Why Is Vietnam A Popular Destination Amongst Indian Travellers? (Image: iStock)
There is no doubt about the fact that Indians love to explore. According to RBI data, Indians are spending Rs 12,500 crore a month on foreign travel this financial year. Travel has become very common amongst Indians especially post pandemic. And while, the craze before was surrounding the most cliche places like Europe and the US, now its way better than that.
According to Google Trends, Vietnam was the most-researched destination by Indians in 2023. This is the same year when the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism reported a 231% increase in visitors from India compared with 2019. Other south-east Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia are also seeing similarly huge jumps in arrivals.
But why are so many Indian travellers interested in travelling to Vietnam?
With its charming cities, beautiful landscapes and rich culture, Vietnam has something for every type of traveller. The country has witnessed a surge in visitors from India in recent times and the rise in popularity is for all the right reasons.
Diverse ExperiencesVietnam offers hugely varied experiences across different regions. From the vibrant cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to the scenic coastlines and landscapes of Halong Bay, Da Nang, Da Lat and Hoi An, each region has a distinct charm attached to it. This diversity allows Indian travellers to experience different aspects of Vietnam on a single trip. The North is known for its colonial architecture, cuisine and scenic countryside while South has lively cities along with the iconic Mekong Delta.
Value For Money
Vietnam has a reputation of one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia. For Indian tourists, Vietnam offers excellent value for money. Expenses like accommodation, food and transport are very pocket-friendly compared to other destinations.
Growing Air Connectivity
Earlier, the air connectivity from India to Vietnam was not that great. However, now, air routes between the two countries have expanded significantly. Major Indian carriers like Air India, Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines now offer regular and affordable direct flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh from different Indian cities, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru. The increased flight options have also made Vietnam much more accessible.
Rich Cultural Escape
Vietnam has a vibrant cultural heritage. Meaning, from spiritual sanctuaries to temples reflecting Buddhist, Hindu, and Chinese influences – you have it all here. Many Indian visitors are keen on diving into the Vietnamese traditions, arts, architecture, performance arts, crafts and more.