This 2026 Vietnam guide for Indian travellers breaks down everything needed to turn plans into a booked trip: official e-Visa costs and processing, direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, realistic daily budgets from backpacker to luxury, and how to move around using domestic flights, trains, buses and Grab, plus a first-timer route from Hanoi to Phu Quoc.
Vietnam has quietly become the Southeast Asian trip Indians actually finish planning, not just save to a wishlist board. This Vietnam travel guide for Indians covers what matters before booking for 2026: visa cost, direct flights, a realistic daily budget, getting around once you land, and which stops belong on a first itinerary. None of it needs a travel agent standing between you and the booking button. Here are the details, section by section, starting with the one document you actually need before you book a flight. So, without further ado, here is our ultimate Vietnam travel guide 2026, featuring visa, flights, budget, transport and the best places to visit for Indian travellers.
Indian passport holders generally need a visa to enter Vietnam. The official Vietnam visa costs USD 25 (around ₹2,100) for single entry and USD 50 (around ₹4,200) for multiple entry. The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be applied for through the official immigration portal, evisa.gov.vn.
Vietnam's official immigration portal lists the processing time as three working days, although travellers should apply well in advance of their trip.
Four airlines fly direct between India and Vietnam: Vietnam Airlines and Air India from Delhi, IndiGo from Delhi and Kolkata, and VietJet from Mumbai, landing at Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnam flight takes four to five hours. Return fares run ₹18000 to ₹40000 depending on season, but cross-check the live number on MakeMyTrip or Skyscanner before booking, since fares shift by a few thousand rupees week to week, and six to eight weeks out is usually the better window.
Vietnam remains one of the region's better-value destinations. A backpacker's budget runs to USD 30 to 50 a day, roughly ₹2,800 to ₹4,700, covering dorm beds and street food. Mid-range travel sits between USD 80 and 150 a day, about ₹7600 to ₹14200, and Booking.com or Agoda are where most Indian travellers actually lock in those hotel rates. Luxury starts around USD 250 a day, roughly ₹23,700, with no real ceiling.
Vietnam is long and narrow, so moving between regions usually means a short domestic flight, an overnight sleeper train, or a sleeper bus on a tighter budget. Inside cities, the Grab app is the easiest way to book a car or motorbike taxi without haggling. Renting a scooter yourself is common outside the biggest cities, though city traffic is not the place to learn.
A first Vietnam trip works best travelling north to south. Start in Hanoi's Old Quarter, then Ha Long Bay, staying overnight since the karsts look different at sunrise. Ninh Binh, often called Ha Long Bay on land, adds rice paddies near the capital. Hoi An earns its reputation once the lanterns come on at dusk, and Phu Quoc closes the trip with beach time.
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Indian passport holders generally need a Vietnam visa, except for eligible stays of up to 30 days when travelling directly to Phu Quoc.
How much does a Vietnam e-Visa cost for Indians?
The e-Visa costs USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry, with validity of up to 90 days.
How much does a trip to Vietnam cost for Indians?
A budget trip can cost around ₹2,800–₹4,700 per day, while a mid-range holiday can be around ₹7,600–₹14,200 per day, excluding international flights.
Are there direct flights from India to Vietnam?
Yes. Direct flights are available from cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City among the main arrival points.
How many days are enough for Vietnam?
Around 7 to 10 days is a good starting point for a first trip, giving you enough time to combine Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An and either Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc.