Vietnam Trip Plan for Indians: Get the Euro-Aesthetic at a Fraction of the Cost

"I HATE VIETNAM!"

"Lily, Honey, we don't hate."

A sitcom enthusiast would immediately recognize these iconic lines from Modern Family. In this episode, the characters are at a Vietnamese restaurant, trying to connect with the culture and cuisine. Well, like any classic Modern Family episode with a miscommunication trope, this scene ends with what I'd call one of the best television moments.

Their little attempt to connect with Vietnamese culture and cuisine goes haywire, but if your eyes light up when history and culture are mentioned and you want to explore but are too terrified of stepping outside India for the first time (happens to the best of us, dw), then Vietnam might just be IT for you.

While Lily was having a toddler meltdown, you’ll be having a "main character" moment. Vietnam is like the cool, affordable cousin of those overpriced European destinations.Vietnam consistently features among the cheapest international destinations from India in January, making it a smart pick for budget-conscious travellers. It has the French colonial architecture, the misty mountains, and the coffee culture that’ll make you forget Starbucks ever existed. Plus, you get to be a millionaire. No, seriously—INR 1 is roughly 300 Vietnamese Dong. You can walk into a cafe, pay 50,000 for a coffee, and feel like Bruce Wayne for five minutes.

Why Vietnam Works for First-Time International Travellers from India

If you’re planning your first overseas trip after the festive chaos, this January travel guide from India explains why Vietnam is such a popular post-holiday escape.

If you’re a first-timer, you probably have a checklist: Is it cheap? Is the visa a nightmare? Can I find vegetarian food so my mom doesn't worry I'm starving?

Vietnam clears all these hurdles with room to spare. For starters, a Vietnam travel itinerary from India is incredibly easy on the wallet. Flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata are often cheaper than a last-minute flight to Goa.In fact, when compared with popular best weekend getaways near Delhi, Vietnam often delivers better value for a longer, more immersive break.

Then there’s the E-visa. Unlike the soul-crushing paperwork of a Schengen visa where they basically want your first-born's birth certificate, the Vietnam E-visa is a "fill, pay, and stay" situation. It takes about 3-5 working days and costs around $25 (approx. INR 2,100).

Lastly, the culture. There’s a chaotic energy in the streets of Hanoi that feels surprisingly like home (looking at you, Bangalore traffic), but with better street food and much more organized scooty-dodging.

Ideal Duration for Vietnam: How Long Should You Stay?

The biggest "Cam-sized" drama in planning a Vietnam trip plan Indians love is the duration. Do you do a quick dash or a slow burn?

The Short Trip (5–7 Days)

If you’re a corporate slave with limited PLs, stick to one region.

• The North: Hanoi, Halong Bay, and maybe Ninh Binh.
• The Central: Da Nang and Hoi An. Trying to do the whole country in 5 days is like trying to watch all 11 seasons of Modern Family in one weekend—you’ll enjoy it, but you’ll end up with a massive headache and no memory of what actually happened.

The Extended Trip (10–14 Days) — The Sweet Spot

This is the Vietnam itinerary for Indians who actually want to see the country. In 10-12 days, you can comfortably start in the North, fly to the middle, and end in the South. You get the perfect mix of history, "Gram-worthy" lanterns, and bustling city vibes without feeling like you’re on a marathon.

Suggested Route for First-Timers: The "Greatest Hits" Tour

1. Hanoi: The Soulful Start (Days 1–3)

Hanoi is where the chaos lives. It’s a city of lakes, ancient temples, and the famous "Train Street" where a literal train passes inches away from your coffee table.

• Don't Miss: The Old Quarter. It’s a maze of 36 streets, each named after the craft once sold there.
• Pro Tip: Drink Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang. It sounds weird, but it tastes like liquid gold.

2. Halong Bay: The Aesthetic Peak (Days 4–5)

About a 3-hour drive from Hanoi, this is the UNESCO site everyone puts on their bucket list. Imagine emerald waters and thousands of limestone towers.

• The Move: Book an overnight cruise. Waking up to a limestone-filtered sunrise is the only time you’ll actually enjoy being up at 6 AM.

