When Indians plan a Vietnam trip, the biggest mistake is trying to cover the entire country in one go.
Vietnam stretches from North to South and the landscapes change completely as you move down. Mountains in the North. Beaches in the Central region. Modern cities and islands in the South.
If you try to see everything in 6–7 days, you will spend more time at airports than actually enjoying the country.
Instead, it’s smarter to pick the right places based on your travel duration and interests.
Here are 8 places you shouldn’t miss on your Vietnam trip from India — and how to combine them wisely.
What Should Indians Eat in Vietnam? (And What to Watch Out For)
Vietnamese food is light, fresh, and very different from Indian food.
Most of the popular dishes have some form of meat or seafood in them.
But if you’re vegetarian, there’s still plenty to eat — you just need to know where to look.
Dishes Indians generally enjoy:
- Pho (rice noodle soup) — light and comforting, similar to a clear broth. Ask for the vegetarian version (Pho Chay).
- Banh Mi — a Vietnamese baguette sandwich. The vegetarian version has fresh vegetables, pickled carrots, coriander, and tofu.
- Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon) — fresh rice paper rolls with vegetables and herbs. Great for snacking.
- Fried Rice (Com Chien) — similar to what you’d find in Indian-Chinese restaurants, widely available.
- Bun Chay — rice vermicelli noodles in vegetarian broth.
The main thing vegetarians need to know:
Fish sauce is used in almost every Vietnamese dish — even salads and soups.
It looks like a liquid seasoning and doesn’t smell strong once cooked, so you often won’t notice it unless you ask.
These phrases will save you a lot of trouble:
Tôi ăn chay
I am vegetarian
Không thịt
No meat
Không cá
No fish
Không nước mắm
No fish sauce
Look for Com Chay or Quan Chay restaurants — these are Buddhist vegetarian restaurants found in most Vietnamese cities.
The food is good, the prices are low, and you won’t have to worry about hidden ingredients.
Indian restaurants are available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City if you need a break from local food.
But honestly, vegetarian Vietnamese food is worth trying — it’s much lighter than Indian food and easier on the stomach during travel.
Halong Bay – The Iconic Cruise Experience
If there is one image that represents Vietnam, it’s Halong Bay.
Located in North Vietnam, Halong Bay is famous for:
- Limestone islands rising from blue water
- Overnight cruise experiences
- Kayaking through caves
- Sunset views from cruise deck
Most travelers choose a 1-night, 2-day cruise.
You board the cruise around noon, sail through the bay, explore caves, kayak, enjoy sunset and stay overnight on the boat.
Is Halong Bay worth visiting?
Yes, especially if it’s your first time in Vietnam. It feels different from any other destination in Southeast Asia.
For couples and honeymoon travelers, it adds a romantic touch to the itinerary.
Hanoi – Culture, Cafes & Old Quarter
Hanoi is usually the entry point for North Vietnam.
The city has a strong cultural vibe.
In Hanoi, you can explore:
- Old Quarter streets
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Street food stalls
- Train Street
- Weekend night markets
Hanoi feels traditional and authentic. It’s slower compared to Ho Chi Minh City.
Spend at least 2 days here before heading to Halong Bay or Sapa.
For many Indian travelers, Hanoi becomes the heart of their Vietnam itinerary.
Sapa – Mountains & Rice Terraces
If you love scenic landscapes, Sapa is worth adding.
Located near the Chinese border, Sapa offers:
- Green rice terraces
- Mountain trekking
- Cool climate
- Village stays
Sapa is ideal for:
- Adventure lovers
- Nature photographers
- Travelers who enjoy peaceful surroundings
But it requires extra travel time from Hanoi (overnight train or bus).
If you have 7–8 days, you can include Sapa in your North Vietnam itinerary. If you only have 5–6 days, you may want to skip it.
Da Nang – Beaches & Modern Comfort
Moving to Central Vietnam, Da Nang is one of the most balanced destinations.
It offers:
- My Khe Beach
- Modern city vibe
- Easy airport access
- Clean and spacious roads
Da Nang is less chaotic than Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
It’s a great base for exploring nearby attractions like Ba Na Hills and Hoi An.
For Indian travelers who want beaches without too much rush, Da Nang works very well.
Hoi An – Lantern Town & Romance
Just one hour from Da Nang is Hoi An.
Hoi An is famous for:
- Lantern-lit streets
- Ancient town architecture
- Riverside cafes
- Tailor shops
In the evening, the town lights up with colorful lanterns. It looks magical.
Hoi An lantern festival is especially popular among couples.
Many honeymoon travelers consider Hoi An one of the most romantic places in Vietnam.
You don’t need more than 1–2 days here, but those days will feel special.
Ho Chi Minh City – Energy & History
In South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City offers a completely different experience.
It is:
- Fast-paced
- Modern
- Full of cafes
- Rich in war history
Top attractions include:
- War Remnants Museum
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Ben Thanh Market
- Rooftop bars
If you enjoy nightlife and city energy, you will like Ho Chi Minh more than Hanoi.
It’s also a good base for visiting Mekong Delta.
Mekong Delta – River Life & Local Culture
Located near Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta is usually done as a day trip.
Here, you’ll see:
- Floating markets
- River boat rides
- Coconut farms
- Small village life
It’s slower and more rural.
While it’s not as dramatic as Halong Bay, it gives you a glimpse into local Vietnamese life.
If you enjoy cultural experiences beyond cities, include it.
How to Get Between Cities in Vietnam (Flights vs Trains vs Buses)
This is something most blogs skip, but it’s one of the first things you need to figure out.
Vietnam is long — traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by road takes over 30 hours.
So your transport choices matter a lot.
