Vietnam Travel Guide for Indian Tourists: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Vietnam is a great choice for Indians because it offers international travel at a comfortable budget. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, family vacation, solo trip or group holiday, Vietnam gives you a mix of luxury and affordability.

You can enjoy beautiful cruises, scenic mountain views, beach stays, cultural markets, café hopping, adventure activities and delicious food — all in one country.

Budget-friendly international destination

Short travel distance from India

Beautiful beaches and cruises

Great shopping markets

Vegetarian and Indian food options in major cities

Perfect for honeymoon, family and group trips

Easy Vietnam e-visa process

Indian tourists can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online. Vietnam’s official tourism website says citizens of all countries and territories can apply for e-visas, with up to 90 days validity and multiple-entry option.

The Vietnam Embassy in India also mentions that Vietnam e-visas are valid up to 90 days for single or multiple entries, and travellers should apply only through official e-visa domains.

Documents usually required:

1. Passport with minimum 6 months validity
2. Passport-size photo
3. Passport front page scan
4. Travel details
5. Email ID
6. Online payment method

Travel Tip: Always verify visa rules before booking flights because visa policies may change.

The best time to visit Vietnam depends on the region you are covering.

North Vietnam: Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay

Best time: October to April

Weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, cruises and photography.

Central Vietnam: Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue

Best time: February to August

Perfect for beaches, Ba Na Hills, Golden Bridge and Hoi An Ancient Town.

South Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc

Best time: December to April

Great for city tours, island trips and Mekong Delta experiences.

For first-time Indian travellers, October to April is generally the most comfortable time for a complete Vietnam trip.

1. Hanoi

Hanoi is the cultural heart of Vietnam. The city is famous for its Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Train Street, temples, street food and French colonial charm.

Best things to do in Hanoi:

1. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
2. Explore Hanoi Old Quarter
3. Experience Train Street
4. Visit Temple of Literature
5. Try Vietnamese coffee
6. Shop at Dong Xuan Market

Hanoi is ideal for travellers who love culture, food and old-world charm.

2. Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is one of the most iconic places in Vietnam. It is famous for limestone islands, emerald water and luxury overnight cruises.

Best things to do in Ha Long Bay:

1. Overnight cruise
2. Kayaking
3. Cave visits
4. Sunset photography
5. Seafood dinner on cruise
6. Sunrise view from deck

For honeymoon couples and families, Ha Long Bay cruise is a must-have experience.

3. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is often called “Ha Long Bay on land”. It is known for limestone mountains, rivers, caves and peaceful countryside views.

Best things to do in Ninh Binh:

1. Trang An boat ride
2. Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
3. Explore Tam Coc
4. Climb Mua Cave viewpoint
5. Enjoy countryside cycling

Ninh Binh is perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

4. Da Nang

Da Nang is a modern beach city in Central Vietnam. It is clean, scenic and family-friendly.

Best things to do in Da Nang:

1. Relax at My Khe Beach
2. Visit Dragon Bridge
3. Explore Marble Mountains
4. Take day trip to Ba Na Hills
5. Visit Golden Bridge

Da Nang is a great base for families, honeymooners and luxury travellers.

5. Hoi An

Hoi An is one of the most beautiful towns in Vietnam. Its lantern streets, yellow houses, riverside cafés and night markets make it very popular among Indian travellers.

Best things to do in Hoi An:

1. Walk through Ancient Town
2. Enjoy lantern boat ride
3. Visit Japanese Covered Bridge
4. Try basket boat ride at Coconut Village
5. Shop for custom clothes
6. Explore night market

Hoi An is perfect for romantic evenings and Instagram-worthy photos.

6. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s energetic business and nightlife hub. It offers history, shopping, rooftop cafés and modern city life.

Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:

1. Visit War Remnants Museum
2. See Notre Dame Cathedral
3. Explore Central Post Office
4. Visit Independence Palace
5. Shop at Ben Thanh Market
6. Enjoy rooftop nightlife

It is also a great starting point for Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta tours.

7. Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta gives you a glimpse of Vietnam’s village life. It is famous for rivers, coconut farms, fruit orchards and traditional boat rides.

Best things to do in Mekong Delta:

1. Sampan boat ride
2. Visit coconut candy workshop
3. Taste tropical fruits
4. Explore local villages
5. Enjoy folk music
6. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda

This is a great cultural experience for families.

Vietnam is famous for fresh, flavorful and light food. Indian travellers can try both local Vietnamese dishes and Indian restaurants available in major cities.

Must-try Vietnamese food:

1. Pho
2. Banh Mi
3. Fresh spring rolls
4. Vietnamese coffee
5. Coconut coffee
6. Cao Lau in Hoi An
7. Seafood in Da Nang and Ha Long Bay

Vegetarian travel tip:

Vegetarian food is available in Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. Search for “Indian restaurant”, “vegetarian restaurant” or “chay food” in Vietnam.