Vietnam Travel Guide
for Indian Travelers

• Return Flights: ₹35,000 – ₹65,000
• E-Visa Fee: $25–$50 USD (~₹2,100–₹4,200)
• Hotels (per night): ₹1,500 – ₹5,000
• Food (per day): ₹800 – ₹2,500
• Local Transport (per day): ₹500 – ₹1,500
• Activities & Cruises: ₹8,000 – ₹18,000 total
• Travel Insurance: ₹1,200 – ₹2,500
• Total (7–10 days): ₹60K – ₹1.5L per person

Vietnam offers exceptional value for Indian travelers. While flights from India are moderately priced, on-ground expenses like accommodation, street food, and domestic transport are incredibly affordable.

• Delhi (DEL) — Direct flights available to Hanoi/HCMC via Bangkok or Singapore
• Mumbai (BOM) — Excellent connectivity via Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur
• Chennai (MAA) — Frequent flights via Kuala Lumpur
• Bangalore (BLR) — Good options via Singapore
• Kolkata (CCU) — Budget-friendly routes via Bangkok

South and East India cities generally offer shorter and cheaper flight routes to Vietnam due to geographical proximity.

• Route 1: DEL → Bangkok → Hanoi (Thai Airways + Vietnam Airlines)
• Route 2: DEL → Singapore → Ho Chi Minh City (Singapore Airlines + Scoot)
• Route 3: DEL → Kuala Lumpur → Hanoi (AirAsia / Malaysia Airlines)
• Duration: 6–9 hours
• Price Range: ₹38,000 – ₹62,000

• Route 1: BOM → Singapore → Hanoi (IndiGo / Air India + Vietnam Airlines)
• Route 2: BOM → Bangkok → Ho Chi Minh City (Thai Airways / Vietjet)
• Route 3: BOM → Kuala Lumpur → Hanoi (AirAsia)
• Duration: 7–10 hours
• Price Range: ₹35,000 – ₹58,000

• E-Visa Eligibility: Indian passport holders are eligible for 90-day e-visa
• Fee: $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entry) — paid online via card
• Application: Official government e-visa portal only
• Documents: Valid passport (6+ months validity), digital passport photo (4x6cm, no glasses), digital passport scan
• Processing time: 3–5 working days
• Entry/Exit: Can use e-visa at 13 international airports, 16 land borders, and 13 sea ports
• Extension: E-visas cannot be extended. Apply for a new one if needed.

Vietnam follows Indochina Time (ICT), which is UTC+7 and 1.5 hours ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST). There is no daylight saving time.

• Indochina Time (ICT): UTC+7
• Vietnam is 1.5 hours ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST)
• When it is 12:00 PM in Vietnam, it is 10:30 AM in India
• Vietnam does not observe Daylight Saving Time
• Business hours typically run from 8 AM to 5 PM ICT on weekdays
• Banks operate from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM on weekdays
• Shopping malls open from 9:30 AM to 10 PM daily
• Street food and cafes stay open until midnight, especially in tourist areas

Right-Hand Drive (Same as India)

• Vietnam follows right-hand driving, identical to India
• International Driving Permit (IDP) required for car rentals
• Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h highways
• Motorbikes dominate traffic — drive defensively
• Seat belts mandatory for front passengers
• Car rental available in major cities but not recommended for first-timers
• Public buses and Grab taxis are safer, cheaper alternatives
• Chauffeur-driven tours widely available for long-distance travel

Grab & Gojek are Primary Ride-Hailing Apps

• Grab operates nationwide for cars and motorbike taxis (GrabBike)
• Gojek is another reliable alternative with good coverage
• Traditional taxis (Vinasun, Mai Linh) are metered and safe
• Payment options include cash (VND) and in-app wallet
• Average fare for city center rides: 50,000–150,000 VND
• Avoid unmetered "Xe Om" (motorbike taxis) on streets to prevent overcharging
• Always use apps for transparent pricing and safety
• Public buses in Hanoi and HCMC are extremely cheap but complex for tourists

Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) — Official Language

• Vietnamese is a tonal language with 6 distinct tones
• Latin-based alphabet with diacritical marks introduced during French colonial era
• "Xin chào" means Hello — universally understood
• "Cảm ơn" means Thank you
• English is widely spoken in tourist hubs like Hoi An and HCMC District 1
• Older generations may speak limited English; younger Vietnamese are highly fluent
• Learning basic phrases shows respect and enhances hospitality received
• Translation apps work well in cities but struggle with local dialects in rural areas

Understanding these basic Vietnamese phrases and slang terms helps connect with locals and navigate daily life.

• Xin chào — Hello
• Cảm ơn — Thank you
• Xin lỗi — Sorry / Excuse me
• Bao nhiêu? — How much?
• Đẹp quá! — Very beautiful!
• Ngon! — Delicious!
• Chào tạm biệt — Goodbye
• Người ơi — Hey/Waiter (used to call street vendors)
• Mắc quá! — Too expensive!
• Phở — Famous noodle soup
• Bia hơi — Fresh draft beer

Public restrooms are called "Nhà vệ sinh" or "WC" in Vietnam. Signs typically display "WC" or "Toilet" with pictograms.