3. Central Vietnam: Da Nang & Hoi An (Days 6–9)

Take a quick flight to Da Nang. This is the "chiller" part of the trip.

• Da Nang: See the Golden Bridge (the one with the giant stone hands). It’s basically a requirement for your Instagram feed at this point.
• Hoi An: This is the most beautiful town in Asia. It’s an ancient port filled with yellow buildings and silk lanterns. Get a suit or dress custom-made here. It’s cheap, high-quality, and takes only 24 hours. You'll walk out looking like Jay Pritchett on a golf weekend.

4. Ho Chi Minh City: The Grand Finale (Days 10–12)

Commonly known as Saigon, this is the modern, high-energy heart of the South. It’s where history meets skyscrapers.

• Must Do: The Cu Chi Tunnels. It’s an incredible (and slightly claustrophobic) look into the Vietnam War.

Transport and Stay Planning: Logistics for the Desi Soul

Flights

Direct flights are your best friend. In 2026, IndiGo, VietJet, and Air India have multiple direct routes.

• Cost: If you book 2 months in advance, a round-trip usually lands between INR 18,000 and INR 26,000.

Travellers who plan early can also benefit from best holiday tour packages with early bird deals, especially for Vietnam itineraries.

Where to Stay?

• Hanoi: Stay in the Old Quarter. It’s walking distance to everything.
• Da Nang: Stay near My Khe Beach.
• HCMC:District 1 is the place to be. It’s central, safe, and has the best nightlife.

Getting Around

Forget local taxis; download the Grab App. It’s exactly like Ola/Uber. You see the price upfront, no language barrier, and you can even book a "Grab Bike" if you want to zip through traffic like a local.

 Before you fly out, revisiting a basic travel checklist for India can help first-timers avoid last-minute packing and documentation mistakes.

First-Timer Mistakes: How Not to Pull a "Phil Dunphy"

We love Phil, but we don't want his "clueless dad" energy on a foreign trip.

1. The Overpacked Itinerary: "If it’s Tuesday, we must be in Hue!" Stop. Vietnam is a long country. Flights take time, and buses take longer. Don't try to squeeze in 8 cities. Pick 3-4 and actually enjoy them.
2. Not Checking the Weather: Vietnam has three distinct climate zones. It could be sunny in the South and literally freezing in the North in January. Check the forecast before you pack only linen shirts and flip-flops.
3. The Currency Confusion: Because of all those zeros in the Vietnamese Dong, it’s easy to pay INR 3,000 for a INR 300 Banh Mi. Count your zeros!

FAQ: Vietnam Itinerary Questions (Indian Edition)

1. Is Vietnam safe for solo female travelers?

Incredibly safe. The locals are respectful, and tourist areas are well-lit and busy. Just use the same common sense you'd use in any big city.

2. Is there enough vegetarian food?

Yes! Look for signs that say "Com Chay" (Vegetarian Food). Because of the Buddhist population, veg food is delicious and everywhere. You aren't relegated to just salads.

3. Can I use my Indian UPI?

Not yet! Carry a Zero-Forex Credit Card or use ATMs to withdraw cash. Cash is still very much king for street shopping and local food.

4. Do I need to carry a lot of USD?

Not really. You can exchange INR to VND at most jewelry shops or banks, or just withdraw local currency directly from an ATM. Carrying a bit of USD for emergencies is fine, though.

5. How much should I tip?

Tipping isn't mandatory in Vietnam, but it’s appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for tour guides is a nice gesture.

6. What's the best time to visit?

February to April or September to November. This is when you won't melt from the heat or get drenched by the monsoon in most parts of the country.

Travellers comparing winter options can also explore the best places to visit in December with pleasant weather before locking in Vietnam.

So, don't be like Lily and decide you "HATE VIETNAM" before you've even had a bite of a crispy Banh Mi. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway that doesn’t require a loan or a solo adventure to find yourself (and some really good coffee), Vietnam is the answer. It’s vibrant, it’s historical, and it’s arguably the most "value-for-money" trip you’ll ever take.

Go ahead, apply for that E-visa, and get ready for a trip that would make even Claire Dunphy stop stressing and start relaxing.

Okay folks, gotta go trace the Ho Chi Minh trail!