Increasing interest of Indian travellers holds a lot of promise: Emma Le

Q1. Based on the trends it seems that Vietnam is gaining popularity among Indian travellers, how do you see this opportunity to get more from this market?
A. The increasing interest of Indian tourists in Vietnam is something I think holds a lot of promise. Vietnam naturally attracts Indian tourists seeking adventure and significant experiences because of our rich cultural legacy, breathtaking scenery and simple visa requirements.

We  are thrilled to take advantage of this trend by providing carefully planned itineraries, tailored to Indian tastes, ranging from family-friendly vacations to gourmet adventures. We think that by getting to know the intricacies of Indian tourists, we can better serve them and earn their trust over time.

Q2. How do you look at the potential of tourism between these two nations? Is there any challenge to be addressed?
A. India and Vietnam have a huge and mainly underutilised tourism potential. We are seeing a rise in interactions between cultures, flight connectivity and a shared interest in our respective customs. But there are still issues, especially with awareness. Beyond Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Halong Bay, Vietnam offers a wealth of diversity that many Indian tourists are still unaware of. We must make greater efforts to inform tourists and travel associates about Vietnam’s secret treasures and honest experiences. This development would be further accelerated by better direct flights and stronger promotions.

Q3. Could you please share the number of travellers who visited Vietnam last year as a whole, and what is your expectation for this year?
A. Over 12.6 million foreign visitors visited Vietnam in 2024, with India accounting for an increasing portion of these visitors. In particular, the number of Indian travellers surpassed 300,000, which was a notable increase over before the pandemic started. With additional direct flights, loosened visa requirements and rising interest from Indian families, honeymooners and business groups, we are hopeful that this figure will rise by at least 20–25% by 2025.

Q4. Which are the best places to roam around the country? How good is Vietnam for Indians compared to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc.?
A. Vietnam has a remarkable blend of urban activities, nature, and history. Important places to visit include Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc. Vietnam provides an authentic and less commercialized experience at relatively cheap pricing when compared to Thailand, Indonesia or Malaysia. In addition to the friendliness of the Vietnamese, Indian tourists particularly adore our immaculate beaches, historic landmarks and lively towns. Vietnam is becoming more and more popular among travellers looking for fresh experiences outside of Southeast Asia’s typical hotspots.

Q5. What latest trends have you noticed among Indian travellers while visiting Vietnam? What segments of tourists are visiting most?
A. Younger Indian tourists are increasingly visiting Vietnam for luxury vacations, outdoor activities and ethnic exposure. MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), honeymoon travel and destination weddings have all experienced a significant surge. Beach locations like Da Nang and Phu Quoc are becoming more and more popular for leisure and weddings. Indian families are also choosing to stay longer, frequently combining travel with work. This had encouraged to provide more individualised and targeted experiences thanks to the ranged demand.

Q6. Kindly throw some light on your presence and clientele in India. Name the cities from where you are getting good response?
A. Through partnerships with top travel agencies and operators, Thang Long Tours has gradually increased its market share in India. Cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Mumbai are responding to us quite favourably. We cater to a diverse range of clients, including but not limited to business groups, couples, leisure travellers and cultural lovers. It’s good to see that second-tier cities are also showing a lot of enthusiasm.

Q7. Any plan for Indian market in terms of promotion and branding your company?
A. Yes, without a doubt. For us, the Indian market is crucial. We are organising familiarisation tours for Indian travel experts by taking part in important travel trade fairs and forming strategic alliances with Indian travel firms.

Through advertising tailored to India that highlights Vietnam’s diversity, food, premium accommodations and tourist attractions, we are also considering broadening our online presence. Our objective is to establish Thang Long Tours as the reliable, preferred DMC for any Indian tourists visiting Vietnam.