“This is a destination where you can tell many different stories,” Rahul Bali, producer of the Bollywood films “Love in Vietnam” and “SILLA”, both shot in Vietnam, says.
According to the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, India was the sixth largest source of tourists in 2025 with around 746,000 visitors, behind only mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and the U.S.
In the first four months of this year, more than 324,000 Indians traveled to Vietnam, a 35% increase year-on-year.
“The Indian tourist market is booming in Vietnam,” Nguyen Dac Hieu, communications and marketing manager at Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake, says.
He said most Indians arrive in large groups, often combining leisure trips with MICE tourism — meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions — though couples and families are also increasingly common.
Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, marketing and communications director at Vietravel, says Indian arrivals usually peak between April and July, when schools in India begin summer holidays, and from October to January during India’s festival and wedding season.
Tourists visit Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi on May 1, 2026. Photo by Read/Giang Huy |
Bali, who has visited Vietnam multiple times, described the country’s landscapes as “highly cinematic” and visually versatile.
From the dramatic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to tropical beaches and bustling urban centers, Vietnam offers a wide variety of experiences within a single destination, he says.
Vietnam’s popularity among Indian tourists is due to a combination of factors, he says.
Vietnamese food, known for its balance and freshness, appeals to many Indian visitors, especially with vegetarian dishes and flavors becoming more widely available, making them feel comfortable during their stay, he says.
Vietnamese culture, with its sincerity and respectful hospitality, resonates strongly with Indian travelers, he says.
“The real strength that makes Vietnam attractive to Indian visitors lies in its people — quietly warm, disciplined and deeply dedicated.”
Many tourists feel genuinely welcomed rather than simply served, he claims.
Affordability and improved connectivity also strengthen Vietnam’s appeal.
 |
Indian tourists on a cruise in Phu Quoc in southern Vietnam. Photo by Vietravel |
IndiGo announced a daily direct service between Delhi and Hanoi starting last December. The Indian low-cost carrier previously used to fly from Kolkata to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam Airlines flies from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
Bali says another reason Indian tourists are drawn to Vietnam is the country’s ability to feel “both strange and familiar” at the same time — a balance that creates a rich yet comfortable international travel experience.
Hieu says Indian visitors are known for being detail-oriented, particularly when it comes to food and hospitality services.
Many travelers make specific requests regarding ingredients, spices and flavors, while some high-end groups even bring their own chefs during their stay, he points out.
Khanh says Indian tourists increasingly seek personalized travel experiences and place strong emphasis on service quality.
Tour guides, she notes, need a deep understanding of Indian culture, customs and lifestyles.
Indian travelers are also particularly drawn to nightlife and scenic locations suitable for photography.
“They want to travel abroad while still feeling at home,” she says.
Indian tourists are considered big spenders, with most preferring four- and five-star accommodation, while MICE travelers typically spend two to three times more than regular tourists.
Their average stay in Vietnam is from five to seven days, and they often have multi-destination itineraries such as Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Ninh Binh or Da Nang – Hoi An.
Bali says Vietnam has already established a strong foundation in the Indian market, but future growth will depend on refining services rather than reinventing the destination itself.
He suggests starting direct flights to smaller Indian cities, simplifying visa procedures and expanding vegetarian and Indian-friendly dining options to attract a broader range of travelers.
He also emphasizes the need for more carefully curated tourism products, particularly in terms of wedding, MICE and film tourism, supported by clearer policies and streamlined one-stop service systems.
Khanh says that if Vietnam’s tourism industry can better understand Indian preferences and meet expected service standards, that country could become a major source of tourism revenue and profit growth.
Indian tourists are also known for appreciating attentive hospitality.
“When hotels meet their expectations, they are willing to spend generously on additional services such as dining, event organization, and wellness experiences,” Hieu says.
Industry insiders believe Vietnam needs to improve on-site convenience for Indian visitors, including more support services in Hindi and English, smoother travel logistics and seamless end-to-end tourism experiences.
Bali says Vietnam should further strengthen its tourism branding in India to transform itself from a trending destination to a long-term preferred choice.
He describes the recent visit by Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and President To Lam as an important milestone for tourism cooperation between the two countries.
High-level diplomatic exchanges not only strengthen bilateral ties but also help boost tourism, cultural exchanges and creative collaboration, he says.
“Vietnam offers a rare combination of beauty, culture and trustworthiness.
“It is not just a destination, but a partner for anyone looking to create something impactful and sustainable.”
Comments are closed.