine holiday.
Sa Pa - where the peak is not only about altitude
For those seeking a complete change of pace, Sa Pa offers a compelling option.
With the peak of Fansipan at 3,143 meters, what stands out is not only the height but also the accessibility. Thanks to a modern cable car system, visitors need only about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the cloud level, where both the landscape and emotions shift significantly.
The Taipei to Phu Quoc route is the first international service of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, starting from March 29, 2026
This is an experience that many Taiwanese travelers consider rare, the feeling of conquering a high peak without complex preparation. In addition, highlights such as a Starbucks cafe at one of the highest elevations in Asia make the journey more shareable on social media, an increasingly important factor in travel decisions.
On a deeper level, Sa Pa offers cultural richness. Spaces such as Ban May introduce visitors to local life, from architecture and traditional clothing to everyday rhythms. This dimension ensures that the journey is not only visually appealing but also meaningful.
From Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung, traveling to Vietnam takes only a few hours by air, a distance that allows visitors to leave familiar surroundings without adding pressure on time or cost. Sun PhuQuoc Airways has launched a direct route connecting Taipei and Phu Quoc starting from March 29, 2026. Travelers can begin their journey on Phu Quoc, recognized by Conde Nast Traveler in 2025 as one of Asia’s most beautiful islands, and continue to Da Nang and Sa Pa for a summer that is both diverse and memorable. As travel increasingly prioritizes practical value and lasting emotional experiences, the question is no longer which destination is the most beautiful, but which offers the richest range of experiences within a single journey. With Phu Quoc, Da Nang and Sa Pa, Vietnam prese