Vietnam Trip Planning Guide for Indians 2026
Complete Vietnam trip planning guide for Indians 2026 — covering 90-day e-visa, budget breakdown in Indian Rupees and north-to-south itinerary across Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam Trip Planning Guide for Indians 2026: Visa, Budget, Itinerary & Expert Tips
A Vietnam trip planning guide for Indians is exactly what you need before booking anything — because Vietnam in 2026 has new visa rules, updated e-visa requirements, changed entry procedures, and some of the best value travel experiences available to Indian passport holders anywhere in Southeast Asia. This complete Vietnam trip planning guide for Indians covers everything from the 90-day e-visa application and real budget breakdown in Indian Rupees to a detailed north-to-south itinerary, best destinations, food guide, local transport tips, and the most important mistakes to avoid before and during your trip.We with talk with Shri Harish Bali from Visa2expore youtube channel on an exclusive podcast.
Why Vietnam Is the Top Choice for Indian Travelers in 2026
Before diving into the planning details — here is why Vietnam consistently ranks as one of the best international destinations for Indians:
| Factor | Vietnam Advantage |
|---|---|
| Value for money | One of the cheapest Southeast Asian destinations for Indians |
| Visa | 90-day e-visa — apply online, no embassy visit |
| Food | Street food from ₹100–200 per meal |
| Diversity | Mountains, beaches, cities, UNESCO heritage — all in one country |
| Flights | Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore |
| English | Widely spoken in tourist areas |
| Safety | One of the safest countries in Asia for solo and family travel |
Vietnam Trip Planning Guide for Indians: Visa — Everything You Need to Know
The Vietnam e-visa is the single most important thing to sort before anything else in your Vietnam trip planning.
Vietnam E-Visa 2026: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Electronic Travel Authorisation (e-visa) |
| Validity | 90 days from date of issue |
| Entry options | Single entry (USD 25) or Multiple entry (USD 50) |
| Apply at | evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn |
| Processing time | 3 working days official — up to 8 working days realistic |
| Entry points | 83 designated international border gates only |
| Entry/exit | Can be different airports — fully allowed |
Critical E-Visa Mistakes Indians Must Avoid
- ❌ Name format errors — If you have first + middle + last name: put last name in last name field, put first + middle name together in first name field. If you have no last name — leave the last name field blank.
- ❌ Any typo in name or passport number — results in airport denial even with APPROVED status
- ❌ Applying too late — apply minimum 20 days before travel to allow for processing delays
- ❌ Using third-party sites — always use only the official Vietnamese government portal
Apply here: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn Official contact for issues: evisa@immigration.gov.vn
Vietnam Trip Planning Guide for Indians: Budget Breakdown 2026
Here is what a Vietnam trip from India realistically costs:
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return flights | ₹22,000–32,000 | ₹32,000–45,000 | ₹45,000–70,000 |
| Vietnam e-visa | ₹2,100 (single) | ₹2,100 | ₹4,200 (multiple) |
| Accommodation (per night) | ₹800–1,500 | ₹1,500–3,500 | ₹3,500–8,000 |
| Food (per day) | ₹500–800 | ₹800–1,500 | ₹1,500–3,000 |
| Local transport (per day) | ₹300–600 | ₹600–1,200 | ₹1,200–2,500 |
| Activities (per day) | ₹500–1,000 | ₹1,000–2,000 | ₹2,000–4,000 |
| 10-day total per person | ₹45,000–65,000 | ₹75,000–1,10,000 | ₹1,20,000–1,80,000 |
Exchange rate: 1 VND ≈ ₹0.0034. 1 USD ≈ ₹84. Vietnam pricing is usually in USD or VND — budget in USD for easy calculation.
Vietnam Trip Planning Guide for Indians: Flights from India
| Departure City | Airlines | Budget Return |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | IndiGo, VietJet, Vietnam Airlines | ₹22,000–35,000 |
| Mumbai | IndiGo, VietJet | ₹25,000–38,000 |
| Chennai | IndiGo, VietJet | ₹20,000–32,000 |
| Bangalore | VietJet, Air India | ₹22,000–35,000 |
| Kolkata | IndiGo | ₹18,000–30,000 |
Best booking strategy: Book 2–3 months in advance. Flying into Hanoi (HAN) and out of Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) — or vice versa — is the classic open-jaw route for Vietnam. It eliminates backtracking and saves significantly on internal transport.
Vietnam Trip Planning Guide for Indians: Best Time to Visit
Vietnam is a long country spanning 1,650 km north to south — and weather varies significantly by region:
| Region | Best Months | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi & North Vietnam | October — April | June — August (hot, humid) |
| Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue) | February — August | September — November (flooding) |
| Ho Chi Minh City & South | December — April | May — November (rainy) |
| Halong Bay | April — June, September — November | July — August (storms) |
Best overall window for Indians: March to May — dry and warm across most of Vietnam, before the summer heat peaks. November to January is also excellent for the south and central regions.
Vietnam Trip Planning Guide for Indians: North to South Itinerary
The classic Vietnam route for Indians runs north to south — fly into Hanoi, travel south, fly home from Ho Chi Minh City.
