Vietnam is becoming one of the most popular international destinations for Indian travelers.
It’s affordable.
It has beaches, mountains, nightlife and culture.
Food is interesting.
Flights are short.
But before you book your India to Vietnam tour, there are a few important things you must understand:
- Vietnam e-visa process
- Flight routes from India
- Entry cities (Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh)
- Currency and local payments
- Basic travel tips
If you get these right, your Vietnam trip from India will be smooth and stress-free.
Let’s break everything clearly.
Vietnam E-Visa Validity: It’s 90 Days, Not 30
Important correction: Vietnam’s e-visa for Indian citizens is valid for up to 90 days — not 30 days.
Vietnam updated its e-visa policy in August 2023, extending the maximum stay from 30 to 90 days for most nationalities including India.
As of 2026, here’s the full picture:
Vietnam E-Visa Process for Indian Travelers
The first question everyone asks:
Do Indians Need Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Indian passport holders must apply for a visa before traveling to Vietnam.
But the good news is — Vietnam offers an e-visa.
That means you don’t need to visit the embassy. Everything is done online.
Single entry means you enter Vietnam once and stay for up to 90 days.
If you exit Vietnam midway — to visit Cambodia or Thailand — and want to re-enter, you need the multiple entry option.
Which should Indians choose?
For a straightforward trip from India to Vietnam and back: single entry is enough.
If your plan includes Vietnam + Cambodia or Vietnam + Thailand in one trip: go for multiple entry.
Apply at least 7–10 working days before your travel date to be safe.
The official government portal is evisa.gov.vn — no other website is needed.
Third-party visa services often charge ₹1,500–₹3,000 extra as a service fee for the exact same process you can do yourself in 15 minutes.
How to Apply for Vietnam E-Visa from India
The Vietnam e-visa for Indians is simple if done carefully.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Visit the official Vietnam e-visa website
- Fill in personal details
- Upload passport scan (clear and valid for 6 months)
- Upload passport-size photo
- Select entry and exit airport
- Pay visa fee online
- Wait for approval
Processing time is usually 3–5 working days.
You will receive the approved visa by email. Print it and carry it with you.
Important Things to Be Careful About
Many travelers make small mistakes that cause delays.
Avoid these errors:
- Typing wrong passport number
- Selecting wrong arrival airport
- Applying at the last minute
- Uploading unclear passport photo
Vietnam visa process from India is easy, but you must double-check all details before submitting.
Visa Validity
Standard Vietnam e-visa:
- Valid for 30 days
- Single entry
If you are planning to visit Cambodia or Thailand in between and re-enter Vietnam, you must apply carefully based on your route.
Always check Vietnam entry requirements before booking flights.
Flights from India to Vietnam – Routes & Options
Now let’s talk about flights.
One reason Vietnam tour from India is growing fast is because of better connectivity.
Direct Flights from India to Vietnam
Currently, direct flights operate from:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
These flights usually land in:
- Hanoi (North Vietnam)
- Ho Chi Minh City (South Vietnam)
Flight duration:
- 4 to 5 hours for direct flights
This is shorter than many long domestic Indian flights.
Connecting Flights
If you’re flying from Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad or other cities, you may need:
- One layover (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore etc.)
- Total travel time 7–10 hours
Vietnam Flight Cost from India
Average return fares:
Scams in Vietnam That Target Indian Tourists (and How to Avoid Them)
Vietnam is genuinely safe — but a handful of scams specifically target tourists, and Indian travelers are among the most commonly targeted.
Here’s what to watch for:
1. Fake Taxi / Unlicensed Cab
This is the most common one, especially outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City airports.
A driver approaches you before you reach the official taxi stand.
They quote a low fare, then either run a tampered meter or demand 5–10x the real price at the end.
Fix: Use Grab for every ride. Price shows upfront. No negotiation. No surprises.
2. Third-Party Visa Websites
Many websites rank high for “Vietnam visa for Indians” but are not the official government portal.
They charge USD 50–100 for a single-entry visa you can get directly for USD 25 at evisa.gov.vn.
Fix: Only use evisa.gov.vn. If the URL is anything else, you’re on a third-party site.
