Why Vietnam is one of the best-value trips for Indians
From the limestone islands of Halong Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam delivers world-class scenery and food at prices that stretch the rupee further than almost anywhere. It's an easy, rewarding trip — just plan the e-visa ahead. Start here: our Vietnam visa guide, the Vietnam trip cost guide, and don't travel without travel insurance.
Visa & entry: the e-visa is mandatory
Unlike Thailand, Vietnam requires Indians to obtain an e-visa before arrival. It costs USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry), is valid for up to 90 days, and is processed in 3–7 working days. Apply only on the official government portal and note two things: the fee is non-refundable even if refused, and the entry port you select is fixed. Full step-by-step in our Vietnam visa guide. Carry a forex/travel card for spending — see our forex card guide.
Best time to visit
Vietnam stretches 1,600 km, so weather varies by region. November–April is the sweet spot for the north (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong) and centre (Hoi An, Da Nang) — dry and pleasant. The south (Ho Chi Minh, Mekong, Phu Quoc) is warm year-round with a dry season roughly December–April. Avoid the central coast in October–November storms.
Where to go
- Hanoi & Halong Bay: old-quarter culture plus an overnight cruise among the karst islands.
- Hoi An & Da Nang: lantern town, tailors, beaches and the Golden Bridge.
- Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta: history, street food and river life.
- Sapa: rice terraces and hill-tribe treks in the far north.
- Phu Quoc: island beaches (with a separate 30-day visa-exemption route).
A great first route: Hanoi + Halong (3 nights) → Hoi An/Da Nang (3 nights).
Getting around
Cheap domestic flights (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo) connect north–centre–south; book early. Within cities use Grab (cars and bikes). Overnight trains and sleeper buses link regions for the budget-conscious. Estimate airport transfers with our airport transfer estimator, and stay connected with an international eSIM.
What it costs
A 7-day trip is typically ₹55,000–85,000 per person: return flights ₹20,000–38,000, mid-range hotels ₹2,000–4,500/night, excellent meals ₹200–600, and ₹1,500–3,000/day for activities and transport. A Halong overnight cruise is the big-ticket add-on. Build your own estimate with the trip budget calculator and the Vietnam trip cost guide.
A sample 7-day Vietnam itinerary
The classic north-and-centre route for a first trip:
- Days 1–2 — Hanoi: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, egg coffee and a street-food walk.
- Day 3 — Halong (or Lan Ha) Bay: an overnight cruise among the karst islands — kayaking, a cave, sunrise on deck.
- Day 4 — fly to Da Nang, transfer to Hoi An; the lantern-lit old town by night.
- Days 5–6 — Hoi An & Da Nang: tailor a suit, cycle the rice paddies, An Bang beach, and the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.
- Day 7 — buffer & return.
More time, or prefer the south? Add Ho Chi Minh City + the Mekong Delta, or trek the rice terraces of Sapa. Price the route with the Vietnam trip cost guide.
Where to stay, by area
Hanoi: the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake — walkable, atmospheric and close to street food and tour pick-ups. Ho Chi Minh City: District 1 (Dong Khoi for comfort; Pham Ngu Lao / Bui Vien for budget and backpacker buzz). Hoi An: near the Ancient Town for the lanterns, or by An Bang Beach for sand-and-pool calm. Da Nang: the My Khe Beach strip. Book refundable rates — domestic flights and Halong cruises occasionally shift — and choose central areas so you walk more and Grab less.
Food for Indian travellers
Vietnamese food is lighter and more herb-forward than Thai, but leans on meat, fish and fish sauce (nuoc mam) — so vegetarians should learn "ăn chay" (vegetarian, often Buddhist temple food) and look for "cơm chay" (veg rice) and phở chay (veg pho). Easy wins: fresh spring rolls, banh mi (ask for egg/veg), tofu dishes, and excellent fruit and coffee — try egg coffee and cà phê sữa đá. Indian restaurants are easy to find in Hanoi's Old Quarter and HCMC's District 1 / Pham Ngu Lao — handy for Jain or no-onion-garlic diets. Tap water isn't potable; stick to bottled or filtered.
