Vietnam doesn’t just punch above its weight — it’s in a class of its own for value-conscious Indian travelers.
Budget-friendly travel: Vietnam is significantly cheaper than Thailand, Bali, or Japan. A comfortable mid-range trip can cost ₹3,000–₹5,000 per day, and budget backpackers can get by on even less.
Natural beauty: From the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay and the terraced rice fields of Sapa to the white-sand beaches of Phu Quoc and the lush valleys of Ninh Binh, Vietnam is relentlessly scenic.
Street food culture: Vietnamese food is among the best in the world. Banh mi, pho, fresh spring rolls, broken rice, and egg coffee are just the beginning. Even vegetarians will find plenty to enjoy.
Historical attractions: Vietnam’s complex history — with French colonial architecture, ancient Cham temples, imperial citadels, and war museums — makes every city feel layered and fascinating.
Adventure opportunities: Trekking in Sapa, motorbiking the Hai Van Pass, kayaking through limestone caves, and surfing in Da Nang — Vietnam is an adventurer’s playground.
Easy connectivity from India: Direct and one-stop flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata. VietJet, IndiGo, Air India, and Singapore Airlines all serve this route.
Vietnam Visa for Indians: Everything You Need to Know
Do Indians Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam. The good news is that the Vietnam e-Visa process is simple, fully online, and relatively affordable.
Vietnam e-Visa for Indians
The Vietnam e-Visa is the easiest and most recommended option for Indian travelers. Here’s what you need to know:
Type: Single or multiple entry
Validity: Up to 90 days
Processing time: 3 business days (apply at least a week before travel to be safe)
Travel itinerary (flight bookings and hotel reservations)
Debit/credit card for the visa fee
Visa Fee
Single entry: approximately USD 25
Multiple entry: approximately USD 50
Fees are paid online during the application. Use a card that supports international transactions.
Entry Requirements
Print your e-Visa approval and carry it alongside your passport
Immigration at Vietnamese airports can sometimes ask for your return ticket and hotel booking, so have those handy
Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying on fake/unofficial websites and overpaying
Entering incorrect passport details (double-check before submitting)
Not printing the e-Visa before arrival (digital copy may not always be accepted)
Applying too close to your travel date
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam is a long, narrow country, so weather varies dramatically between the north, centre, and south. There’s no single “best month” — it depends on where you plan to go.
Region
Best Months
Weather
Avoid
North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay)
Oct – April
Cool and dry; misty in winter
Jun – Aug (hot and humid)
Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)
Feb – May
Warm and mostly dry
Oct – Dec (typhoon and heavy rain season)
South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)
Nov – April
Dry season, pleasant temperatures
May – Oct (wet season)
For Indian travelers planning a full north-to-south trip, the sweet spot is February to April. The weather is pleasant across all regions during these months.
The shoulder season (October–November) is also great for southern and central Vietnam and tends to be less crowded.
Vietnam Travel Cost from India: Budget Breakdown
Here’s a realistic estimate of what a Vietnam trip costs for Indian travelers.
Per-Day Budget Estimates
Expense
Budget Traveler
Mid-Range Traveler
Accommodation
₹700–₹1,500 (hostel/guesthouse)
₹2,500–₹5,000 (3-star hotel)
Food
₹500–₹1,000 (street food)
₹1,500–₹3,000 (restaurants)
Local Transport
₹300–₹600 (Grab, bus)
₹800–₹1,500 (Grab, private taxi)
Attractions
₹500–₹1,000
₹1,500–₹2,500
Daily Total
₹2,000–₹4,100
₹6,300–₹12,000
Note: Rates approximate at 1 USD ≈ ₹83–₹85
Total Trip Cost Estimates (Including Flights)
Trip Duration
Budget
Mid-Range
7-day trip
₹35,000–₹55,000
₹70,000–₹1,20,000
10-day trip
₹45,000–₹75,000
₹95,000–₹1,60,000
14-day trip
₹60,000–₹1,00,000
₹1,30,000–₹2,20,000
Flights from India typically range from ₹15,000–₹35,000 return depending on your departure city, airline, and how early you book. Booking 2–3 months in advance usually gets you the best prices.
