Guides for this destination
Practical reads before you plan — timing, places, costs, visas and tips.
What Is Vietnam? A Vietnam Travel Guide Definition
Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country stretching along the South China Sea, with Hanoi as the northern capital and Ho Chi Minh City as the southern hub. Signature attractions include Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town and the Mekong Delta. Best season is March-April and October-November.
Vietnam runs roughly 1,650 km north to south, covering mountains, deltas and islands. The signature attraction is Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-listed seascape of limestone islands in the north. Three distinctive experiences: cruising Ha Long Bay, walking Hoi An Ancient Town, and eating street pho in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Traveller types include first-time Southeast Asia visitors, food travellers, budget backpackers and families using beach breaks at Da Nang. The country uses the Vietnamese đồng (VND), with roughly 1 INR = 300-310 VND subject to market rates. Vietnam is UTC+7, 1 hour 30 minutes behind India.
At a glance
Vietnam, in brief
Vietnam sits in Southeast Asia, with best travel in March-April and October-November. A 7-10 day trip covers Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City. Indian passport holders need an e-visa. Currency is VND, language Vietnamese, and gateways are Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).
Vietnam.
7-10 days
- Region
- Southeast AsiaBorders China, Laos and Cambodia
- Best season
- March-April and October-NovemberWeather varies by region
- Ideal trip length
- 7-10 daysCovers north and south highlights
- Gateway airports
- Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat international airports
- Currency
- Vietnamese đồng (VND)Approximately 1 INR = 300-310 VND, subject to market rates
- Language
- VietnameseEnglish common in tourist areas
Why Indians Love Vietnam
Indians choose Vietnam for direct flights, affordable street food and varied landscapes within one trip. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have non-stop connections from Delhi and Mumbai. Ha Long Bay and Hoi An add UNESCO-listed sights, while Da Nang beaches suit family breaks.
- Direct flights are expanding
Vietnam Airlines, Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air connect Indian cities to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. New Delhi-Hanoi and Mumbai-Hanoi routes were announced for 2026, so check schedules before booking.
Flights - Street food keeps costs low
Pho, banh mi and fresh spring rolls are widely available in Hanoi's Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City's District 1. Vegetarian versions exist, and Indian restaurants are present in both cities.
Food - One trip covers coast, mountains and cities
Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town and Da Nang's My Khe Beach sit within a week-long route. Add the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City for a southern contrast.
Itinerary
Three concrete reasons stand out. First, air access: Vietnam Airlines, Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air connect Indian cities to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with new routes announced for 2026. Second, value: a bowl of pho or a banh mi costs a fraction of a European meal, and mid-range hotels in Hanoi's Old Quarter or District 1 stay affordable. Third, variety: you can cruise Ha Long Bay, walk Hoi An Ancient Town and relax on My Khe Beach in Da Nang within a week. Indian food travellers will find vegetarian options in Buddhist restaurants and Indian restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam
Vietnam's top places span Hanoi's Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Da Nang, Hue, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Phu Quoc. Each offers a distinct mix of heritage, landscape and food, and most fit a 7-10 day route.
- Hanoi
Hanoi Old Quarter
Historic street grid around Hoan Kiem Lake, known for street food, markets and French Quarter architecture. The area is the main northern base for Indian travellers arriving at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).
Best forFirst-time visitors, food travellers
Stay near Hoan Kiem Lake for walkable access to pho stalls and the weekend night market.
- Quang Ninh Province
Ha Long Bay
UNESCO-listed seascape of limestone islands and caves in northern Vietnam. Overnight cruises are the standard way to see the bay.
Best forCouples, families, photographers
Book a cruise that includes kayaking and a cave visit; check the boat's safety record.
- Quang Nam Province
Hoi An Ancient Town
UNESCO-listed trading port with lantern-lit streets, tailors and riverside cafes. The town is a short drive from Da Nang.
Best forCulture, shopping, couples
Visit early morning or after 6 pm to avoid the midday heat and tour groups.
- Southern Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam's largest city, with District 1 hosting the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the southern gateway.
Best forCity breaks, history, nightlife
Use Grab bikes or metered taxis for short hops; District 1 is walkable in the cooler hours.
- Southern Vietnam
Mekong Delta
River network of floating markets, coconut groves and small villages, usually visited from Ho Chi Minh City on a day trip or overnight stay.
Best forDay trips, river landscapes
Choose a small-boat tour from Can Tho or My Tho to avoid large crowds.
- Central Vietnam
Da Nang
Coastal city with My Khe Beach, the Marble Mountains and the Dragon Bridge. It is a convenient base for Hoi An and Hue.
Best forBeach breaks, families
Stay near My Khe Beach for easy access to seafood restaurants and the beach.
