Vietnam: a rising star for Indian travelers seeking new horizons
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
Novotel Danang Premier Han River – The 5-star hotel with the most prime location in Da Nang City (Photo: Sun Group)
Hanoi (VNA) - As Indian travelers look beyond the familiar shores of Thailand and Bali, Vietnam is stepping confidently into the spotlight. With new direct flights from ಌmajorꦑ Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
Taking off to one of the world’s best cities
After a smooth 8-hour journey—4 to 5 hours of flying from India plus a short transfer to Da Nang via Hanoi—travelers arrive in the vibrant Han River city. The first afternoon is ideal for soaking in the city’s energy and checking in at the must-visit sites across Da Nang.
The Love Bridge, with its hundreds of padlocks symbolizing eternal devotion, is a romantic favorite among Indian honeymooners. The iconic Dragon Bridge, meanwhile, offers two equally exciting views: a golden morning glow reflected on the water, and the fire-and-water show on weekend evenings that never fails to dazzle.
Right in the middle of it all stands Novotel Danang Premier Han River, a five-star hotel on the city’s western riverbank. With a prime location in the heart of Da Nang’s center, the hotel is both a convenient launchpad for exploration and a peaceful sanctuary amid the city buzz.
The hotel is also praised for its buffet, complete with vegetarian and Halal-friendly options. Guests can also dine à la carte at The Square, where several dishes are adapted for Indian tastes. Beyond the hotel, Da Nang is home to several popular Indian restaurants—including Rang, a Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024 recipient, and the cozy, budget-friendly Mumtaz Indian Aroma, known for its wide-ranging menu.
Immerse yourself in a party overlooking the panoramic view of Han River City (Photo: Sun Group)
After dinner, guests can head to Sky36—the tallest rooftop bar in the city, located on the 36th floor of Novotel Danang Premier Han River. Here, Indian snacks meet DJ beats and LED lights, all set against panoramic views of the city’s skyline and river below.
Above the clouds to a “miniature Europe” in the mountains
The next day is all about Ba Na Hills—a dreamlike destination on every traveler’s bucket list. Morning starts with a relaxing round of golf at the Ba Na Hills Golf Club, an international-standard 18-hole course designed by golf legend Luke Donald. The fairways wind through lush green hills and fresh mountain air, offering a refreshing contrast to city life.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club has earned the title of “Best Golf Course in Asia” for multiple consecutive years. (Photo: Sun Group)
Next comes a breathtaking ride on the Guinness World record-breaking cable car system—nearly 6 kilometers in length, carrying guests to altitudes above 1,400 meters. Floating clouds, dense forests, and deep valleys make the ascent unforgettable. At the summit, a medieval-style European village awaits travellers.
One of the favorite stops for Indian visitors is Beer Plaza, a festive venue filled with music, dance, and laughter. For Indian travelers who thrive in group activities, this space is a joyful escape—complete with interactive street performances and cheerful parades at Sun Kingdom.
Be a part of the show with Happy Fair. (Photo: Sun Group)
Lunch is served at Bharata, the only Halal-certified restaurant on the mountain. Its buffet menu features Indian dishes prepared by local chefs, offering comfort food in an extraordinary setting.
In the afternoon, the exploration continues. Guests can stroll the Eclipse Plaza, beneath Renaissance-style vaulted arches and a green glass tower, reminiscent of a mini Louvre or even Vietnam’s Non La. For Indian groups, these expansive, light-filled spaces become perfect backdrops for photos, videos, and relaxed immersion.
An ideal check-in spot with a full view of the dazzling Eclipse Plaza. (Photo: Sun Group)
The next highlight is the Golden Bridge—a global tourism icon in Vietnam. Designed as a pair of giant stone hands cradling a sky-high walkway, it’s more than architecture—it’s a social media sensation. Indian guests don’t just visit the bridge; they become part of it, capturing moments to bring home and share as a vibrant story of their journey.