Vietnam Budget Trip Guide: How to Travel Vietnam on a Shoestring
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most backpacker-friendly destinations. Here’s how to keep costs low without sacrificing experiences.
Save on Accommodation
Hostels in major cities cost as little as ₹500–₹800 per night in a dorm bed. Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City all have excellent hostel scenes.
Use Booking.com, Hostelworld, or Agoda to compare guesthouses and budget hotels.
For couples, a private room in a budget guesthouse often costs ₹1,200–₹2,000 — better value than India’s equivalent.
Save on Food
Eat where locals eat. A bowl of pho or banh mi from a street stall costs ₹50–₹150.
Markets like Ben Thanh in HCMC and Dong Xuan in Hanoi are great for cheap, authentic meals.
Look for “com tam” (broken rice) shops and “bun bo Hue” spots for filling, inexpensive meals.
Save on Transport
Use the Grab app (Southeast Asia’s Uber) for affordable rides within cities. Always cheaper than negotiating with local taxis.
Sleeper buses between cities (like Hanoi to Hue, or Hue to Ho Chi Minh City) are very cheap — around ₹800–₹1,500 — and save you a night’s accommodation too.
VietJet and Bamboo Airways run budget domestic flights that can sometimes be cheaper than overnight buses, especially if booked early.
SIM Cards and Internet
Buy a local Vietnamese SIM at the airport on arrival. Viettel and Vietnamobile offer data-heavy plans for around 200,000–300,000 VND (₹700–₹1,000) for 30 days with generous data. Connectivity is excellent even in smaller towns.
Currency Exchange Tips
The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Notes range from 1,000 to 500,000 VND.
Exchange Indian Rupees to USD before leaving India, then convert USD to VND in Vietnam for the best rates.
Exchange at licensed money changers in cities — they offer better rates than airport counters.
Carry some cash; many smaller restaurants and local shops are cash-only.
Suggested Vietnam Itinerary for First Timers
7-Day Vietnam Itinerary
Day 1–2: Hanoi Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital. Explore the Old Quarter’s 36 ancient streets, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, and sample egg coffee at a rooftop café. On Day 2, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and catch a traditional water puppet show in the evening.
Day 3–4: Halong Bay Take an overnight cruise on Halong Bay — one of the most iconic experiences in all of Southeast Asia. Explore limestone caves, go kayaking, and watch the sunrise over the karst islands. Two-day, one-night cruises start from around USD 80–100 per person.
Day 5: Da Nang Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang (1.5 hours, cheap on VietJet). Explore the Dragon Bridge, My Khe Beach, and the Marble Mountains in the afternoon.
Day 6: Hoi An Day trip to Hoi An Ancient Town (30 minutes from Da Nang). Walk the lantern-lit streets, get clothes tailor-made, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, and enjoy a riverside dinner.
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Fly from Da Nang to HCMC (1 hour). Explore the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market. Evening stroll through Bui Vien Walking Street.
10-Day Vietnam Itinerary
Follow the 7-day itinerary above and add:
Day 3 (revised): Ninh Binh Instead of heading straight to Halong Bay, spend a day in Ninh Binh — often called “Halong Bay on Land.” Cycle through Tam Coc, climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint, and explore Trang An by rowboat.
Day 8–9: Hue Add a stop in the imperial city of Hue between Da Nang and HCMC. Visit the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and Thien Mu Pagoda. Try bun bo Hue (the city’s famous spicy noodle soup) for breakfast.
Day 10: Mekong Delta day trip From Ho Chi Minh City, take a day trip to the Mekong Delta. See floating markets, coconut candy factories, and traditional villages.
14-Day Vietnam Itinerary
Days 1–2: Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, street food tour.
Days 3–4: Sapa Overnight train or bus from Hanoi to Sapa. Trek through terraced rice fields, visit Hmong hill tribe villages, and take in spectacular mountain scenery.
Day 5: Back to Hanoi / Ninh Binh Return to Hanoi, then afternoon excursion to Ninh Binh. Boat ride through Trang An.
Days 6–7: Halong Bay Two-day overnight cruise.