- Central Vietnam
Hue
Former imperial capital with the UNESCO-listed Imperial City and royal tombs along the Perfume River.
Best forHistory, architecture
Hire a cyclo or motorbike for the tomb circuit; carry cash for entry tickets.
- Northern Vietnam
Ninh Binh
Inland karst landscape with Tam Coc boat rides and the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex, often called a land-based Ha Long Bay.
Best forDay trips, photography
Take the train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh for a scenic and inexpensive journey.
- Northern Vietnam
Sapa
Mountain town near the Chinese border, known for terraced rice fields and trekking routes used by Hmong and Dao communities.
Best forTrekking, cool weather
Check the rice season before booking; winter can be cold and foggy.
- Southern Vietnam
Phu Quoc
Island in the Gulf of Thailand with beaches, night markets and domestic flight connections from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Best forBeach holidays, honeymoons
Book domestic flights early for weekend travel; the island is popular with Vietnamese holidaymakers.
Use this list to prioritise your Vietnam itinerary. Distances are long, so pair northern and southern sights with a domestic flight or overnight train rather than trying to cover everything by road.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam from India
March-April and October-November generally offer the best balance across northern, central and southern Vietnam. Weather varies substantially by region, so check your specific route. December to February suits the south, while summer months bring heat and rain to many areas.
January
Good time to goCool and dry in the south; cold in Hanoi and the north
Good for southern Vietnam and Phu Quoc; pack warm layers for Hanoi.
February
Good time to goSimilar to January; northern mountains can be cold and foggy
Good for the south and central coast; skip Sapa if you dislike cold.
March
Best time to goWarming up; generally dry and pleasant across much of the country
One of the best months for a north-to-south route.
April
Best time to goWarm and mostly dry; good beach weather in Da Nang and Phu Quoc
Excellent overall, but book hotels early for the April holidays.
May
Shoulder seasonHot and humid; rain begins in some regions
Manageable if you plan indoor activities and beach time.
June
Shoulder seasonHot with increasing rain, especially in the north and central areas
Lower prices, but expect afternoon showers and high humidity.
July
Shoulder seasonPeak summer heat and rain in many regions
Best for budget travellers who do not mind rain.
August
Shoulder seasonHot and rainy; central Vietnam can see heavy showers
Plan flexible days and keep indoor options ready.
September
Shoulder seasonRain tapers in the north; central Vietnam still wet
Shoulder month with fewer crowds and lower rates.
October
Best time to goCooling down; generally good conditions in the north and south
One of the best months for Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City.
November
Best time to goDry and pleasant in most regions; central coast can still see rain
Excellent for a full Vietnam itinerary; book early.
December
Good time to goCool and dry in the south; cold in the north
Good for southern beaches and city breaks; north needs warm clothing.
- BestMar, Apr, Oct, Nov
- GoodJan, Feb, Dec
- FairMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Vietnam's climate differs from north to south. Hanoi has cooler winters, Ho Chi Minh City stays warm year-round, and central Vietnam faces its own rainy season. Use the month table to match your travel dates with your route.
Vietnam Trip Cost from India (2026)
A Vietnam trip from India in 2026 costs roughly ₹45,000-₹75,000 per person for 7-10 days at budget to mid-range level, and ₹1,20,000 or more for luxury. These are travel-budget estimates, not Tripstor offers. Flights typically form the largest single cost.
Budget
Backpackers and students
- Hostels or simple guesthouses in Hanoi Old Quarter and District 1
- Street food meals and local buses or trains
- Shared Ha Long Bay day cruise
Mid-range
Couples and families
- 4-star hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake or My Khe Beach
- Overnight Ha Long Bay cruise
- Domestic flight between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Luxury
Honeymoons and special occasions
- 5-star city hotels and island resorts
- Private Ha Long Bay cruise
- Private transfers and guided tours
Costs depend on season, route and how many internal flights you take. The tiers below are indicative per-person estimates for a 7-10 day trip, assuming double sharing and economy flights from an Indian metro. They exclude shopping, alcohol and optional activities. A flight-and-land split is common: return flights from Delhi or Mumbai to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City often take a significant share, while land costs cover hotels, meals, local transport and tours. Use these as planning benchmarks, not confirmed quotes.
How to Reach Vietnam from India
Indians reach Vietnam by direct or connecting flights to Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Vietnam Airlines, Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air operate or have announced routes from Delhi and Mumbai. Flight times vary by route and connection.
Delhi
Direct to Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
Air India and Vietnam Airlines have operated or announced direct services; check current schedules.
Mumbai
Direct to Hanoi (HAN) or via Southeast Asian hubs
IndiGo announced daily direct Mumbai-Hanoi flights from October 25; verify before booking.