• Men's toilets marked with "Nam"
• Women's toilets marked with "Nữ"
• Public toilets in major cities are generally clean and modern
• Street-side restrooms may charge 5,000–10,000 VND
• Shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels have free restrooms
• Always carry tissues as some facilities lack toilet paper
• Western-style seated toilets are standard; squat toilets still exist in older buildings
• Accessible facilities available in modern tourist sites and malls

Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee exporter and has a unique "sleep on a plane" culture on overnight buses.

• Vietnam produces over 1.7 million tons of coffee annually, mainly Robusta beans
• The country has the largest cave in the world — Sơn Đoòng Cave
• Water Puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century
• Ao Dai is the traditional national dress, elegant and worn on special occasions
• Vietnamese New Year (Tết) is the most important holiday, usually in February
• The Reunification Express train runs 1,726 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
• Ha Long Bay contains nearly 2,000 limestone islands
• Vietnam has a 95% literacy rate despite historical challenges

Most Shops: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily)

• Shopping malls typically operate from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week
• Street markets open early (6–7 AM) for fresh produce and close by evening
• Night markets in tourist areas open from 5 PM to midnight
• Small boutiques may close for lunch (12–2 PM) in smaller towns
• Supermarkets open from 8 AM to 10 PM or later
• Best shopping season: Tet holiday sales (Jan/Feb) and end-of-year discounts (Dec)
• Tax-free shopping available for tourists on purchases over specific amounts
• Haggling is expected at markets; fixed prices apply in malls

Vietnam's markets offer unique souvenirs including handicrafts, lanterns, coffee, and local snacks.

• Dong Xuan Market — Hanoi's largest indoor market (wholesale & retail)
• Ben Thanh Market — Iconic HCMC market for souvenirs and street food
• Hoi An Night Market — Lanterns, handmade goods, riverside dining
• Con Market — Da Nang's famous local market
• Cho Lon (Binh Tay Market) — Largest wholesale market in HCMC Chinatown
• Cash (VND) preferred at markets though cards increasingly accepted in malls
• Bargaining is expected — start at 50% of asking price and negotiate politely
• Watch for pickpockets in crowded market aisles

Shopping for silk, lacquerware, and coffee offers excellent value compared to international prices.

• Silk & Tailoring: Hoi An offers custom-tailored suits and Ao Dai in 24 hours
• Coffee: Trung Nguyen and local Robusta beans — world-renowned quality
• Lacquerware: Hand-painted trays, vases, and boxes
• Lotus Tea: Premium Vietnamese tea scented with lotus flowers
• Handicrafts: Bamboo, rattan, and bamboo products
• Conical Hats (Non La): Traditional symbol of Vietnam
• Dried Fruits & Snacks: Mango, jackfruit, cashews (great gifts)
• Propaganda Posters: Vintage-style communist era reproductions

Major supermarket chains like Lotte Mart, VinMart, and Co.op Mart offer wide product ranges with competitive prices.

• Lotte Mart — Korean chain, widespread, excellent selection
• VinMart / WinMart — Largest Vietnamese chain, convenient locations
• Co.op Mart — Local favorite with good fresh produce
• AEON Mall — Japanese mega-malls with supermarkets and food courts
• Most supermarkets open from 8 AM to 10 PM; some 24-hour outlets
• Local products affordable and high quality (coffee, tea, spices, rice noodles)
• Bottled water recommended outside major cities; tap water not safe to drink
• Mini-marts (Circle K, FamilyMart) open 24/7 in urban areas

Vietnamese cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients, herbs, and balance between five fundamental taste senses.

• Pho — Noodle soup with beef (Pho Bo) or chicken (Pho Ga), national dish
• Banh Mi — French baguette sandwich with pate, cold cuts, pickled vegetables
• Bun Cha — Grilled pork with noodles and dipping sauce (Hanoi specialty)
• Goi Cuon — Fresh spring rolls with shrimp, herbs, and rice paper
• Banh Xeo — Crispy turmeric pancake stuffed with pork and beansprouts
• Cao Lau — Noodle dish unique to Hoi An with crispy wontons
• Bun Bo Hue — Spicy beef noodle soup from Hue
• Che — Sweet dessert soup or pudding with beans and jelly
• Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung) — Hanoi specialty with creamy egg yolk topping

Summer (May–August) offers the best fruit variety. Street vendors sell seasonal fruits fresh and cheap.

• Mangosteen (Mang Cut) — Sweet, tangy tropical fruit known as the "queen of fruits"
• Rambutan (Chom Chom) — Hairy red fruit with juicy flesh
• Dragon Fruit (Thanh Long) — Mildly sweet, refreshing, widely available
• Durian (Sau Rieng) — Pungent "king of fruits" — loved or hated
• Mango (Xoai) — Sweet and tart, used in salads and smoothies
• Jackfruit (Mít) — Sweet, aromatic, used in desserts
• Pomelo (Buoi) — Large citrus fruit, often eaten with chili salt

Pho is Vietnam's culinary pride — a fragrant noodle soup that defines Vietnamese breakfast culture.

