Vietnam is Southeast Asia's most underrated destination. It is not as famous as Thailand, not as hedonistic as Bali, and not as convenient as Singapore — but it is arguably more interesting than all three. A country that fought and defeated the French and American empires in succession, that went from one of Asia's poorest nations to one of its fastest-growing economies, with a food culture that has quietly taken over the world.
Vietnam Visa for Indians
- ›E-visa: $25 for 90 days, single or multiple entry. Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Approved in 3 business days.
- ›Visa on arrival: Available but requires pre-approval letter. E-visa is simpler.
- ›Required: Passport (6 months validity), passport photo, credit/debit card for payment.
Vietnam 2-Week Classic Route
| Days | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Hanoi | Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, pho for breakfast every day |
| Days 4–5 | Ha Long Bay cruise | Limestone karsts, kayaking, overnight on the bay |
| Days 6–7 | Hoi An | Ancient Town lanterns, tailored clothes, Banh Mi Phuong, My Son ruins |
| Day 8 | Da Nang | Dragon Bridge, Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills cable car |
| Days 9–10 | Nha Trang or Mui Ne | Beach resort, diving, sand dunes (Mui Ne) |
| Days 11–13 | Ho Chi Minh City | War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Cu Chi Tunnels |
| Day 14 | Fly home | HCMC airport has great connections to India |
Vietnam Food: What to Eat and Where
- ›Pho (Hanoi): Beef noodle soup. Breakfast only at serious pho restaurants. Pho Gia Truyen on Bat Dan Street is 60 years old and opens at 6am.
- ›Banh Mi (Hoi An): Banh Mi Phuong is the most famous sandwich shop in Vietnam. Anthony Bourdain called it "a symphony in a sandwich." ₹30 equivalent.
- ›Cao Lau (Hoi An only): Noodles made with water from a specific Cham well. Only authentic in Hoi An.
- ›Bun Cha (Hanoi): Obama and Bourdain's meal at Bun Cha Huong Lien for ₹90. The restaurant kept the table and chair.
- ›Banh Xeo (Ho Chi Minh City): Sizzling crepe with prawns and bean sprouts, wrapped in lettuce.
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Ha Long Bay cruise: Book a 2-day/1-night cruise with Bhaya Cruises, Paradise Cruises, or Indochina Sails — not the cheapest boats. Budget $100–180 for a quality overnight cruise. Cheap boats have dirty cabins and overcooked food.
Vietnam Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | $8–20 (hostel/guesthouse) | $35–80 (boutique hotel) |
| Food/day | $10–15 (street food and local restaurants) | $25–45 |
| Transport/day | $5–15 | $20–40 |
| Ha Long Bay cruise | $80–120 (2D/1N budget) | $120–200 (quality boat) |
| Total/day | $25–50 | $80–165 |