Bengaluru
Connecting through Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur
No direct Vietnam service confirmed from Bengaluru; connections are standard.
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Direct domestic flight
Frequent daily services; also available by train on the north-south line.
Hanoi to Da Nang
Direct domestic flight
Useful for combining the north with Hoi An and Hue.
Travelling from your city?
Tell us where you start. A specialist can plan connections around your stay.
Plan my journeyDirect flights from Delhi to Hanoi and Mumbai to Hanoi were announced for 2026, alongside existing services. Connecting options via Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur are common. Within Vietnam, domestic flights link Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc, while trains run along the north-south line. There is no practical rail or road route from India.
Where to Stay in Vietnam
Vietnam's main stay areas are Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, Da Nang's My Khe Beach, Hoi An Ancient Town and Phu Quoc's beaches. Budget guesthouses, mid-range 4-star hotels and luxury resorts cover all tiers.
Budget
Solo travellers and backpackers
- Guesthouses in Hanoi Old Quarter
- Budget hotels in Ho Chi Minh City District 1
- Hostels near My Khe Beach, Da Nang
Mid-range
Couples and families
- 4-star hotels near Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
- Riverside hotels in Hoi An Ancient Town
- Beachfront hotels on My Khe Beach, Da Nang
Luxury
Honeymoons and special occasions
- 5-star city hotels in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Luxury resorts on Phu Quoc
- Private villas near Hoi An
Choose your base by route. Hanoi Old Quarter suits first-time visitors and street food. District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City puts museums and markets within walking distance. Da Nang and Hoi An work for beach and heritage. Phu Quoc is for resort-style breaks. Indicative nightly rates below are per room, double occupancy, and exclude taxes; they are not contracted Tripstor inventory.
Vietnamese Food and Cuisine for Indian Travellers
Vietnamese food centres on rice, noodles, fresh herbs and light broths. Five dishes to try are pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls, cao lau and banh xeo. Vegetarian versions exist, and Indian restaurants are available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Pho
Rice noodle soup with beef or chicken broth, served with herbs and lime. Hanoi style is clearer and less sweet than southern versions.
Best forBreakfast, budget meals
Try it for breakfast at a busy street stall in Hanoi Old Quarter.
- Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An
Banh mi
Baguette sandwich with meat, pate, pickles and herbs, influenced by French colonial history.
Best forQuick lunches, street food
Ask for a vegetarian version with egg or tofu if you do not eat meat.
- Nationwide
Fresh spring rolls
Rice paper rolls with shrimp, pork, herbs and vermicelli, served with dipping sauce.
Best forLight meals, snacks
Confirm the dipping sauce is vegetarian if needed; fish sauce is common.
- Hoi An
Cao lau
Hoi An specialty noodle dish with pork, greens and crispy croutons, traditionally made with local water.
Best forRegional specialty
Try it in Hoi An Ancient Town rather than elsewhere for the authentic version.
- Central and southern Vietnam
Banh xeo
Crispy turmeric rice-flour pancake filled with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts, wrapped in lettuce.
Best forSnacks, sharing
Ask for a vegetarian filling with mushrooms and bean sprouts.
Vietnamese cuisine is generally less spicy than Indian food, with fish sauce and herbs providing flavour. Vegetarians can ask for 'do chay' (vegetarian) and find Buddhist restaurants. Jain travellers should confirm no fish sauce or garlic is used. Street food is common; choose busy stalls with high turnover.
Vietnam Travel Tips for Indians
Indians need an e-visa for Vietnam, applied for on the official portal before travel. Carry VND cash for small vendors, buy a local SIM or eSIM on arrival, and use Grab for metered transport. Safety is generally good, but watch belongings in crowded markets.
- Apply for the e-visa early
Indian passport holders need a Vietnam e-visa. Apply on the official portal and allow processing time before booking non-refundable flights.
Visa - Carry Vietnamese đồng for small purchases
Street stalls and markets often prefer cash. Exchange at banks or authorised gold shops, and keep small notes for taxis and snacks.
Money - Buy a local SIM or eSIM
Viettel, Mobifone and Vinaphone counters at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City airports sell tourist SIMs. eSIMs work if your phone supports them.
Connectivity - Use Grab for transport
Grab bikes and cars are metered and reduce haggling. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, agree on the fare or use the app for taxis.
Transport - Respect temple etiquette
Remove shoes before entering temples, dress modestly, and avoid pointing feet at statues. Ask before photographing people.
Etiquette
Entry rules can change, so verify visa details on the official Vietnam e-visa portal and check with the Indian Embassy in Hanoi. Currency exchange is best at banks or gold shops in cities; ATMs are widely available. SIM cards from Viettel, Mobifone or Vinaphone are sold at airports. Etiquette: remove shoes before entering temples, dress modestly at religious sites, and avoid touching people on the head. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated.