3. Currency Confusion
Vietnamese Dong has large denominations — 10,000 VND, 100,000 VND, 500,000 VND.
Street vendors and small shops sometimes give change in smaller notes than they should, counting on you not noticing the difference.
₹1 = roughly 285–290 VND.
So 100,000 VND ≈ ₹345, and 500,000 VND ≈ ₹1,725.
Fix: Before paying, always count the notes yourself. Have the denomination chart on your phone for the first day or two.
4. Photo With Fruit Basket / Street Prop
A vendor invites you to take a photo wearing a traditional hat or next to their bicycle with a flower basket.
The photo is free — until it’s not.
They then demand ₹500–₹2,000 after the photo is taken.
Fix: If you didn’t agree on a price before, don’t engage. A polite “no thank you” and walking away works in every language.
5. Overcharging at Markets
Vendors at tourist markets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoi An quote prices that are 3–5x what locals pay.
Fix: Negotiate. Starting at 40–50% of the first quoted price is normal and expected.
If a vendor won’t come down, walk away — another stall will have the same item.
6. Fake Tour Packages
Some street-level tour desks near major tourist areas sell Halong Bay cruises or city tours at very low prices.
In reality they’re poorly run, cancelled without warning, or involve significant add-on charges on the day.
Fix: Book Halong Bay cruises through your hotel or a reputed operator.
Don’t book anything from someone who approaches you on the street.
Prices increase during:
- October to March (peak tourism season)
- Long weekends
- New Year period
If you book 2–3 months early, you can find good deals.
Flights from India to Vietnam are affordable compared to Europe or Japan.
Which City Should You Enter – Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?
This is an important decision.
Vietnam is long and narrow. North and South offer very different experiences.
Hanoi – North Vietnam
If you land in Hanoi, you can explore:
- Ha Long Bay
- Ninh Binh
- Sapa
- Old Quarter in Hanoi
North Vietnam feels more scenic and cultural.
Ha Long Bay cruise is one of the highlights of any Vietnam itinerary from India.
If you have 5–6 days and want nature + mountains + cruise, start in Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh City – South Vietnam
If you land in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), you can explore:
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Mekong Delta
- Phu Quoc island
- Vibrant nightlife
South Vietnam feels more modern and lively.
If you prefer city vibe + beaches, start here.
Health and Vaccinations for Vietnam from India — What You Actually Need
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Vietnam from India.
You will not be turned away at immigration for not having any specific shots.
That said, travel doctors and the CDC recommend the following for Indian travelers visiting Vietnam:
How to Decide?
For 5–6 days:
Choose either North or South.
For 8–10 days:
Start in Hanoi and fly internally to Ho Chi Minh.
Internal flights in Vietnam are affordable and convenient.
Choosing the right Vietnam travel route from India helps you avoid unnecessary travel time.
Vietnam Currency for Indian Travelers
Now let’s talk money.
Vietnam’s currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Can Indians Use INR in Vietnam?
No. Indian Rupees are not accepted.
You have three main options:
- Exchange INR to USD in India and convert to VND in Vietnam
- Carry international debit/credit card
- Withdraw VND from ATM in Vietnam
In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh:
- Cards are widely accepted
- Hotels accept cards
- Cafes and restaurants often accept cards
But small shops and local markets prefer cash.
The honest take for most Indian travelers:
If you’re doing a standard city-and-beach trip (Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh, Phu Quoc), Hepatitis A and Typhoid are the most relevant ones to check.
Many Indians are already vaccinated for these through childhood immunisations — check your records before spending on new shots.
Malaria risk: Low in major cities and tourist areas.
Risk increases in remote northern areas (Ha Giang, Dien Bien) and some parts of the Mekong Delta.
For a standard Vietnam itinerary, anti-malarial tablets are not generally required.
Practical tip:
If you want vaccines, book at a travel health clinic or a large hospital in your city at least 4–6 weeks before departure.
Some vaccines like Japanese Encephalitis require multiple doses spaced over weeks.
How Much Cash Should You Carry?
For daily expenses, keep around:
₹2,000–₹3,000 worth VND per day (per person) for food and local transport if not prepaid.
Vietnam is affordable.