Here’s a simple comparison:
For most Indian travelers, domestic flights are the best option.
VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways offer cheap fares — sometimes under ₹2,000 one way if you book early.
They save you 12–15 hours compared to trains and are much more comfortable.
Trains are worth considering if you have time and want the experience.
The Reunification Express route (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh) passes through scenic coastal areas.
It’s a great option for the Hanoi to Da Nang leg if you book a sleeper cabin — arrives in the morning and you don’t lose a hotel night.
Sleeper buses are the most budget-friendly.
They’re fine for 6–8 hour routes, but anything longer gets uncomfortable.
Good option if you’re tight on budget and doing Hanoi to Sapa or Da Nang to Hoi An.
For Hanoi to Sapa specifically:
The overnight train (6–7 hrs) is actually the best option — comfortable, scenic, and you arrive fresh in the morning.
Phu Quoc – Vietnam’s Beach Paradise
If your Vietnam trip from India is incomplete without beaches, Phu Quoc is the place.
This island in South Vietnam offers:
- Clear blue beaches
- Island resorts
- Snorkeling
- Long cable car ride to Hon Thom island
Phu Quoc feels relaxed and resort-style.
If you are comparing Halong Bay vs Phu Quoc:
Halong Bay = Cruise + scenic limestone landscape
Phu Quoc = Beach + island relaxation
For honeymoon travelers, both are good — it depends on whether you prefer cruise romance or beach relaxation.
How to Combine These 8 Places Smartly
Now the important question — how do you combine these without rushing?
If You Have 6 Days
Choose ONE region:
North: Hanoi + Halong Bay
OR
Central: Da Nang + Hoi An
OR
South: Ho Chi Minh + Phu Quoc
Trying to mix regions in 6 days will make it hectic.
3 Offbeat Places in Vietnam That Most Indian Travelers Miss
The 8 places in this list are all great — but if you’ve already done the main circuit or want something different, these three are worth knowing.
1. Ninh Binh — Halong Bay on Land
Ninh Binh is 2 hours south of Hanoi by bus.
It has limestone karsts, rice fields, and ancient temples — but instead of a cruise, you explore by rowboat and bicycle.
It’s much quieter than Halong Bay, significantly cheaper, and gives you a completely different kind of scenic experience.
If you’re tight on time or budget but still want the dramatic limestone landscape, Ninh Binh is the smarter pick over a 2-day Halong Bay cruise.
2. Da Lat — Vietnam’s Hill Station
Da Lat is in the Central Highlands, 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City.
It feels nothing like the rest of Vietnam.
The temperature is cooler (15–22°C), the town has French colonial architecture, flower farms, pine forests, and waterfalls.
Indian travelers often compare it to Ooty or Coorg — but with a very different vibe.
It’s a great add-on if you’re spending 3–4 days in South Vietnam.
3. Ha Giang — North Vietnam’s Most Dramatic Landscape
Ha Giang is in the far north, about 5 hours from Hanoi.
It has the most dramatic mountain roads in Vietnam — narrow highways cut into cliff faces with valleys hundreds of meters below.
The Dong Van Karst Plateau is a UNESCO Global Geopark.
This is not a place for everyone.
It requires motorbike travel (or a hired driver) and takes 3–4 extra days.
But if you like mountains and adventure, it’s unlike anything else in Southeast Asia.
If You Have 7–8 Days
You can combine:
North + Central
OR
South + Phu Quoc
For example:
Hanoi (2 days)
Halong Bay (2 days)
Da Nang + Hoi An (3 days)
This works well with one internal flight.
If You Have 9–10 Days
You can explore:
North + Central + South
But plan carefully.
Avoid spending too many days on internal travel.
Is Vietnam a Good First International Trip for Indians?
Yes — but with one thing to keep in mind.
Vietnam is not as easy as Thailand for first-timers.
English is less widely spoken, especially outside of tourist areas.
Food options for vegetarians require more effort.
And navigating a long, multi-region country takes more planning than a straightforward trip to Bangkok or Bali.
That said, here’s why it still works well as a first international trip:
- It’s affordable — you can do a good trip in ₹60,000–₹80,000 per person including flights
- Major tourist cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are well set up for visitors
- Grab (ride-hailing app) works everywhere, which removes the taxi scam problem
- The e-visa process is simple and fully online
- Crime against tourists is very low
The best first-timer routes from India:
If you want easy and relaxed: Ho Chi Minh City + Phu Quoc (beach + city, simple to navigate)
If you want culture and scenery: Hanoi + Halong Bay (iconic, well-organized tours, manageable in 5 days)
If you want a mix of everything: Da Nang + Hoi An (beach, culture, food — easy to get around and very photogenic)
Vietnam is not the hardest first trip.
It’s just one step more challenging than Thailand — and that’s what makes it more rewarding
Don’t Try to See All 8 in One Trip
Vietnam is not a checklist destination.
You don’t need to cover all 8 places in one trip.
Instead:
- Choose based on your interests
- Consider travel time between cities
- Balance sightseeing and relaxation
- Keep buffer time
For first-time visitors from India, North Vietnam (Hanoi + Halong Bay) or Central Vietnam (Da Nang + Hoi An) are excellent starting points.
Vietnam trip from India becomes smooth when you plan region-wise instead of rushing across the country.
Each of these 8 places offers something different.
Mountains in Sapa.
Cruise in Halong Bay.
Lantern evenings in Hoi An.
Beaches in Phu Quoc.
City energy in Ho Chi Minh.
Pick what excites you the most.
That’s how you build the perfect Vietnam itinerary — not by covering everything, but by covering the right things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything Indian travellers commonly ask before planning a Vietnam holiday.
