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For Indian travellers, this is the best option for holidays with friends and family because of its close proximity and shared culture.
One of Southeast Asia’s most reasonably priced travel destinations is Vietnam.
Do you wish to take a holiday somewhere abroad but are on a limited budget? Vietnam is the ideal destination for exploration! It is ideal for a budget trip with or without family, as it boasts spectacular scenery, modern history, flowing rice terraces, lovely beaches, dozens of limestone caves, and fantastic street food.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, was recognised as the World’s Best Culinary City Destination and Asia’s Best Culinary City Destination at the 2024 World Culinary Awards, while Vietnam was ranked 15th out of the 20 countries in the world for tourists.
Choose Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang for your 6-7-day itinerary if this is your first time. We’ve covered some information about visas, flights, lodging, how to move around the city, and other information.
Visa: Indian citizens have the option of applying for an E-visa or a Visa on Arrival. However, before travel, a pre-approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department is required. Get an approval letter by email after submitting an online application. Additionally, one can apply for a Vietnam Entry Visa at the closest Vietnam Embassy or Consulate; the application process takes five to seven business days.
Visa fee: Single 30-day entry costs US$ 44 (about Rs 3,000), while multiple 30-day entries cost US$ 64 (approximately Rs 5,000).
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). 100 VND equals to 0.33 INR.
Flight: Vietnam Airlines provides direct flights from Delhi to Ho Chi Minh. Economy flights start at Rs 32,000+, whereas VietJet flights on the same itinerary start at Rs 28,000+.
The return trip on VietJet is rather long; check before booking. Vietjet offers direct flights from Mumbai to Ho Chi Minh City starting at Rs 34,000+ (flight duration: 4 hours 55 minutes).
Accommodation: Hostelworld provides 390 hostels in 31 locations around Vietnam: individual rooms in Ho Chi Minh City start at Rs 1,200 per night, while dorms cost 50 per cent less. Several Airbnb alternatives start at Rs 1,400 per night for a room and Rs 4,000 or more for a full flat. Homestays are less expensive (4 nights for approximately Rs 5,000), but only book with licensed operators.
Getting Around: Vietnam Railways manages a single 2,600-kilometer-long track network that connects the north and south. Open-tour buses are popular among budget visitors, particularly in Vietnam’s southern and central provinces.
Renting a scooter or moped is the cheapest and most convenient option (range from 150,000 to 300,000 VND per day). You can also rent a bicycle for intercity travel (rentals start at 20,000 VND per day). Taxis are ubiquitous.
Some tips for saving money:
- It is common to haggle (bargain) here. You will save a significant amount of money.
- Flights into Ho Chi Minh City are less expensive than flights into Hanoi.
- Eat at local eateries, which are usually 35-40 per cent less expensive than posh places.
- Check for sights that provide free admission – several pagodas, temples, and cathedrals are free to visit.
- Avoid purchasing souvenirs at tourist markets, like as Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market, as they are too costly. Alternatively, visit the Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi or the Cholon Market (Binh Tay Market) in Chinatown.
