Vietnam Trip from India 2026: The Complete Guide — Visa, Cost in INR, Itinerary & Everything Else

Vietnam is one of those destinations that consistently surprises the travellers who arrive expecting something good and leave having experienced something significantly better. The landscapes are more dramatic, the food is more extraordinary, the cities are more alive, and the cost is lower than almost anywhere comparable in Asia. For Indian travellers specifically, Vietnam has become one of the most compelling international options available a short flight from several Indian cities, a straightforward e-visa process, a currency that makes you feel genuinely wealthy, and a level of diversity mountains, beaches, ancient towns, modern cities, rice paddy country that is genuinely unusual in a country of this size.

This Vietnam travel guide from India is built around what actually matters when planning a Vietnam trip in 2026: the visa process correctly explained, real costs in INR, the best itinerary structures for different trip lengths, honest assessments of the key destinations, and the India-specific information vegetarian food options, cash vs card, which cities have Indian restaurants, which experiences are genuinely worth the money and which are not that most generic guides don’t address.

Vietnam Trip from India: Visa, Flights and Entry in 2026

A scenic view of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, with numerous boats navigating the tranquil waters surrounded by towering limestone islands under a soft, cloudy sky.

Ha Long Bay nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets rising from emerald water, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the single most iconic image in Vietnamese tourism. An overnight cruise here is the centrepiece of any North Vietnam itinerary

Vietnam e-Visa for Indians (2026): Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam. The good news is that the process is straightforward and entirely online. Apply through the official Vietnamese government e-visa portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) not through third-party agents who charge significantly more for the same result.

Single-entry e-Visa: approximately Rs 3,000 to 4,500 (US$25). Multiple-entry e-Visa: approximately Rs 9,000 to 12,000 (US$50). Processing time: 3 to 5 working days. Validity: 90 days from date of entry (not from date of issue). The visa is valid for a single trip or multiple entries within the 90-day window depending on which type you apply for. Apply at least 7 to 10 days before travel to avoid any last-minute delays. Passport must have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry.

Flights from India to Vietnam (2026): Direct and one-stop flights are available from multiple Indian cities. IndiGo, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Air Asia all operate relevant routes. Approximate round-trip fares: Mumbai to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi: Rs 18,000 to 35,000 (budget to mid-range). Delhi to Hanoi: Rs 15,000 to 32,000. Chennai or Bangalore to Da Nang: Rs 16,000 to 28,000. Book 2 to 3 months in advance for the best fares. The cheapest routes are typically via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore with 2 to 4 hour layovers.

Vietnam Trip Cost from India 2026: Real Numbers in INR

Vietnam is one of the most affordable international destinations available to Indian travellers, and the currency exchange rate is genuinely striking 1 INR = approximately 286 Vietnamese Dong (VND) as of early 2026, which means even mid-range spending in Vietnam feels remarkably economical by Indian standards.

A realistic 7-day Vietnam trip cost from India: Budget traveller (hostels, street food, public transport): Rs 55,000 to 75,000 per person all-in including flights. Mid-range (3-star hotels, restaurant meals, some organised tours): Rs 90,000 to 1,30,000 per person. Comfortable/boutique (heritage hotels in Hoi An and Hanoi, Ha Long Bay luxury cruise, private transfers): Rs 1,50,000 to 2,50,000 per person. For the Global Journeys guest boutique accommodation, private guide, curated experiences, Ha Long Bay luxury overnight cruise: Rs 2,50,000 to 4,00,000 per person for 8 to 10 days.

Key experience costs in INR: Ha Long Bay overnight cruise (budget junk): Rs 5,000 to 8,000. Ha Long Bay mid-range cruise: Rs 12,000 to 20,000. Ha Long Bay luxury 2-night cruise: Rs 25,000 to 50,000. Hoi An cooking class: Rs 2,000 to 3,500. Ba Na Hills / Golden Bridge cable car: Rs 5,500. Cu Chi Tunnels day trip from HCMC: Rs 2,500 to 4,000. Sapa 2-day trek with homestay: Rs 4,000 to 8,000. Pho at street level: Rs 150 to 350. Full meal at a good local restaurant: Rs 800 to 2,000.

North Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa and Ninh Binh

Colorful street life thrives around the Hanoi train tracks, adorned with vibrant Vietnamese flags and street art, creating a unique urban scene.

Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital is a genuine surprise to first-time visitors. The Old Quarter 36 narrow streets each historically associated with a different trade is chaotic, atmospheric, and endlessly photogenic. Hoan Kiem Lake at the centre of the city is the gathering point of Hanoi social life. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070), and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology are all genuinely excellent. The street food around the Old Quarter bun cha, cha ca La Vong, banh cuon, egg coffee is some of the finest in the country. Allow at least 2 nights.

