The enchanting allure of Phu Quoc and Da Nang – Top destinations for Indian tourists

According to Vietnam's tourism data, in the first half of 2024, the country welcomed over 231,000 Indian tourists, marking a 164% increase compared to the same period last year. India has officially entered the top 10 largest source markets for visitors to Vietnam.

The 2024 Global Travel Trends report from the Mastercard Economics Institute shows that Indian travelers are traveling more than ever, with Vietnam being one of their top destinations. Additionally, a survey by the Agoda travel platform revealed that Vietnam is now on the list of places Indian tourists want to revisit. Specifically, 67% of Indian travelers in the survey said they would return to Vietnam because of its convenience and affordability. This is a clear indication of the appeal of Vietnam’s tourism offerings, which perfectly align with the preferences of Indian visitors.

With significant investments in infrastructure and tourism services, Da Nang and Phu Quoc are becoming two of Vietnam's most attractive beach destinations for Indian tourists. Their long stretches of white sandy beaches, world-class resorts, diverse cuisine, and a variety of entertainment options have made these two cities ideal vacation spots that cater to the needs of Indian travelers.

Da Nang: The top pick for Indian travelers

Da Nang has cemented itself as the top-searched destination for Indian travelers, as per Skyscanner India’s travel trend reports. Indian tourists favor destinations with short flight distances, beautiful beaches, and relaxing environments—criteria that Da Nang fulfills effortlessly.

The numbers speak for themselves. In the first nine months of this year, Da Nang welcomed over 151,000 Indian visitors, accounting for 43% of all Indian arrivals in Vietnam—a 125% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

To accommodate the growing demand, several direct flights from India to Da Nang have been introduced. In October 2024, the Ahmedabad-Da Nang route launched with two flights per week, adding to the flow of visitors beyond New Delhi.

One of Da Nang’s main draws for Indian tourists is Sun World Ba Na Hills, home to the iconic Golden Bridge. The bridge has been spotlighted by major Indian media, with Luxebook recently naming it one of the world’s most iconic bridges. For many Indian families, visiting the Golden Bridge is a dream come true.

“Seeing the Golden Bridge in person has always been a dream for my family,” shared Muskan Tiwari from Ahmedabad. Beyond the bridge, Ba Na’s vibrant castles, cool weather, and tranquil atmosphere also leave a lasting impression.

The number of Indian visitors to Sun World Ba Na Hills by the end of July 2024 reached 132,000, accounting for nearly 50% of the total number of Indian tourists visiting Vietnam in the first seven months of the year.

Additionally, numerous surveys indicate that besides travel experiences, cuisine is one of the top factors influencing Indian tourists' decision to choose a destination. For a "complex" market like India, where each community has its own dietary preferences and religious practices—some even bringing their own chefs for the trip—having a Halal-certified restaurant in Da Nang is a necessary and sufficient condition to attract Indian tourists back to the city of the Han River multiple times. This is yet another reason why Indian tourists are "enchanted" by Ba Na Hills, as the resort boasts a Halal-certified buffet restaurant, allowing Indian visitors to enjoy authentic flavors of their homeland.

Outside of Ba Na, Da Nang enchants Indian visitors with other experiences, such as the globally recognized My Khe Beach, the spectacle of Dragon Bridge’s weekend water fire shows, and the untouched natural beauty of Son Tra Peninsula.

Phu Quoc: A paradise for MICE and luxury weddings

Recently, Indian couples have been showing a strong preference for hosting weddings in Vietnam, drawn by its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and high-end hotels at reasonable costs. While Da Nang has long been a familiar destination for Indian tourists, supported by an increasing number of direct flights, Phu Quoc has emerged as a new paradise. The island attracts both mid-range and affluent travelers from South Asia. In fact, billionaire Indian couples frequently choose Phu Quoc as the perfect venue to host their dream weddings.

According to Aero Times, India’s elite organizes approximately 5,000 ultra-luxurious weddings annually, each with a budget ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. Despite the promising potential, competition is fierce, as Indian clients are known for their meticulous demands and exceptionally high standards.

Nevertheless, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay has successfully outshone a host of global competitors to become the venue of choice for billionaire Rushang Shah’s wedding in 2019 and another grand Indian billionaire wedding in early 2024.

In addition to its strength in wedding hosting, another factor that makes Phu Quoc particularly appealing to Indian travelers is its infrastructure and facilities that cater to MICE tourism—a popular form of travel among Indians, as an increasing number of companies from India are organizing "team-building" events for their employees abroad.

Phu Quoc's MICE tourism has already received high praise from international media. The reputable Australian and New Zealand MICE news portal, Micenet, has referred to Phu Quoc as a new MICE destination in Vietnam. The Sun Paradise Land ecosystem in the southern part of the island, with exciting attractions such as art shows, nightly fireworks, the world’s longest three-rope cable car, the Love Bridge, and beachfront resorts at Kem Beach, along with large conference rooms at Sun Signature Gallery and Sun Tropical Ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, fully meet the needs of Indian tourists.

Moreover, Phu Quoc has made a mark as a new golf paradise for the world, recently unveiling the 18-hole Eschuri Vung Bau Golf Course, offering a breathtaking view of the island’s sunset, adding yet another reason for travelers to visit this tropical haven.

With its array of attractions, Phu Quoc promises a wealth of experiences that keep visitors coming back for more. In 2023, the island welcomed approximately 32,800 Indian tourists, followed by 12,000 arrivals in the first quarter of 2024. Experts predict these numbers will continue to climb, bolstered by growing international interest and the introduction of the Da Nang-Phu Quoc direct flight route.

Vietnam’s tailored offerings and strategic investments in infrastructure ensure that destinations like Da Nang and Phu Quoc remain irresistible to Indian travelers, marking them as shining stars in the country’s tourism landscape.