Vietnam is a great first international trip from India. It offers beautiful landscapes, lively cities, friendly people, and food that suits many tastes. The country stretches from the cool mountains and ancient streets in the north to the sunny beaches and river life in the south. English is common in tourist areas, and travel services are well organized. Prices are generally good value compared to many popular destinations, making Vietnam easy on the wallet without cutting comfort.
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Overview
Vietnam is a great first international trip from India. It offers beautiful landscapes, lively cities, friendly people, and food that suits many tastes. The country stretches from the cool mountains and ancient streets in the north to the sunny beaches and river life in the south. English is common in tourist areas, and travel services are well organized. Prices are generally good value compared to many popular destinations, making Vietnam easy on the wallet without cutting comfort.
Visa requirement for Indian passport holders
Most Indian citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. The simplest option is the official e visa. Apply online a few weeks before travel. Standard documents include a passport valid for at least six months on the date of entry, a recent passport photo, and basic trip details like entry point and travel dates. Processing can take a few working days, so plan ahead. E visas are usually issued for short stays and can be single entry or multiple entry. Carry printouts of the approved e visa and keep a digital copy on the phone. If plans change, do not overstay; instead, extend or exit and reenter if the visa type allows. A special case is Phu Quoc Island, which allows visa free entry for up to 30 days if arrival and departure are via Phu Quoc only and the stay does not include mainland Vietnam. Rules can change, so always check current requirements before booking and keep all documents handy for immigration.
Culture and etiquette
Dress modestly for temples and pagodas, with shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes when asked. Ask before photographing people, especially in rural areas and at religious sites. Bargaining is normal in markets; smile and keep it friendly. When crossing streets, walk steadily and do not run; scooters will flow around a predictable path. Public displays of affection are best kept discreet. Trash bins are common; carry a small bag for litter in rural areas.
Health and safety
Vietnam is generally very safe for visitors. Petty theft can occur in crowded markets, so keep phones and wallets secure and use hotel safes for passports. Traffic is busy; use marked crossings and overpasses where available. For health, carry personal medicines, basic first aid, sunscreen, and insect repellent, especially for the Mekong and rural areas. Consider travel insurance that covers medical care, trip delay, and baggage. Tap water is not for drinking; use bottled or filtered water. If renting scooters, wear a helmet and confirm license requirements and insurance coverage.
Costs and money
Vietnam is good value for Indian travelers. Street food meals are very affordable. Mid range restaurants are still reasonable. Hotels range from budget hostels to luxury resorts at competitive prices. Local tours and transfers are usually priced fairly, especially when booked directly with reputable providers. The currency is the Vietnamese dong. ATMs are common in cities. Cards work at many hotels and restaurants, but small shops prefer cash. Carry small notes for markets and taxis. Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated.
Food and drink highlights
Coffee: Strong Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, coconut coffee, or egg coffee in the north.Vegetarian travelers can find tofu dishes, vegetable stir fries, and meat free versions of popular noodles. Always confirm ingredients and ask for no fish sauce if needed. Drink sealed bottled water. Ice is typically safe in established cafes and hotels, but when in doubt, avoid it.
Goi cuon and cha gio: Fresh and fried spring rolls with dipping sauces.
Bun cha and bun bo: Grilled meats with rice noodles and fresh greens.
Banh mi: Crisp baguette sandwich with fresh herbs, pickles, and meats or eggs.
Pho: Fragrant noodle soup, often beef or chicken, eaten any time of day.
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Connectivity and essentials
Buy a local SIM or eSIM on arrival for maps, ride hailing, and translations. Most hotels and cafes have good Wi Fi. Plugs are commonly Type A, C, or F with 220V supply, so carry a universal adapter. Power cuts are rare in major cities. Laundry services are easy to find and affordable in tourist hubs. Pharmacies are common; carry prescriptions and know the generic names of medicines.
Best time to visit
Most Indian citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. The simplest option is the official e visa. Apply online a few weeks before travel. Standard documents include a passport valid for at least six months on the date of entry, a recent passport photo, and basic trip details like entry point and travel dates. Processing can take a few working days, so plan ahead. E visas are usually issued for short stays and can be single entry or multiple entry. Carry printouts of the approved e visa and keep a digital copy on the phone. If plans change, do not overstay; instead, extend or exit and reenter if the visa type allows. A special case is Phu Quoc Island, which allows visa free entry for up to 30 days if arrival and departure are via Phu Quoc only and the stay does not include mainland Vietnam. Rules can change, so always check current requirements before booking and keep all documents handy for immigration.