Ha Long Bay: The UNESCO World Heritage Site of nearly 2,000 limestone islands rising from emerald water is one of the defining landscape experiences in Asia. The way to see it properly is on an overnight cruise not a day trip. A full day on the water lets you kayak through cave passages, swim in calm bays between the karsts, and watch the light change on the islands as the sun moves. Two nights is better: the pre-dawn light on the water before the day boats arrive is extraordinary. The quality of cruise operators varies enormously the difference between a well-run mid-range cruise and a cheap junk is immediate and significant. Book directly with the operator rather than through street touts.

Ninh Binh: Often called the “Ha Long Bay on land”, Ninh Binh has dramatic limestone karst formations rising from rice paddies and rivers, accessible by small rowing boat through the Trang An Grottoes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It is considerably quieter than Ha Long Bay and pairs naturally with a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam. A day trip from Hanoi or a one-night stay is ideal.

Sapa: In the Hoang Lien Son mountains near the Chinese border, Sapa is Vietnam’s premier highland destination. The rice terraces carved by Hmong and Dao minority communities over centuries are among the most photographed landscapes in the country. The trekking here through terraced villages, across wooden suspension bridges, into forest that has no road access is the highlight of any North Vietnam trip for active travellers. Best time: September to October for harvest gold, March to May for the emerald green of new growth.

Central Vietnam: Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An and the Hai Van Pass

Hoi An Ancient Town at night a 15th to 19th century trading port where Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architectural traditions merge beneath hundreds of silk lanterns. On full moon nights the town turns off its electric lights entirely

Hoi An: The most charming town in Vietnam by almost universal consensus. A 15th to 19th century trading port that has preserved its architecture a blend of Chinese merchant houses, Japanese covered bridges, French colonial buildings, and Vietnamese shophouses in extraordinary completeness. The narrow streets of the Ancient Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) are lantern-lit at night in a way that is not staged for tourism but has continued as a local tradition for centuries. On the full moon each month, the electricity in the old town is switched off and the streets are lit by lanterns alone.

Hoi An is also Vietnam’s best destination for made-to-measure clothing dozens of tailors in the old town can produce high-quality suits, dresses, or ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) in 24 to 48 hours at prices that are a fraction of what the same garment would cost elsewhere. The cooking classes here typically starting at the morning market, moving through ingredient selection, and cooking 4 to 6 dishes in a family home or dedicated school are consistently rated among the best food experiences in Southeast Asia.

Hue: The former Imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 to 1945) sits on the Perfume River and has a quality of melancholy grandeur that is entirely its own. The Imperial Citadel a walled complex of palaces, temples, and gates built in the early 19th century on the model of the Forbidden City in Beijing was badly damaged during the 1968 Tet Offensive and is still being restored, which gives it an authenticity that complete restoration would eliminate. The royal tombs outside the city Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh in particular are extraordinary individual architectural statements.

Da Nang and the Hai Van Pass: Da Nang is Vietnam’s fastest-growing city and the main hub for Central Vietnam, with excellent beach access at My Khe and Non Nuoc. The Ba Na Hills cable car which holds several Guinness World Records and carries visitors to a French colonial hill station with the famous Golden Bridge held by two giant stone hands is a genuinely extraordinary piece of engineering and an unavoidable tourist experience in the best sense. The Hai Van Pass between Da Nang and Hue, on the coastal road, is one of the most scenic drives in Southeast Asia.

South Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc

Bustling night market aglow with vibrant red lanterns, drawing crowds to explore the lively stalls below.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC/Saigon): The commercial capital of Vietnam is a different city from Hanoi in almost every respect faster, louder, warmer, and more cosmopolitan. The Ben Thanh Market is a tourist institution worth navigating; the War Remnants Museum is a powerful and important experience that should be approached with time and attention rather than as a quick stop; the Reunification Palace (formerly the Presidential Palace, where the tank crashed through the gates in April 1975) is one of the most historically resonant buildings in Southeast Asia. The rooftop bar and restaurant scene in HCMC is genuinely excellent. Allow at least 2 nights.

Cu Chi Tunnels: 40 km north of HCMC, the Cu Chi Tunnel network was used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and extends over 250 km of underground passages. A morning tour from HCMC gives you context for the War Remnants Museum and an experience that is both historically important and physically memorable you can crawl through sections of the tunnels, which were genuinely lived and fought in. Ben Dinh site is quieter than the main Ben Duoc entrance.

Mekong Delta: A day trip or overnight from HCMC into the delta the massive river system that drains southern Vietnam and Cambodia into the South China Sea gives you a completely different Vietnam from the cities and the coast: floating markets, narrow canals between coconut palm groves, small villages that survive on the production of rice paper, coconut candy, and tropical fruit, and the particular atmosphere of a region where everything moves by water.