The Golden Bridge - the most sought-after destination for tourists. (Photo: Sun Group)
Indian travelers often gravitate toward high-energy, dramatic experiences reminiscent of Bollywood blockbusters. The After Glow show fits this desire perfectly. With a 360-degree cabaret stage, over 15 international performers reimagine the tale of Queen Marie Antoinette through fiery choreography, entrancing music, and luxurious rococo costumes. From mysterious character entrances to a climactic queen-versus-queen showdown, it’s a spectacle that leaves lasting impressions.
After Glow’s Royal Clown (Photo: Sun Group)
Dinner at La Crique rounds off the evening with a buffet offering Vietnamese, vegetarian, and Indian-friendly selections. As night falls, the magical vibe of Ba Na Hills continues. Guests can snap a final set of photos under fairy-tale lights before retiring at the French-colonial-inspired Mercure hotel—the only mountain-top accommodation on site.
Continuing the journey to the capital of a thousand years
The third day begins early with a morning flight to Hanoi. By 9 a.m., guests are exploring one of Vietnam’s most culturally rich cities, known for its deep historical significance. Iconic landmarks include the Old Quarter, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Dong Xuan Market, Long Bien Bridge, and the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake.
A cultural highlight Indian guests particularly look forward to is the water puppet show—an ancient Vietnamese art form. With roots in storytelling and music, it resonates with Indian travelers’ appreciation for performance-based traditions.
The traditional water puppetry art favored by Indian tourists. Source: collected photo
Dinner offers a heartwarming return to Indian flavors. Beloved restaurants like Zaika and Namaste Hanoi are known for their inviting ambiance, robust vegetarian and Halal menus, and home-style dishes. After a full day of exploration, this familiar cuisine brings both comfort and closure to the evening.
Wrapping up the journey among natural wonders
The final leg of the journey leads to Ha Long after a scenic 3-hour drive from Hanoi. Guests board the Ambassador Cruise II to explore this UNESCO-recognized natural heritage site.
As the cruise meanders past towering limestone formations and jade-green waters, travelers are immersed in Ha Long’s untouched splendor. The serene ambiance and otherworldly views offer a rare moment of reflection—something distinct from typical Indian tourist trails.
Enjoy a luxury cruise amidst the majestic natural wonder. Source: collected photo
In the afternoon, guests visit Sun World Ha Long—a sprawling seaside amusement complex. First up is the Queen Cable Car, a double-decker ride that climbs over 200 meters, granting sweeping views of the bay. It’s a photo-worthy moment that Indian guests often post immediately to social media.
At the summit of Ba Deo, the journey continues through the Sun Wheel, Zen Garden, a fantasy castle, and a wax museum featuring global celebrities. For Indian tourists who love immersive, visual storytelling, these spaces offer a blend of East and West, perfect for discovery and sharing.
Sun Wheel at Sun World Ha Long (Photo: Sun Group)
In just four days, Indian travelers can weave through Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ha Long—encountering not only iconic landmarks, but also rich layers of Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and hospitality. It’s a deeply textured experience that speaks to India’s visual and emotional style of travel. Vietnam emerges as a fresh yet familiar destination—an invitation thoughtfully crafted for Indian visitors seeking an accessible, unforgettable corner of Southeast Asia.
Since 2024, Vietnam's tourism sector has identified film as one of its key promotion strategies — a powerful method of showcasing destinations to wider audiences. After the US, India is set to be the next major market targeted.
Vietnam led the region with a 30% increase in international arrivals compared to Q1 2024, and ranked second in terms of recovery rate, with a 34% rise over the same period in 2019.
Not only does Vietnam attract international tourists with its landscapes, culture, and cuisine, but it is also gradually becoming a reliable destination for medical treatment, offering high-quality services at reasonable costs.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
A the 31st-generation descendant of King Ly Thai To, Ly Xuong Can was first appointed as Vietnam’s Tourism Ambassador to the RoK in 2017 and reappointed in 2021. In his role, he has spearheaded numerous cultural exchange and tourism promotion initiatives, including the establishment of the Vietnam tourism promotion office in the RoK and the development of a cashless payment project for Korean tourists visiting Vietnam.
