Vietnam emerges as top short-haul escape for Indian tourists
DNO - Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a preferred overseas destination for Indian travelers this winter, as a weaker rupee pushes tourists to seek short-haul trips with affordable prices, easy visas and diverse cultural, coastal and culinary experiences within just a few days.
As reported by VnExpress, according to Karan Agarwal, Director at Cox & Kings, one of the defining features of this winter season is the surge in last-minute bookings.
Nearly 45% of such bookings come from families traveling with children and elderly members.
“Dubai continues to appeal to this segment because of its safety, strong healthcare infrastructure and abundance of indoor attractions. Vietnam, however, is increasingly attracting young travellers and first-time international tourists", Agarwal said.
Data from Cox & Kings show that international tour bookings made just 15 - 20 days before departure have risen by almost 30% compared to last winter.
More than 65% of these trips last fewer than five days, underscoring a broader shift toward destinations that can deliver diverse experiences within a short timeframe, without exposing travelers to sharp currency-related cost increases seen in Europe or the United States.
For many Indian travellers, affordability has become a decisive factor. Arabinda Das, who recently returned from a five-day trip to Vietnam with his wife, said Europe was simply out of reach this year.
“At current exchange rates, Vietnam offers beaches, nightlife and cultural experiences without being overly expensive. Our total trip cost was even lower than what we would have paid just to apply for a European visa”, he said.
Industry voices in India believe Vietnam’s appeal now extends far beyond backpackers.
Anjani Dhanuka, the Chairman of the eastern region of the Travel Agents Association of India, noted that working professionals, groups of friends and first-time outbound travelers are increasingly choosing Vietnam.
“The country brings together beaches, culture, cuisine and nature in a single itinerary, at a price point that remains highly competitive,” he said.
Among the most popular experiences for Indian visitors are overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay, heritage stays in Hoi An, coffee culture and food tours in Ha Noi, as well as nature and scenic trips across northern Vietnam. These offerings are widely seen as delivering strong value for money.
Travel platforms say the broader trend toward short-haul international travel is likely to continue, supported by visa-free policies or simplified visa procedures.
As the rupee remains under pressure, Vietnam’s combination of transparent pricing, diverse attractions and traveler-friendly entry policies positions it as an increasingly attractive destination for Indian tourists seeking meaningful international experiences without excessive financial strain.
According to The Times of India, “Vietnam continues to be a standout. The country recorded 443,000 visitors from India in the first eight months of 2025, up 42.2 % from last year. Rising demand has prompted MakeMyTrip to roll out new packages to Phu Quoc, supported by direct flights from Air India Express”.