First Vietnam trip from India: visa, flights and a 5-7 day budget

Vietnam trip from India: what to arrange first

Indian ordinary passport holders need a valid visa before entering Vietnam. For a straightforward 5-7 day holiday, a single-entry e-visa is usually the easiest option, with an official fee of US$25. Once you have checked the visa requirements, compare direct flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City before choosing your itinerary.

Vietnam is a manageable first international destination from India. Some nonstop flights take only three to five and a half hours, there are Indian restaurants in major tourist cities, and accommodation ranges from inexpensive guesthouses to comfortable hotels.

The part that needs the most attention is your international flight. A good airfare can make Vietnam an affordable holiday. An expensive flight, extra baggage charges or a poorly planned domestic connection can change the budget substantially.

Quick answer: how much does a Vietnam trip from India cost?

These are reasonable budget targets, based on indicative flights and travel spending in 2026.

These are illustrative planning budgets, not live package quotations. They include return flights from India, an e-visa, accommodation, food, ground transportation, sightseeing and a contingency allowance.

The estimates assume two adults sharing a double room. Solo travelers may spend more per person on accommodation. Families need separate calculations for children's airfares, visas, additional beds and activities.

Around ₹60,000 per person is a workable budget for a week in Vietnam. You can stay in a decent hotel, take a few organized excursions and eat comfortably without choosing the cheapest possible option every day.

Vietnam visa for Indians: requirements and application

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes. In 2026, Indian ordinary passport holders are not covered by Vietnam's general tourist visa-exemption arrangements.

Indian travelers need an approved visa before entering Vietnam. You can apply for a normal holiday visa directly through Vietnam's official electronic visa system.

The INR conversions use a 2026 reference exchange rate. Your card issuer may apply a different exchange rate and additional transaction charges.

How to apply for a Vietnam e-visa from India

Apply at least two to three weeks before departure. The official processing time is three working days, but this is not a guarantee that every application will be approved within that period.

An incorrect name, unreadable passport image or request for additional information can delay your application. Vietnamese public holidays may also affect processing.

The application process is straightforward:

1. Open the official portal at evisa.gov.vn.
2. Choose the electronic visa application for foreigners.
3. Upload your passport information page and a compliant portrait photograph.
4. Enter your personal information exactly as required by the form.
5. Provide your planned arrival details, visa dates and entry type.
6. Check everything carefully before paying the fee.
7. Save your application reference and use it to check the result.
8. Download and print the issued e-visa.

Your passport should meet Vietnam's validity requirements; plan for at least six months of remaining validity on arrival.

Single-entry or multiple-entry visa?

A single-entry e-visa is generally sufficient if you enter Vietnam once and remain inside the country throughout your holiday.

For example, Delhi - Hanoi - Da Nang - Delhi involves one entry into Vietnam. Taking a domestic flight from Hanoi to Da Nang does not count as another international entry.

A different situation arises if you fly from Vietnam to Cambodia or Thailand and then return to Vietnam. That trip may require a multiple-entry e-visa or another valid arrangement for your second entry.

Choose the visa according to the whole itinerary rather than just the first flight.

Is there an additional arrival declaration?

Vietnam introduced a Pre-arrival Information system, known as PAI, during 2026.

Foreign travelers are encouraged to submit their details through prearrival.immigration.gov.vn within three days before arrival or upon arrival, following the applicable airport guidance. The system produces a QR code that you can save on your phone.

Check the latest guidance for your arrival airport before departure, particularly as the system is being expanded.

Flights from India to Vietnam: where can you fly nonstop?

The two main gateways are Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport and Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Hanoi (HAN) is the gateway for the Old Quarter, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay and northern Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) serves southern itineraries, the Mekong Delta and connecting flights to Phu Quoc.

Da Nang, Nha Trang and Da Lat are also popular destinations, but you will need to check whether a convenient international connection or domestic flight is available on your chosen dates.

Direct flights from major Indian cities

Flight networks and operating days change. This table identifies routes to search, rather than promising that every flight operates daily.

Air India launched its Delhi-Hanoi nonstop service on May 1, 2026, adding Hanoi to its existing Ho Chi Minh City operation.

Vietnam Airlines introduced the Hanoi-Ahmedabad route on November 3, 2026, with four weekly round trips scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at launch.

For most direct flights from Delhi or Mumbai, expect roughly four to five and a half hours in the air. Kolkata to Hanoi can take around three hours.