Hanoi — Days 1–2: Vietnam’s Soul
Vietnam’s capital is where the trip begins. Hanoi is chaotic, atmospheric, and unlike anywhere else in Asia.
Day 1:
- Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport → Grab to Old Quarter (₹450)
- Hoan Kiem Lake — the heart of Hanoi, Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple (Free)
- Old Quarter evening walk — 36 ancient streets, street food, night market
- Must eat: Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) ₹100–150, Banh Mi ₹80–120, Bun Cha ₹150–200
Day 2:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex — Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda (Free exterior)
- Temple of Literature — Vietnam’s first university, 1070 AD (₹200)
- Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural — world’s longest ceramic mosaic street (Free)
- Evening: Bia Hoi Corner — fresh Vietnamese draft beer ₹50–80 a glass
Hanoi hidden gem for Indians: The Long Bien Bridge at sunset — an old French colonial railway bridge with stunning views over the Red River. Completely free and rarely crowded.
Halong Bay — Days 3–4: Vietnam’s Most Iconic Landscape
No Vietnam trip planning guide for Indians is complete without Halong Bay. It is Vietnam’s crown jewel — 1,969 limestone islands rising dramatically from emerald waters.
Getting there:
- Shuttle bus from Hanoi Old Quarter to Halong Bay — ₹1,200–2,500, 3.5 hours (includes hotel pickup)
- Budget option: Local bus — ₹400–800, 4–5 hours
Overnight cruise options:
| Option | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget 2-star cruise | ₹6,000–8,000/person | Basic cabin, meals, kayaking |
| Mid-range 3-star cruise | ₹10,000–14,000/person | Better cabin, kayaking, cave tour, sunset |
| Comfortable 4-star cruise | ₹18,000–28,000/person | Premium cabin, all activities, cooking class |
Activities on cruise:
- Kayaking through limestone caves and lagoons
- Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) — most spectacular cave in Halong Bay
- Squid fishing at night
- Sunrise on deck over the bay
Budget alternative: Head to Cat Ba Island instead — express bus/ferry combo from Hanoi costs ₹1,000–1,500. Book a day trip to Lan Ha Bay for ₹1,200–2,500. Nearly as beautiful as Halong Bay at a fraction of the cruise cost.
Hanoi → Da Nang — Day 5: Beach City Gateway
- Return from Halong Bay to Hanoi
- Afternoon flight to Da Nang — VietJet from ₹2,335
- Check into Da Nang hotel — from ₹1,000/night
- Evening: My Khe Beach — one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Southeast Asia (Free)
Da Nang — Day 6: City of Bridges
- Marble Mountains — five marble and limestone hills with caves, temples, and panoramic views (₹100)
- Dragon Bridge — fire-breathing dragon bridge, shows every weekend evening (Free)
- Ba Na Hills — home of the famous Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands (₹3,200 — steep but iconic)
- Han River Bridge — rotating bridge, spectacular at night (Free)
Hoi An — Day 7: Lantern Town
- 30-minute taxi from Da Nang to Hoi An — ₹600–800
- Hoi An Ancient Town — UNESCO World Heritage Site, entry ₹400
- Japanese Covered Bridge — 400-year-old icon of Hoi An
- Tailor shops — Hoi An is famous for custom clothing made in 24 hours at budget prices
- Cooking class — learn Vietnamese cuisine, ₹1,500–2,500 including market tour
- Evening lantern boat ride on Thu Bon River — ₹400–600
Indian traveler must-do: Walk along the river at dusk when hundreds of lanterns light up the water. It is one of the most photographed and magical scenes in all of Southeast Asia — and it happens every night.
Hue — Day 8: Imperial Capital
- Shuttle bus from Hoi An to Hue — ₹600–1,000, 3 hours
- Hue Imperial Citadel — Vietnam’s last royal capital, entry ₹500
- Thien Mu Pagoda — 21-metre tower on the Perfume River (Free)
- Khai Dinh Royal Tomb — extraordinary fusion of Vietnamese and European architecture (₹300)
- Dong Ba Market — Hue’s most authentic local market (Free)
Ho Chi Minh City — Days 9–10: Vietnam’s Powerhouse
- Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City — VietJet from ₹2,500
- Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city — a complete contrast to Hanoi
Day 9 — HCMC Sightseeing:
- War Remnants Museum — powerful and important historical museum (₹140)
- Notre-Dame Cathedral — French colonial masterpiece (Free exterior)
- Ben Thanh Market — shopping and street food in the heart of HCMC
- Bui Vien Walking Street — Vietnam’s most vibrant nightlife street
Day 10 — Cu Chi Tunnels:
- Local bus from HCMC to Cu Chi Tunnels — under ₹90 one way
- Cu Chi Tunnels — 250km of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War (₹400)
- One of the most powerful and educational historical experiences in Vietnam
- Return to HCMC → transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for departure
Vietnam Trip Planning Guide for Indians: Local Transport
Getting around Vietnam between cities is easy and affordable:
| Route | Transport | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi → Halong Bay | Shuttle bus | ₹1,200–2,500 | 3.5 hours |
| Hanoi → Da Nang | Flight (VietJet) | ₹2,000–4,000 | 1.5 hours |
| Da Nang → Hoi An | Taxi/Grab | ₹600–900 | 30 minutes |
| Hoi An → Hue | Shuttle bus | ₹600–1,000 | 3 hours |
| Hue → Da Nang | Train | ₹500–800 | 2.5 hours |
| Da Nang → HCMC | Flight | ₹2,000–4,500 | 1.5 hours |
| Within cities | Grab | ₹100–300 | Varies |
| Intercity buses | Vexere.com | ₹400–1,500 | Varies |
Pro tip: Download the Grab app before your flight and register your Indian number — it works immediately on arrival and is 30–40% cheaper than metered taxis everywhere in Vietnam.
