New Delhi: Move over, Thailand; there’s a new darling in Southeast Asia stealing Indian hearts and wallets.
Vietnam has recorded a staggering 178% jump in Indian arrivals between January and October 2025, while Thailand managed only a modest 27% growth in the same period, reveal the latest tourism data.
The secret? Vietnamese hotels are offering rooms at almost 40% lower rates than their Thai counterparts, coupled with hassle-free visa-on-arrival for Indians (valid until June 2026). A three-star beachfront property in Da Nang or Phu Quoc now costs ₹2,800–4,500 per night against ₹6,000–9,000 in Phuket or Pattaya.
Travel Portal report Vietnam searches by Indians have skyrocketed 310% year over year. Popular routes like Delhi-Hanoi, Mumbai-Ho Chi Minh and Bengaluru-Da Nang are seeing load factors above 90% on IndiGo and VietJet flights. “Food is cheaper, beaches are cleaner, and people are friendlier without the over-tourism chaos of Thailand,” says Mumbaikar Rhea Malhotra, who swapped Krabi for Hoi An this Diwali.
Industry insiders say aggressive marketing by the Vietnam Tourism Board, influencer trips showcasing Halong Bay cruises under ₹15,000 and luxury resorts at mid-segment prices have tilted the balance.
Thailand, grappling with the appreciation of the baht and increased operational expenses following the pandemic, is facing challenges as Indian family and millennial travellers seek more economical travel options.
With direct flights set to increase to 45 weekly by March 2026, Vietnam is clearly winning the affordability war. For Indian travellers, it’s a straightforward calculation: they can enjoy the same sea and sun while still saving thousands of rupees. Sawasdee seems to be making way for Xin Chào!