The number of Indian tourists to Viet Nam is increasing sharply
In recent years, Viet Nam has emerged as an attractive destination for Indian tourists. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2019, Viet Nam only welcomed 168,998 Indian tourists. After the pandemic, along with the expansion of direct flights between the two countries, the number of Indian tourists to Viet Nam has increased sharply.
In 2025, the number of Indian tourists to Viet Nam is expected to reach 746,480, four times more than in 2019, rising to the sixth position in the top 10 source markets for tourists to Viet Nam. In the first four months of 2026 alone, Viet Nam welcomed 324,394 Indian tourists, an increase of 59.1% compared to the same period last year.
The Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism acknowledged that the strong growth of the Indian market demonstrates the increasing attractiveness of Vietnamese tourism. This also opens up many potential areas for cooperation between the two countries in tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Furthermore, visa facilitation policies between the two countries, including the implementation of e-visas and the extension of stays to 90 days, allowing multiple entries, are contributing to boosting travel and tourism between the two nations.
In recent times, Viet Nam has also been actively developing tourism products tailored to the tastes of Indian tourists, such as beach resorts, health and wellness tourism, and wedding tourism. Simultaneously, it is focusing on developing Halal-certified services and cuisine, and creating unique tourism products connecting heritage and spirituality to enhance service capabilities and attract more visitors from this market.
The above results demonstrate the enormous growth potential of the Indian market. With its large population, India is becoming an important potential source of international tourists for Viet Nam. Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and India is an opportunity for the two countries to increase tourist exchanges and expand tourism cooperation in the future.
By 2025, the number of Indian tourists to Viet Nam is expected to reach 746,480, four times higher than in 2019, rising to sixth place in the top 10 source markets for tourists to Viet Nam. In the first four months of 2026 alone, Viet Nam welcomed 324,394 Indian tourists, a 59.1% increase compared to the same period last year.
Tourism connects Viet Nam and India
Looking back at the Joint Statement on Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Republic of India, it is clear that tourism is recognised as an important driving force promoting people-to-people exchanges and economic growth.
The Statement also welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on tourism cooperation and agreed to encourage the development of sustainable and inclusive two-way tourism, including cultural and heritage tourism, medical and healthcare tourism, and other types.
According to the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, promoting sustainable two-way tourism, expanding cultural cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges will contribute to deepening traditional friendship, creating momentum for economic growth and sustainable development.
In addition, Viet Nam also highly appreciated India’s bringing of the Buddha’s relics to Viet Nam for veneration from May–June 2025. The two leaders acknowledged the widespread response of the Vietnamese people to the Buddha’s relics, reflecting the deep civilisational ties, shared spiritual heritage, and enduring friendship between the two countries.
Accordingly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Vietnamese tourists to visit the Buddhist Trail in India. Welcoming the increase in direct flights between the two countries, both sides encouraged the civil aviation authorities of both countries to exchange information to further enhance air connectivity.
India also appreciated Viet Nam’s support in organising the annual International Yoga Day in many provinces and cities across Viet Nam. Both sides supported further cooperation between yoga establishments in the two countries and the promotion of cultural exchange.
In recent years, India has consistently been among the fastest-growing source markets for Vietnamese tourism. This reflects the increasing demand for travel, as well as the strong interest of Indian tourists in Vietnamese destinations.
According to the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, promoting sustainable two-way tourism, expanding cultural cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges will contribute to deepening traditional friendship, creating momentum for economic growth and sustainable development.
