Southeast Asia Now Surges Ahead as Indians Ditch Europe and Opt For Vietnam for Faster, Easier, High-Value Getaways

Written By: Prajna Ganguly

Prajna Ganguly

I am a Communication and MarCom Specialist at Travel And Tour World, driven by a passion for researching, writing, and publishing content on the global travel and tourism industry. I specialize in turning industry developments, destination stories, tourism trends, and hospitality insights into engaging, reader-focused content. With a background in media relations, brand positioning, and managing over 200 global partnerships, I bring a deep understanding of the travel ecosystem. My goal is to build a career at the intersection of travel journalism, tourism publishing, strategic communication, and destination storytelling.

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May 23, 2026 15:35 GMT+5:30

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Indian travellers are no longer treating Europe as the only dream holiday route. A clear shift is being seen towards Vietnam and wider Southeast Asia, where easier entry rules, shorter travel planning, improving air links and better holiday value are making the region more attractive. Official Indian tourism data shows that Indian national departures rose to 327.05 lakh in 2025, compared with 308.85 lakh in 2024, marking a 5.89 per cent increase. This confirms that outbound travel from India is not slowing down. It is expanding and changing direction.

Southeast Asia Is Becoming a Stronger Indian Travel Magnet

ASEAN data gives a powerful signal of this shift. Visitor arrivals from India to ASEAN reached 5.88 million in 2024, rising sharply from 4.29 million in 2023. This growth shows that Indian travellers are increasingly looking at Southeast Asian countries as serious alternatives to long-haul Western holidays. The ASEAN-India tourism framework also highlights curated travel experiences across ASEAN destinations for Indian travellers, strengthening the regional tourism connection.

Vietnam Is No Longer Just an Alternative

Vietnam has become one of the biggest winners in this travel shift. The Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism reported that Vietnam received 392,000 Indian visitors in 2023 and 507,000 in 2024. In the first eight months of 2025 alone, Vietnam recorded 443,000 Indian visitors, showing strong year-on-year momentum. In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam welcomed around 158,000 Indian visitors, an increase of more than 71 per cent compared with the same period earlier.

Visa Ease Is a Major Travel Trigger

One of Vietnam’s biggest advantages is its simple entry process. Vietnam’s official electronic visa system allows e-visas for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entries. This gives Indian travellers more flexibility for holidays, family trips, weddings, business-leisure travel and multi-city itineraries. By contrast, Schengen travel requires a visa process involving consulate rules, supporting documents, medical insurance, biometric submission and defined processing timelines. The European Commission states that Schengen applications should generally be lodged at least 15 days before travel and no earlier than six months before the journey.

Europe Still Appeals, But Planning Feels Heavier

Europe remains aspirational for many Indians. However, the planning burden can feel heavier. The Schengen visa fee for adults increased from €80 to €90 from June 2024, while the normal processing time is 15 days and can extend up to 45 days in some cases. For families, first-time international travellers and last-minute holiday planners, this can make Southeast Asia feel more practical. Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia can appear easier to package, especially when travellers want quicker decisions and simpler documentation.

Direct Flights Are Making Vietnam Easier to Choose

Air connectivity has also strengthened Vietnam’s position. The Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism has noted that around 100 direct flights per week operate between Vietnam and India, making travel more convenient. This matters because Indian travellers are highly sensitive to total journey time, stopovers and airport fatigue. A holiday that is easier to reach often becomes easier to sell. Vietnam’s growing direct connectivity from India gives it a clear advantage over more complex long-haul trips.

Airfare Pressure Is Also Reshaping Choices

Official Indian aviation statements show that airfares are market-driven, while the DGCA Tariff Monitoring Unit monitors airfares on selected routes to ensure airlines remain within declared tariff ranges. In 2025, the Civil Aviation Ministry also directed strict vigilance on airfares and upgraded AirSewa for complaints related to high fares. While official sources reviewed do not provide a direct Europe-versus-Vietnam airfare comparison, the broader policy context shows that fare pressure is a recognised passenger concern. This makes closer, better-connected destinations more attractive.

Value Is Not Only About Cheap Travel

Vietnam’s appeal is not only based on price. It gives Indian travellers beaches, cities, food, culture, shopping, nightlife and nature in one compact holiday map. Hanoi, Ha Long, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc offer varied travel styles, from family breaks to luxury escapes. The official Vietnam tourism platform positions the country through beaches, cities, heritage, food, wellness, family travel and adventure, which matches the growing Indian demand for flexible holiday experiences.

The New Indian Traveller Wants Faster, Easier and Smarter Trips

The shift from Europe to Southeast Asia should not be seen as Indians abandoning Europe forever. It is better understood as a smarter travel reset. Indian travellers are comparing total cost, visa effort, travel time, flight access and destination variety before booking. Vietnam and Southeast Asia are winning because they answer many of these needs at once. Europe still offers strong heritage, culture and prestige, but Southeast Asia is delivering speed, ease and high holiday value.

Conclusion

India’s outbound tourism story is entering a new phase. The traveller is more confident, more price-aware and more practical. Vietnam has moved from a secondary option to a leading Southeast Asian favourite, backed by rising Indian arrivals, easier e-visas and stronger direct flights. As ASEAN deepens tourism ties with India, Southeast Asia is set to gain even more from this changing travel mood. For Indian holidaymakers, the new dream trip may no longer begin in Paris or Rome. It may begin in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc.