Asia · 6 destinations
Vietnam
Vietnam stretches over 3,000 kilometres of history and coastline — from Hanoi's French-colonial old quarter and the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the frenetic street-food markets of Ho Chi Minh City.
From India
~4–5 hrs
Visa
e-VisaLanguage
Vietnamese
Currency
VND (Dong)
Capital
Hanoi
Best Time
Nov – Apr
top experiences
What to Do in Vietnam
Iconic activities and unmissable experiences across all destinations
Hoan Kiem Lake & Old Quarter Walk
Start at dawn when locals do tai chi around the jade lake, cross the Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, then lose yourself in the 36 guild streets of the Old Quarter — each street historically specialising in a single trade, from silk to tin to paper.
Ha Long Bay Cruise
165km east of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay's 1,969 limestone karst islands rising from emerald water are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia's great wonders. Overnight 2-day cruises from Hanoi ($60–150) include kayaking, cave exploration, and onboard dining.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Temple of Literature
Visit Ho Chi Minh's preserved mausoleum (open Tue–Thu, Sat–Sun mornings only), the adjacent One Pillar Pagoda, and the nearby Temple of Literature — Vietnam's first university, founded 1070, a stunning example of traditional Viet architecture.
Ancient Town Evening Walk
Hoi An's Ancient Town is most magical after 5pm when lanterns are lit and cars are banned. Walk the Japanese Covered Bridge (1593), the Fujian Assembly Hall, riverside promenade, and An Hoi Island where coloured silk lanterns are sold from floating boats.
Cao Lau & Banh Mi Phuong
Hoi An has the most distinctive food in Vietnam. Cao lau (a noodle dish made only with water from the town's ancient well), White Rose dumplings (Banh Vac), and the Banh Mi sandwich perfected at Banh Mi Phuong — called the world's best by Anthony Bourdain.
Custom Tailor Visit
Hoi An has over 400 tailors who can produce a bespoke suit, ao dai, or dress in 24–48 hours at a fraction of Western prices. Yaly Couture and A Dong Silk are the most reputable. Order early in your stay for fitting time.
6 destinations
Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
City guides with things to do, honest costs, and local tips
Hanoi
Vietnam's Ancient Capital
Hoi An
City of Lanterns & Silk
Ho Chi Minh City
City of Relentless Energy
Da Nang
Beach City Gateway
Nha Trang
Vietnamese Riviera
Phu Quoc
Island Resort Escape
itineraries & guides
Plan Your Vietnam Trip
Day-by-day itinerary plans, cost breakdowns in INR, and honest local tips
Vietnam Travel Guide 2025: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City & Ha Long Bay
Vietnam 6-Day Itinerary for Indian Travellers (2025)
Vietnam 7-Day Itinerary for Indian Travellers (2025)
budget guide
How Much Does Vietnam Cost?
Daily budget estimates — accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$25–$45/day
🛏️ Hotel
$8–18 (hostel in Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem area)
🍜 Food
$6–10 (pho ₫40,000, bun cha ₫50,000, banh mi ₫20,000)
🚌 Transport
$4–8 (Grab motorbike across city ₫30,000–60,000)
🎟️ Activities
$8–15 (Temple of Literature $2, Hoa Lo Prison $1.50)
Eat where you see locals sitting on plastic stools — your meal will cost ₫30,000–60,000 ($1.30–2.50) and will be excellent. Egg coffee at Cafe Giang is ₫30,000 ($1.25) and the best coffee experience in Vietnam.
Mid-range
$60–$120/day
🛏️ Hotel
$30–60 (boutique hotel in Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem district)
🍜 Food
$20–35 (mix of street food and restaurant meals, craft beer)
🚌 Transport
$10–20 (Grab car + one Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh day trip transfer)
🎟️ Activities
$30–70 (Ha Long Bay day cruise $40–60, Water Puppet Theatre $5)
The sweet spot is a boutique hotel in the Old Quarter for ₫500,000–800,000 ($20–33) per night — many are architecturally charming French colonial conversions with excellent breakfast included.
Luxury
$150–$400/day
🛏️ Hotel
$100–300 (Sofitel Legend Metropole, La Siesta, Capella Hanoi)
🍜 Food
$50–120 (Cha Ca La Vong, Green Tangerine, rooftop dining)
🚌 Transport
$30–60 (Grab Car, hotel driver, private Ha Long Bay transfers)
🎟️ Activities
$100–250 (overnight Ha Long Bay luxury cruise $200–400/person)
The Sofitel Metropole is Hanoi's legendary address — Graham Greene and Ho Chi Minh both stayed here. The Bamboo Bar's Afternoon Tea is the city's finest. Book the Jade Dragon or Spice Garden for dinner.
Prices in USD. Hanoi is one of Southeast Asia's best-value capitals — world-class street food under $2, good hostels from $8, and excellent day trips at a fraction of comparable destinations.
seasonal guide
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Month-by-month weather, crowd levels, and highlights
January
17°C · Cool and misty, 15–18°C, lig
February
18°C · Tet (Lunar New Year) — cool
March
22°C · Mild, 20–24°C, light spring
April
26°C · Warm and pleasant, 24–28°C
May
30°C · Getting hot, 28–32°C, rain b
June
32°C · Hot and humid, 32°C, heavy r
July
33°C · Hottest, typhoon risk, flood
August
32°C · Heavy monsoon, flooding, typ
September
30°C · Rain easing, 30°C, still hum
October
26°C · Dry season begins, 26°C, per
November
23°C · Mild and clear, 22–24°C, low
December
19°C · Cool, 18–20°C, occasional mi
Hanoi has four distinct seasons. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cool and misty; spring (Mar–Apr) is pleasant with occasional drizzle; summer (May–Sep) is hot and wet; autumn (Oct–Nov) is widely considered the best time with mild temperatures and golden light.
visa & entry
Entry Requirements for Indians
What Indian passport holders need to know before booking
Visa status
e-VisaE-visa required
Practical tips
- ›Always carry a digital copy of your passport and visa
- ›Check the official embassy website for the latest requirements before booking
- ›Book return flights before applying for visa
- ›Keep proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
common questions
Vietnam Travel FAQ
Answers to what Indian travellers ask most
How many days do I need in Vietnam?
5–7 days is ideal to cover the main highlights without rushing. If you have 10–14 days, you can explore regional destinations at a relaxed pace and go deeper into local culture.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Nov – Apr is the recommended window — expect the most favourable weather, lower chances of disruption, and ideal conditions for outdoor sightseeing and activities.
Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Vietnam?
E-visa required. Always verify current entry requirements on the official embassy or government website before booking flights.
What currency is used in Vietnam?
Vietnam uses the VND (Dong). Carry some local cash for markets, street food, and smaller vendors — card acceptance varies outside major cities.
Is Vietnam safe for Indian tourists?
Vietnam is generally well-regarded for safety among international travellers. Exercise standard travel precautions, stay aware of your surroundings in tourist areas, and keep digital copies of important documents.
What language is spoken in Vietnam?
The primary language is Vietnamese. In major tourist areas and hotels, English is widely understood. Learning a few local phrases is always appreciated by locals.
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