Indian tourists enjoy exploring the beautiful beaches of Nha Trang and neighboring provinces Binh Dinh, Phu Yen and Ninh Thuan. (Photo: Vietnam Economic Times)

Vietnam is emerging as one of the destinations increasingly favored by Indian tourists, gradually competing with traditional destinations such as Thailand and Bali (Indonesia).

According to The Traveler travel website, as cited by VNA correspondent in New Delhi, this trend is being driven by a range of factors, from visa policies and air connectivity to travel costs and cultural experiences.

More favorable visa policies are one of Vietnam’s major advantages. Since August 2023, Vietnam has extended its e-visa policy to citizens of all countries and territories, including India, allowing stays of up to 90 days with multiple entries.

The policy makes it easier for Indian tourists to plan longer trips or combine leisure travel with business, while stays in Thailand and Indonesia are often shorter.

Increasingly convenient air connectivity has also contributed to the growth in visitor numbers. In recent years, several direct routes have been opened between major Indian cities and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, shortening travel times and offering more competitive fares. As a result, Vietnam is increasingly appearing on the list of choices for Indian tourists looking for destinations in Asia.

Affordable costs and diverse experiences are another important factor. Compared with many popular tourist destinations in the region, hotel, dining and transportation costs in Vietnam remain competitive.

In addition to famous beaches such as Da Nang and Nha Trang, tourists can combine visits to Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An and cultural heritage sites in a single itinerary, offering a more diverse experience than a holiday focused solely on beach destinations.

The appeal of Vietnamese culture and cuisine is also becoming increasingly evident. Street food tours, coffee culture, historical heritage and images of Vietnam on social media have created a strong attraction among young people and first-time international travelers.

Indian travel companies have also begun designing more products tailored to the needs of Indian tourists, including vegetarian menus, heritage tours and local cultural experiences.

According to tourism experts, although Thailand and Bali remain popular destinations for Indian travelers, Vietnam is gradually moving from being an “alternative option” to becoming one of the leading destinations, thanks to a combination of flexible visa policies, an expanding air network, competitive costs and new experiences.

Statistics show that the number of Indian visitors to Vietnam increased from around 138,000 in 2022 to more than half a million in 2024, making India one of the fastest-growing source markets for Vietnam’s tourism industry.

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