Phu Quoc: Vietnam’s largest island, off the southern coast near Cambodia, has transformed in the last decade from a backpacker secret to a resort destination with genuine luxury infrastructure. The beaches particularly Long Beach and Sao Beach on the southern and eastern coasts respectively are excellent. The diving and snorkelling around the southern archipelago is good. The night market in Duong Dong town is one of the better seafood markets in Southeast Asia. Fly direct from Hanoi or HCMC in approximately 1.5 hours.

Vietnam Food Guide for Indian Travellers

Hanoi’s Old Quarter at breakfast time the street food here is some of the finest in Vietnam, from pho and bun cha to banh cuon and the city’s famous egg coffee.

Vietnamese cuisine is one of the great food traditions in the world herb-forward, balanced, light in oil, built around fresh ingredients and complex broths. The dishes that are most famous internationally pho (rice noodle soup with broth and meat), banh mi (baguette sandwich with filling), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles and herbs), spring rolls, cao lau (Hoi An’s distinctive noodle dish) are available everywhere and are genuinely exceptional at the street level.

For vegetarian Indian travellers: Vietnam is predominantly a meat-eating country and vegetarianism is not well-understood in rural areas or at basic street food stalls. However, Buddhist vegetarian food (com chay) is available across the country, particularly near temples. Hanoi and HCMC both have Indian restaurants not many, but enough for an emergency meal of dal and roti when the longing is real. Fruits and fresh juices are extraordinary across the country. Rice, noodles, tofu, and egg dishes are widely available. The key phrase to learn is “khong thit, khong ca” (no meat, no fish) though in practice, fish sauce is used in almost everything.

Vietnamese coffee: Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer and the coffee culture is extraordinary. Ca phe trung (egg coffee) in Hanoi a frothy, sweet preparation of egg yolk whisked with condensed milk over strong Vietnamese coffee is a genuinely distinctive experience. Ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) is the drink of the country and costs Rs 80 to 200 at most places. Hanoi’s Train Street coffee shops, where tables sit within arm’s reach of the passing train, are an Instagram experience that has become genuinely crowded arrive early.

Vietnam Itinerary from India: North, South and Complete Country Options

A traditional pagoda stands serenely on a tranquil lake, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs lush with greenery, creating a scene of peaceful natural beauty.

Vietnam is a long, narrow country and most itineraries move either north to south or south to north. Flying into one city and out of another (open-jaw) is easy and often not significantly more expensive than a return ticket to a single city. Domestic flights between Hanoi, Da Nang, HCMC, and Phu Quoc are inexpensive typically Rs 1,500 to 5,000 one-way on VietJet or Vietnam Airlines.

7-day North Vietnam itinerary: Fly into Hanoi. Day 1 to 2: Hanoi Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, street food exploration. Day 3: Day trip to Ninh Binh (Trang An boat, Bai Dinh Pagoda). Day 4 to 5: Ha Long Bay overnight cruise the essential experience. Day 6: Sapa (overnight train from Hanoi or 5-hour drive). Day 7: Sapa village trek, return to Hanoi, fly home.

7-day Central and South Vietnam itinerary: Fly into Da Nang. Day 1: Da Nang, My Khe Beach. Day 2: Hoi An Ancient Town, lantern evening. Day 3: Hoi An cooking class, Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge. Day 4: Drive or fly to Hue, Imperial Citadel, Perfume River. Day 5: Fly to HCMC, Ben Thanh Market, rooftop dinner. Day 6: Cu Chi Tunnels morning, Mekong Delta afternoon. Day 7: Phu Quoc (fly), Sao Beach. Fly home.

10 to 14-day complete Vietnam itinerary (North to South): This is the classic full-country route and covers everything above in a sequence that allows proper time at each stop. Fly into Hanoi, fly out of HCMC or Phu Quoc. The route: Hanoi (2 nights) → Ninh Binh (1 night) → Ha Long Bay cruise (2 nights) → Sapa (2 nights) → fly to Da Nang (1 night) → Hoi An (2 nights) → Hue (1 night) → fly to HCMC (2 nights) → Phu Quoc (1 to 2 nights). This is the right structure for a first Vietnam trip that covers the country properly.

When to Visit Vietnam from India

A serene evening view of the Ho Chi Minh City skyline, reflecting vibrant hues in the Saigon River as modern skyscrapers illuminate the twilight.

Vietnam’s weather patterns are complex because the country is so long the north and south have almost opposite optimal seasons. The simplest guidance for Indian travellers planning a full-country trip is October to April, which gives you the best weather across most of the country simultaneously. November to February is the peak season and the most expensive window. March and April are excellent good weather, thinner crowds, and lower prices than December and January.

By region: North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa): October to April is best. May to September is hot and wet with typhoon risk. Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): February to August is the beach and sightseeing season. September to January can bring heavy rain and occasional flooding. South Vietnam (HCMC, Mekong, Phu Quoc): November to April is the dry season and best time. May to October is the wet season but rain is typically short afternoon showers rather than prolonged downpours.

