Vietnam Travel Guide for Indian Travellers: visas, veg food, budgets

E-visa in 3-5 days, veg eats, budgets in ₹, best areas, and transport tips for Indian travellers planning Vietnam now.

By Keego Travel Experts (Keego Travel Expert) · 2026-06-17 · 10 min read

Vietnam travel guide for Indian travellers

No fluff, just the real stuff. This Vietnam travel guide for Indian travellers packs e-visa steps that actually work, veg food you will enjoy, and money tips our Indian community used last month. Plan a fully custom trip with a Keego travel expert

Introduction to Vietnam for Indian Travellers

Short flights, big value, friendly vibe. Hanoi’s old tea stalls, Hoi An’s lantern streets, and the coffee culture in Ho Chi Minh City hit the sweet spot for Indian travellers.

• Our travellers loved mixing north and central in one week. One Keego couple did Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and still came home under ₹1.1 lakh for two.
• Expect ATMs everywhere. Cards work at hotels and malls, but keep small VND notes for markets and banh mi.

Tip we used last trip: carry a second debit card. Some Indian cards flagged Vietnam, a quick app unfreeze saved us, but a backup kept cash flowing.

Quick start: Vietnam travel guide for Indian travellers

• Connectivity we used: buy a Viettel or Vinaphone SIM at the airport kiosk, activation took 5 minutes with passport. “eSIM available” signs were common at Hanoi and HCMC.
• Power plugs: Type A, C, and F work with most Indian two-pin chargers. We still packed one universal adapter.
• Payments: UPI does not work. We used a Visa or Mastercard and withdrew cash at ATMs for street food.

Visa Requirements for Indian Passport Holders

Short version: Indians need a Vietnam e-visa before travel. Do it online, no agents needed.

• Where to apply: Official Vietnam Immigration portal, evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (Last checked: June 2026)
• Fee and type: ₹2,100 to ₹4,300 (US$25 single entry, US$50 multiple entry), paid online by card. Non refundable even if rejected. Source: same as above. Checked: June 2026.
• Validity: Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry. You select dates in the form. Source: same as above. Checked: June 2026.
• Processing time: 3 to 5 working days is standard. It can take longer in peak months. Source: same as above. Checked: June 2026.
• Documents: Passport valid 6 months from entry, clear passport data-page scan, recent portrait photo with white background. Source: same as above. Checked: June 2026.
• Entry points: Choose from listed airports and land or sea checkpoints, for example Hanoi NOI BAI, Ho Chi Minh City TAN SON NHAT, Da Nang. Source: same as above. Checked: June 2026.

How we fill it:

• Use exactly the name and spacing as on your passport.
• Upload a bright, no-shadow photo. We shot on phone against a white wall.
• Print the approval PDF. Immigration in Da Nang asked to see the paper copy.

Best Times to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam is long north to south, so weather shifts by region. If you want simple, pick February to April for mild temps and low rain across most areas.

• Peak, February to April, spring: best all-round.
• Shoulder, September to November: clear skies in the north and central, great for Ha Long Bay and hikes.
• Monsoon, May to August: hot and humid, showers in the north and south. Central coast beaches, Hoi An to Da Nang, often get sunny windows.

First-hand call: We cruised Ha Long Bay in March, flat seas and clear views. Friends who went in July had cheaper rates but misty mornings.

Budgeting Your Trip: What to Expect

You can do Vietnam lean or comfy. Here is what Indians actually spend.

• Backpacker, ₹2,500 to 4,000 per day: hostel bed ₹600 to 1,200, local eats ₹600 to 900, Grab and buses ₹400 to 800, a paid sight or coffee splurge ₹400 to 800.
• Mid-range, ₹6,000 to 9,000 per day: 3 to 4 star hotels ₹3,000 to 5,500, nice meals ₹1,200 to 1,800, taxis and intercity trains or a flight here and there.

