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Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating travel destinations, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, rich history, vibrant cities, and affordable luxury for Indian travellers. From the limestone karsts of Halong Bay and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An to the bustling energy of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, travelling to Vietnam is a journey through culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. With short flight durations from India, visa-friendly entry options, excellent vegetarian food availability, and great value-for-money experiences, Vietnam is ideal for couples, families, and first-time international travellers. This Vietnam travel guide helps Indian tourists discover the best places to visit in Vietnam, immersive experiences, city tours, and essential travel tips to plan a smooth and memorable trip.
Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia, stretching along the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula, bordered by China, Laos, and Cambodia, with a long coastline along the South China Sea. The country features diverse landscapes including mountains in the north, fertile river deltas, tropical forests, beaches, and islands in the south. Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, with warm temperatures year-round, making it suitable for travel across different seasons depending on region.
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Indian travellers are advised to carry some USD and exchange it locally for better rates, though forex exchange is available at airports, hotels, and city centers. Credit and debit cards are accepted in major cities, hotels, and tourist attractions, while cash is preferred for local markets and small eateries. ATMs are widely available across Vietnam.
Vietnam is well connected to India with direct flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Indian travellers require a Vietnam tourist visa, which can be obtained via e-visa or through authorised channels. The average flight duration from India to Vietnam is 4–6 hours, making it a convenient international destination.
The best time to travel to Vietnam for Indian tourists is from October to April, when the weather is relatively dry and pleasant across most regions. Northern Vietnam is ideal during winter months for sightseeing, while southern Vietnam remains warm year-round. Summer months are suitable for beach destinations like Phu Quoc, though occasional rainfall is expected.
Choose overnight trains or budget flights for inter-city travel.
Book Halong Bay cruises and city tours in advance for better pricing.
Eat at local vegetarian-friendly Vietnamese restaurants for affordable meals.
Use ride-hailing apps like Grab instead of taxis.
Carry some USD for better forex exchange rates.
Opt for combo attraction passes where available.
Stay in centrally located hotels to save transport costs.
Shop at local markets instead of malls for souvenirs.
Travel during shoulder seasons for lower hotel prices.
Book complete Vietnam packages through YourTripTailor for bundled savings.
Lightweight cotton clothes suitable for humid weather.
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
Modest clothing for temples and pagodas.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Insect repellent for rural and forest areas.
Basic medicines and prescriptions from India.
Universal travel adapter.
Reusable water bottle.
Snacks or ready-to-eat vegetarian food for excursions.
Small backpack for day trips and cruises.
Vung Tau is a coastal city in southeastern Vietnam, located near Ho Chi Minh City. It is popular for beach getaways, seaside promenades, hilltop viewpoints, and the iconic Christ the King statue overlooking the coastline.
Mui Ne is a beach destination along Vietnam’s southeast coast, known for its unique red and white sand dunes, fishing villages, windsurfing spots, and laid-back coastal landscapes.
Chau Doc is located in western Vietnam near the Cambodian border in the Mekong Delta region. It is known for riverfront views, floating villages, cultural diversity, and as a gateway for river cruises to Cambodia.
Ha Tien lies along the western coastline near the Gulf of Thailand. It is known for quiet beaches, limestone hills, temples, and its proximity to Cambodia and Phu Quoc Island.
Da Nang is a coastal city located between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, bordered by mountains and long sandy beaches. It is known for My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, Dragon Bridge, and as the gateway to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge.
Hoi An is a historic riverside town in central Vietnam, near the coast. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its lantern-lit old town, preserved merchant houses, tailor shops, riverside cafés, and nearby beaches.
Hue is located along the Perfume River in central Vietnam and was once the imperial capital. The city is known for the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, pagodas, and historic monuments reflecting Vietnam’s royal past.
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city, located in the Red River Delta in the north of the country. It is known for its centuries-old temples, French colonial architecture, lively Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and traditional water puppet shows.
Halong City (Halong Bay) lies along the northeastern coastline and is famous for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring emerald waters and thousands of limestone karst islands, best explored by cruises, kayaking, and cave visits.
Sapa is a mountainous town near the Chinese border, set in the Hoang Lien Son range. It is renowned for scenic rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, cool climate, trekking routes, and views of Mount Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak.
Ninh Binh is located south of Hanoi and is often called “Halong Bay on land” due to its limestone cliffs, rivers, and rice fields. Major attractions include Trang An boat rides, Tam Coc caves, ancient temples, and countryside landscapes.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is located in southern Vietnam near the Mekong Delta and is the country’s largest and most vibrant city. It is known for colonial landmarks, bustling markets, museums, nightlife, and its role in Vietnam War history.
Mekong Delta (Can Tho / My Tho) lies in southern Vietnam where the Mekong River meets the sea. This fertile region is famous for floating markets, river cruises, fruit orchards, rural villages, and traditional Vietnamese countryside life.
