Hanoi is a 1,000-year-old city (Image: Getty)
The first few weeks of 2026 have been exceptionally wet across the UK. With much of the UK seeing rain almost every single day so far this year and the cold snap continuing with warnings of further downpours and even snow this week, it’s little surprise that Brits are heading online to plan a sunny escape. As the UK endures grey skies and cold temperatures, one city is enjoying warm sunshine and averages of around 24C in Febraury and March, according to travel search engine KAYAK.
New figures from KAYAK reveal that UK travellers are increasingly looking beyond traditional short-haul winter sun favourites in favour of a guaranteed sunshine fix. Flight searches beyond Europe are up 11% while searches for Arrecife in Lanzarote have fallen 11% compared to last year.
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Trấn Quốc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi and it’s over is more than 1,500 years old (Image: Getty)
Searches for flights to Hanoi are up a staggering 103% for travel in February and March compared with the same period last year.
The Vietnamese capital offers exactly what rain-weary Brits are craving right now, with average temperatures hovering around 24C in February and March, alongside hot, dry weather and sunny, clear skies.
Beyond the weather, Hanoi offers an unforgettable experience that’s guaranteed to stick with anyone who walks its stunning streets. Visitors can wander the vibrant Old Quarter’s narrow streets, sip strong Vietnamese coffee overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, or explore centuries-old temples and unique architecture that reflect its 1,000-year history.
According to Numbeo, which describes itself as the world’s largest cost of living database and a crowdsourced global resource for quality-of-life data, the average price of a domestic beer in Hanoi is the equivalent of around £1.50. From steaming bowls of pho to fresh banh mi picked up on street corners, travellers can also enjoy world-class cuisine without breaking the bank.
Rachel Mumford, UK travel expert at KAYAK, said: « Our search insights show Brits are prepared to travel further for sunshine, but value still plays a huge role in where they book.
« Vietnam stands out because it combines reliable warm weather with low everyday costs once you arrive, making a long-haul trip feel far more affordable.
« We’re also seeing that travellers who can be flexible with when they fly are able to unlock significant savings by travelling earlier rather than waiting until later in the season. »
This week, return flights to Hanoi are averaging £628. For mid-March departures, that figure jumps to £1,071, which is a difference of almost £450.
Hanoi isn’t the only long-haul destination seeing a surge in flight searches. Searches for Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, are up 20% year on year while Cancún in Mexico has recorded a 14% increase.
KAYAK has also identified other standout options for this time of the year. These include Bangkok, Colombo, Marrakech and Riyadh, with competitive return fares and booking windows that could help travellers secure a bargain before peak season prices kick in.
For example, return fares to Bangkok are around £676, 4% cheaper than in 2025, Riyadh £426, down 11% from last year, Colombo £710, the same as last year, and Marrakech as low as £115.
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