"This is a destination where you can tell many different stories," explains Rahul Bali, producer of two Bollywood films shot in Vietnam , Love in Vietnam and SILLA , regarding Indian tourists ' fondness for Vietnam.
According to the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, in 2025, India ranked 6th among the top 10 source markets for tourists to Vietnam, with 746,000 visits, after mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and the United States. In the first four months of the year, more than 324,000 Indian tourists visited Vietnam, a 35% increase compared to the same period last year.
"The Indian tourist market is booming in Vietnam," according to Mr. Nguyen Dac Hieu, Communications and Marketing Manager of the gold-plated Dolce By Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake hotel. The majority of Indian tourists travel in large groups, vacationing as part of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tours. Besides that, there are also individual travelers such as couples and families.
Ms. Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, Director of Marketing and Communications at Vietravel travel company, said that the peak season for Indian tourists in Vietnam is usually from April to July (due to the early start of summer holidays in India) and from October to January (coinciding with the festival and wedding season in India).
Rahul Bali has visited Vietnam many times, and from his perspective, Vietnam's nature is highly cinematic, visually stunning, and "extremely versatile." From the fantastical limestone formations of Ha Long Bay to pristine beaches and vibrant cities, Vietnam offers a multitude of travel experiences all in one destination.
According to Bali, Vietnam's growing appeal to Indian tourists is not accidental but the result of a very compelling combination of advantages.
Vietnamese cuisine reflects balance and freshness – light yet satisfying, providing energy. Vegetarian options and dishes tailored to Indian tastes are increasingly popular, making it easy for Indian visitors to feel at home. Vietnamese culture offers a natural respect and sincerity, which resonates well with the Indian psyche.
But "the real strength that makes Vietnam attractive to Indian tourists lies in its people – quietly warm, disciplined, and deeply dedicated," Bali said. Tourists feel welcome, not just have their needs met.
In addition, Vietnam has other advantages such as easy accessibility and affordable travel costs. With an improved flight network and relatively lower ground costs compared to many international destinations, Vietnam offers a high-end experience without being overly expensive.
In its latest announcement at the end of last year, Indigo announced the launch of daily direct flights between Delhi and Hanoi starting December 20, 2025. Prior to this, the Indian low-cost airline had already launched the Kolkata-Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City route. Conversely, Vietnam Airlines, the national airline, also offers commercial flights to many destinations in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad from the two major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Another important reason why Indian tourists like Vietnam, according to Bali, is that the destination offers a feeling of being "both strange and familiar," something that other countries struggle with. This balance is what makes Vietnam particularly attractive to Indian tourists seeking rich, relaxed, and memorable international experiences.
According to Mr. Hieu, Indian guests are sophisticated and meticulous in terms of service, especially in cuisine. They may make detailed requests regarding food (ingredients, spices, distinctive flavors). For groups with high demands, they often bring their own chefs to the hotel.
Ms. Van Khanh also noted that Indian tourists tend to have a high degree of personalization. They value the service experience, and tour guides need to have a deep understanding of Indian culture, customs, and lifestyle. They particularly appreciate evening entertainment (nightlife) and activities like taking photos with beautiful scenery. "They want to travel internationally but still feel at home," Ms. Van Khanh said.
In return, Indian tourists have high spending power, primarily using 4-5 star hotel services, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourists spend 2-3 times more than regular tourists. The average length of stay for Indian tourists is 5-7 days, with multi-city itineraries such as Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Ninh Binh or Da Nang - Hoi An.
According to Bali, Vietnam has built a solid foundation with Indian tourists, but the next phase of growth will come from improvement, not complete innovation.
"Vietnam already has the advantage; now it needs to be more precise," said the Indian businessman.
He argued that Vietnam needs to expand its reach, strengthen direct connections with smaller cities, and provide quick and seamless visa processing to attract the next wave of Indian tourists. Vegetarian and Indian-friendly dining options need to be more diverse. Tourism experiences also need to be carefully curated – especially wedding tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and film tourism, which need support with clear policies and a one-stop shop system.
According to Ms. Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh of Vietravel, if the Vietnamese tourism industry understands Indian tourists' preferences and provides the right service standards, Indian tourists will be a segment that brings good revenue and profit margins.
Indian guests are also a warm-hearted group who appreciate the dedication of the Vietnamese people. "When the hotel meets their expectations, they are willing to spend generously on other services such as dining, event organization, or health and wellness services," added Mr. Hieu of the Dolce Hanoi Hotel.
On-site convenience also needs improvement, as Indian visitors expect more support in Hindi and English, along with more convenient itineraries and seamless end-to-end service when visiting Vietnam. Vietnam also needs to develop a stronger brand, transforming from a trending destination into a preferred choice through consistent promotional strategies in India.
"A significant milestone in attracting Indian tourists is the official state visit of the General Secretary and President of Vietnam, Mr. To Lam, to India," Bali said. He noted that state visits not only strengthen bilateral relations but also act as a powerful catalyst to promote tourism, cultural exchange, and creative cooperation.
"Vietnam offers a rare combination of beauty, culture, and trustworthiness. It's not just a destination, but a partner for anyone looking to create something impactful and sustainable," said Bollywood film producer Rahul Bali.
Source: https://baohatinh.vn/vi-sao-khach-an-do-thich-viet-nam-post310257.html
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