International Trips 09 Sep 2026

Vietnam Travel Guide 2026: Best Places & 7-Day Itinerary

If you're searching for a reliable Vietnam travel guide from India, you've probably already noticed how popular this Southeast Asian country has become with Indian travellers over the last few years. Direct flight connections from Delhi and Mumbai, visa-free entry-style e-visa processing, a favourable exchange rate, and a mix of beaches, mountains, and French-colonial cities make Vietnam one of the best-value international trips you can book right now.

This guide walks you through the best places to visit, a practical 7-day itinerary, budget estimates, visa requirements, and the small details that make or break a first-time Vietnam trip — so you can plan with confidence instead of piecing information together from twenty different blogs.

If you'd rather skip the planning altogether, Sukhnir Sai Travels puts together custom Vietnam itineraries and group packages for Indian travellers — but even if you're planning independently, this guide has everything you need.

Why Vietnam Is a Great Trip From India Right Now

In short: Vietnam offers direct-ish flight access, an easy e-visa process, low daily costs, and a huge variety of landscapes packed into one country — making it ideal for both first-time international travellers and repeat visitors.

Flight time from Delhi or Mumbai to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is roughly 5-6 hours, often with a short layover in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore. The Vietnamese Dong is weak against the Indian Rupee, which means your money stretches noticeably further than in Thailand, Bali, or Singapore — a full day of food, local transport, and entry tickets can often cost less than a single meal at a mid-range restaurant back home.

Vietnam also isn't a one-note destination. In a single week you can go from misty limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay, to French colonial architecture in Hanoi's Old Quarter, to sun loungers on the beaches of Da Nang or Phu Quoc. That range is a big part of why Vietnam keeps showing up on "best value international trips from India" lists.

Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

In short: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City form the core circuit most first-time visitors follow, each offering a distinctly different experience.

Hanoi

Vietnam's capital is where most itineraries begin. The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, street-food stalls, and colonial-era buildings. Don't miss the Hoan Kiem Lake area in the early morning, when locals gather for tai chi, and Train Street, where a working railway line runs just a few feet from residents' front doors.

Ha Long Bay

A UNESCO World Heritage site and arguably Vietnam's most photographed landscape — thousands of limestone islands rising out of emerald water. Most travellers do this as an overnight cruise from Hanoi, which typically includes kayaking, cave visits, and a seafood dinner on board.

Hoi An

This ancient trading port is one of the best-preserved towns in Southeast Asia. Yellow-walled buildings, silk lantern shops, and a riverside night market make it one of the most photogenic stops on any Vietnam trip. It's also known for tailoring — many visitors get custom clothing made here within 24-48 hours.

Da Nang

A modern beach city that works well as a base for visiting Hoi An and the Marble Mountains. The Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands, has become one of Vietnam's most Instagrammed spots.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Vietnam's largest city is fast-paced, chaotic in the best way, and full of history — the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels are among the most visited sites in the country. It's also a good jumping-off point for a Mekong Delta day trip.

Phu Quoc (Optional Beach Extension)

If you have extra days, Phu Quoc Island offers some of Vietnam's best beaches and a more relaxed pace — a good way to close out a trip that's otherwise packed with sightseeing.

Best 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary From India

In short: A week is enough to comfortably cover Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and either Hoi An/Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, without feeling rushed.

Day 1 — Arrive in Hanoi Land in Hanoi, settle into your hotel in or near the Old Quarter, and spend the evening exploring on foot. Try a bowl of pho at a local stall and walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at sunset.

Day 2 — Hanoi City Tour Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the Temple of Literature, and the Ethnology Museum. In the evening, catch a traditional water puppet show — a uniquely Vietnamese art form.

Day 3-4 — Ha Long Bay Cruise Take a 2-day, 1-night cruise through Ha Long Bay. Most cruises include kayaking, a visit to a cave system, and swimming stops, with an overnight stay on the boat itself.

Day 5 — Fly to Da Nang, Transfer to Hoi An Take a short domestic flight to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An (about 45 minutes). Spend the afternoon and evening wandering the Ancient Town and its lantern-lit riverside.

Day 6 — Hoi An & Marble Mountains Get a custom outfit tailored, take a cooking class, or cycle through the surrounding rice paddies. In the afternoon, visit the Marble Mountains before heading back to Da Nang.

Day 7 — Da Nang & Departure Spend the morning at the Golden Bridge or relaxing on My Khe Beach before your flight back to India (via your connecting hub).

Prefer to add Ho Chi Minh City instead of Hoi An/Da Nang? Extend the trip to 9-10 days — this is one of the most common customisations we help travellers make.

How Much Does a Vietnam Trip From India Cost?

In short: A mid-range 7-day Vietnam trip from India typically costs between ₹55,000 and ₹90,000 per person, excluding international flights, depending on hotel category and number of internal flights.

Rough budget breakdown for a mid-range trip (per person, twin sharing):

International flights (Delhi/Mumbai to Hanoi, return): ₹22,000 – ₹35,000
Domestic flight (Hanoi to Da Nang): ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
Hotels (3-4 star, 6 nights): ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Ha Long Bay cruise (1 night, all-inclusive): ₹6,000 – ₹10,000
Food, local transport & entry tickets: ₹8,000 – ₹12,000
Vietnam e-visa fee: Around ₹2,000 – ₹2,500

Budget travellers using hostels, local buses, and street food can bring this down significantly, while those looking for luxury resorts and private transfers should expect to spend considerably more.