Best time to visit
Vietnam has three main climate zones. The north has four seasons, with warm spring, hot summer, cool autumn, and chilly winter. The central coast is warm most of the year but can get heavy rain and typhoons around September to November. The south is tropical and warm year round, with a dry season roughly from November to April and a wet season roughly from May to October. Good all round months for most first time trips are February to April and October to early December. If visiting only the south, December to March is sunny and pleasant. If hiking in the north, late September to November brings clear skies and golden rice terraces.
How the country is laid out
Think of Vietnam as an S shaped journey:
Distances are long, so plan flights between regions to save time. Trains are scenic on the Reunification Line, especially between Hue and Da Nang along the Hai Van Pass. Buses connect secondary towns, but expect slower travel.
Top places for first time visitors
Suggested trip lengths and sample itineraries
14 days Classic S shape: Hanoi 2 nights, Halong Bay 1 night, Ninh Binh 1 night, fly to Da Nang and stay Hoi An 3 nights with Hue day trip, fly to Ho Chi Minh City 3 nights including Mekong Delta 1 to 2 nights.
10 days North and Central: Hanoi 2 nights, Halong Bay 1 night, fly to Da Nang, Hoi An 3 nights with a day trip to Hue, Da Nang 1 night.
7 to 8 days South focus: Ho Chi Minh City 3 nights, Mekong Delta 1 to 2 nights, Phu Quoc 2 to 3 nights for beaches.
6 to 7 days North focus: Hanoi 3 nights, Halong Bay 1 night cruise, Ninh Binh 1 night, final night in Hanoi for shopping and departure.
Phu Quoc: Island beaches, snorkeling, relaxed resorts, and a good mix of budget and upscale stays.
Mekong Delta: Boat trips on lush canals, floating markets, and local fruit gardens.
Ho Chi Minh City: Markets, coffee culture, French colonial buildings, War Remnants Museum, and rooftop views.
Hue: Ancient capital with imperial citadel, royal tombs, and Perfume River cruises.
Da Nang and Hoi An: Beach time in Da Nang, lantern lit streets in Hoi An, tailor made clothing, An Bang Beach, and the Marble Mountains.
Sapa: Rice terraces, ethnic villages, light treks with homestays if altitude and weather suit the group.
Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay: An overnight cruise among karst islands, kayaking and cave visits, with calm sunrise views on deck.
Hanoi: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, street food walks, water puppets, and day trips to Ninh Binh for limestone cliffs and river caves.
South: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Da Lat
Central: Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Quy Nhon
North: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa
Getting around and within cities
Walking and cycling: Old quarters and Hoi An are great on foot or bicycle; watch for scooters at crossings.
Taxis and ride hailing: Metered taxis and app based rides are common in big cities. Confirm the route and keep small notes for payment.
Buses and vans: Useful for short hops, but pad the schedule.
Trains: Comfortable cabins on the Reunification Line; book soft berth for night journeys.
Domestic flights: Best way to move between north, central, and south on short trips.
Quick two minute game plan
Decide which two regions matter most, then connect them by flight. If nature and culture come first, do Hanoi, Halong, and Hoi An. If food and nightlife come first, do Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong, and a beach like Phu Quoc or Mui Ne. Keep one buffer day in big cities for shopping and rest. Confirm visa, flights, and one or two standout experiences in advance, then fill the rest as energy allows.
Final word
With simple planning, clear visa steps, and flexible routing, Vietnam gives first time visitors from India a smooth, value rich holiday. Mix big city walks, calm bays, lantern towns, and island sunsets, and keep travel light and curious. This Vietnam Travel Guide is a practical starting point for building an easy, memorable itinerary.
Packing checklist
- Photocopies of key documents and emergency contact numbers.
- Basic medicines, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
- Universal power adapter and power bank.
- Small daypack, refillable water bottle, and dry bag for boats and beaches.
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with grip; water shoes for boat trips if desired.
- Lightweight clothing for heat, a light sweater for cool northern nights, and a compact rain jacket.
- Passport valid at least six months, printed e visa approval, return flight, hotel details, and travel insurance.
Tips to save time and money
Group sights by area to cut travel time. Book domestic flights early for better fares. For Halong Bay, choose reputable cruise companies and prefer an overnight to enjoy sunset and sunrise. In Hoi An, plan fittings early if ordering tailored clothes. In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, start early to beat heat and traffic at popular attractions. Use metered taxis or ride hailing to avoid haggling. Eat at busy spots for fresh food. Carry small notes to avoid waiting for change. For souvenirs, compare prices across a few shops and bargain with a smile.
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- Ankur Sodhi
- Ankur Sodhi is a Gurugram-based travel expert from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, with 13 years’ experience crafting domestic and international tour packages from India with transparent pricing and end‑to‑end support. Founder of Pine Valley Holidays Private Limited in 2013.