Day 8: Da Nang Fly from Hanoi. Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach.
Day 9: Hoi An Ancient Town, lantern festival (if on 14th of lunar month), tailoring, riverside dining.
Day 10: Hue Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, scenic drive over Hai Van Pass back to Da Nang.
Days 11–12: Ho Chi Minh City War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Cu Chi Tunnels day trip, District 1 nightlife.
Days 13–14: Mekong Delta or Phu Quoc Unwind on Phu Quoc’s beaches or explore the Mekong Delta’s waterways before your return flight.
Top Places to Visit in Vietnam
1. Hanoi
Why visit: Vietnam’s capital is a city of lakes, ancient pagodas, French colonial architecture, and possibly the world’s best street food per square metre.
Highlights: Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Long Bien Bridge, egg coffee.
Recommended duration: 2 days
2. Halong Bay
Why visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,600 limestone islands rising from emerald waters. Doing an overnight cruise here is non-negotiable.
Highlights: Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, kayaking through lagoons, seafood dinners on the boat.
Recommended duration: 1–2 night cruise
3. Ninh Binh
Why visit: Less crowded than Halong Bay but equally dramatic. Limestone karsts, ancient pagodas, and lush river valleys make this one of Vietnam’s most underrated stops.
Highlights: Tam Coc boat ride, Trang An complex, Mua Cave, Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Recommended duration: 1–2 days
4. Sapa
Why visit: A mountain town in northern Vietnam famous for its terraced rice fields, trekking trails, and ethnic minority villages.
Highlights: Fansipan (Vietnam’s highest peak), Muong Hoa Valley, Cat Cat Village, market days.
Recommended duration: 2–3 days
5. Hoi An
Why visit: The best-preserved ancient trading port in Southeast Asia. The lantern-lit old town is magical, especially at night.
Highlights: Japanese Covered Bridge, tailored clothing, cooking classes, Cua Dai Beach, Thu Bon River.
Recommended duration: 2 days
6. Da Nang
Why visit: A modern beach city with beautiful coastline, adventure activities, and a great base for exploring Hoi An and Hue.
Highlights: My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge, Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge).
Recommended duration: 1–2 days
7. Hue
Why visit: Vietnam’s former imperial capital is steeped in history. Its citadel, royal tombs, and traditional cuisine make it a fascinating stop.
Highlights: Imperial Citadel, Khai Dinh Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, bun bo Hue noodles.
Recommended duration: 1–2 days
8. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Why visit: Vietnam’s largest city is a buzzing, chaotic, endlessly entertaining metropolis. Great food, history, nightlife, and shopping.
Highlights: Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Bui Vien Street.
Recommended duration: 2–3 days
9. Mekong Delta
Why visit: A vast maze of rivers, rice paddies, and floating markets where river life in southern Vietnam is on full display.
Highlights: Cai Rang Floating Market, coconut candy workshops, fruit orchards, traditional sampan boat rides.
Recommended duration: 1–2 days (often done as a day trip from HCMC)
10. Phu Quoc
Why visit: Vietnam’s largest island has beaches that rival Thailand at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for ending a Vietnam trip with relaxation.
Highlights: Long Beach, Sao Beach, Phu Quoc Night Market, snorkelling, vinpearl safari.
Recommended duration: 3–4 days
Transportation in Vietnam
Getting around Vietnam is easy and affordable once you know your options.
Domestic Flights: VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines all operate frequent domestic routes. A Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City flight can cost as little as USD 20–40 if booked in advance.
Trains: Vietnam’s north-to-south rail line is excellent, especially the Hanoi–Hue–Da Nang section. The train along the Hai Van Pass offers one of Asia’s most scenic rides. Overnight trains save on hotel costs. Book via Vietnam Railways or the Baolau platform.
Sleeper Buses: Very popular with backpackers. Comfortable, affordable (₹800–₹2,000 per segment), and they run overnight so you’re moving while you sleep. Companies like Futa Bus and Camellia Travel are reliable.
Grab App: Essential for getting around cities. Works like Uber, shows price upfront, and is far cheaper than metered taxis. Available for motorbike taxis and cars.