• Pho originated in the early 20th century in Northern Vietnam
• Broth simmered for hours with charred ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and bones
• Served with fresh herbs (cilantro, basil), bean sprouts, lime, and chili
• Southern style is sweeter; Northern style is more savory and minimalist
• Best enjoyed sitting on low plastic stools at street-side eateries
• Popular chains: Phở 24, Phở Thìn, and local family-run stalls
• Vegetarian version (Phở Chay) widely available using mushrooms and tofu
• A bowl typically costs 30,000–60,000 VND (₹100–₹200)

Budget travelers can eat incredibly well for 150,000–300,000 VND per day at street stalls and local eateries. Tipping is not expected.

• Street Pho: 30,000–60,000 VND
• Banh Mi: 15,000–30,000 VND
• Bia Hoi (Fresh Beer): 5,000–15,000 VND per glass
• Local Restaurant Meal: 80,000–150,000 VND
• Mid-range Restaurant: 200,000–400,000 VND per person
• Fine Dining: 500,000–1,500,000+ VND per person
• Coffee: 15,000–40,000 VND
• Smoothies/Juices: 20,000–40,000 VND

Tipping: Not customary. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.

Vietnam has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites total. Many sites offer guided tours and visitor centers.

• Complex of Hue Monuments (1993) — Imperial citadel and royal tombs
• Ha Long Bay (1994, 2000) — Iconic seascape of limestone karsts
• Hoi An Ancient Town (1999) — Well-preserved trading port
• My Son Sanctuary (1999) — Ancient Hindu temple ruins of the Champa Kingdom
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (2003) — Massive cave systems including Son Doong
• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (2010) — Hanoi's historical political center
• Trang An Landscape Complex (2014) — Scenic river, caves, and pagodas

The water buffalo symbolizes rural agriculture, while the lotus flower represents purity and commitment.

• National Animal: Water Buffalo (cultural and agricultural significance)
• National Bird: Silvery Pheasant
• National Flower: Lotus (Sen)
• National Sport: Vovinam (Vietnamese martial art)
• National Drink: Tra Da (Iced Tea) / Ca Phe (Coffee)
• National Dish: Pho
• National Dress: Ao Dai

Vietnam's stunning landscapes have attracted international filmmakers and documentaries in recent years.

• Kong: Skull Island (2017) — Filmed in Quang Binh and Ninh Binh
• Indochine (1992) — Oscar-winning French drama showcasing colonial era
• The Quiet American (2002) — Historical drama set during French rule
• Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) — Set in Saigon during the war
• The Lover (1992) — Based on Marguerite Duras novel, filmed in Mekong Delta
• Cyclo (1995) — Gritty Vietnamese film about Ho Chi Minh City life

Best places to shop for souvenirs: Ben Thanh Market, Hoi An Ancient Town, and airport duty-free.

• Silk Products — Scarves, Ao Dai, and tailored garments (excellent quality)
• Coffee & Tea — Trung Nguyen coffee and lotus tea
• Lacquerware — Hand-painted trays, boxes, and decor
• Conical Hats — Iconic Vietnamese non la
• Ceramics — Bat Trang pottery and vases
• Water Puppets — Miniature puppets and craft sets
• Propaganda Art — Vintage-style communist era posters
• Dried Fruits — Mango, jackfruit, and durian chips

• Ho Chi Minh (1890–1969) — Revolutionary leader and founder of modern Vietnam
• Vo Nguyen Giap (1911–2013) — Renowned military general
• Nguyen Du (1765–1820) — Author of "The Tale of Kieu", Vietnam's greatest literary work
• Pham Nhat Vuong (1968–) — Vietnam's first billionaire, founder of Vingroup
• Nguyen Trai (1380–1442) — Scholar, poet, and national hero
• Quynh Thi Nguyen — Miss Universe Vietnam 2018, global beauty icon
• Quang Le — Internationally recognized martial arts actor

Vietnam has a unique blend of Chinese, French, and indigenous influences visible in architecture, food, and daily life.

• Motorbike Culture — Over 65 million registered motorbikes, primary transport mode
• Bia Hoi — World's cheapest fresh draft beer, brewed daily on streets
• Tet Holiday — Vietnamese New Year, the most important cultural celebration
• Coffee Culture — Second-largest coffee exporter, famous for condensed milk coffee
• Street Food — Ranked among the best in the world by international culinary critics
• Ancestor Worship — Practiced in almost every household and business
• Water Puppetry — Unique traditional art form using water as a stage

• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park — Home to Son Doong, the world's largest cave
• Ha Long Bay — Nearly 2,000 limestone islands rising from the sea
• Reunification Express — 1,726 km long railway line
• Hai Van Pass — "One of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world" (Top Gear)
• Golden Bridge — Held by giant stone hands in Da Nang hills
• Cu Chi Tunnels — 250 km underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War
• Lantern Town — Hoi An's ancient town, beautifully preserved and car-free at night