Vietnam is 1 hour 30 minutes ahead of India throughout the year. That matters when you are checking overnight departures and morning arrivals.

How much are return flights from India to Vietnam?

A useful starting allowance is ₹22,000-45,000 per person for return flights, but actual fares depend heavily on dates, origin city, baggage and airline.

Air India's Delhi-Hanoi promotion in 2026 offered return economy fares starting from ₹34,299 under specified booking conditions.

Vietnam Airlines had return economy fares from Ahmedabad to Hanoi starting at ₹30,566 for selected February 2027 dates, and from Bengaluru to Hanoi starting at ₹39,133 for selected dates.

These promotional fares are not guaranteed for your trip. Availability can disappear, and the price shown at checkout may differ.

Before booking, compare the final amount rather than only the headline fare. Check baggage, payment fees, seat selection, meals and the cost of reaching your hotel from the arrival airport.

A flight that lands at 2 am may require an additional hotel arrangement. A cheaper ticket with a long layover may also leave you with less time to explore.

Should you book a round trip or a multi-city ticket?

Five to seven days usually fit best with a return ticket to the same city.

Flying into Hanoi and returning from Ho Chi Minh City can work for a longer north-to-south trip. It can also save backtracking, but only if you have enough time and your domestic travel is planned properly.

For a first Vietnam trip lasting a week, avoid buying separate domestic flights simply to visit three major cities. You may spend much of the holiday at airports instead of enjoying the places you came to see.

Vietnam trip from India cost in Indian rupees

Indian rupee to Vietnamese dong conversion

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong, abbreviated VND.

At the 2026 reference exchange rate, ₹1 is about 272 VND.

This is useful for estimating expenses while traveling. Your bank, ATM or money changer will use its own rate.

A quick mental shortcut: divide the VND amount by approximately 272.

Sample 7-day Vietnam trip budget

The following example assumes two adults sharing one hotel room and traveling independently.

The lower budget assumes a good airfare, modest accommodation, local meals and limited paid excursions.

For a comfortable trip, the larger allowance gives you room for better-positioned hotels, private transfers on selected days, Indian restaurants and organized activities.

A solo traveler who skips hostels needs extra money for a private room. Families must check whether a child can share existing bedding or requires an extra bed, and whether full or discounted entry fees apply at attractions.

How much do hotels cost in Vietnam?

Set aside around 500,000-900,000 VND per night for a double room in a conveniently located mid-range hotel.

In Hanoi, staying around Hoan Kiem Lake or the Old Quarter makes a short visit easier. Many sights, cafes and restaurants are within walking distance, and organized tours often offer central pickup points.

In Da Nang, the My Khe Beach area works well for beach holidays. A hotel closer to the Han River suits evenings spent exploring the city.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the central part of the former District 1 is convenient for major sights and restaurants. You may pay more for that location, but you can save time on transport.

Do not choose accommodation based entirely on the lowest room price. Families should check elevators, room size, breakfast, accessibility and whether a car can stop close to the entrance.

A slightly more expensive hotel can be better value than a cheaper room far from restaurants and transport.

Where does most of the money go?

The international flight is often the largest single expense for Indian travelers.

Accommodation is the second area worth comparing carefully. A shared room lowers the per-person cost considerably, while solo travel can push the average up.

Local Vietnamese dishes keep food costs low. Eating at specialist Indian restaurants every day usually requires a higher allowance.

Tours and activities vary even more. A basic city day can cost very little beyond meals and transport, while a cruise, private excursion or major theme-park visit can use a substantial part of the budget.

Set a separate contingency amount rather than using your last rupees on a hotel upgrade.

Best time to visit Vietnam from India

Vietnam has different weather patterns in the north, center and south. Choosing the right region for your travel month is more important than finding one supposedly perfect month for the whole country.

March and April: a strong choice for first-timers

For many Indian travelers, March and April offer one of the easiest combinations of weather and activities.

In northern Vietnam, Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay are generally more comfortable than during the hottest summer weeks. Central Vietnam is also moving into a favorable period.

Holi and early spring holidays fall in this window, a good time to compare flights to both Hanoi and Da Nang.

May and June: consider Da Nang and Hoi An

Vietnam's central coast is worth considering during the Indian summer holiday period.

Da Nang offers beaches, riverside restaurants and day trips. Hoi An is close enough to visit without booking another flight.

