As India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets, Vietnam is positioning itself to be a preferred destination—strengthening economic ties and cultural exchange in the process
India is stepping up efforts to significantly expand tourism flows from Vietnam, with a renewed strategy aimed at tripling visitor numbers in the coming years. As part of this push, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam organised an interactive tourism workshop in Hanoi on December 30, 2025, bringing together officials, travel companies and tourism stakeholders from both countries to explore new avenues of cooperation.
The initiative reflects India’s growing focus on Vietnam as a key outbound tourism market. Speaking at the workshop, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Tshering W. Sherpa underlined the importance of stronger collaboration between the travel industries of the two nations. He described Vietnamese travel companies as vital tourism ambassadors, capable of deepening people-to-people ties and showcasing India’s diverse destinations to a wider audience.
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The momentum is already visible in the numbers
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According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), Indian arrivals to Vietnam touched 507,000 in 2024
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This upward trend accelerated in 2025, with an estimated 656,000 Indian tourists visiting Vietnam in the first 11 months alone
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The steady rise highlights Vietnam’s growing popularity among Indian travellers seeking a blend of culture, nature and modern experiences
Several factors are driving this surge. Beyond its iconic attractions, Vietnam has emerged as a strong contender in niche tourism segments that resonate with Indian travellers. Wedding tourism, MICE travel, adventure experiences and spiritual tourism are gaining traction, supported by improved infrastructure and professional services. Vietnam’s expanding hospitality ecosystem, including a growing number of Indian restaurants in cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Ha Long and Khanh Hoa, has further enhanced comfort and familiarity for Indian visitors.
The Hanoi workshop focused on translating this interest into sustained growth. Discussions centred on joint marketing initiatives, customised tour packages for Indian travellers, exchange programmes between tour operators, and closer coordination between tourism boards. Participants also highlighted Vietnam’s cultural heritage and natural landmarks—such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and the dynamic urban centres of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City—as strong selling points for the Indian market.
Spiritual and business travel are also expected to play a larger role. Sites like the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh continue to attract Indian visitors, while Vietnam’s emergence as a preferred MICE destination aligns well with India’s rising demand for international conference and incentive travel locations.
Looking ahead, both India and Vietnam see tourism as a strategic pillar of bilateral engagement. With targeted promotion, better connectivity and tailored experiences, tourism cooperation is expected to deepen further.
