Vietnam a top destination for Bengalureans this summer

This summer, the ‘less explored’ Vietnam has slightly edged out longtime favourites like Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore as a preferred holiday destination among Bengalureans.

The introduction of a direct flight from Bengaluru to Ho Chi Minh City, the economic heart of Vietnam, has boosted an interest that started to build up two years ago, say tour operators (see box). 

“Travel time has dropped from 15 hours to just about five, and round-trip fares have come down from Rs 35,000–Rs 48,000 to Rs 25,000–Rs 30,000,” explains Firoz, founder of Travel of India. The R T Nagar-based company has completed six bookings to Vietnam between March and April, with six more blocked for May. “But the enquiries are many,” he says. According to him, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore used to be top destinations previously. 

Honeybee Trips, R T Nagar, has also seen this shift. Its managing director Shashi Kumar says Vietnam offers a climate, vibe, and affordability similar to other southeast Asian countries but is relatively undiscovered.

Since March, Bangalore Classic Tours and Travel, Basavanagudi, has sent 45 clients to Vietnam and has at least three more confirmed bookings until May. “Last summer, we had only 25 bookings to Vietnam,” says Vishwas, a representative. He also attributes the surge to social media buzz, particularly Instagram reels showcasing the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, a striking structure that appears to be held up by two giant hands.

Tourists speak

Bengalureans Metrolife spoke to were drawn to Vietnam for the diversity of its offerings. Arvind Narayan, 30, and his wife Ranjitha Arvind, 29, recently spent 10 days in the country. They describe Vietnam as a blend of Korea, China, Japan, and Europe. “It has everything from caves, mountains and beaches to fine dining, a vibrant nightlife, and historic sites. You can get luxury goods cheap there,” says Arvind, a resident of Jakkur.

Meera Anil, co-founder of a marketing agency and a resident of Kanakapura, flew out with her husband on Monday. Their itinerary includes a beer walk, Michelin-starred dining that doesn’t break the bank, and an overnight cruise. “There’s so much to do, but distances are long, and getting from one city to another takes half a day,” she says.

Other destinations

Elsewhere in southeast Asia, destinations like Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia are climbing in popularity. Thailand and Malaysia still hold their sway and have seen a 20–30% surge because of visa-free entry, says Akhil T R, one of the partners at Iri iFly Holidays, Vijayanagar.

Further east, Japan is drawing tourist crowds, thanks to its cherry blossom season. Last year, Japan Airlines increased flights on the Bengaluru-Tokyo route from three to five. 

South Caucasus countries like Azerbaijan and Georgia, along with Kazakhstan in Central Asia, are also gaining traction. Flavia Vaz, a kindergarten teacher from Horamavu, is headed to Kazakhstan in July. “I want to soak in the mountains and relax by the Caspian Sea. Plus, it’s visa-free for Indians,” she says.

Despite soaring temperatures, Dubai remains a favourite among families with young children. “It has plenty of kid-friendly attractions and sightseeing spots — and it is more budget-friendly than Europe,” says a representative from Benchmark Incentive & Leisure Travels, Indiranagar.

New destinations
1. Vietnam
2. Kazakhstan
3. Azerbaijan
4. Georgia
5. Dubai

Direct Flights

Vietjet is operating three weekly flights from Bengaluru to Ho Chi Minh City since March. Vietnam Airlines is set to launch flights between Bengaluru and Vietnam’s capital Hanoi from May 1.