Vietnam Visa for Indians

In short: Indian passport holders need an e-visa for Vietnam, which is straightforward to apply for online and typically takes a few working days to process.

Vietnam offers an e-visa for Indian citizens for both single and multiple entry, valid for stays of up to 90 days. The application is done entirely online through the official Vietnamese immigration portal, and you'll need a passport-size photo, a scanned copy of your passport's information page, and a valid email address. Processing usually takes 3-5 working days, so it's best to apply at least two weeks before your travel date to account for any delays.

If you'd rather not deal with visa paperwork yourself, our Visa Services page can handle the entire application on your behalf.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

In short: October to April is generally the best window, though the ideal timing varies slightly between North and South Vietnam because the country spans different climate zones.

Vietnam is a long, narrow country, so weather varies significantly by region:

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay): Best from October to December and March to April, when the weather is cool and dry. January-February can be cold and foggy.
Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang): Best from February to May, before the summer heat and the September-November rainy/typhoon season.
South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): Warm year-round, with a dry season from December to April.

If your itinerary spans both North and Central Vietnam, aim for October-December or March-April for the most consistent weather across the trip.

Food You Shouldn't Miss

In short: Pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls, and Vietnamese coffee are the essentials, but regional specialties in Hue and Hoi An are worth seeking out too.

Vietnamese cuisine is lighter and fresher than most Southeast Asian food, with a strong emphasis on herbs, broths, and rice noodles. Beyond the well-known pho and banh mi, look out for cao lau (a Hoi An noodle specialty), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles, a Hanoi favourite), and egg coffee — a rich, slightly sweet Hanoi invention that's become a bucket-list item for visitors. Vegetarian travellers will generally find it easy to eat well in Vietnam, especially in cities with a strong Buddhist influence, though it's worth learning a few key phrases or carrying a translated card to avoid fish sauce in dishes that otherwise look vegetarian.

Getting Around Vietnam

In short: A mix of domestic flights for long distances and private transfers or Grab (Vietnam's ride-hailing app) for short hops works best for most first-time visitors.

For the Hanoi–Da Nang leg, a short domestic flight (around 1 hour 15 minutes) is far more practical than the 15+ hour train or bus journey, especially on a 7-day itinerary. Within cities, Grab is the easiest way to get around — it works much like Uber, shows fares upfront, and avoids any language barrier or haggling with taxi drivers. For scenic routes, such as Hoi An to Da Nang, a private car transfer is inexpensive and comfortable, and many hotels can arrange this directly. If you're comfortable riding one, scooter rentals are widely available in Hoi An and Da Nang and are a popular way to explore at your own pace, though an international driving permit is technically required.

Practical Tips for Indian Travellers

Currency: Carry some US dollars as backup, but ATMs are widely available in cities. Cash is still preferred for street food and small vendors.
SIM card: Pick up a local SIM at the airport for easy navigation and translation apps — it's inexpensive and makes solo exploring far easier.
Language: English is spoken in tourist areas but not universally. Translation apps help a lot outside major cities.
Bargaining: Common in markets, less so in malls or established restaurants.
Modesty at temples: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting pagodas and temples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vietnam safe for Indian tourists? Yes, Vietnam is generally considered a safe country for tourists, including solo and women travellers. Standard precautions around belongings in crowded markets apply, as they would anywhere.

Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes, Indian passport holders need to apply for an e-visa before travelling, which can be done entirely online.

What is the best time to visit Vietnam from India?

October to April generally offers the most reliable weather across both North and Central Vietnam.

How many days are enough for a Vietnam trip?

7 days comfortably covers Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An/Da Nang. Adding Ho Chi Minh City is best done with 9-10 days.

Is Vietnam expensive for Indian travellers?

No — Vietnam is one of the more affordable international destinations for Indians, with daily costs often lower than in Thailand or Bali.

Can I drink tap water in Vietnam?

It's best to stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your trip.

Is Ha Long Bay worth visiting?

Yes, it's one of Vietnam's most iconic experiences and worth building at least one overnight cruise into your itinerary.

What's the currency used in Vietnam?

The Vietnamese Dong (VND). Many prices are also displayed in USD in tourist areas.

Do I need travel insurance for Vietnam?

While not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended for any international trip, covering medical emergencies and trip disruptions.

Is it better to book a Vietnam package or plan independently?

Both work well — independent travel gives more flexibility, while a package saves time on logistics like visas, cruises, and internal transport. Sukhnir Sai Travels offers customisable Vietnam packages that combine the two.

Planning Your Vietnam Trip From India

Vietnam packs an unusual amount of variety into a single, affordable trip — misty bays, ancient towns, buzzing cities, and some of Southeast Asia's best food, all within reach of a straightforward e-visa and a single connecting flight from India. Whether you follow the 7-day itinerary above exactly or use it as a starting point to build your own route, the North-to-Central path covered here remains one of the most efficient ways to see the country's highlights in a single trip.

If you'd like a custom itinerary, group rates, or help with the e-visa application, visit Sukhnir Sai Travels or explore our International Tours packages to get started.