Vietnam vs Thailand and Bali: An Honest Comparison
Vietnam offers a longer north-south route with more heritage cities than Thailand or Bali, but requires more internal travel. Thailand has stronger beach infrastructure and easier short trips. Bali suits villa-style stays and Hindu temples. Choose Vietnam for variety and value.
Vietnam
Best forTravellers wanting heritage, street food and varied landscapes in one trip
StrengthsUNESCO sites at Ha Long Bay and Hoi An, affordable food, expanding direct flights from India
Trade-offsLong distances between north and south, regional weather differences, e-visa required
Thailand
Best forShort beach breaks and first-time Southeast Asia trips
StrengthsStrong tourism infrastructure, many direct flights from India, easy island hopping
Trade-offsHigher prices in popular resort areas, more crowded beaches in peak season
Bali, Indonesia
Best forVilla stays, Hindu temples and wellness retreats
StrengthsCompact island, visa on arrival for Indians, strong cafe and wellness scene
Trade-offsTraffic in south Bali, fewer heritage cities than Vietnam, seasonal rain
For Indian travellers, the choice often comes down to trip length and travel style. Vietnam rewards a 7-10 day itinerary with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City, but distances mean domestic flights or overnight trains. Thailand packs beaches and cities into shorter hops, while Bali is compact and villa-focused. Vietnam's street food and coffee culture are distinct, and costs are generally lower than Thailand's resort areas.
Holiday ideas to start from
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From our travel specialists
What our team sees when planning these trips, beyond what the guidebooks say.
Confirmed 11 Oct 2026
The recurring mistake is packing too many regions into a short trip and relying on day trips where an overnight stay is better. Travellers particularly recommend an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise rather than a rushed day visit, and warn against taking an unverified taxi from Hanoi airport after reports of overcharging.
Indian travellers commonly wish they had allowed more time for Ninh Binh, which is often skipped despite being highly appreciated, and had planned for different regional experiences rather than treating Vietnam as one uniform destination. Reports also stress respectful behaviour and realistic expectations about local food and service.
The reports suggest that families and couples should allow unhurried time and plan around crowds: airport queues, busy attractions and rushed transfers can undermine the experience. Travellers also highlight the importance of respectful conduct in public places and of choosing experiences such as an overnight cruise or a slower Hoi An stay rather than maximising the number of stops.
Travellers commonly add Ninh Binh when they realise it has been omitted, or extend the route with extra time in Hoi An, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City. Some also shift from a Ha Long Bay day trip to an overnight cruise to avoid the most rushed experience.
Before you go
Straight answers to help you plan — then personalise the trip with a specialist.
8 answered belowAsk a specialist anything about this trip — there’s no obligation.
Ask a specialistDo Indian citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa for Vietnam. The e-visa is available on the official Vietnam e-visa portal and is the standard option for tourists. Apply before booking non-refundable flights and confirm current rules with the Indian Embassy in Hanoi.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam from India?
March-April and October-November generally offer the best balance across northern, central and southern Vietnam. December to February suits southern beaches and Ho Chi Minh City, while June to August brings heat and rain to many regions. Check your specific route before booking.
How much does a Vietnam trip cost from India?
Indicative 2026 budgets for a 7-10 day trip range from about ₹45,000-₹60,000 per person at budget level to ₹1,20,000 or more for luxury, assuming double sharing and economy flights. These are travel-budget estimates, not Tripstor offers.
Are there direct flights from India to Vietnam?
Vietnam Airlines, Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air have operated or announced routes from Delhi and Mumbai to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Direct Delhi-Hanoi and Mumbai-Hanoi services were announced for 2026. Check current schedules as routes change.
Is Vietnam safe for Indian travellers?
Vietnam is generally safe for Indian travellers, with low violent crime. Watch belongings in crowded markets and on motorbikes, use Grab or metered taxis, and keep a copy of your passport. Avoid isolated areas at night and follow local advice.
What food should Indians try in Vietnam?
Try pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls, cao lau in Hoi An and banh xeo. Vegetarian versions exist, and Indian restaurants are available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Ask for 'do chay' and confirm no fish sauce if you are strict vegetarian.
How many days are enough for a Vietnam trip?
Seven to ten days covers Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City with one internal flight. Add two to three days for Hoi An, Hue or Phu Quoc. Shorter trips work if you focus on one region, such as the north or south.
What currency should I carry in Vietnam?
The Vietnamese đồng (VND) is the local currency, roughly 1 INR = 300-310 VND subject to market rates. Carry cash for markets and small vendors, and use ATMs or banks for larger withdrawals. Cards are accepted at hotels and many restaurants.