The main drawback is the heat. Schedule outdoor sightseeing in the morning or late afternoon and keep midday flexible, especially with children.

October and November: choose your region carefully

A Diwali holiday can work very well in northern Vietnam, especially around Hanoi and Ninh Binh.

However, October and November can bring heavy rain and flooding to central destinations such as Hoi An and Hue. Do not assume that good weather in Hanoi means equally good weather in Da Nang.

Ha Long Bay cruises can also be affected by storms, so keep an alternative activity in mind.

December and January: southern Vietnam is attractive

Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc offer warm weather and beach time.

Hanoi remains interesting, but you may need a light jacket or warmer clothing. Temperatures can drop much further in the northern mountains.

Christmas and New Year travel can increase demand for popular hotels and flights. Vietnam's Lunar New Year, Tet, can also affect restaurant opening hours, transport and accommodation prices.

A practical 5-day Vietnam itinerary from India

Option A: Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay

This itinerary works for travelers who want culture, limestone landscapes and a manageable introduction to Vietnam.

It is most convenient with return flights to Hanoi.

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Hanoi

   Land at Noi Bai International Airport, complete immigration and travel to your hotel near Hoan Kiem Lake.

   Arriving early, you can leave your bags at the hotel before check-in.

   Spend the afternoon around the lake and the Old Quarter. Walk through the historic streets, stop for coffee and have an unhurried dinner.

   After an overnight flight from India, keep the first day free of demanding excursions.

   Hanoi's airport bus 86 is the budget transfer. The fare is 50,000 VND per trip in 2026, with services running roughly from 7 am into the evening. Check the latest direction-specific timetable and stop locations.

2. Day 2

   A day in Hanoi

   Visit the Temple of Literature in the morning, then spend time around the French Quarter or a museum that interests you.

   The afternoon can be kept free for cafes, shopping or West Lake.

   Namaste Hanoi at 46 Tho Nhuom Street is the dinner stop for Indian food, with a broad selection of North and South Indian dishes, including vegetarian options.

   The restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a break between them. Check the opening hours before setting out.

3. Day 3

   Ninh Binh day trip

   Leave Hanoi around 7 am and travel south to Ninh Binh.

   The drive commonly takes approximately two to three hours depending on traffic and your exact destination.

   Choose a Trang An boat ride, then add Hoa Lu or one nearby attraction if time allows.

   Do not try to visit Trang An, Tam Coc, Hang Mua and Bai Dinh all in one day. The boat trip itself takes time, and rushing between sites removes much of the appeal.

4. Day 4

   Ha Long Bay

   A day trip to Ha Long Bay lets you keep the same hotel in Hanoi.

   Select a cruise that fits the time you have, including the journey from Hanoi to the departure port.

   An overnight cruise is the alternative: replace the Ninh Binh day with a two-day, one-night Ha Long itinerary. Five days are not enough to do everything comfortably.

5. Day 5

   Return to India

   Have breakfast, check out and travel to the airport according to your airline's check-in requirements.

   Do not plan another distant sightseeing stop before an international flight.

Option B: Da Nang and Hoi An

This alternative suits couples and families who prefer beaches, easy evenings and fewer long road journeys.

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Da Nang

   Arrive in Da Nang, check into your hotel and explore the nearby beach or riverfront.

2. Day 2

   My Khe and Son Tra

   Visit My Khe Beach and selected sights in Da Nang, including Son Tra Peninsula if conditions are suitable.

3. Day 3

   Hoi An old town

   Travel to Hoi An, explore the old town and stay into the evening to see its lantern-lit streets.

4. Day 4

   Beach or Ba Na Hills

   Relax at the beach or choose a paid excursion such as Ba Na Hills.

5. Day 5

   Fly out of Da Nang

   Return to Da Nang Airport for your domestic or international connection.

Da Nang and Hoi An are close enough to share a single hotel base.

This itinerary is best considered during the central coast's more favorable weather months, particularly February to May. Check forecasts carefully for trips in October and November.

A 7-day Vietnam itinerary for Indian couples and families

A week gives you more time to enjoy one region, take an overnight cruise or spend a few days at the beach.

The trip is worthwhile without crossing the entire country.

Seven days in northern Vietnam

This route is built around international flights in and out of Hanoi.

You can stay in the same Hanoi hotel for most of the trip, apart from an optional night on a cruise.

