Vietnamese internet users exhibited fascinating trends throughout 2024, as captured in Google's annual "Year-In-Search" report. This year, the top trending query among Vietnamese people was "Du lịch Cồn Sơn Cần Thơ" (Travel to Cồn Sơn, Can Tho), which reflects the growing interest in domestic tourist spots and rural travel. Cồn Sơn, known for its tranquil floating gardens and vibrant agriculture, has become popular among people eager to explore Vietnam's rich cultural offerings.
Entertainment also played a significant role this year, as two television programs led the viewership charts: "Anh trai Say hi" and "Anh trai vượt ngàn chông gai." Reported by Cốc Cốc, these shows captivated audiences with their engaging storylines and captivating performances, prompting massive interest online. They not only dominated television ratings but also generated buzz around concerts, with ticket sales for their corresponding music events soaring.
According to Cốc Cốc, users' engagement with these entertainment programs skyrocketed, leading to significant search volume on terms such as "concert Anh trai Say hi" and "concert Anh trai vượt ngàn chông gai." It was evident this cultural phenomena shaped the way Vietnamese audiences consumed content. The report revealed the phrase, "đỉnh nóc kịch trần bay phấp phới" (the excitement of theater rises to the roof), as it became synonymous with the energetic performances these shows delivered.
Aside from entertainment, the report discussed the severe impact of natural disasters on search trends. One major event was the Yagi typhoon, which struck Vietnam's northern and central regions in September 2024. Cốc Cốc noted, "People searched extensively about the Yagi typhoon, one of the most severe storms to hit Vietnam." This catastrophic event significantly affected thousands of lives, and many inquiries were related to recovery efforts and humanitarian assistance. Additional searches for terms related to transparency and accountability, such as "phông bạt" (tarpaulin) and "sao kê" (statement of accounts), saw impressive increases as the public sought reliable updates on aid efforts.
The focus on these disasters and entertainment highlights the dual nature of Vietnamese society's interests—seeking joy and distraction amid challenges. Notably, searches related to major global events, like the U.S. elections, spiked, with the keyword "bầu cử Mỹ" (U.S. elections) climbing 3,675% compared to 2023. This surge indicates heightened awareness and interest among the Vietnamese populace concerning international affairs.
Users also displayed their proclivity for social media and music through their online habits, as indicated by statistics showing Cốc Cốc was used primarily for social media and music/albums. The preference for this browser remained evident as it accounted for 22.3% of total traffic on social media and 19.4% on music and video streaming platforms. More than 2.6 billion visits were reported to news websites, with nearly 335.8 million of those driven via Cốc Cốc's news reading tool.
Interestingly, the browsing behavior of millions of Vietnamese users indicated extensive engagement during the day and night, from 5:00 AM until midnight for social media to late-night movie marathons extending until 5:00 AM. Users opened up to 200 tabs simultaneously, showcasing the multitasking habits prevalent within the digital space.
2024 was transformational for Vietnamese internet users, portraying them as multifaceted and engaged with both their national identity and global events. With comprehensive search trends reflecting their desires and challenges, Vietnamese netizens remain at the intersection of tradition and modernity, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. Google's Year-in-Search report serves as both documentation and reflection of the Vietnamese spirit.