According to the General Statistics Office's report on 6/7, India ranked 7th among Vietnam's inbound tourism markets in the first six months of the year, with nearly 340,000 arrivals, a 141% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Bollywood film producer Rahul Bali, whose film "Love in Vietnam" is about to be released, stated on 5/8 that Indian tourists typically consider several factors when choosing an international destination. Safety, distance, scenic beauty, delicious food, friendly locals, affordability, visa convenience, and ease of communication are among the top priorities. Family values are also highly important to Indians, making family-friendly destinations more appealing.
Bali believes Vietnam ticks all the boxes for Indian tourists. He praised Vietnamese cuisine, highlighted the numerous quality hotels at reasonable prices, and emphasized the friendliness of the locals, many of whom can speak or understand English.
Vietnam's decision to grant e-visas to travelers from all countries and territories starting 15/8/2023 has further simplified travel for Indian tourists.
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Bollywood film producer Rahul Bali in Hanoi on the morning of 5/8. Photo: Phuong Anh |
Bollywood film producer Rahul Bali in Hanoi on the morning of 5/8. Photo: Phuong Anh
Despite India's population of 1.46 billion, it currently ranks only 7th among Vietnam's tourism markets. Bali attributes this to insufficient promotion of Vietnamese tourism in India. Many Indians remain unaware of what Vietnam has to offer.
He suggests Vietnam should intensify its promotional efforts in India through roadshows, tourism fairs, or independent programs like "Hello India", similar to the Namaste Vietnam event. The 4th annual Namaste Vietnam event, scheduled for 4 to 12/10 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Da Nang, Da Lat, and Ho Chi Minh City, will feature film screenings, musical performances, seminars, and tourism-trade connections between the two countries.
Collaborative film projects offer another effective way to showcase Vietnam to Indian audiences. Bali noted that Bollywood has previously partnered with countries like Singapore, Germany, Thailand, and New Zealand, leading to increased tourism from India after the films' release. He hopes for similar success with Vietnam following the premiere of "Love in Vietnam".
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Indian tourists at Mui Ne beach, July 2025. Photo: Viet Quoc |
Indian tourists at Mui Ne beach, July 2025. Photo: Viet Quoc
"Love in Vietnam," the first joint film project between the two countries, depicts the romance between an Indian man and a Vietnamese woman. The story unfolds as the man attends a course in Vietnam. Despite facing challenges and a separation, they reunite in Da Lat and rekindle their love. Ultimately, the man decides to relocate to Vietnam, drawn by his affection for the country.
The film, shot in Da Lat, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Phu Yen, and Khanh Hoa, was co-produced with Samten Hills Vietnam. According to Bali, the film will premiere in Mumbai, India on 29/8, followed by premieres in Hanoi on 1/10, Ho Chi Minh City on 2/10, and nationwide on 3/10.
Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), affirmed the effectiveness of film and culture in promoting Vietnam as a tourist destination. The VNAT appreciates Bali's collaboration and is actively seeking ways to leverage the film for tourism promotion.
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Indian tourists visiting the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison in Vietnam. Photo: Giang Huy |
Indian tourists visiting the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison in Vietnam. Photo: Giang Huy
Mai suggested Bali's involvement in the upcoming Vietnam tourism promotion program in India, inviting Bollywood directors, filmmakers, and key opinion leaders (KOLs) to explore the Vietnamese market. Promotional materials like film trailers, posters, standees, and videos showcasing Vietnam's tourism will be integrated into screenings during the film's theatrical run to attract Indian viewers.
In addition to "Love in Vietnam", Bali is working on a second film set in Vietnam, titled "Silaa". This $4 million romantic action film will begin filming in August in Quang Tri, Cao Bang, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Da Lat, and Ho Chi Minh City.
"If you further enhance tourism promotion in India, India will be the third, and potentially the top, source market for Vietnam's tourism," Bali said.
Phuong Anh
