Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Thailand Becomes Top New Year Destination for Indians
Thailand has become the most popular place for Indians to visit during the New Year holidays, beating the UAE.
This is based on booking data from MakeMyTrip for trips between December 20, 2025, and January 6, 2026.
Other popular international destinations include Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Vietnam is the fastest-growing destination.
Domestically, Goa, Jaipur, and Udaipur are top choices.
Many Indians are also traveling for spiritual reasons, with places like Puri, Varanasi, and Ayodhya being popular.
Younger travellers, especially Gen Z, are booking more trips and customizing them more.
The data shows that Indians are planning shorter, last-minute international trips due to the rupee's depreciation.
Domestically, there's a rise in spiritual travel, driven by events like the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela.
Travellers are also willing to spend more on upgraded accommodations.
Additionally, a significant portion of personal loans in India are now being used for travel, reflecting a shift in borrowing behavior among Gen Z, who prioritize immediate gratification and social media-driven experiences over traditional financial prudence.
Thailand has overtaken the UAE as the top international destination for Indian travellers during the New Year period.
Vietnam is the fastest-growing preferred destination, moving from seventh to fourth place.
Domestic tourism showed steady growth, with Goa, Jaipur, and Udaipur being top destinations.
Pilgrimage travel accounted for 24.8% of bookings, with a significant increase in visits to Prayagraj and Ayodhya.
Gen Z travellers saw a 650% surge in bookings, with a preference for authenticity over luxury shopping strips.
- Who
- Indian travellers
- What
- Thailand has become the leading international destination for Indian travellers during the New Year period, overtaking the UAE
- When
- December 20, 2025, to January 6, 2026
- Where
- Thailand, UAE, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia, and various domestic locations in India
- Why
- Easier visa processes, visa-free access, and better value for money, along with a preference for authenticity over luxury shopping strips among younger travellers
- Top International Destination
- Thailand
- Second International Destination
- UAE
- Fastest-Growing Destination
- Vietnam
- Top Domestic Destination
- Goa
- Top Domestic Package
- Kerala
- Pilgrimage Travel Percentage
- 24.8%
- Leisure Travel Percentage
- 77.1%
- Gen Z Booking Surge
- 650%
Sources
Indians planned shorter, more last-minute international trips in 2025 as rupee depreciation dented longer vacation plans
Thailand or UAE? Here's what Indians prefer the most as New Year holiday destination
India’s Impulse Festive Shopper: How Last-Minute Buying Redefined Celebrations In 2025
Air fares dip amid IndiGo fiasco, decline in number of holiday domestic travel seen
India's Gen Z Borrows To Spend, Chinese Gen Z Saves To Survive
Travel after dark: Noctourism emerges as 2025’s hottest trend in India