Price anchors we paid recently:

• SIM, 15 to 20 GB for 7 to 10 days, ₹600 to 1,100 at airport kiosks, Viettel or Vinaphone. Passport needed. We activated in 5 minutes.
• Domestic flights, VietJet or Vietnam Airlines, Hanoi to Da Nang or HCMC, ₹3,500 to 7,500 one way if booked 3 to 6 weeks out. Prices vary by date. Check airlines for current fares: VietJet www.vietjetair.com and Vietnam Airlines www.vietnamairlines.com (Checked: June 2026).
• Trains, Hanoi to Da Nang soft sleeper, ₹3,400 to 5,400 one way, 15 to 17 hours. Book on Vietnam Railways: dsvn.vn, e-tickets accepted on phone. Checked: June 2026.

Cash tips:

• Indian Rupees are not accepted. Exchange USD or withdraw VND at ATMs. Small notes 10,000 to 50,000 VND help for street food.

Top areas and neighbourhoods

• Hanoi, Old Quarter: walkable, coffee alleyways, water puppet theatre. Stay if you like nightlife close to pho. We stayed near Hoan Kiem Lake, late-night noise was real, pick a lane off the main bar street if you sleep light.
• Hanoi, Tay Ho, West Lake: calmer, cafes, expat bakeries, family friendly.
• Ha Long Bay: base in Bai Chay for day cruises, or do an overnight boat. We prefer overnight to catch sunrise and quieter lagoons.
• Hoi An, Ancient Town: lantern-lit evenings, tailor shops. Hotels inside are charming but pricier. For quiet mornings, stay just outside and walk in.
• Hoi An, An Bang Beach: sea days plus 15 minute rides to town. Good with kids.
• Ho Chi Minh City, District 1: central sights and food tours. Our Grab from the airport to District 1 took 35 minutes in evening traffic.
• Ho Chi Minh City, District 3: cheaper stays, still close to the action. Better coffee scene.
• Thao Dien, Thu Duc City: leafy area with global eats, good for longer stays.
• Mekong Delta, Ben Tre or Can Tho: coconut canals or floating markets. Day trip from HCMC is doable, but we liked an overnight in Can Tho to see Cai Rang at 06:00 before the rush.

Worth it vs skip:

• Worth it, Ha Long Bay overnight in cooler months.
• Worth it, Hoi An cooking class if you enjoy food, many do veg menus on request.
• Skip cramming Sapa, Ha Long and Ninh Binh into 3 days. Distances will eat your time.

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Getting Around: Transportation Tips

In cities

• Grab works like Ola or Uber. Cars and bike taxis are easy and usually cheaper than metered cabs. Download and verify your card before you land. View details, Checked: June 2026.
• Airport to city: Tan Son Nhat to District 1 by Grab Car was ₹550 to 850 for us in normal traffic. Noi Bai to Old Quarter was ₹700 to 1,000. Keep small cash if your card fails.

Between cities

• Flights save time. Hanoi to Da Nang is 1 hour 20 minutes. Watch baggage rules on low-cost carriers. VietJet cabin 7 kg plus paid check-in. Fare rules: VietJet site. Checked: June 2026.
• Trains are scenic in the north and center. Book soft sleeper on night runs so you arrive fresh. Vietnam Railways, e-tickets via dsvn.vn. Checked: June 2026.

Local quirks we learned:

• Cross streets steadily, do not sprint. Bikes will flow around you if you keep pace.
• Night buses exist, but families may prefer trains or flights for comfort.

Food Guide: Navigating Vegetarian Options

Vegetarian food in Vietnam is way easier than people think.

What to look for

• Quan Chay means vegetarian restaurant. Common due to Buddhist tradition. You will see tofu, mushrooms, greens, mock meats.
• Phrases that help: an chay vegetarian, khong nuoc mam no fish sauce, khong thit no meat, khong trung or sua no egg or dairy.

Easy veg wins our travellers loved

• Pho chay, clear noodle soup with veggies and tofu. Ask no fish sauce.
• Com chay, rice plate with mixed veg, tofu, braised mushrooms.
• Banh mi chay, baguette with tofu or egg and pickles. Say no pate.
• Fresh spring rolls, goi cuon chay, with peanut dip.

