Vietnam Travel Guide for Indians 2026: e-Visa Rules, Budget & Best Places
Vietnam has emerged as one of the hottest travel destinations for Indian tourists in 2025–2026, and the numbers bear this out — Indian arrivals to Vietnam have grown by over 60% in the past two years. And it's easy to understand why. Vietnam offers a spectacular mix of natural wonders (Ha Long Bay, the rice terraces of Sapa), ancient history (Hoi An's lantern-lit old town, Hue's imperial citadel), vibrant modern cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City), world-renowned cuisine, and some of Southeast Asia's most dramatic landscapes — all at a price point that makes it one of the most compelling international destinations for Indian travellers.
Vietnam e-Visa for Indians: Simple & Fast
📄 Vietnam e-Visa Essentials
- Visa Requirement: Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa.
- e-Visa Option: Available completely online for up to 90 days (single or multiple entry)
- Visa Fee: $25 for a single-entry e-Visa
- Apply at: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Processing time: 3 to 7 working days
- Documents needed: Valid passport (6+ months), passport photo, credit card for payment
The entirely online e-Visa policy is a massive relief. Indian travellers can now fly to Vietnam without any physical embassy visits or complicated paperwork. It is highly recommended to apply for the e-Visa at least 15 days before departure to avoid unforeseen delays.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam from India
Vietnam's long narrow geography means different regions have different weather patterns. As a general rule, November to April is the best time for most of the country. Here's the region-specific guide:
- Hanoi & Ha Long Bay: October to April (dry, pleasant — avoid summer monsoon)
- Hoi An & Da Nang: February to August (dry season; September–November can be rainy)
- Ho Chi Minh City: December to April (dry season; May–November is monsoon)
- Sapa (rice terraces): September–October (harvest season — terraces are golden yellow)
Top Tip: Vietnamese New Year (Tet) falls in January or February. While culturally fascinating, many businesses close and travel is more expensive. Plan around it or embrace it for a unique cultural experience.
Must-Visit Destinations in Vietnam
🏠 Hanoi — The Ancient Capital
Vietnam's capital is a city of layered history — French colonial boulevards, traditional tube houses, 1,000-year-old temples, and a chaotic, beautiful street food scene. Don't miss the Hoan Kiem Lake with the Turtle Tower, the Temple of Literature (Vietnam's first university), the Old Quarter with its 36 trade streets, and a late-night bowl of pho at a street-side stall. Hanoi is also your base for Ha Long Bay day trips or overnight cruises.
🏛 Ha Long Bay — Vietnam's Crown Jewel
Ha Long Bay is one of the world's most iconic seascapes — over 1,600 limestone karst islands rising dramatically from jade-green water, studded with caves, grottoes, and floating fishing villages. A 2-3 night overnight cruise aboard a traditional junk boat is the definitive Vietnam experience. Swimming in emerald coves, kayaking through hidden lagoons, watching the sunrise from your cabin deck with mist rolling off the islands — Ha Long Bay is the reason Vietnam's tourism surged globally. Book cruises 2–3 months in advance for the Christmas–January peak.
🌞 Hoi An — The Lantern City
Hoi An's Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful towns. At night, hundreds of silk lanterns illuminate the shophouses, temples, and waterways — creating a scene that feels almost dreamlike. By day, you can visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, take a cooking class, cycle through rice paddies to the beach, or commission custom-tailored clothes from one of Hoi An's famous tailors (get a perfectly fitted suit or dress made overnight for incredibly low prices). Hoi An is 30 minutes from Da Nang airport.
🏛 Ho Chi Minh City — Vietnam's Energetic South
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is Vietnam's economic engine — fast-moving, chaotic, and endlessly energetic. The War Remnants Museum (sobering and important) and the Cu Chi Tunnels (20km of underground war tunnels used by the Viet Cong) are essential historical visits. Ben Thanh Market is a sensory overload of textiles, souvenirs, and street food. The Bui Vien Walking Street is HCMC's famous backpacker strip — raucous and festive at night. HCMC is also the gateway to the Mekong Delta.
Vietnam Trip Budget for Indians (2026)
| Expense | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Return Flights (from Ahmedabad) | ₹25,000–₹40,000 | ₹40,000–₹60,000 |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | ₹7,000–₹12,000 | ₹15,000–₹30,000 |
| Ha Long Bay Cruise (2N) | ₹12,000–₹18,000 | ₹20,000–₹40,000 |
| Food (7 days) | ₹4,000–₹8,000 | ₹8,000–₹15,000 |
| Transport (local + intercity) | ₹4,000–₹7,000 | ₹8,000–₹14,000 |
| Activities & Sightseeing | ₹3,000–₹6,000 | ₹6,000–₹12,000 |
| Total Estimate (7 nights) | ₹55,000–₹91,000 | ₹97,000–₹1,71,000 |
Suggested 9-Night Vietnam Itinerary for Indians
Indian Food & Vegetarian Options in Vietnam
Vietnam's cuisine is not naturally vegetarian-friendly — fish sauce and shrimp paste are base ingredients in most dishes. However, major cities have adapted well. Hoi An has an entire street of vegetarian restaurants. Hanoi, Da Nang, and HCMC have good Indian restaurant options. For strict vegetarians, carry high-protein Indian snacks, and look for Buddhist Vietnamese restaurants (chay restaurants) that serve entirely plant-based meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Indians require an e-Visa for Vietnam, which is fully accessible online for approx. $25 with 3-7 day processing time. It allows a stay of up to 90 days. This makes Vietnam highly accessible with no physical embassy visit required.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam from India?
November to April is the best window for most of Vietnam. Ha Long Bay and Hanoi are ideal October–April. Hoi An is best from February to August. Avoid travelling to Hanoi and the north during typhoon season (July–September).
What is the total budget for a Vietnam trip from India?
A well-planned 7-9 night Vietnam trip from Ahmedabad costs approximately ₹55,000–1,20,000 per person including flights, accommodation, Ha Long Bay cruise, food, and transport — making it one of the most affordable international holidays for Indians.
Is Ha Long Bay worth it?
Absolutely yes — Ha Long Bay is one of those rare destinations that exceeds expectations. The 2-night overnight cruise is highly recommended over a day trip because you experience the bay at sunrise and sunset, and at night when the crowds thin and the water glows with bioluminescent plankton.
Can Shahi Travels book Vietnam holiday packages from Ahmedabad?
Yes! Shahi Travels offers complete Vietnam packages from Ahmedabad including return flights, hotel bookings, Ha Long Bay cruise reservations, guided city tours, and e-Visa assistance. Contact us for a customised quote.
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