Top 5 Asian Countries That Indian Visitors Frequent: A Comprehensive Guide

Traveling is a passion for many, and for Indian visitors, Asia offers a plethora of destinations that cater to diverse interests. This guide will explore the top five Asian countries that Indian tourists visit frequently, including popular destinations, average expenses, sample itineraries, visa details, flight connectivity, Indian food options, and other essential information.

1. Thailand

Popular Destinations:

• Bangkok: The vibrant capital known for its temples, bustling markets, and nightlife.
• Phuket: Famous for its beaches, resorts, and nightlife.
• Chiang Mai: Renowned for its temples, mountainous landscapes, and cultural experiences.
• Pattaya: Known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Average Per Person Expense (without flight): ₹25,000 - ₹35,000 for a 5-day trip.

Sample Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok, visit the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
• Day 2: Explore Chatuchak Market and take a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River.
• Day 3: Travel to Phuket, relax on Patong Beach, and enjoy a night out.
• Day 4: Visit Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling and beach activities.
• Day 5: Return to Bangkok for last-minute shopping and departure.

Visa Details:

• Indians can apply for a visa on arrival in Thailand for stays up to 15 days.
• E-visa is also available, allowing easier pre-arrival processing.

Flight Connectivity:

• Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai to Bangkok and Phuket.
• Airlines: Air India, Thai Airways, Indigo, and GoAir.

Indian Food Options:

• Numerous Indian restaurants in Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya.
• Popular choices include Gaggan (Bangkok), Baluchi (Phuket), and Indian Tandoor (Pattaya).

General Information:

• Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Language: Thai (English widely understood in tourist areas)

2. Singapore

Popular Destinations:

• Marina Bay Sands: Iconic hotel and entertainment complex.
• Sentosa Island: Resort island with Universal Studios, beaches, and luxury hotels.
• Gardens by the Bay: Futuristic park with Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest.
• Little India: Cultural district known for its Indian heritage and cuisine.

Average Per Person Expense (without flight): ₹40,000 - ₹50,000 for a 5-day trip.

Sample Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival and explore Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.
• Day 2: Visit Sentosa Island and enjoy Universal Studios.
• Day 3: Explore Chinatown and Little India.
• Day 4: Visit Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
• Day 5: Shopping on Orchard Road and departure.

Visa Details:

• Indians require a visa, which can be applied online or through authorized agents.
• The process typically takes 3-5 working days.

Flight Connectivity:

• Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai to Singapore.
• Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Air India, Indigo, and Vistara.

Indian Food Options:

• Little India offers numerous Indian restaurants such as Komala Vilas and Banana Leaf Apolo.
• Other notable mentions: The Song of India, Annalakshmi.

General Information:

• Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
• Best Time to Visit: February to April
• Language: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil

3. Malaysia

Popular Destinations:

• Kuala Lumpur: The capital, known for the Petronas Twin Towers and vibrant markets.
• Langkawi: Island known for its beaches, duty-free shopping, and nature parks.
• Penang: Famous for its heritage sites, street food, and cultural diversity.
• Genting Highlands: Resort destination with theme parks and casinos.

Average Per Person Expense (without flight): ₹30,000 - ₹40,000 for a 5-day trip.

Sample Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Kuala Lumpur, visit Petronas Towers and Bukit Bintang.
• Day 2: Explore Batu Caves and shopping at Central Market.
• Day 3: Travel to Langkawi, relax at Pantai Cenang Beach.
• Day 4: Island hopping and explore Langkawi Sky Bridge.
• Day 5: Return to Kuala Lumpur for departure.

Visa Details:

• Indians can apply for an eNTRI visa for short visits up to 15 days.
• Regular visa processing is also available for longer stays.

Flight Connectivity:

• Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai to Kuala Lumpur.
• Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, Air India, Indigo, and Malindo Air.

Indian Food Options:

• Numerous Indian restaurants in Kuala Lumpur such as Betel Leaf and Passage Thru India.
• Indian cuisine is also prevalent in Penang and Langkawi.

General Information:

• Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Language: Malay (English widely spoken)

4. United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

Popular Destinations:

• Dubai: Known for Burj Khalifa, shopping malls, and luxury lifestyle.
• Abu Dhabi: Famous for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Ferrari World.
• Sharjah: Known for cultural museums and Islamic heritage.

Average Per Person Expense (without flight): ₹35,000 - ₹45,000 for a 5-day trip.

Sample Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Dubai, visit Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
• Day 2: Explore Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach.
• Day 3: Day trip to Abu Dhabi, visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
• Day 4: Desert Safari and dinner in the desert.
• Day 5: Shopping at Gold Souk and departure.

Visa Details:

• Indians require a visa, which can be applied online or through travel agents.
• Processing typically takes 3-5 working days.

Flight Connectivity:

• Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• Airlines: Emirates, Air India, Indigo, and Etihad.

Indian Food Options:

• Numerous Indian restaurants in Dubai such as Rang Mahal and Gharana.
• Indian food is easily available in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as well.

General Information:

• Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Language: Arabic (English widely spoken)

5. Indonesia (Bali)

Popular Destinations:

• Bali: Known for its beaches, temples, and vibrant nightlife.
• Jakarta: The capital, known for its cultural heritage and shopping.
• Yogyakarta: Famous for Borobudur Temple and traditional arts.

Average Per Person Expense (without flight): ₹35,000 - ₹45,000 for a 5-day trip.

Sample Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Bali, relax at Kuta Beach.
• Day 2: Visit Uluwatu Temple and enjoy a Kecak dance performance.
• Day 3: Explore Ubud, visit Monkey Forest and Tegallalang Rice Terrace.
• Day 4: Day trip to Nusa Penida for snorkeling and beach activities.
• Day 5: Shopping and departure from Bali.

Visa Details:

• Indians can obtain a visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days.
• Visa-free entry is also available for short stays.

Flight Connectivity:

• Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai to Bali (Denpasar).
• Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Air India, Singapore Airlines (via Singapore).

Indian Food Options:

• Numerous Indian restaurants in Bali such as Queen’s Tandoor and Ganesha Ek Sanskriti.
• Indian food is also available in Jakarta and other major cities.

General Information:

• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Language: Indonesian (English spoken in tourist areas)

Conclusion

These top five Asian countries offer Indian visitors a diverse range of experiences, from bustling city life and cultural heritage to beach getaways and adventurous activities. With convenient visa policies, direct flight connectivity, and ample Indian food options, these destinations are popular choices for Indian travelers. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, these countries provide a perfect backdrop for memorable vacations.