Breathtaking landscapes, increasingly upscale tourism infrastructure, globally renowned cuisine, and an expanding network of direct flights are propelling Vietnam past Thailand as the new favorite destination for travelers from the Indian subcontinent.

For years, Thailand reigned as the default getaway for Indian tourists in Southeast Asia. But that is quickly changing. A March 2025 article in The Economic Times titled “Forget Thailand, Vietnam is the new playground for Indian tourists” notes that Vietnam now commands more attention from Indian travelers than any other destination in the region.

Vietnam: The new playground for India’s elite

Vietnam is fast becoming a magnet for high-end Indian travelers. According to The Economic Times, India’s affluent are seeking fresh luxury experiences beyond Japan, Singapore, and Thailand’s overfamiliar hotspots like Phuket and Koh Samui.

Luxury hospitality is rising fast in Vietnam’s beach cities, luring India’s ultra-wealthy who host around 5,000 extravagant weddings annually, each with budgets ranging from USD 250,000 to 500,000. Though the market is fiercely competitive, Vietnamese resorts have proven their mettle.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay hosted Indian billionaire Rushang Shah’s wedding in 2019 and another billionaire couple’s lavish celebration in early 2024. Soon, Phu Quoc will welcome ultra-luxury names like The Luxury Collection and Ritz Carlton Reserve - brands not yet seen in every regional destination.

Phu Quoc continues to impress Indian guests with a mix of modern luxury and unforgettable experiences. The southern part of the island is home to Sun Paradise Land, a world-class entertainment district featuring the Kiss of the Sea multimedia show (Guinness World Record holder), nightly fireworks, the world’s longest three-wire cable car, and the iconic 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 it,” shared Rohan Khanna, a visitor from New Delhi.

In addition to Phu Quoc, Ha Long Bay is becoming a preferred destination for Indian milestone events. According to Bloomberg, in 2024, more wealthy Indian families began choosing Ha Long and Phu Quoc for weddings and celebrations - putting Vietnam squarely on Asia’s luxury event map.

A cuisine that captures every heart

Food plays a pivotal role in destination choice for Indian tourists. With India’s vast culinary diversity and strict dietary preferences, destinations that can cater to Halal or Halal-friendly standards earn loyalty.

Vietnam has embraced this demand. Major attractions such as Sun World Ba Na Hills (Da Nang) and Sun World Fansipan Legend (Sa Pa) now offer Halal-certified or friendly options. This accessibility - paired with cultural compatibility - keeps Indian travelers coming back.

The 2023 arrival of the Michelin Guide in Vietnam further heightened its culinary allure. Known for their love of cultural exploration through food, Indian travelers have taken notice. Da Nang, included in the Michelin Guide’s 2024 expansion, has seen a surge in Indian visitors.

In 2024, Da Nang welcomed 222,000 Indian tourists - 5.3% of all international arrivals. Nearly half of all Indian travelers to Vietnam chose Da Nang as their main stop, cementing its status as the country’s most beloved destination for Indian visitors.

Affordable seafood and local specialties further boost Vietnam’s appeal. Compared to regional rivals, Vietnamese cuisine - especially in beach cities like Da Nang and Phu Quoc - offers excellent value. Thailand’s Nation Story even noted that seafood in Phu Quoc costs roughly half as much as in Thailand.

Direct flights fuel the tourism boom

Vietnam’s growing network of direct flights is another driver of Indian interest. Currently, there are around 56 direct flights weekly between the two countries.

In 2024 alone, Da Nang launched several new routes, including a twice-weekly service from Ahmedabad introduced in October, which broadened access beyond New Delhi.

According to Sandeep Arya, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, the two countries’ aviation authorities are planning to add 14 more routes connecting New Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai to Vietnamese cities. India is also encouraging carriers like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and IndiGo to expand their presence.

According to Vietnam’s General Statistics Office, international arrivals reached over 6 million in Q1 2025, up 29.6% year-over-year. Among them, over 143,000 were Indian tourists - a continuation of double-digit growth. In 2024, Vietnam welcomed more than 500,000 Indian travelers, marking India as one of Vietnam’s most promising tourism markets.

With competitive prices, iconic destinations, luxurious accommodations, tailored dining, and improved connectivity, Vietnam is on track to become the top choice for Indian tourists in Southeast Asia in 2025.

PV