Motorbike Rentals: For experienced riders, renting a motorbike (around USD 5–10/day) is one of the best ways to explore the countryside. The Hai Van Pass between Hue and Da Nang is a classic motorbike ride.
Food Guide for Indian Travelers in Vietnam
Good News for Vegetarians
Vietnam is more vegetarian-friendly than you might expect. Buddhist traditions mean vegetarian restaurants (“com chay”) are found in most cities. Look for the sign “Đồ ăn chay” which means vegetarian food.
Indian Food Availability
Most major tourist cities (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang) have Indian restaurants if you need a dal-roti fix. Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 and Hanoi’s Old Quarter have several reliable Indian eateries.
Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes
Pho: Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup — beef or chicken, served with herbs and lime
Banh Mi: A French-Vietnamese baguette sandwich — unbelievably good and costs ₹50–₹100
Fresh spring rolls (Goi Cuon): Rice paper rolls with shrimp, tofu, or vegetables — usually vegetarian-friendly
Bun Cha: Grilled pork with noodles and dipping broth (try this in Hanoi)
Com Tam: Broken rice with grilled meat — a Saigon specialty
Cao Lau: Thick noodles with pork and herbs, unique to Hoi An
Food Safety Tips
Eat freshly cooked food from busy stalls — turnover means fresh ingredients
Drink bottled or filtered water — tap water is not safe to drink
Fruit smoothies and fresh juices from street stalls are generally safe but check that ice is from purified water
Carry ORS sachets and basic stomach medication as a precaution
Backpacking Vietnam Tips
Vietnam is one of Asia’s best backpacking destinations. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Hostels: Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City have lively hostel scenes with organised social events, tours, and bar nights. Expect to pay USD 5–10 per night for a dorm bed.
Overnight Buses: The classic budget travel option. Book through your hostel or at bus stations. Brings bus journeys like Hue–Hoi An, Da Nang–HCMC, or Hanoi–Ninh Binh.
Budget Routes: The classic “banana pancake trail” through Vietnam runs Hanoi → Halong Bay → Ninh Binh → Hue → Da Nang/Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City. This north-to-south (or reverse) route hits the highlights efficiently.
Safety: Vietnam is generally very safe for backpackers. Petty theft (bag snatching from motorbikes) is the main concern in cities — keep bags zipped and on your inner side on busy streets.
Meeting Other Travelers: Hostels, pub crawls in Hanoi, and the backpacker strip in HCMC (Bui Vien Street) are great places to connect with fellow travelers.
Essential Vietnam Travel Tips for Indians
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND. Always have some cash on hand. ATMs are widely available but charge withdrawal fees.
Local Etiquette:
Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes
Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees)
Bargaining is expected at markets but not at restaurants or shops with fixed price tags
Avoid pointing at people with a finger — use an open hand gesture instead
Internet Access: Vietnam has excellent mobile internet. Buy a local SIM at the airport. Viettel offers the widest coverage. Most cafés and hotels offer free WiFi.
Safety: Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s safer countries for tourists. Be cautious of:
Taxi and cyclo scams (always use Grab)
“Friendly locals” offering to take you to a gem shop or restaurant (commission scams)
Motorbike bag-snatching in busy cities
Common Scams to Avoid:
Unofficial taxis at airports (book Grab or pre-arranged airport taxis)
Shoe shiners who clean your shoes without asking and then demand payment
Fake travel agents selling overpriced tours
Packing Tips for Vietnam:
Lightweight, breathable clothing (it’s hot and humid in the south)
A light rain jacket (useful year-round)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Power bank (Vietnam’s voltage is 220V — Indian appliances work fine)
A small daypack for city exploration
Vietnam vs Thailand: Quick Comparison for First-Time Travelers
Factor
Vietnam
Thailand
Overall Cost
Lower
Slightly higher
Beaches
Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Nha Trang
Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi (world-class)
Food
Excellent, unique, cheap
Excellent, familiar to many Indians
Culture & History
Very rich (Hue, Hanoi, Hoi An)
Rich (temples, floating markets)
Nightlife
Good in HCMC and Hanoi
More developed (Phuket, Bangkok)
Trekking/Adventure
Excellent (Sapa, Ha Giang)
Good (Chiang Mai, Pai)
Vegetarian Options
Good in cities
Widely available
Crowds
Less touristy overall
Very touristy in popular areas
Visa
e-Visa required for Indians
Visa on arrival or visa-free
Recommended for
First-timers wanting culture + value
First-timers wanting beaches + ease
Verdict: Both are excellent first international destinations. Vietnam wins on culture, budget, and uniqueness. Thailand wins on beach quality and ease of travel. If you can only pick one — Vietnam offers more variety per rupee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam for Indian Travelers
Is Vietnam safe for Indian travelers? Yes, Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists, including solo Indian travelers and women. Petty theft exists in busy tourist areas, but violent crime against tourists is rare. Use Grab instead of local taxis and stay alert in crowded markets.
