How Vietnam is overtaking Thailand as favorite destination for Indian travelers
In this article (5)
Vietnam’s landscapes, growing upscale tourism infrastructure, globally recognized cuisine, and expanding network of direct flights have made it a top destination for travelers from India in Southeast Asia, steadily surpassing Thailand.
For years, Thailand was the go-to destination for Indian travelers visiting the region. However, more Indian tourists are now turning their attention to Vietnam, which offers a similar experience at more affordable prices. In late March, The Economic Times published an article titled “Forget Thailand, Vietnam is the new playground for Indian tourists,” noting that Vietnam is now drawing more interest from Indian travelers than any other Southeast Asian destination.
New playground for India’s wealthy
Vietnam has become a strong contender among high-end Indian travelers, as they seek alternatives to Japan and Singapore after visiting Thailand’s popular islands like Koh Samui and Phuket. The rising presence of luxury hotels, particularly in beach destinations like Phu Quoc, is attracting India’s elite.
The Economic Times highlights that India’s wealthy organize approximately 5,000 ultra-luxury weddings annually, with budgets ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. Despite intense competition, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay successfully hosted the wedding of Indian billionaire Rushang Shah in 2019 and another billionaire couple’s ceremony in early 2024. The arrival of luxury brands like The Luxury Collection and Ritz Carlton Reserve in Phu Quoc further bolsters the island’s appeal.
Beyond luxury stays, Phu Quoc offers a range of experiences that appeal to Indian travelers.
Sun Paradise Land in southern Phu Quoc features attractions like the Guinness World Record-holding “Kiss of the Sea” multimedia show, nightly fireworks, the world’s longest three-wire cable car, and the Kiss Bridge.
“Phu Quoc offered so many surprises. A morning cable car ride over the sea, fireworks at night… I’ve never experienced anything like that anywhere else,” said Rohan Khanna, a visitor from New Delhi.
In addition to Phu Quoc, Ha Long Bay is also becoming a popular destination for Indian travelers. More and more wealthy Indian families are choosing Phu Quoc and Ha Long for milestone events, positioning Vietnam as a top Asian wedding destination. With its natural beauty, luxury hotels, and professional event services, both locations are proving ideal for hosting special moments.
Outstanding culinary experiences
“The Economic Times highlights that India’s wealthy organize approximately 5,000 ultra-luxury weddings annually, with budgets ranging from $250,000 to $500,000.”
Food plays a decisive role for Indian tourists when choosing a travel destination. Given the diversity in dietary and religious preferences across India, catering to halal or halal-friendly standards is essential to ensure repeat visits.
Top tourist destinations in Vietnam, such as Sun World Ba Na Hills in Da Nang and Sun World Fansipan Legend in Sa Pa, have embraced these dietary needs, offering Indian tourists familiar flavors that meet their cultural requirements.
Da Nang, which was added to the Michelin Guide’s 2024 expansion, has seen a significant increase in Indian visitors.
Da Nang welcomed 222,000 Indian tourists in 2024, accounting for 5.3% of total international arrivals. Nearly 50% of Indian visitors to Vietnam chose Da Nang as their primary destination, solidifying its position as the most popular Vietnamese city among Indian travelers.
Affordable food prices in Da Nang and other beach destinations like Phu Quoc also add to Vietnam’s appeal.
Compared to regional competitors like Thailand, seafood in Vietnam is significantly more affordable. Thailand’s Nation Story even noted that seafood in Phu Quoc costs about half as much as in Thailand.
More direct flights
Vietnam’s growing network of direct flights from major Indian cities is also contributing to the rising demand. There are currently around 56 direct flights per week between the two countries. Several new direct routes, including one from Ahmedabad to Da Nang, were launched in 2024.
Sandeep Arya, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, shared that aviation authorities from both countries are planning to add 14 more flights connecting cities like New Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai with Vietnam. India is also encouraging airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and IndiGo to open more direct routes to boost tourism.
According to the General Statistics Office, international arrivals to Vietnam in the first quarter of 2025 exceeded 6 million, a 29.6% increase year-on-year. Over 143,000 of these visitors were from India, continuing the trend of double-digit growth compared to the same period last year.
In 2024, Vietnam welcomed more than 500,000 Indian tourists, making India one of its most promising inbound markets. With an expanding range of competitive offerings, Vietnam is well on its way to becoming the top destination for Indian travelers in Southeast Asia by 2025.
Questions & Answers
Q.What factors are contributing to Vietnam's increasing popularity among Indian travellers?
What factors are contributing to Vietnam's increasing popularity among Indian travellers?
Vietnam offers appealing landscapes, improving upscale tourism facilities, and a growing network of direct flights. Its globally recognised cuisine and more affordable prices compared to Thailand also attract Indian visitors.
Q.Which specific Vietnamese destinations are proving popular with high-end Indian tourists?
Which specific Vietnamese destinations are proving popular with high-end Indian tourists?
Phu Quoc and Ha Long Bay are increasingly chosen by wealthy Indian families for milestone events and luxury weddings. Phu Quoc, in particular, is attracting elite travellers with its luxury hotels.
Q.How is Vietnam addressing the culinary needs of Indian visitors?
How is Vietnam addressing the culinary needs of Indian visitors?
Top tourist destinations like Sun World Ba Na Hills and Sun World Fansipan Legend offer familiar flavours that meet dietary and cultural requirements. Catering to halal or halal-friendly standards is essential for repeat visits.
Q.What is the current state of direct flight connectivity between India and Vietnam?
What is the current state of direct flight connectivity between India and Vietnam?
There are currently about 56 direct flights per week connecting the two countries. Aviation authorities are planning to add 14 more flights, with new routes launched in 2024 to enhance connectivity.
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