Phu Quoc is a tropical island located off Vietnam’s southwest coast in the Gulf of Thailand. It is known for white-sand beaches, coral reefs, island hopping tours, snorkeling, luxury resorts, and scenic sunset viewpoints.
Explore Hanoi’s historic heart including the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake with a guided city experience. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a structured introduction. Duration: Half Day (4 hrs) / Full Day (7–8 hrs) | Timings: 08:30–13:00 or 08:30–17:00
Discover narrow lanes, colonial buildings and hidden eateries while sampling iconic Vietnamese dishes and vegetarian options. Pre-booking ensures curated food stops and an English-speaking guide. Duration: 3–4 hrs | Timings: 09:00–13:00 or 17:00–21:00
Watch Vietnam’s traditional water puppetry performed with live folk music, a unique cultural experience found only in northern Vietnam. Reserved seating is recommended. Duration: 1 hr | Timings: Evening shows
Sail through limestone karsts, caves and floating villages with lunch onboard and optional kayaking. Ideal for travellers short on time. Duration: 4–6 hrs | Timings: 08:00–14:00
Experience sunrise on the bay, cave exploration, kayaking and onboard dining aboard a luxury cruise. Cabins sell out quickly and must be pre-booked. Duration: 1N/2D or 2N/3D | Timings: Overnight
Float through caves, rivers and limestone cliffs at this UNESCO site, combined with temple visits and countryside views. Duration: 4–5 hrs | Timings: 09:00–15:00 | Start: Hanoi / Ninh Binh
Explore Vietnam’s ancient capital ruins followed by cycling through rice fields and rural villages. Duration: 4–5 hrs | Timings: Morning | Start: Hanoi / Ninh Binh
Walk through terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages with a local guide, offering cultural insights and scenic views. Duration: Half Day or Full Day | Timings: Morning | Start: Sapa
Ride the world’s longest cable car to Mount Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak, with panoramic mountain views. Tickets must be pre-reserved. Duration: 3–4 hrs | Timings: 08:00–15:00 | Start: Sapa
Visit the iconic Golden Bridge, French Village, cable car rides and mountain attractions at Ba Na Hills. One of Vietnam’s most popular day tours requiring advance booking. Duration: Full Day (8–9 hrs) | Timings: 07:30–17:00 | Start: Da Nang
Explore limestone caves, pagodas and scenic viewpoints followed by relaxation at Da Nang’s famous beach. Duration: 4–5 hrs | Timings: Morning
Stroll through lantern-lit streets, historic merchant houses and temples with cultural storytelling. Duration: 3 hrs | Timings: Afternoon / Evening | Start: Hoi An
Create traditional silk lanterns with local artisans, a hands-on cultural experience perfect for families. Duration: 1–1.5 hrs | Timings: Flexible | Start: Hoi An
Explore Vietnam’s former royal capital including the Citadel, pagodas and emperors’ tombs along the Perfume River. Duration: Full Day (7–8 hrs) | Timings: 08:30–16:30 | Start: Hue
Enjoy a peaceful river cruise with views of historic temples and countryside landscapes. Duration: 1–1.5 hrs | Timings: Afternoon | Start: Hue
Visit landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum and bustling markets. Duration: Half Day (4 hrs) / Full Day (7 hrs) | Timings: Morning | Start: Ho Chi Minh City
Explore underground tunnel networks used during the Vietnam War with guided demonstrations. Duration: 5–6 hrs | Timings: Morning
Cruise canals, visit coconut farms, fruit orchards and village homes for a glimpse of rural life. Duration: Full Day (8–9 hrs) | Timings: 07:30–17:00
Visit Cai Rang floating market at dawn to experience authentic river trading culture. Duration: 3–4 hrs | Timings: 05:30–09:00 | Start: Can Tho
Explore coral reefs, small islands and clear waters with lunch included. Duration: Full Day (6–7 hrs) | Timings: 09:00–16:00
Ride the world’s longest sea cable car offering stunning ocean views. Tickets must be booked in advance. Duration: 2–3 hrs | Timings: 09:00–15:00
Spend time at Sun World Hon Thom, featuring Aquatopia Water Park, beach activities, family rides and adventure zones on Hon Thom Island. Pre-booking ensures cable car + park access in one seamless ticket. Duration: Half Day (4–5 hours) | Timings: 09:00–17:00
Experience Vietnam’s largest theme park with thrilling rides, themed zones, cultural shows and family attractions inspired by world civilizations. Due to high demand, advance ticket booking is strongly recommended. Duration: Full Day (6–8 hours) | Timings: 10:00–19:00
Visit Vietnam’s largest wildlife conservation park featuring open-zoo safari experiences, exotic animals and educational exhibits. Pre-booking is essential for entry slots and transport coordination. Duration: 3–4 hours | Timings: 09:00–16:00
