Indian tourists choose Vietnam thanks to its favorable visa policy and reasonable costs

The depreciation of the rupee is changing the way Indians travel this winter. As foreign vacations tied to the dollar become expensive, travelers are adjusting their plans, prioritizing short international trips, tight budgets, easy visa applications, predictable costs and multiple experiences packed into a few days.

Travel companies in India say the weakening rupee makes people more cautious in spending, but does not reduce tourism demand. Long-haul holidays to Europe and the US are being replaced by short trips abroad, with Vietnam and Dubai emerging as popular destinations. Convenient, safe air connectivity and transparent costs are the key factors driving this trend.
According to travel agencies, IndiGo’s recent wave of flight disruptions has caused tourists to switch from domestic to international. Many travelers planning to go to Kashmir or the Andaman Islands have canceled their plans at the last minute and switched to short international trips, citing better flight arrangements and fewer risks arising abroad.
Mr. Karan Agarwal, Director of Cox & Kings, said the highlight of this winter is the group of guests who urgently booked tours. Nearly 45% of our last minute orders come from families with children and the elderly. “Dubai is suitable for them thanks to its safety, medical facilities and many indoor attractions. Meanwhile, Vietnam is strongly attracting young people and those going abroad for the first time,” Mr. Karan Agarwal said.
According to Cox & Kings data, the number of international tour bookings within 15-20 days before departure date increased nearly 30% compared to last winter. More than 65% of these trips last less than 5 days, reflecting the trend of choosing destinations that can bring many experiences in a short time, without suffering the “exchange rate shock” like when going to Europe or the US.
The rupee continued to come under pressure in the final months of 2025, hitting a record low against the USD due to foreign capital outflows, global trade uncertainty and strong demand for the greenback. Despite stable domestic growth, the Indian currency remains among the weakest in Asia this year, although analysts expect a recovery in 2026.
As of December 25, 1 USD traded around 89.6 – 89.9 rupees. The Thai baht is around 2.9 rupees, while the UAE dirham is around 24.6 rupees. One rupee is equivalent to about 313 Vietnamese dong.
Mr. Gagan Malhotra, CEO of BookMyForex.com, said travelers are also getting smarter about managing foreign currency.

“Instead of buying foreign currency in bulk, they choose destination currencies and reload options,” he said. In 2025, Asian currencies such as the Vietnamese dong and Japanese yen recorded strong growth, reflecting increased travel to these regions.

Arabinda Das, after a 5-day trip to Vietnam with his wife, said Europe was out of reach this year. He said at current rates, Vietnam offers beaches, nightlife and culture without breaking the bank. The total cost of our trip was even lower than the European visa application fee.
Mr. Anjani Dhanuka, Chairman of the Eastern Region Association of Indian Travel Agents, commented that Vietnam is no longer just for backpackers. Young working people, groups of friends and those traveling abroad for the first time are choosing Vietnam because it brings together the sea, culture, cuisine and nature in one trip at a very reasonable cost.
Popular experiences include overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay, heritage stays in Hoi An, coffee culture and food tours in Hanoi, and nature and landscape trips in Northern Vietnam. All have relatively low prices.
Tour booking platforms say short-distance international travel is a trend, supported by visa-free policies or easy visa procedures.

“This segment continues to maintain strong growth momentum,” said Rajesh Magow, co-founder and CEO of MakeMyTrip Group.