An overnight Ha Long cruise means arranging day 4 and day 5 around the operator's boarding and disembarkation times.

For older travelers, reduce the number of walking stops on day 2. The trips to Ninh Binh and Ha Long already involve several hours of road travel.

Seven days in southern Vietnam

1. Days 1-2

   Ho Chi Minh City

   Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and stay in a central hotel.

   Walk Nguyen Hue Walking Street, then see the Central Post Office and nearby neighborhoods.

   On the second day, choose between museums, city sightseeing or a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. There is no need to fit all these activities into one day.

2. Day 3

   Mekong Delta

   Take a day trip to My Tho or Ben Tre for river scenery, boats and local experiences.

   My Tho and Ben Tre already have the waterways and countryside; Can Tho is a long way to go on a short holiday.

3. Days 4-6

   Phu Quoc

   Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc and spend three nights on the island, subject to flight availability.

   Keep one day free for the beach and hotel facilities. Use another day for sightseeing or a boat trip if the weather is suitable.

   For families, a hotel with breakfast, a pool and an accessible beach can be a better choice than an itinerary full of organized activities.

4. Day 7

   Fly home

   Check your connections carefully.

   If your Phu Quoc-Ho Chi Minh City flight and international flight are on separate tickets, allow enough time for possible delays, baggage collection and another check-in.

The southern itinerary is particularly attractive between December and April.

Is seven days enough for Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City?

Technically, yes. Practically, it is not the best first-trip plan for most travelers.

Vietnam is long, and those three cities are in different regions. Flying between them means additional airport transfers, luggage handling and check-in time.

A seven-day trip can quickly turn into only four or five full sightseeing days.

Covering both north and south works best with multi-city tickets that arrive in Hanoi and depart from Ho Chi Minh City, or the reverse.

Otherwise, pick one region and enjoy it properly.

Vegetarian food and Indian restaurants in Vietnam

Vietnam can be a good destination for vegetarian Indian travelers, but you need to understand a few differences in food preparation.

The Vietnamese word "chay" generally refers to vegetarian food. Cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An have restaurants dedicated to vegetarian cuisine.

For strict vegetarian meals, choose dedicated vegetarian restaurants or make your dietary requirements very clear.

Vietnamese vegetarian dishes to try

Pho chay is a vegetarian version of Vietnam's famous noodle soup, usually prepared with mushrooms, vegetables or tofu.

Com chay is a vegetarian rice meal, often served with vegetables, tofu, mushrooms and other side dishes.

Banh mi chay is a meat-free Vietnamese baguette. Ask about sauces, butter and other ingredients if you are vegan.

Bun chay is a vegetarian rice-noodle dish.

Dau sot ca chua is tofu in tomato sauce, while rau muong xao toi is stir-fried morning glory with garlic. Confirm the seasonings if you have strict dietary requirements.

If you follow a Jain diet, vegetarian food alone may not be enough. You may also avoid onion, garlic and root vegetables, so contact the restaurant in advance whenever possible.

Useful Vietnamese phrases for vegetarian travelers

Save these phrases on your phone. Showing the text to restaurant staff can be easier than explaining a detailed diet in English.

Where to find Indian food

Hanoi: Namaste Hanoi, at 46 Tho Nhuom Street, serves North Indian and South Indian food and has a substantial vegetarian selection.

Ho Chi Minh City: Tandoor Indian Restaurant, on Ngo Duc Ke Street in the central former District 1 area, is an established option for curries, breads and vegetarian dishes.

Da Nang: Ganesh Indian Restaurant at 187 Le Quang Dao is one address to check when planning meals.

Uu Dam Chay in Hanoi and Hum Vegetarian in Ho Chi Minh City are worth considering for Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine.

Restaurant menus and operating hours can change, so confirm the details before visiting.

Indian restaurants may cost more than small local Vietnamese eateries. On a tight budget, mix local vegetarian meals with occasional Indian dinners.

Money exchange and payments in Vietnam

Vietnamese dong is the currency you will use for everyday spending.

Small restaurants, market stalls and local services frequently use cash. Hotels, larger restaurants and many shops accept international bank cards.

Do not assume you can exchange Indian rupees directly at every money changer. INR cash may not be readily accepted, and the available exchange rate may be poor.

A practical arrangement is to bring an internationally enabled debit or credit card and a sensible backup payment option.