Phu Quoc Island: Vietnam’s Beach Escape

Phu Quoc’s Sao Beach fine white sand, calm blue water, and a relative absence of the overdevelopment that has affected other Southeast Asian beach islands. The best beaches are on the southern and eastern coasts

Phu Quoc has developed rapidly over the last decade from a relatively unknown island to a legitimate luxury beach destination with properties from the InterContinental, JW Marriott, Premier Village, and several excellent independent boutique hotels. The beaches particularly Sao Beach on the eastern coast and Ong Lang Beach on the quieter northern coast are genuinely beautiful with clear water and minimal commercial development. The island also has a cable car to An Thoi archipelago (the longest non-stop cable car over water in the world), good snorkelling around the southern islands, and the Vinpearl Safari an open-plan zoo and safari park that families rate highly.

Practical Tips for Indian Travellers in Vietnam

A picturesque canal lined with vibrant, colorful buildings and lush greenery in a European-style town, basking under a clear blue sky.

Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). As of early 2026, 1 INR = approximately 286 VND. Always withdraw VND from ATMs rather than exchanging USD you get better rates. If paying by card, always choose to pay in VND (not INR or USD) to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees. Cash is still important in Vietnam, particularly at markets, street stalls, and in smaller towns. Carry at least 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND (approximately Rs 1,750 to 3,500) in cash at all times. ATMs from Vietcombank and HSBC have the lowest international withdrawal fees.

Transport: Grab (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber) works in all major Vietnamese cities and is the easiest, most transparent way to get around. Download the app before you leave India. Motorbike taxis (Grab Bike or GrabCar depending on your comfort level) are the fastest way through traffic in Hanoi and HCMC. Domestic flights on VietJet and Vietnam Airlines are cheap and frequent. Overnight trains between Hanoi and Da Nang are comfortable (soft sleeper class) and an experience in themselves.

SIM card: Buy a local Vietnamese SIM card at the airport on arrival Viettel or Vietnamobile both offer unlimited data SIMs for approximately Rs 600 to 800 for 30 days. This is significantly cheaper than international roaming and works across the whole country. Connectivity is generally excellent even in relatively rural areas.

Safety: Vietnam is one of the safer destinations in Southeast Asia for Indian travellers. Standard precautions apply watch your phone and wallet in crowded areas, do not accept unsolicited assistance with your luggage at airports, fix the price before getting into any taxi or rickshaw that does not use a meter. Petty theft from bags while on motorbikes does occur in HCMC carry bags on the side away from the road.

Frequently Asked Questions | Vietnam Trip from India 2026

Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam? Yes. Indian nationals require a Vietnam e-Visa, which must be applied for online before travel. The e-Visa is valid for 90 days. Single entry costs approximately Rs 3,000 to 4,500, multiple entry approximately Rs 9,000 to 12,000. Apply at least 7 to 10 days before travel.

How many days is enough for Vietnam? 7 days is enough to see one region (North or South) properly. 10 to 14 days allows you to cover the country from Hanoi to Phu Quoc with time at each key stop. For a first visit, 10 days is the recommended minimum for a full-country experience.

What is the currency in Vietnam and how much INR do I need? The Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 INR = approximately 286 VND as of early 2026. A daily budget of Rs 3,000 to 5,000 per person (food, local transport, entry fees, a tour or two) is comfortable for mid-range travel. Ha Long Bay cruise, domestic flights, and accommodation are additional.

Is Vietnam good for vegetarians? It is possible but requires attention. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (com chay) are available in most cities. Fish sauce is used in most traditional Vietnamese dishes if strict vegetarianism is important, stick to com chay restaurants and international restaurants. Major cities have Indian restaurants.

Is Ha Long Bay worth it? Yes, unambiguously. But the experience requires an overnight cruise on a decent boat, not a day trip. The difference between seeing Ha Long Bay from a cheap day boat and spending two days on the water on a well-run cruise is the difference between a photograph and an experience.

Plan Your Vietnam Trip from India with Global Journeys

Vietnam rewards good planning more than most destinations. The difference between a well-sequenced itinerary with the right accommodation choices boutique heritage hotels in Hoi An and Hanoi, a well-run Ha Long Bay cruise, pre-booked cooking classes and private guide for the Cu Chi Tunnels and a generic package tour assembled from whatever is available is not subtle. At Global Journeys, we design Vietnam itineraries for Indian travellers who want the genuine version of the country: the best cruise operators on Ha Long Bay, the right heritage properties in Hoi An’s ancient core, the private village trek in Sapa with a local Hmong guide, and the Hue experience that goes beyond the citadel into the royal tombs and the riverside restaurants that no guidebook has found yet.

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