How much money do I need for a Vietnam trip from India? For a budget 7-day trip (including flights), expect to spend around ₹35,000–₹55,000. A comfortable mid-range trip of 7 days costs ₹70,000–₹1,20,000. Budget around ₹2,000–₹4,000 per day on-ground for backpacker travel.
Is Vietnam expensive compared to India? Vietnam is comparable to or slightly more expensive than Indian cities, but significantly cheaper than Europe, Japan, or Australia. Food and local transport are very affordable. Accommodation ranges from budget to luxury depending on your choice.
Can Indians get visa on arrival in Vietnam? Vietnam does not currently offer a traditional visa on arrival for Indian passport holders as a standard option. The recommended route is the Vietnam e-Visa, which is applied for online before travel. Processing takes about 3 business days.
How many days are enough for Vietnam? 7 days covers the highlights (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, HCMC). 10–14 days gives you a relaxed, comprehensive experience including Sapa, Ninh Binh, Hue, and Phu Quoc. Two weeks is the sweet spot for a first trip.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam from India? February to April is the best time for a full Vietnam trip, with good weather across the north, central, and south. November to January is also excellent for southern and central Vietnam.
Is vegetarian food available in Vietnam? Yes. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (“com chay”) are found across all major cities. Fresh spring rolls, tofu dishes, vegetable fried rice, and fruit-based meals are widely available. It’s harder (but not impossible) to eat vegetarian in smaller towns.
Which Indian cities have direct or one-stop flights to Vietnam? Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata all have direct or one-stop connections to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur are common transit hubs. Flight duration is approximately 5–7 hours with one stop.
Do I need travel insurance for Vietnam? Travel insurance is strongly recommended. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage. Some adventure activities (trekking, motorbike riding) require specific adventure sports coverage. Companies like Care Health, Bajaj Allianz, and HDFC ERGO offer international travel insurance at reasonable rates.
Can I use Indian debit/credit cards in Vietnam? Yes, Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards work at most ATMs and larger hotels/restaurants. However, many street vendors and smaller establishments are cash-only. Inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid international transaction blocks. ATMs dispense Vietnamese Dong.
Conclusion: Why Vietnam Should Be Your Next International Trip
If you’re an Indian traveler planning your first international trip — or looking for your next big adventure without spending a fortune — Vietnam deserves to be at the top of your list.
This Vietnam travel guide from India has covered everything you need: the e-Visa process, realistic budgets, day-by-day itineraries, top destinations, food tips, and practical advice to help you travel confidently.
To sum it up:
Best trip duration: 10–14 days to see the full north-to-south sweep
Budget expectation: ₹45,000–₹75,000 for a comfortable 10-day budget trip, including flights
Best time to go: February to April for ideal weather across Vietnam
Visa: Apply for the Vietnam e-Visa online at least a week before travel—it’s simple and takes 3 business days
Vietnam offers a rare combination of affordability, natural beauty, rich culture, and extraordinary food that’s hard to match anywhere in the world. The country rewards curious travelers who get off the beaten path, and it welcomes first-timers with warmth.
Start planning your Vietnam trip today. You won’t regret it.
Have questions about planning your Vietnam trip from India? Drop them in the comments below — we’d love to help you plan your perfect itinerary!