Vietnam Trip Planning Guide for Indians: Food Guide
Vietnamese food is world-class and remarkably affordable. Here are the must-try dishes and what to expect to pay:
| Dish | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pho Bo | Beef noodle soup — Vietnam’s national dish | ₹100–150 |
| Banh Mi | Vietnamese baguette sandwich | ₹80–150 |
| Bun Cha | Grilled pork with noodles and broth | ₹150–200 |
| Cao Lau | Hoi An speciality noodle dish | ₹150–200 |
| Banh Xeo | Crispy Vietnamese sizzling pancake | ₹150–250 |
| Com Tam | Broken rice with grilled pork — HCMC staple | ₹120–200 |
| Fresh spring rolls | Goi Cuon — healthy and delicious | ₹80–150 |
| Vietnamese iced coffee | Ca Phe Sua Da | ₹50–100 |
Indian food is available in Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City — expect ₹600–1,200 per meal at Indian restaurants.
Vietnam Trip Planning Guide for Indians: Practical Tips
- Apply e-visa 20 days before travel — never leave it to the last minute
- Download Grab before flying — works across all major Vietnamese cities
- Use Vexere.com for all intercity bus bookings — reliable and cheap
- Book Halong Bay cruise in advance — good boats fill up fast
- Carry USD cash — better exchange rates than converting INR directly
- Negotiate at markets — initial prices for tourists are always higher
- Book Hoi An tickets in advance — Ancient Town entry tickets limited
- Fly open-jaw — into Hanoi, out of HCMC — eliminates backtracking
- Do not overpay at Halong Bay — compare 3+ operators before booking
- Do not exchange money at the airport — rates are 10–15% worse than city money changers
- Do not carry only Indian Rupees — USD is far more useful in Vietnam
FAQs — Vietnam Trip Planning Guide for Indians 2026
Q: How many days are enough for a Vietnam trip for Indians? For a comprehensive Vietnam trip for Indians covering the key highlights — Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City — a minimum of 10 to 12 days is recommended. A 7-day trip works if you focus on either the north (Hanoi + Halong Bay + Da Nang + Hoi An) or the south (HCMC + Cu Chi + Mekong Delta). The 12-day itinerary in this guide covers the complete north-to-south circuit comfortably without rushing any destination.
Q: What is the cheapest way to travel Vietnam from India? The most budget-friendly approach for a Vietnam trip from India is to book VietJet or IndiGo flights 2–3 months in advance (return from ₹22,000), apply for the single-entry e-visa yourself (USD 25 / ₹2,100) at the official portal, stay in budget guesthouses (₹800–1,500/night), eat street food (₹100–300 per meal), use Grab for city transport, and take shuttle buses between cities via Vexere.com. A 10-day budget Vietnam trip from India can be completed for ₹45,000–65,000 per person all-inclusive.
Q: Is Vietnam safe for Indian solo travelers and families in 2026? Yes — Vietnam is consistently rated one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for both solo Indian travelers and families. The country has very low violent crime rates, tourist police presence in major cities, and a genuinely welcoming attitude toward Indian visitors. Standard travel precautions apply — watch your belongings in crowded markets, use official Grab rides instead of random taxis, and book hotels and tours through verified platforms. Families traveling with children will find Vietnam’s food, culture, and natural attractions particularly suitable.
Final Word
Planning a Vietnam trip for Indians in 2026 is simpler than most people think — a 90-day e-visa online, affordable direct flights, world-class street food, and an extraordinary diversity of experiences from Halong Bay’s limestone karsts to Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and Ho Chi Minh City’s electric energy. Use this Vietnam trip planning guide for Indians to plan every step, apply your e-visa early, book your Halong Bay cruise in advance, and get ready for one of the most rewarding travel experiences available to Indian passport holders today.
🔗 Official Source: Vietnam E-Visa Official Portal | Vietnam National Tourism
Watch here the exclusive video with Harish Bali from Visa2explore channel
Aaseem Bhardwaj is a journalist, seasoned traveler and IT professional based in India. With firsthand travel experience across Southeast Asia, East Asia, Middle East and Europe, Aaseem founded Travel Man Today to provide reliable visa updates and travel news for Indian passport holders. He has personally traveled to Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, UAE and Europe. Follow his travel vlogs on YouTube at @travelmantoday
