Hyderabad: Vietnam has overtaken traditional international holiday destinations such as Bangkok, Indonesia and the Maldives to emerge as the preferred overseas destination for travellers from Hyderabad, with the number of visitors nearly tripling over the past year following the introduction of direct flight connectivity.According to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), around 35,000 travellers from Hyderabad visited Vietnam during 2024–25. The figure surged to 95,000 in 2025–26, driven by direct air connectivity, affordable travel packages and the country’s diverse tourism offerings.Airport officials attributed the surge to improved air connectivity, which has made Vietnam more accessible than ever before. Nonstop flights from RGIA to major Vietnamese destinations now take just about 4 hrs 30 min, cutting out lengthy layovers and bringing the journey well within the 6 hrs 30 min to 9 hrs 30 min range, eliminating the inconvenience of multiple layovers.“Within just one year of launching direct services, RGIA has witnessed impressive passenger traffic on the Hyderabad–Vietnam sector. The strong demand reflects changing outbound travel trends, with more people choosing Vietnam for family holidays and group travel,” a spokesperson for GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) said.Travel industry experts said Vietnam’s growing popularity is driven by its unique combination of affordability and diverse experiences. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to the beaches of Da Nang and Phú Quốc and its picturesque islands, the country offers attractions that cater to a wide range of travellers.“Over the past year, Vietnam has witnessed a sharp surge in popularity among travellers from Hyderabad. As a relatively new international destination, it has quickly captured the interest of holidaymakers looking for fresh travel experiences beyond traditional favourites. The momentum is likely to continue as more travellers explore Vietnam as a convenient international getaway,” said Nagesh Pampati, president of the Travel Agents Association of India, Telangana chapter.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has emerged as the second fastest-growing international destination among travellers from Hyderabad, with passenger numbers increasing from 95,704 in 2024–25 to 1.08 lakh in 2025–26..Health declaration not mandatory at all timesWhile Vietnam has introduced a regulation requiring travellers entering, departing from or transiting through the country to submit a health declaration, the requirement is not mandatory at all times. Health declarations will only be required when the Ministry of Health issues specific guidance in response to an infectious disease outbreak.
