Asia’s Most Beautiful Island Opens a New Gateway to India

Phu Quoc, voted Asia’s most beautiful island by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, has taken a major step in expanding its international reach with the launch of new direct flights from India. On December 10, the island welcomed more than 180 travelers arriving on a nonstop service from New Delhi, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Vietnam-India tourism exchange.

A Direct Link for the Winter Travel Season

The inaugural flight is part of a month long series of eight direct services operating from December 10, 2025 to January 10, 2026. The route is operated by Air India in collaboration with Vietravel and MakeMyTrip, India’s largest online travel platform. Designed to serve peak winter demand, the flights make Phu Quoc far more accessible to Indian travelers seeking warm, beach focused escapes.

Why Phu Quoc Is Winning Indian Travelers

Even before the launch of direct flights, Phu Quoc had already captured attention in India alongside Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Travel analysts note that Indian travelers are increasingly drawn to destinations that are easy to access, offer distinctive experiences and deliver strong value. With its clear waters, white sand beaches and growing range of resorts and attractions, Phu Quoc aligns closely with these preferences.

Indian travel media have echoed this momentum. Travel + Leisure India has described Phu Quoc as fueling a new “check in wave,” with social media filled with images of Indian visitors relaxing on the island’s beaches. Agoda data from October shows Phu Quoc ranking among the top ten most searched international honeymoon destinations for Indian travelers, with searches rising nearly 700 percent year on year.

Accessibility, Affordability and Visa Advantages

Beyond its natural beauty, Phu Quoc stands out for its practical advantages. GQ India recently highlighted Vietnam’s rising popularity among Indian tourists, noting that more than 500,000 Indians visited the country in 2024. Phu Quoc, in particular, benefits from expanding air connectivity, competitive travel costs and simplified entry procedures.

The island is also unique in Vietnam for offering a 30 day visa waiver to all international visitors, making it especially attractive for travelers seeking hassle free holiday planning.

A Strategic Boost for Vietnam-India Tourism

The new direct flights signal growing confidence in the Indian market, now one of Vietnam’s fastest growing sources of visitors. By reducing travel barriers and improving connectivity, Phu Quoc is positioning itself as a key beach destination for Indian travelers and reinforcing its reputation as one of Asia’s most desirable island escapes.

Published by Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam (AHA Vietnam)

The Official Platform for Australian Hospitality & Tourism Alumni and Professionals in Vietnam.

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