Example daily expenses:
- Meal at local restaurant: ₹300–₹700
- Coffee: ₹150–₹300
- Local taxi ride: ₹200–₹500
Vietnam currency for Indian travelers is manageable and not confusing.
Just avoid exchanging money at airport counters due to higher rates.
How Much Does an India to Vietnam Tour Cost?
Let’s break it realistically.
Budget Vietnam Trip (6 Days)
Flights: ₹25,000
Hotels (₹3,000 per night x 5): ₹15,000
Food: ₹6,000
Internal travel & tours: ₹10,000
Visa: ₹2,000 approx
Total per person: ₹55,000 – ₹70,000
Mid-Range Vietnam Trip (7–8 Days)
Flights: ₹28,000
Hotels (₹6,000 per night x 6): ₹36,000
Food: ₹10,000
Tours & activities: ₹15,000
Visa: ₹2,000
Total per person: ₹90,000 – ₹1.1 lakh
Vietnam trip cost from India is much lower than Europe or Japan.
That’s why it’s becoming popular among young Indian travelers.
eSIM vs Local SIM for Vietnam: Which Should Indians Buy?
For most Indian travelers in 2026, eSIM is the smarter option — but only if your phone supports it.
Here’s the real comparison:
7–10 Days
30 Days
eSIM works best if:
Your phone is eSIM-compatible (most iPhones from XS onwards, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Google Pixel 3+).
Note: Many OnePlus phones sold in India do NOT support eSIM due to hardware restrictions — check before assuming.
You want to land in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh at midnight and have internet immediately without queuing.
Local SIM works best if:
You need a local Vietnamese phone number (some apps require it for OTP verification).
You’re doing a longer trip and want better rates for 30 days of data.
You’re trekking to remote areas like Sapa or Ha Giang — Viettel’s local SIM covers rural Vietnam better than most travel eSIMs.
Recommended approach:
Buy a Viettel SIM at the official counter inside the arrivals hall (not from touts outside).
30 days unlimited data costs around ₹700–₹900.
Takes 20–30 minutes to activate but is the most reliable option for a full Vietnam trip.
Important Travel Tips for Indians Visiting Vietnam
Here are practical travel tips you should know.
1. Buy SIM Card at Airport
Vietnam airport SIM cards are cheap and easy to activate.
Internet helps for:
- Maps
- Booking taxis
Translating menus
2. Use Grab App for Transport
Grab is like Uber.
It’s reliable and affordable.
Avoid random street taxis if possible.
3. Vegetarian Food Availability
Vietnam food is mostly non-vegetarian.
But in major cities:
- Indian restaurants are available
- Vegan cafes are growing
- You can request “no meat” dishes
Learn a few basic food phrases or use translation app.
4. Language Barrier
English is spoken in:
- Hotels
- Tourist areas
- Airports
But local markets may have limited English.
Use Google Translate for help.
5. Weather Differences
North Vietnam (Hanoi region):
- Cooler in winter
- Slightly colder in December–January
South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh region):
- Warm and humid year-round
Best time to visit Vietnam:
October to April for pleasant weather.
Ideal Duration for Vietnam from India
How many days are enough for Vietnam?
5 Days
Focus on one region (North or South).
7 Days
Explore North Vietnam comfortably.
9–10 Days
Combine North + Central (Da Nang, Hoi An) or North + South.
Vietnam is not a 3-day destination.
Minimum 6–7 days is recommended for proper experience.
Is Vietnam Easy from India? Yes – If You Plan Smart
Let’s summarize.
Vietnam e-visa is simple and online.
Direct flights are available from major cities.
Currency is easy to manage.
Food is affordable.
Internal travel is smooth.
India to Vietnam tour planning becomes easy if you:
- Apply visa correctly
- Choose right entry city
- Book flights early
- Carry proper currency
Vietnam offers culture, history, beaches and nightlife — all in one country.
If you plan smartly, your Vietnam trip from India can be affordable, smooth and memorable.
Before booking, make sure your visa, route and budget are clearly planned.
Once that’s done, Vietnam is one of the easiest and most value-for-money international trips for Indian travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visa, safety, money, insurance, and practical tips for Indian travellers visiting Vietnam.
