Vietnam Travel Guide for Indians: Visa Rules, Food Tips & 7-Day Route

Vietnam has fast become one of the top choices for Indian travelers seeking breathtaking foreign landscapes without the burden of complex visa processes or sky-high expenses. From navigating ancient cobblestone lantern streets in Hoi An to cruising through emerald limestone pillars in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam offers a seamless international holiday experience.

Why Vietnam is Perfect for Indian Travelers

Vietnam stands out for offering rich culture, incredible landscapes, and high-value luxury at budget-friendly price points.

Accessibility: Multiple daily non-stop flights connect major Indian metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad) directly to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City via Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air.

Affordability: The favorable exchange rate allows Indian travelers to enjoy 4-star boutique hotels, fine dining, and private transfers at a fraction of Western travel costs.

Safety & Hospitality: Ranked among Southeast Asia’s safest destinations, Vietnam welcomes solo travelers, couples, and multi-generational families with warmth and hospitality.

✨ Explore our Grand Vietnam Explorer – 7 Nights / 8 Days

Vietnam Visa Rules & Application Process for Indians

Check below before planning for Vietnam Tour.

e-Visa Convenience: Indian passport holders are fully eligible for the electronic visa (e-Visa), which can be applied for directly through the official Vietnam Immigration portal.
Validity & Entries: You can choose between a 30-day or 90-day validity, available as either a single-entry ($25 USD / ~₹2,100) or multiple-entry visa ($50 USD / ~₹4,200).
Processing Time: Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days. However, applying 10 to 15 days in advance is strongly recommended to account for public holidays or peak season surges.

Key Requirements:
Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival with 2 blank pages.
Soft copy of passport bio page scan (JPEG).
Portrait photograph (4×6 cm) with a plain white background.

✨ Discover our Essence of Vietnam – 6 Nights / 7 Days

Food Tips for Indians: Navigating Vegetarian & Jain Options

A common worry for Indian tourists is dietary preference, but eating vegetarian or Jain food in Vietnam is straightforward once you know what to look for:

The Magic Word — “Chay”: “Chay” translates to vegetarian/Buddhist food in Vietnamese. Looking for restaurants with “Quán Ăn Chay” guarantees 100% plant-based noodle soups (Pho Chay), spring rolls, and tofu dishes free of fish sauce (nước mắm).
Plentiful Indian Restaurants: Every major tourist hub has established Indian restaurants offering authentic North and South Indian dishes:
Hanoi: Dalcheeni, Namaste Hanoi, Maazi Old Quarter.
Da Nang & Hoi An: Ganesh, Rang, Baba’s Kitchen.
Ho Chi Minh City: Tandoor, Baba’s Kitchen, Shri Natraj (for authentic South Indian).
Jain & Strictly Pure Veg Dining: Most established Indian restaurants willingly customize meals to exclude onions, garlic, and root vegetables upon request.

✨ View our Vietnam Discovery | 5 Nights / 6 Days

Currency, SIM Cards, & Language

Please check Below

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 INR equals approximately 290–300 VND. Carry a mix of USD or international credit cards, and convert USD to VND at local gold shops or bank counters in Hanoi for favorable rates.
Local Connectivity: Purchase a 4G/5G Viettel or Vinaphone SIM card (or setup an eSIM prior to departure) at Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City airports for around $10–$12 USD (~₹800–₹1,000) for unlimited data.
Language: While Vietnamese is the official language, basic English is widely spoken in hotels, major restaurants, and tour hubs. Having Google Translate downloaded offline handles any language gap easily.

The Perfect 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary for First-Timers

This classic route covers North and Central Vietnam—delivering the ultimate mix of natural beauty, ancient heritage, and modern attractions.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & Old Quarter Exploration
Touch down at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), transfer to your Hanoi hotel, and check in.
Take an evening cyclo ride through the bustling 36 Streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, explore Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show.

Day 2: Hanoi City Sightseeing & Overnight Prep
Visit historic sites including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university).

Savor authentic Vietnamese egg coffee (or coconut coffee) at a rooftop cafe overlooking the lake.

Day 3: Overnight Luxury Ha Long Bay Cruise
Depart Hanoi early morning via private highway transfer to Tuan Chau Port.

Board a 4-star or 5-star Ha Long Bay Cruise. Sail past thousands of towering limestone karst islands, kayak through emerald waters, explore Sung Sot Cave, and enjoy a fresh dinner onboard under the stars.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay to Da Nang
Wake up to sunrise Tai Chi on the cruise deck and visit Titop Island for panoramic views.

Disembark by mid-day and transfer back to Hanoi airport for a short 1-hour flight to Da Nang.

Check into your Da Nang beach resort and unwind along My Khe Beach.

Day 5: Day Trip to Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
Take one of the world’s longest cable cars up to Sun World Ba Na Hills.

Walk across the famous Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands.

Explore the French Village, Fantasy Park, and alpine coaster before returning to Da Nang.

Day 6: Hoi An Ancient Town & Lantern Making
Take a short 30-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An.

Walk through lantern-lit pedestrian streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, and release floating wishing lanterns.

Sample local food or dine at an Indian restaurant along the riverside.

Day 7: Souvenir Shopping & Departure
Pick up coffee beans, silk scarves, and handcrafted souvenirs at Han Market in Da Nang.

Transfer to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your connecting flight home back to India.

Vietnam delivers an unforgettable travel experience for Indian visitors, successfully pairing ease of visa processing with incredible cultural warmth and rich natural beauty.

Planning your first Vietnam trip from India? Skip the confusion of booking separate internal flights, cruise cabins, and visa approvals. Contact our travel experts today to customize an all-inclusive 7-Day Vietnam Package with vegetarian meal arrangements, airport transfers, and guided tours!