Thailand Overtakes UAE: Top 5 International Destinations Indian Travellers Booked in 2025 Revealed

MakeMyTrip data shows massive shift to Southeast Asia – Why Thailand, Vietnam & Sri Lanka dominated Indian holidays this festive season

The Great Escape: How Indians Redefined Holiday Travel in 2025

As we wrap up 2025, picture this: Families in Mumbai scrambling for last-minute flights to Bangkok just weeks before Christmas, couples in Delhi booking Phuket resorts for New Year fireworks, and groups from Bengaluru heading to Hanoi for street food adventures. This wasn’t just another holiday rush – it was a seismic shift in Indian outbound travel.

Just days ago, on December 22-23, 2025, MakeMyTrip dropped its year-end booking trends report, and the headline grabbed everyone: Thailand surged to the No. 1 spot as the most-booked international destination for Indian travellers during the festive period (December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026), dethroning the long-reigning UAE.

Here’s what most people get wrong: They assumed Dubai’s luxury shopping and easy access would hold forever. But in 2025, short-haul Southeast Asia stole the show, with Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Malaysia filling the top five.

The number that actually matters: Vietnam rocketed from 7th place last year to 4th in 2025 – the biggest climber, signaling a hunger for fresh, affordable adventures.

What this means in plain English: Indian travellers are prioritizing beaches, culture, and value over bling. Easier visas, direct flights, and social media buzz turned familiar spots like Bangkok into must-visits, while emerging gems like Ho Chi Minh City drew crowds.

Rhetorical question: With rising incomes and more long weekends, why stick to the same old when visa-free or e-visa destinations offer world-class experiences at half the cost?

MakeMyTrip’s Co-founder and Group CEO Rajesh Magow nailed it right before Christmas 2025: “Short-haul international travel continues to see momentum, led by familiar regions even as newer destinations begin to gain traction.”

In this complete roundup for World Report Press, we’ll break down the top 5 destinations booked by Indians in 2025 per MakeMyTrip data, why they won hearts (and wallets), real traveller trends, and what this means for your 2026 plans.

Why 2025 Marked a Turning Point for Indian Outbound Tourism

Indian international travel exploded in 2025. Outbound departures crossed new highs, fueled by growing middle-class wealth, hybrid work flexibility, and aggressive promotions from Southeast Asian nations.

Surprising fact: Short-haul destinations dominated over 70% of festive bookings (MakeMyTrip year-end trends 2025), thanks to visa relaxations and budget airlines adding routes.

Travellers upgraded too – bookings for mid-range hotels (Rs 5,000-7,500/night) surged, showing comfort over cost-cutting.

#1: Thailand – The Undisputed King of Indian Holidays in 2025

Beaches, Temples, and Street Food Magic

Thailand reclaimed the crown, overtaking UAE with Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya leading searches.

Why the surge? Visa-on-arrival simplicity, direct flights from tier-2 cities, and unbeatable value – full-board resorts under Rs 1 lakh for a week.

Popular spots: Phuket’s parties, Chiang Mai’s temples, Krabi’s islands.

Case study: Families flocked to Pattaya for water parks; millennials hit Bangkok for nightlife and shopping.

#2: UAE – Luxury Icon Holds Strong But Slips

Dubai’s Eternal Allure Meets Competition

UAE (mainly Dubai and Abu Dhabi) dropped to second, but still drew millions for shopping festivals, Burj Khalifa views, and desert safaris.

Strengths: World-class malls, Indian food everywhere, short flights.

But yes, contrarian take: Higher costs and hotter winters pushed budget-conscious families elsewhere.

Surprising stat: Despite the slip, UAE saw record Indian visitors overall in 2025 (preliminary govt data).

#3: Sri Lanka – The Affordable Island Paradise Rebound

Tea Plantations and Pristine Beaches

Sri Lanka climbed steadily, with Colombo, Kandy, and Bentota topping packages.

Post-recovery appeal: Visa-free for Indians, stunning trains through hills, whale watching.

Why Indians love it: Cultural similarities, vegetarian options, short 1-hour flights from South India.

2025 highlight: Eco-resorts in Sigiriya boomed.

#4: Vietnam – The Fastest-Rising Star of 2025

From Underdog to Must-Visit

Vietnam’s massive jump (7th to 4th) stunned analysts. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Ha Long Bay, and Da Nang drew crowds.

Drivers: E-visa ease, affordable luxury (5-star stays under $100/night), pho and beaches.

Rhetorical: Who knew cruise bays and lantern festivals would beat Maldives for some?

Case study: Honeymooners shifted from Bali to Hoi An for unique vibes.

Surprising fact: Vietnam’s growth outpaced even Indonesia (MakeMyTrip 2025).

#5: Malaysia – Multicultural Gem with Something for Everyone

Kuala Lumpur Skylines to Borneo Rainforests

Malaysia rounded the top 5, with KL, Langkawi, and Penang popular.

Appeals: Twin towers, street food (Indian influences), islands.

Family favourite: Legoland and Genting Highlands.

Trend: More bookings for Borneo adventures.

Beyond the Top 5: Honorable Mentions and Emerging Trends

Indonesia (Bali), Singapore, UK, USA, and Hong Kong filled 6-10.

Rising stars: Azerbaijan, Georgia for offbeat Europe feels.

Spiritual twist: Pilgrimage bookings up slightly, blending with leisure.

Key Trends Shaping Indian Travel in 2025

• Visa Power: E-visa/visa-free nations dominated.
• Upgrade Mindset: Premium stays over budget hostels.
• Short Hauls Win: 4-7 day trips preferred.
• Solo & Group Boom: Millennials solo; families in groups.
• Sustainability Hint: Eco-resorts gaining traction.

By 2027, expect Vietnam and Indonesia to challenge top spots as flights multiply.

Yes, but… Long-haul like USA/UK hold for education/diaspora.

What This Means for Travellers in 2026

Plan early for peaks. Look at Vietnam for value, Thailand for reliability.

Book via platforms like MakeMyTrip for deals.

Future Outlook: More Adventures Await in 2026

2025 proved Indians are savvy, experience-hungry travellers. With economies opening wider, 2026 could see Japan, South Korea surge.

The world is closer than ever – where will you go next?

FAQ: Top Questions on Indian International Travel Destinations 2025

What was the top international destination for Indians in 2025?

Thailand, per MakeMyTrip festive bookings – overtaking UAE.

Why did Thailand become No.1 for Indian travellers?

Easy visa, beaches, food, value – perfect short-haul escape.

Which destination saw the biggest growth in 2025 bookings?

Vietnam – jumped from 7th to 4th.

Is UAE still popular for Indians?

Yes, second place – luxury and shopping endure.

Why is Sri Lanka rising among Indian tourists?

Visa-free, proximity, culture, beaches – budget paradise.

What about Malaysia for families?

Great – theme parks, food, multicultural vibe.

Are long-haul destinations like USA in top?

Yes, in top 10 – but short-haul dominated festive.

Will these trends continue in 2026?

Likely yes – visa ease and flights key.

Best time to book for these destinations?

Now – for summer/New Year 2026 deals.

Any new emerging spots for Indians?

Georgia, Azerbaijan – offbeat Europe on radar.