Vietnam actively promotes tourism and offers various visa policies. They likely want to attract tourists from India, a large and growing market. This can lead to targeted promotions, visa facilitation, and making it attractive.

Travel Guides, Budget Travel

You're right to notice that travelling to Vietnam from India can often be perceived as quite cheap, especially compared to some other international destinations. Here's a breakdown of the key reasons why this is the case:

1. Proximity and Flight Routes:

• Geographic Location: Vietnam is geographically relatively close to India, especially to the eastern and southern parts of India. This shorter distance translates directly to shorter flight times and, crucially, lower fuel costs for airlines.
• Direct Flights and Increased Competition: Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in direct flights between major Indian cities (like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru) and Vietnamese cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang). This increased competition amongst airlines (both Indian and Vietnamese carriers) drives down airfare prices. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) like VietJet Air and IndiGo play a major role in offering budget-friendly options.
• Less Need for Stopovers: Direct flights mean fewer stopovers, reducing the overall travel time and making the journey more efficient and potentially cheaper. Stopovers often add to the cost due to airport taxes, potential layover expenses, and sometimes more complex ticketing structures.

2. Cost of Living in Vietnam:

• Affordable Accommodation: Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. From budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and even luxury resorts, you can find something that fits your needs without breaking the bank. Compared to many Western countries or even some other Southeast Asian nations like Singapore or Japan, accommodation in Vietnam is generally very affordable.
• Cheap Food and Drink: Food in Vietnam, especially street food and local restaurants, is incredibly cheap and delicious. You can enjoy flavorful and filling meals for just a few dollars. Even dining in mid-range restaurants remains quite reasonable. Drinks, including local beers and coffee, are also very inexpensive.
• Low Transportation Costs within Vietnam: Local transportation within Vietnam, such as buses, trains, and ride-hailing apps (like Grab), is very affordable. This makes it easy and cheap to explore different parts of the country once you arrive.

3. Currency Exchange Rates:

• Favorable Exchange Rate for INR to VND: The Indian Rupee (INR) generally has a favorable exchange rate against the Vietnamese Dong (VND). This means that when you convert your INR to VND, you get more Vietnamese Dong for your Rupees. This makes everything in Vietnam, from food and accommodation to activities and souvenirs, feel cheaper in INR terms.

4. Vietnam's Tourism Strategy:

• Attracting Indian Tourists: Vietnam is actively promoting tourism and is keen on attracting tourists from India, a large and growing outbound tourism market. They are likely to offer competitive pricing and visa policies to encourage Indian travellers.
• Focus on Value for Money: Vietnam generally positions itself as a destination that offers excellent value for money. They want to provide a rich and rewarding travel experience without being prohibitively expensive, especially to attract budget-conscious travellers.

5. Demand and Seasonality:

• Shoulder Seasons and Off-Peak Travel: Travelling during the shoulder seasons (the periods between peak and off-peak seasons) or the off-peak season to Vietnam can significantly reduce costs. Airlines and hotels often offer discounts during these times to fill seats and rooms. Being flexible with your travel dates can lead to substantial savings.
• Growing Popularity, but Still Room for Growth: While Vietnam is becoming increasingly popular, it might not yet have reached the same level of tourist saturation as some other Southeast Asian destinations for Indian travellers. This can contribute to keeping prices competitive.

In Summary:

The combination of geographic proximity, increased flight connectivity, a lower cost of living in Vietnam, favorable exchange rates, and Vietnam's tourism strategy all contribute to making travel from India to Vietnam remarkably affordable. It's a destination that offers a rich cultural experience, stunning landscapes, delicious food, and all within a budget-friendly framework, making it a very attractive option for Indian travellers seeking international adventures without breaking the bank.