Vietnam from India: Flights, Visa & Travel Tips 2026

Vietnam’s tourism recovered spectacularly post-pandemic, welcoming 17.5 million international visitors in 2024 — surpassing its pre-COVID peak. ([Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, 2025]) Indian arrivals have grown rapidly, drawn by Ha Long Bay, Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets, and some of Southeast Asia’s most acclaimed street food. There are no direct flights from India, but connections through Bangkok or Singapore are seamless and often very affordable.

TL;DR: Indians need a Vietnam e-visa (USD 25 / ~₹2,100, 90 days single entry, apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). No direct flights from India — connect via Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. Best time: November to April. A 10-night Vietnam trip from India costs ₹80,000–₹1,50,000 per person. Book connecting flights on HappyFares at zero convenience fee. ([Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, 2025])

[IMAGE: Ha Long Bay limestone karsts with boats on emerald water, Vietnam — search “Ha Long Bay Vietnam limestone karsts emerald water”]

Do Indians Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Yes — Indians need a Vietnam e-visa. Vietnam extended its e-visa validity to 90 days (single or multiple entry) in August 2023, a major upgrade from the previous 30-day limit. The fee is USD 25 (approximately ₹2,100) for a single-entry visa and USD 25 for multiple-entry as well — both cost the same. ([Vietnam Immigration Department, 2023])

How to Apply for the Vietnam E-Visa

• Official portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (this is the only authorised portal)
• Fee: USD 25 (~₹2,100) — single or multiple entry
• Validity: 90 days from date of entry
• Processing: 3 business days
• Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months beyond intended stay), passport-size photo (4×6 cm), credit/debit card

Many third-party websites charge USD 50–80 for the same Vietnam e-visa — they’re just resellers of the official service. Use only the official government portal above. The e-visa PDF arrives by email. Print it and carry it with your passport — Vietnamese immigration will check both at arrival.

[PERSONAL EXPERIENCE]: We’ve found that travellers applying through unofficial sites often receive their visa later than those using the official portal, and sometimes get incorrect details. The official portal is straightforward — the process takes under 15 minutes.

[INTERNAL-LINK: Vietnam e-visa guide → step-by-step Vietnam e-visa application for Indians]

How Do You Fly from India to Vietnam?

No airline currently operates a direct flight between India and Vietnam. All routes require at least one connection. The most popular hubs are Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Singapore Changi (SIN), and Kuala Lumpur KLIA (KUL). According to OAG, Bangkok is the most frequent India–Vietnam connection point, with over 200 weekly India–Bangkok flights feeding onward services. ([OAG Aviation Worldwide, 2025])

Best Connecting Routes from India to Vietnam

The Bangkok connection is generally the fastest and most affordable. A layover of 2–3 hours at Suvarnabhumi is comfortable. Search all India–Vietnam connections on HappyFares to compare prices across hubs.

[UNIQUE INSIGHT]: For travellers from South India (Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi), the Kuala Lumpur connection via AirAsia often undercuts Bangkok by ₹5,000–₹10,000 on the total fare. KLIA2 (AirAsia’s terminal) is efficient for transit, and the KUL–Hanoi and KUL–HCMC legs are short at under 3 hours.

Typical India–Vietnam Fares (2026)

• Delhi–Hanoi return: ₹40,000–₹75,000
• Mumbai–Ho Chi Minh City return: ₹38,000–₹70,000
• Bangalore–Hanoi return (via KUL): ₹35,000–₹65,000

[CHART: Bar chart — return economy fares from Indian cities to Vietnam (HAN/SGN) — source: HappyFares fare data 2026]

Should You Fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

Vietnam stretches over 1,650 km from north to south — roughly the distance from Delhi to Chennai. Flying into the wrong city means backtracking. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism reports that most first-time international visitors split their trip between north and south, often using domestic flights between cities. ([Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, 2025])

Hanoi (HAN) — The North

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and the gateway to the north. Ha Long Bay — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,600 limestone islands — is a 3.5-hour bus or shuttle ride from Hanoi. The Old Quarter is one of Southeast Asia’s most intact historic urban areas. Hoi An, though technically central Vietnam, is most efficiently reached by flying Hanoi to Da Nang (30-minute domestic hop).

Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) — The South

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC, still widely called Saigon) is Vietnam’s commercial engine. The Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta day trips, and the War Remnants Museum are all accessible from HCMC. The city is more modern and fast-paced than Hanoi. Phu Quoc Island — Vietnam’s beach resort island — is a 1-hour domestic flight from HCMC.

Open-Jaw Itinerary: The Smart Choice

An open-jaw itinerary — flying into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City, or vice versa — lets you travel Vietnam north-to-south without doubling back. Domestic flights between Hanoi and HCMC cost USD 25–60 on Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, or Bamboo Airways. This approach adds minimal cost but saves 2–3 days of unnecessary travel.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam from India?

Vietnam’s climate varies significantly by region, which complicates the “best time” question. According to Vietnam’s National Hydro-Meteorological Service, the country has three distinct climate zones, each with different peak seasons. ([Vietnam NHMS, 2024]) November to April covers the dry season in both the north and south, making it the safest overall window.

• November–April: Best overall. North Vietnam is dry and cool (15–22°C in Hanoi). South Vietnam is sunny and dry. Ha Long Bay is calmest. This is peak season, so book early.
• May–August: Hotter and wetter in the north. South Vietnam’s dry season ends in May. This is the shoulder season — fewer crowds, lower fares.
• September–October: Typhoon season affects central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang). Some flooding possible. Not recommended for first-time visitors to the central coast.
• December–January: Christmas and New Year peak. Fares are higher and popular spots like Ha Long Bay fill up quickly. Book 2–3 months in advance.

What Are the Must-Do Experiences in Vietnam?

UNESCO has designated three of Vietnam’s sites as World Heritage Sites — Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, and My Son Sanctuary. ([UNESCO, 2024]) But some of the best experiences in Vietnam cost almost nothing.

Ha Long Bay

An overnight or two-night cruise on Ha Long Bay is non-negotiable for first-time visitors. Cruises range from budget junks at USD 60/night to luxury vessels at USD 250+/night. The bay looks best at dawn — worth waking up early for. Book through licensed cruise operators to ensure safety standards.

Hoi An

Hoi An’s Ancient Town is Vietnam’s most photogenic city. Lantern-lit streets, tailors who can stitch custom clothes in 24 hours, and cycling through rice paddies make it a highlight of any Vietnam trip. The My Son Hindu sanctuary ruins — a 2-hour drive — are worth combining with a Hoi An visit.

Street Food Culture

Pho (noodle soup), banh mi (baguette sandwiches), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and fresh spring rolls are Vietnam’s street food staples. A full meal at a local pho shop costs USD 1.50–3. Vietnam’s vegetarian food scene has also grown significantly, with dedicated vegetarian restaurants (quan chay) in every major city.

[INTERNAL-LINK: Southeast Asia travel tips → budget Southeast Asia trip guide for Indians]

What Does a Vietnam Trip from India Cost?

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s best-value destinations. Numbeo’s 2025 Cost of Living Index ranks Ho Chi Minh City 71% cheaper than Mumbai for restaurant meals, and 58% cheaper for accommodation. ([Numbeo, 2025]) The main cost for Indian travellers is the connecting flight — in-country expenses are very affordable.

Sample Budget: 10 Nights in Vietnam (per person)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes. Indians need a Vietnam e-visa, applied for at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The fee is USD 25 (~₹2,100) for a 90-day single-entry visa. Processing takes 3 business days. Only use the official government portal — third-party sites charge 2–3x more for the same visa. ([Vietnam Immigration Department, 2023])

Are there direct flights from India to Vietnam?

No direct flights currently operate between India and Vietnam. The best connections are via Bangkok (BKK), Singapore (SIN), or Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Bangkok is the fastest and most affordable option for most Indian cities. Total travel time ranges from 7–12 hours. Search all routes on HappyFares.

Should I fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

Fly into Hanoi if Ha Long Bay or Hoi An are your priorities. Fly into Ho Chi Minh City for the Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels, or Phu Quoc beaches. An open-jaw ticket — arriving Hanoi, departing HCMC or vice versa — is the most efficient approach for a 10–14 day itinerary.

What is the best time to visit Vietnam from India?

November to April is the best overall window. North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay) is dry from October to April. South Vietnam (HCMC, Mekong Delta) is dry from December to April. Avoid the central coast (Hoi An, Da Nang) from September to November due to typhoon risk. ([Vietnam NHMS, 2024])