Why Vietnam Is the Next Big Thing for Indian Travellers
Vietnam has quietly become one of the most popular new international destinations for Indian travellers. The reasons are clear: direct flights from multiple Indian cities, a straightforward e-visa, very low on-ground costs compared to Thailand or Bali, and a stunning mix of beaches, cities, mountains, and heritage towns packed into one long, thin country.
Whether you are planning a friends’ trip, a family holiday, or a honeymoon, Vietnam delivers dramatic scenery, incredible food, and friendly hospitality at prices that feel fair even after the rupee conversion.
Vietnam Visa for Indians — Easy e-Visa Process
Indian passport holders can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online, valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entry.
e-Visa Key Details
- Apply at: The official Vietnam Immigration e-visa portal (do not use third-party lookalike websites).
- Validity: Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
- Fee: Approximately USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry).
- Processing time: Typically 3–5 working days. Apply at least 1–2 weeks before travel.
- Entry ports: All major Vietnamese airports including Noi Bai (HAN), Tan Son Nhat (SGN), and Da Nang (DAD).
Documents Required
- Scanned passport bio page (clear, colour scan).
- Passport-size photo (white background, 4 × 6 cm, JPG).
- Intended entry and exit dates and ports.
- Local address in Vietnam (hotel booking).
- Online payment by credit/debit card.
Important Notes
- Carry a printed copy of your e-visa approval letter to immigration — many travellers get stopped for not having a physical print.
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Vietnam does not stamp visa on arrival for Indians at airport counters as a walk-in process — apply in advance.
- Always verify current rules on the official Vietnam Immigration e-visa portal — policies can change.
Direct Flights from India to Vietnam
Vietnam has great connectivity from India. Non-stop flights take around 4.5–5.5 hours.
Main Direct Routes
- Delhi (DEL) to Hanoi (HAN) & Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, IndiGo.
- Mumbai (BOM) to HAN & SGN: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet.
- Bengaluru (BLR) to HAN/SGN: VietJet, IndiGo.
- Kolkata (CCU), Hyderabad (HYD), Ahmedabad (AMD): Seasonal/weekly direct services by VietJet — schedules change, so verify.
One-stop options via Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Hong Kong are also widely available and sometimes cheaper.
Flight Cost Expectations
Return economy fares from India to Vietnam typically range from INR 18,000–40,000 depending on airline, city, and season. Low-cost carriers like VietJet frequently offer sub-INR 20,000 returns on flash sales.
Compare all airlines and layover options on happyfares.in. Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, best available fare.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam is long — weather varies dramatically between north and south.
- November to April (recommended overall): Best months for the whole country. North is cool and dry; central Vietnam is sunny; south is warm and dry.
- May to October: Monsoon in most regions. Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An) can have typhoons September–November.
- North (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): Best October–April. December–February is cool (15–22°C).
- Central (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue): Best February–May. Avoid September–November (typhoons).
- South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): Best December–April. Wet May–November but short rain bursts.
Top Destinations in Vietnam
1. Hanoi — The Old-World Capital
Start your northern Vietnam leg here. Allow 2 nights.
- Old Quarter: 36 streets of craftsmen, food stalls, temples, colonial cafes.
- Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: Heart of the city.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace complex.
- Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university.
- Train Street: A narrow alley where trains pass within inches — iconic photo spot.
- Food: Pho bo, bun cha, egg coffee, banh mi.
2. Halong Bay — UNESCO Wonder
Thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald water. Best enjoyed on an overnight cruise.
- Cruise options: 1-night (minimum), 2-night (recommended), or day trip.
- Activities: Kayaking, cave exploration (Sung Sot Cave), Ti Top Island, fishing villages.
- Alternative: Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay — less crowded with similar scenery.
3. Sapa — Rice Terraces and Hill Tribes
Northern highlands with cascading rice terraces. Best September–November (golden harvest) or March–May.
- Getting there: Overnight train or 5.5-hour bus from Hanoi.
- Things to do: Trek to Cat Cat village, Muong Hoa Valley, Fansipan cable car to Vietnam’s highest peak.
4. Da Nang — Beach, Bridges, and Base for Central Vietnam
A coastal city with long beaches and the famous Golden Bridge. Allow 2 nights.
- My Khe Beach: One of Asia’s best urban beaches.
- Marble Mountains: Caves, pagodas, and viewpoints.
- Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills): Massive stone hands holding a walkway — the Instagram icon.
- Dragon Bridge: Fire-and-water show every weekend night.
5. Hoi An — Lantern-lit Heritage Town
30 minutes from Da Nang. A UNESCO-listed ancient town famous for its yellow-walled streets and thousands of glowing silk lanterns.
- Old Town walk: Japanese Covered Bridge, Assembly Halls, tailor shops.
- Lantern-making workshops and riverside lantern release.
- Custom tailoring: Affordable tailor-made clothes in 24 hours.
- An Bang Beach: Close by, for relaxed beach days.
6. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Vietnam’s biggest metropolis — fast, modern, chaotic. Allow 2 nights.
- War Remnants Museum: Powerful and essential.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Day tour to the Vietnam War tunnel network.
- Ben Thanh Market: Souvenirs, street food, bargaining.
- Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck: Panoramic views.
- Mekong Delta day trip: Floating markets, boat rides, rural life.
7. Phu Quoc — Island Escape
Vietnam’s largest island, in the Gulf of Thailand. Beaches, snorkelling, cable cars, and the new Sunset Town.
Vietnam Trip Budget Breakdown for Indians (2026)
Realistic per-person budget for a 7-day itinerary covering Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, and Hoi An.
| Expense | Budget (INR) | Mid-Range (INR) | Luxury (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| International return flights | 18,000–25,000 | 25,000–35,000 | 38,000–60,000 |
| e-Visa | 2,200–4,400 | 2,200–4,400 | 2,200–4,400 |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | 6,000–10,000 | 14,000–22,000 | 35,000–70,000 |
| Food & drinks | 4,000–6,000 | 7,000–11,000 | 15,000–28,000 |
| Domestic travel (flight/train) | 3,500–5,500 | 5,500–8,000 | 9,000–14,000 |
| Halong Bay cruise (1N) | 5,500–7,500 | 8,000–12,000 | 15,000–30,000 |
| Activities & local tours | 3,000–5,000 | 6,000–10,000 | 12,000–20,000 |
| Total (approx.) | 42,000–63,000 | 68,000–1,02,000 | 1,26,000–2,26,000 |
Book your flight early on happyfares.in — fares can swing INR 10,000+ per person depending on how early you lock in.
Indian and Vegetarian Food in Vietnam
- Indian restaurants: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang all have multiple Indian restaurants — Punjabi, South Indian, and even Jain-friendly in major cities.
- Vegetarian Vietnamese food: “Chay” means vegetarian. Look for “com chay” (veg rice), “pho chay” (veg pho), “bun chay” (veg noodles). Spring rolls (goi cuon) without prawn are typically vegetarian.
- Buddhist influence: Many Vietnamese Buddhists eat vegetarian on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month — dedicated chay restaurants are common.
- Watch out for: Fish sauce (nuoc mam) in many dishes, including vegetable stir-fries. Ask for “khong nuoc mam” (without fish sauce).
- Street food staples (veg-friendly): Banh mi with omelette, egg coffee, Vietnamese iced coffee, sticky rice with mango, banh xeo (veg pancake).
Getting Around Vietnam
- Domestic flights: Fastest way to hop between Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo Airways — 1.5–2 hours per leg.
- Trains: Reunification Express connects major cities along the coast. Overnight sleepers are comfortable.
- Buses: Sleeper buses are cheap but long.
- Ride apps: Grab is the local equivalent of Uber — for cars and bike taxis. Widely available in cities.
- Motorbike rental: Popular among adventurous travellers but traffic can be chaotic. Use with caution and wear a helmet.
Money, SIM and Practical Tips
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Note the many zeros — INR 1 ≈ 300 VND, so INR 100 ≈ 30,000 VND.
- Cash vs cards: Cash-heavy economy, especially for street food, markets, and small shops. Cards work in hotels and upmarket restaurants.
- Exchange: USD gets the best rates at exchange counters. Avoid airport counters.
- ATMs: Widely available. Withdraw in larger amounts to minimise flat fees.
- SIM / eSIM: Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone tourist SIMs are cheap (VND 200,000–350,000 for generous data). Pre-ordered eSIMs also work well.
- Power plugs: Type A, C, and F used. Universal adapter recommended.
- Language: Vietnamese. English is growing in tourist areas but still limited outside cities. Google Translate is handy.