How to plan your Vietnam trip
- Choose your route (north + centre is ideal for a first trip) and season (Nov–Apr).
- Apply for the e-visa online early; select the correct entry port and visa type.
- Book return flights and cheap domestic hops between regions.
- Sort money: a zero-markup forex/travel card plus some VND cash.
- Buy travel insurance and an eSIM for data on arrival.
- Pre-book a Halong Bay cruise and any treks (Sapa) in advance.
- Keep digital + printed copies of the e-visa and bookings.
Cost summary
| Return flights from India | ₹20,000–38,000 |
|---|---|
| e-visa | USD 25–50 (~₹2,100–4,200) |
| Mid-range hotel / night | ₹2,000–4,500 |
| Meals | ₹200–600 each |
| 7-day total (per person) | ~₹55,000–85,000 |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the e-visa too late, or picking the wrong (fixed) entry port.
- Assuming Vietnam is visa-free like Thailand — it isn't for Indians.
- Visiting the central coast during October–November storm season.
- Underestimating distances — don't try to do everything in a week.
- Carrying only cash; a forex card saves on markups (see our forex guide).
- Travelling uninsured — see our travel insurance guide.
Alternatives compared
| Region | Best for | Ideal nights | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi + Halong Bay | Culture + iconic cruise | 3 | Nov–Apr |
| Hoi An + Da Nang | Beaches, food, charm | 3 | Feb–Aug |
| Ho Chi Minh + Mekong | History, street food | 2–3 | Dec–Apr |
| Sapa | Trekking, rice terraces | 2 | Sep–Nov, Mar–May |
Final recommendation
Apply for your Vietnam e-visa early (USD 25 single / USD 50 multiple, up to 90 days) and double-check the fixed entry port. For a first trip, pair Hanoi and a Halong Bay overnight cruise with Hoi An or Da Nang, and travel November–April for the best weather. Budget about ₹55,000–85,000 per person, carry a zero-markup forex card plus some dong, add an eSIM and travel insurance, and book the cruise ahead. Reconfirm visa details before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a Vietnam e-visa, applied online before travel. It costs USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry) and is valid for up to 90 days.
How long does the Vietnam e-visa take?
Typically 3–7 working days through the official portal. Apply at least a week or two before departure to be safe.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
November to April suits the north and centre (dry, pleasant). The south is warm year-round with a dry season roughly December to April. Avoid the central coast during the October–November storm season.
How much does a Vietnam trip cost from India?
About ₹55,000–85,000 per person for a 7-day trip including flights, with a Halong Bay cruise as the main splurge. See our Vietnam trip cost guide for details.
How many days do I need for Vietnam?
Around 7 days for a first visit — for example Hanoi and Halong Bay (3 nights) plus Hoi An or Da Nang (3 nights).
Can I use a forex card in Vietnam?
Yes. A zero-markup forex/travel card works at most card-accepting outlets and ATMs; carry some Vietnamese dong cash for street stalls and rural areas. See our forex card guide.
What is a good 7-day Vietnam itinerary?
A first-timer route is Hanoi (2 days), an overnight Halong Bay cruise (day 3), then fly to Da Nang and base in Hoi An for 3 days of old town, beach and the Golden Bridge, with a buffer day. With more time, add Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, or trek in Sapa.
Where should I stay in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?
In Hanoi, stay in the Old Quarter or around Hoan Kiem Lake — walkable and central. In Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 is best: Dong Khoi for comfort, Pham Ngu Lao/Bui Vien for budget. Central areas cut transport time.
Is it easy to find vegetarian or Indian food in Vietnam?
It takes a little effort — ask for 'ăn chay' (vegetarian) and look for 'cơm chay' and phở chay, and note fish sauce is common. Indian restaurants are easy to find in Hanoi's Old Quarter and HCMC's District 1, useful for Jain or no-onion-garlic diets.