Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, now Philippines: Is Southeast Asia India's new backyard?

India Today

16-06-2025

There is a brand-new stamp for Indian travellers to chase! The Philippines has just announced a 14-day visa-free entry for Indian tourists. Yes, you read that right. This latest move is part of the country's plan to boost tourism.'The visa-free arrangement is aimed at boosting tourism arrivals from India, which rose 12 per cent in 2024 to nearly 80,000,' Reuters reported.advertisementThat means there's yet another travel diary waiting to be written, just minus the paperwork hustle.
In 2025, bucket lists are getting longer and travel budgets are expanding. Travellers are now more open to taking frequent trips, not just across India but globally. International travel is starting to feel as accessible, and sometimes as affordable, as a domestic getaway.But let's be real, travel isn't just about the fun and the pretty views. The first step? Planning and booking (yawn): flights, hotels, itineraries, visa applications. Now imagine international trips, minus the visa stress. Bingo!Dil Chahta Hai less visa stress!We all know visa work is time-consuming, expensive and stressful. That's why countries that offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival (VOA) are becoming big wins for Indian travellers. According to the Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025, 44 per cent of Indian travellers are more likely to visit countries with a hassle-free visa process.
Survey suggests that 44 per cent travellers look for hassle free travel (Photo: Pexels)
advertisementPopular destinations offering VOA for Indian passport holders are: Maldives, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Jordan amongst others.Some countries are even more chill - no visa needed, but only for a limited number of days. Think Mauritius, Nepal, Hong Kong, Fiji, the Philippines (now proudly on that list), and more.VOA and visa-free stays are often time-limited and purpose-specific. Requirements can change, and you don't want a surprise at the airport - so double-check!The rise of Southeast Asian travelLet's agree that Southeast Asia is clearly having a moment. There has been a substantial rise in the tourism sector. Experts believe this is just the beginning.Thailand has been a travel staple for Indians. However, in the first quarter of 2025, Malaysia stole the spotlight as the most visited country. As per Malaysia Tourism data presented in VN Express report, over 10.1 million foreign travellers visited Malaysia. Thailand came in second with 9.55 million tourist arrivals, followed by Vietnam with 6 million and Singapore with 4.31 million.So, what exactly is driving the buzz around this region?"Southeast Asia fits the bill perfectly. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and now the Philippines offer strong value for money, visa-friendly policies, and a wide variety of experiences. As air connectivity improves and more travellers seek short-haul destinations, this region is seeing consistent growth," Karan Agarwal, director, Cox and Kings tells India Today.
Da Nang, Vietnam (Photo: Pexels)
Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of Pickyourtrail, also highlights the role of rising disposable incomes and how the Philippines is now emerging as a traveller's favourite."Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam - these destinations have consistently been favourites, but we are seeing a growing interest in places like the Philippines, which was not as prominent a few years ago. According to recent data, Bali continues to lead, with nearly 23.43 per cent of Indian travellers opting for it. Thailand and Vietnam are also experiencing a rise in both flight bookings and package bookings due to their combination of beaches, culture, and adventure offerings," he says.There has been a rise in demand for places like Da Nang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Luang Prabang in Laos, and now, several regions within the Philippines, such as Cebu and El Nido. "We've seen a shift in booking patterns. Travellers are asking for more personalised itineraries in these regions, including offbeat locations, culture retreats, and culinary tours," he adds.advertisementTherefore, the proximity, culture, adventure, budget and luxury travel experiences make these Southeast Asian countries a one-stop shop for every kind of traveller.Why choose Philippines for your next vacationThe Philippines has suddenly found a place on the search engines, Instagram reels, and Pinterest travel mood boards. Soon after the announcement of visa relaxation, there has been a rapid increase in the search for the island country."In just a week, our searches from India rose by around 25 per cent, with the Philippines climbing from the eighth to the third most searched destination in Southeast Asia, just behind Thailand and Indonesia. What stands out is the pace and consistency of this interest. Our projections indicate that this momentum will continue, with travel demand expected to grow by another 15-25 per cent in the coming months," Rikant Pittie, CEO and co-founder, EaseMyTrip tells India Today.Acknowledging the increase in search demands, Ganapathy also explains that the rise in interest is not just due to visa relaxation, but also due to the region's growing reputation for offering adventure and luxury experiences in tandem. With stunning islands, affordable luxury resorts, and water-based activities, it offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for both couples and families.advertisementNot there yetAmidst the last-minute booking rush (hello, summer vacations!), one aspect might still pose a hurdle: direct connectivity. Air India is set to commence direct flights between Delhi and Manila, but that only begins in October 2025."Currently, limited flight options can act as a deterrent. Introducing more direct routes from major Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities to key destinations in the Philippines will play a crucial role in unlocking the country's full tourism potential for Indian travellers," Agarwal adds.Philippines calling!Are you already planning your island escapades itinerary? From waterfalls to postcard-perfect beaches, here are some of the popular tourist spots.Boracay: This is where you'll find that serene turquoise water and powdery white sand. Not emotions, but yes—sunsets worth framing, and hammock naps that feel like a dream.Palawan: This is like a tropical blockbuster- adventure and relaxation, all in one. One may explore the lagoons in El Nido and shipwreck dives in Coron. Or kayak through the limestone cliffs and soak in the sound of rippling water and birds.
Chocolate Hills in Philippines (Pexels)
advertisementBohol: A haven for nature lovers, this island is famous for its iconic Chocolate Hills (no, not edible). These hills are popular owing to the unique geological composition of limestone. It is also home to the tiniest primates, called tarsiers. This place offers a tropical experience where you can cruise down the rivers, enjoy heritage churches and bask in the sun, of course!Siargao: It is called the 'Surf Capital of the Philippines'. Reef breaks, marine life, and secluded beaches are crowd pullers. You can simply hire a scooter and explore the scenic roads of the island.Banaue Rice Terraces: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lush rice paddies that stretch as far as your eyes can take you. These terraces were made by manual labour thousands of years ago.
Waterfalls in Philippines (Photo: Unsplash)
Cebu: Are you a water baby? Cebu is where you can chase waterfalls at Kaswan. You can snorkel your way through reefs and have an experience swimming alongside the gentle giants - whale sharks!There are several other islands that offer skydiving, natural waterfalls, cliff jumping etc.With domestic travel getting more expensive every day, for Indians, travelling to these Southeast Asian countries seems like a viable and lucrative option, and there's no debating that.Trending Reel