- Tipping: Not mandatory. Round up for taxis and tip 10% at nicer restaurants if service charge is not included.
Suggested 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Hanoi, check in, Old Quarter walk, egg coffee.
- Day 2: Hanoi city — Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, evening water puppet show.
- Day 3: Halong Bay overnight cruise — kayaking, caves, seafood dinner on board.
- Day 4: Return to Hanoi, afternoon flight to Da Nang, check-in at beach hotel.
- Day 5: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge full-day excursion.
- Day 6: Hoi An day trip — Old Town, lantern workshop, riverside dinner, custom tailor.
- Day 7: Da Nang beach morning, fly to Ho Chi Minh City or home.
Want more city time? Add 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City with a Cu Chi Tunnels + Mekong Delta combo.
Shopping in Vietnam
- Hoi An: Custom-tailored suits, dresses, and shoes at a fraction of Indian prices.
- Hanoi Old Quarter & Ben Thanh Market (Saigon): Silk scarves, conical hats (non la), lacquerware, coffee beans.
- Da Nang: Marble Mountains souvenirs, beach resort brands.
- What to buy: Vietnamese coffee (especially Trung Nguyen), silk, propaganda art, cashmere and silk scarves, pho bowls, chopsticks.
- Bargaining: Expected at markets. Start at 40–50% of the quoted price.
Cultural Tips and Etiquette
- Temples & pagodas: Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes where indicated.
- Politics: Avoid critical comments about the Vietnamese government, military, or flag.
- Photography: Ask before photographing hill tribe villagers or monks.
- Chopsticks: Never stick them vertically in rice — it is considered inauspicious.
- Bargaining: Smile, be polite, and accept “no” gracefully.
- Crossing roads: Walk slowly and steadily — scooters flow around you. Do not stop or run suddenly.
Tips for First-Time Indian Visitors to Vietnam
- Apply for the e-visa 1–2 weeks before travel. Only via the official Vietnam Immigration portal.
- Print the e-visa approval. Physical copy required at immigration.
- Book flights early. Compare on happyfares.in.
- Travel insurance. INR 400–700 for a week. Useful for adventure activities and motorbike hire.
- Download Grab. Your lifeline for transport in every major city.
- Carry USD. Easiest to exchange and sometimes preferred by sellers.
- Stick to bottled water. Do not drink tap water. Ice in reputable places is usually fine.
- Pack layers for the north. Hanoi and Sapa can be cool in winter.
- Keep passport photocopies. Digital and printed — separate from original.
- Verify current rules. Check the official Vietnam Immigration site before applying for the e-visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam in 2026?
Yes — but the process is simple. Indian passport holders can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online (valid up to 90 days, single or multiple entry) via the official Vietnam Immigration portal. Fees are approximately USD 25 (single) or USD 50 (multiple). Processing takes 3–5 working days. Carry a printed copy of the approval to immigration.
2. Are there direct flights from India to Vietnam?
Yes. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and IndiGo operate direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and select other Indian cities to Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Flying time is around 4.5–5.5 hours. Compare all non-stop and one-stop options on happyfares.in.
3. How much does a Vietnam trip cost from India?
A 7-day mid-range Vietnam trip covering Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, and Hoi An costs approximately INR 68,000–1,02,000 per person including flights, visa, hotels, food, domestic travel, and a Halong Bay cruise. Budget travellers can manage INR 42,000–63,000.
4. What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
November to April is the best overall window. North Vietnam is cool and dry, central Vietnam is sunny (avoid September–November due to typhoons), and the south is warm and dry. May–October is monsoon in most regions but can still be pleasant with occasional rain bursts.
5. Is Indian and vegetarian food available in Vietnam?
Yes. Indian restaurants are plentiful in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Vietnamese “chay” (vegetarian) restaurants are common due to Buddhist influence — try com chay and pho chay. Watch for fish sauce in many dishes; request “khong nuoc mam” to avoid it.
6. Is Vietnam safe for Indian travellers, including solo travellers?
Yes. Vietnam is generally safe with low violent crime rates. Main risks are petty theft (bag snatching by scooter-borne thieves in busy areas), scams in tourist hotspots, and chaotic traffic. Use Grab, secure your bag across your chest, avoid unmetered taxis, and take standard precautions. Solo female travellers report feeling comfortable in most areas.