Indian-friendly tip from our own meals:

• We asked for chilli on the side. Spice comes from fresh chilli and sauces, so you can dial it up or down.
• Halal, best in Ho Chi Minh City. Look around Ben Thanh and District 1 for certified spots. Ask to avoid fish sauce.

Coffee and desserts

• Egg coffee in Hanoi can be rich. If you avoid egg, order coconut coffee instead, ca phe dua, sweet and smooth.

Common Itinerary Mistakes to Avoid

• Doing north, central and south in 7 days. Pick two zones. For example, Hanoi, Ha Long, and Hoi An with a Da Nang flight, or stick to HCMC, Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc.
• Booking Ha Long Bay day trip from Hanoi without checking pickup time. You lose 7 to 8 hours in round-trip road time. We prefer an overnight in Ha Long City to cut the commute.
• Underestimating visa time. Apply 10 to 14 days before departure, not the week of the flight.

Common mistakes Indians make, and fixes

• Counting on UPI abroad. UPI does not work in Vietnam. Carry a Visa or Mastercard and a backup card. Withdraw cash on arrival.
• Vegetarian but forgetting fish sauce. Always say khong nuoc mam. We got caught on day one. Fixed from day two, all good.
• Taking the first taxi at airports. Use Grab for transparent pricing. It reduced our airport ride by ₹200 to ₹300 versus cash cabs.

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Getting your Vietnam e-visa right, step by step

This section is nerdy but saves headaches.

• Create application on the official portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, upload passport scan and portrait. Fee ₹2,100 to ₹4,300 (US$25 single, US$50 multiple). Non refundable. Processing 3 to 5 working days. Last checked: June 2026.
• Enter intended entry point and dates. You can arrive on or after the start date. Some airlines check your printed approval at check-in.
• On approval, download and print the PDF. Carry 1 copy. Keep a soft copy on your phone.
• At immigration, present passport, printed e-visa, and onward or return ticket if asked.

Sample 7 to 10 day plans that work

• 7 days, North plus Central: Hanoi 2N, Ha Long Bay 1N boat, Da Nang 1N, Hoi An 3N. Flight HAN to DAD on day 4.
• 9 to 10 days, South focus: Ho Chi Minh City 3N, Mekong Delta 1N, Phu Quoc 4N, back to HCMC 1N. Flights are short and cheap on sales.

If you want this built for you, we will plug in hotels and transfers at your budget, and keep veg-friendly meals in mind.

FAQs

• What is the e-visa process for Indian travellers?

Apply online via the official portal, upload a passport scan and photo, pay ₹2,100 to ₹4,300 equivalent in USD, then receive approval in 3 to 5 working days. Print it and carry. View details. Last checked: June 2026.

• Is Vietnam safe for solo female travellers?

Yes. Stick to central areas at night, use Grab, and watch bags in markets. We felt fine walking in Hoi An at 21:00 and using Grab back to the hotel.

• What are the best vegetarian food options in Vietnam?

Look for Quan Chay. Order pho chay, com chay, banh mi chay. Say khong nuoc mam to avoid fish sauce.

• How can I get around Vietnam easily?

Use Grab in cities. For longer hops, fly VietJet or Vietnam Airlines, or take Vietnam Railways. Links: Grab www.grab.com/vn, Vietnam Railways dsvn.vn, checked June 2026.

• What is the average daily budget for travelling in Vietnam?

Backpacker ₹2,500 to 4,000. Mid-range ₹6,000 to 9,000. Family with flights and nicer hotels will land higher.

Sources and checks

• Vietnam Immigration e-visa portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, Last checked: June 2026
• Vietnam Railways booking: dsvn.vn, Last checked: June 2026
• Grab Vietnam: www.grab.com/vn, Last checked: June 2026
• Airlines: www.vietjetair.com and www.vietnamairlines.com, Checked: June 2026

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