Vietnam and South Korea are surging in popularity as the strength of the Australian dollar gives tourists more bang for their buck.The latest official travel data, showing which countries Australians returned from in May, had Vietnam up a whopping 22.1 per cent compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, South Korea was up 18.7 per cent.It wasn’t just a popular month to visit. The Asian nations have seen a steady increase in Aussie visitors for months. In the 12 months to May, Vietnam was up 16.2 per cent and South Korea up a smaller 4.8 per cent.Tristan Dakin, Australian country manager for money transfer business Wise, said it is clear the Aussie dollar is influencing travel decisions even if people aren’t consciously choosing destinations based on currency.“Looking at official travel movements alongside 12-month currency trends, a clear pattern emerges and purchasing power is playing an increasingly central role in where Aussies land,” he told news.com.au.Australian-based travel company Luxury Escapes said Vietnam was experiencing a “super-surge” in interest, with bookings in July up 64 per cent on the same month last year.Meanwhile, the number of people searching South Korea on the Luxury Escapes website has increased every month this year.Intrepid Travel, another Aussie company known for its small group tours, saw an 87 per cent and 17 per cent rise in travellers heading to Vietnam in June and July, respectively.South Korea trips were up 112 per cent in June and 23 per cent in July. Bookings made in June and July for future dates also increased significantly.Mr Dakin said the increase in Aussies visiting South Korea “directly tracks with the currency windfall travellers are getting on the ground”.“The AUD has gained around 13 per cent against the South Korean Won over the past 12 months, and 19 per cent over a five-year horizon,” he explained.“While Japan remains a key draw, travellers are looking for new experiences to complement their itinerary. Seoul is just a 2.5-hour flight from Tokyo, making South Korea an easy, high-value addition to a North Asian trip.”It also helps that an exemption meaning Australian tourists don’t need to apply for a K-ETA has been extended until December 31. And similar to Japan, Aussie tourists also get instant tax refunds while shopping in South Korea.“When you factor in three-star Seoul hotels averaging $100 per night and high-speed KTX train fares starting at $57, South Korea delivers a distinct mix of world-class culture and straightforward savings,” Mr Dakin added.Vietnam is famously cheap to visit, like long-time Aussie favourite Indonesia, so with a favourable exchange rate, Mr Dakin says it is a “double win for your wallet”.The Australian dollar has climbed 8 per cent against the Vietnamese Dong and 18 per cent against the Indonesian Rupiah over the last year, he said.“When you pair a favourable exchange rate with cheap prices on the ground, your travel budget stretches much further,” Mr Dakin said.Intrepid Travel’s Australian managing director Brett Mitchell said value for money had become an even greater consideration for travellers in the current economic climate, making destinations with favourable exchange rates particularly attractive.Not only does it make a destination feel more accessible, but also encourages travellers to spend more and enhance their travel experience.“When travellers feel they’re getting better value on the ground, they’re often more willing to indulge in experiences they may have otherwise skipped, whether that’s trying renowned restaurants, booking guided tours, staying an extra night or supporting local businesses,” he said.Mr Mitchell believes Vietnam and South Korea are hot right now thanks to a combination of value and experience.“While favourable exchange rates certainly help travellers get more bang for their buck, these destinations also offer incredible food, vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural experiences that appeal to a broad range of Australians,” he said.It is also a good time to travel across the ditch to New Zealand.The country saw a boost in Australian visitors in May, up 14 per cent on the same month in 2025, according to ABS data.Mr Dakin said: “While New Zealand has higher on-the-ground prices compared to parts of Asia, the Aussie dollar is up 10 per cent year-on-year, around the highest it’s been in over a decade against the Kiwi dollar, meaning a trip across the ditch is currently offering some of the best value in years.“For example, for families heading over for a winter ski trip, this exchange rate translates into an immediate boost in buying power on the mountain.“That bonus can easily cover family lift passes, equipment hire, and ski school for the kids, making high-ticket group trips far more manageable.”Mr Dakin warns travellers that they won’t always get the real exchange rate they see on Google when using traditional bank credit and debit cards due to mark-ups.He advises travellers set up a low-fee travel card before they fly and always pay in the local currency rather than AUD when prompted at card readers and ATMs to avoid dynamic currency conversion and get the full benefit of the favourable exchange rates.