ATMs are widely available in major Vietnamese cities and at international airports. Visa and other international card networks are commonly supported, although acceptance and limits depend on the machine and issuing bank.

How much cash should you carry after landing?

Around 1-2 million VND is a reasonable planning amount for initial expenses, approximately ₹3,670-7,340 at the reference rate.

This can cover a transfer, smaller meals, drinks and miscellaneous purchases before you settle into your hotel.

Keep most of the week's budget on your cards and withdraw from ATMs as you go.

Check foreign transaction charges and ATM withdrawal fees with your Indian bank before departure. If a payment terminal offers conversion into INR, review the exchange rate and charges before accepting.

Also learn the Vietnamese banknote denominations. A 500,000 VND note is worth much more than a 50,000 VND note, and it is easy to hand over the wrong amount when you are still getting used to the currency.

Getting around Vietnam without renting a motorbike

For most first-time visitors, app-based cars and organized transfers are easier than self-driving.

Grab operates in several major Vietnamese cities and is useful for airport transfers and local journeys where available.

When traveling with children, parents or heavy luggage, a car is usually more practical than a motorbike taxi.

For longer journeys, choose transport based on distance.

Domestic flights work well between northern and southern Vietnam. Trains suit a trip with time to enjoy the scenery. Road transfers and organized buses are useful for trips such as Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay.

In busy central districts, walking can be quicker than waiting for a car to reach a narrow street.

Which Vietnam itinerary suits your travel style?

Solo travelers

Hanoi is a practical place to start. You can find hostels and small hotels, explore central neighborhoods on foot and join group tours to nearby destinations.

A centrally located hotel with recent reviews is worth paying a little extra for.

Book your transfer in advance for a late-night arrival rather than negotiating with unfamiliar drivers outside the airport.

Couples

Da Nang and Hoi An are a good combination for beaches, cafes, slow mornings and evening walks.

Hanoi and Ha Long Bay are another attractive pairing, with landscapes and an overnight cruise.

On a honeymoon-style trip, decide where you would rather spend extra: a better hotel or a cruise. Doing both may push the budget up without necessarily improving every day of the holiday.

Families with children

Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City with Phu Quoc can be easier than changing hotels every night.

Choose a property with suitable room arrangements, breakfast and convenient access to restaurants.

For children or older relatives who follow strict vegetarian diets, check nearby meal options before booking a non-refundable hotel.

Keep some free time in the itinerary. One main activity per day can be enough for a family holiday.

Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand for Indians?

Sometimes, but not always.

Vietnam can offer good value for hotels, local food and transport. Thailand may have cheaper flights from certain Indian cities or more convenient schedules for your dates.

There is also a visa-cost difference.

Under Thailand's revised rules effective September 15, 2026, Indian ordinary passport holders are eligible for a 30-day tourism visa exemption. Vietnam generally requires Indian tourists to obtain an approved visa before arrival and pay the applicable fee.

That means Thailand can have an advantage on entry costs.

On the other hand, a good return fare to Hanoi combined with reasonably priced accommodation can still make Vietnam the less expensive trip overall.

Compare the same number of nights, flight inclusions, hotel category and activity budget.

A week in Hanoi and Ninh Binh should not be compared directly with a resort holiday in Phuket. Those are different travel experiences with different cost structures.

The destination with the lowest total confirmed cost for your preferred itinerary is the cheaper choice.

Your pre-departure checklist for Vietnam

Three to six weeks before departure: Choose your destination based on the season. Compare nonstop flights, hotel areas and the final airfare with baggage included.

Two to three weeks before departure: Apply for your Vietnam e-visa, check your passport validity and review your accommodation's cancellation terms. Consider travel insurance that covers the activities and possible disruptions relevant to your journey.

One week before departure: Review flight times, airport transfers, meal options and any booked tours. Confirm whether domestic connections are on the same ticket.

Within three days before arrival: Check the current Pre-arrival Information declaration guidance. Complete the declaration if applicable and keep the QR code available.

On departure day: Carry your passport, approved visa, return or onward travel details and accommodation information. Keep accessible digital and offline copies of important documents.

If your passport is lost in Vietnam, report it to the nearest police station and contact the Embassy of India in Hanoi or the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City for assistance.

Final recommendation

Between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for a first Vietnam trip from India, pick Hanoi in March or April and spend seven days exploring Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay. It gives you a balanced introduction to Vietnam without extra domestic flights or constant hotel changes.