ULTIMATE Vietnam Travel Guide 2025 - 14 Days Vietnam Itinerary

Dreaming of vibrant cultures, warm smiles, rich history, tasty food, and great coffee? Look no further than Vietnam! The best part is that it’s very budget-friendly. Hi, I’m Khushboo, and I love helping you plan unforgettable trips. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about travelling to Vietnam from India in 2025. This includes costs, itineraries, and essential tips.

Part 1: Budget Breakdown – How Much Will Your Vietnam Trip Cost?

Let’s dive into the details: how much should you plan to spend on your trip to Vietnam? I’ll cover everything from flights and visas to food and transport.

Flights from India to Vietnam

Direct Flights: You can find direct flights to Vietnam from four main Indian cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. If you’re starting your journey in Ho Chi Minh City, Kochi is another option. By October 2024, you can find return tickets for less than ₹20,000. Sometimes, they drop to ₹17,000. However, tickets from Kolkata are usually more expensive.
Connecting Flights: If you’re flying from a city without direct flights, like Bangalore, expect to pay about ₹30,000 for a round trip.
Money-Saving Tip: Check flight prices on Skyscanner, but also visit airline websites directly. Luggage rules change, so booking directly might save you a few hundred rupees in baggage fees. Vietnam Airlines is a relatively new option for Indian travelers, offering competitive fares. When I traveled in May, Vietjet was the primary carrier, and I snagged a one-way ticket with luggage for just ₹9,600!

Vietnam Visa for Indian Citizens

The visa process for Vietnam is refreshingly simple. You can apply for an e-visa online. Here’s what you need to know:

E-Visa Application: You need to provide basic info. This includes where you’ll stay on your first day and your entry and exit points with dates. No proof of accommodation or flights is required. You’ll need to upload a passport copy and a passport-sized photo.
Visa Cost and Processing Time: The e-visa costs around $25, plus a small transaction fee. Processing typically takes 5-7 days. My visa cost me ₹2,150.
Important Note about Dates: Be mindful of the dates you enter on the application. The visa can last up to 30 days. However, the actual validity depends on your entry and exit dates, plus two extra days. If unsure, either apply for the full 30 days or be precise with your intended travel dates.
Immigration Experience: The immigration process was smooth. I was asked about my final destination and occupation but nothing too intrusive. However, be prepared to show a return ticket if requested.

Currency, Cash, and Cards in Vietnam

Vietnamese Dong (VND): The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 VND is approximately equal to 0.0033 INR.
USD is King: I recommend carrying USD and exchanging it in Vietnam for a better exchange rate. Exchanging INR directly resulted in a significant loss for me.
Card Usage: BookMyForex cards don’t work in Vietnam. Niyo Global is a reliable free card option. Card payments usually incur a 3% surcharge, which I found acceptable. I only spent about ₹150 extra on card fees during my entire trip.
Cash vs. Card: Most online bookings (tours, buses, hotels) can be done with a card. For offline payments, cards are generally accepted. I managed most of my trip with my card and only exchanged $100 in cash.
Cash Withdrawal: Agribank ATMs charge 22,000 VND per transaction, while TP Bank and VP Bank have no withdrawal fees (but your Indian bank might charge 2.5%). For larger withdrawals, Agribank might be more cost-effective.
Currency Exchange: Change a small amount ($50) at the airport for quick expenses. Then, exchange the rest in the city after checking rates at a few different bureaus.

Travel Insurance: A Must-Have

Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended. Don’t risk a medical emergency ruining your trip – it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can get complete coverage for about ₹500 or less. This price varies based on how long your trip is and the amount of coverage you need. Compare policies on PolicyBazaar, MakeMyTrip, or BookMyForex.

Staying Connected: Tourist SIM Cards

Viettel SIM Card: I opted for a Viettel SIM, a reputable mobile network provider in Vietnam (think of it as the Airtel of Vietnam). Avoid buying SIM cards from tourist shops, as they often overcharge.
Where to Buy: You can find SIM cards at official Viettel stores or sometimes at your accommodation. Be cautious about SIM cards sold at accommodations, as I heard some had validity issues.
SIM Card Options and Costs: A data-only SIM with 2GB/day costs around 170,000 VND. I chose a SIM with calling for 210,000 VND (4GB/day), but calling isn’t necessary since WhatsApp is widely used.
Airport vs. City Purchase: Use the airport’s Wi-Fi and the Grab app to book transport to your place. Then, buy a SIM card in the city.

Getting Around Vietnam: Transport Options

Grab App: Download the Grab app before your trip. It works with your Indian SIM and allows you to book taxis and motorbike taxis (Grab bikes) easily. You can link your card for cashless payments.
Airport Transfer Hack: Take the airport bus to the city. It’s affordable (45,000 VND) and has Wi-Fi.
City Transport: Grab is your best friend for getting around cities. Use Grab bike for solo travel or Grab taxi for groups. Gojek is another option available in some cities, but Grab is more widely accessible.
Scooter Rental: You can rent a scooter for about ₹400 a day. This doesn’t include petrol and parking. You’ll need an international driving permit. I didn’t rent a scooter, but it’s a popular option for exploring independently. If you’re staying in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, walking is often sufficient.
Intercity Travel: For day trips to places like Hanoi, Ninh Binh, or Ha Long Bay, think about joining organised tours. For longer distances (e.g., Hanoi to Sapa or Hoi An), book buses or trains on 12Go Asia. For very long distances, flights might be preferable. I flew from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (a 20+ hour journey by road) for ₹4,000.
Important Note on Flights: Be careful when booking return flights! Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are far apart, so factor in travel time.

Food, Glorious Food!

Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Options: Vietnam offers a wide range of culinary delights. Non-vegetarian options abound, while vegetarians can find tofu and eggplant dishes. Central Vietnam is particularly vegan-friendly. I enjoyed delicious vegetarian meals throughout my trip.
Food Costs: Expect to pay ₹100-150 per meal for street food. Banh mi, or Vietnamese sandwiches, are a delicious and cheap choice. They cost about 40,000 VND.
Grocery Shopping: Grocery stores aren’t as common, and prices aren’t always clearly marked. Be prepared to ask for prices at the counter.
Beer Culture: Vietnam boasts some of the cheapest beer in the world! I found beer for as low as 11,000 VND (₹40) at a wholesale store. Prices in tourist areas can be higher.
Vietnamese Coffee: Don’t miss out on the amazing coffee! Try both hot and iced options. Enjoy iced coffee with condensed milk, coconut coffee, and egg coffee. A cup of coffee costs around 25,000-30,000 VND.

Part 2: Vietnam Itinerary Ideas

Vietnam is a long, narrow country, so you can travel north to south or vice versa. I chose to start in the north. Here are some itinerary suggestions for various trip lengths:

Hanoi (2-3 Days)

Accommodation: Hotels are available for ₹1000-1500, while hostels offer budget-friendly options around ₹500. Stay in the Old Quarter for easy access to attractions.
Things to Do:
- Explore the charming Old Quarter, its bustling streets, and vibrant markets.
- Delve into Hanoi’s rich history by visiting temples, museums, and historical sites.
- Experience the unique Train Street and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Beer Street.
- Indulge in Hanoi’s incredible food scene and savor the delicious coffee. Note Coffee and the train street area are great spots for coffee.
My Experience: I spent two days in the Old Quarter. I enjoyed the local culture and savoured tasty street food and coffee.

Ha Long Bay (Day Trip or Overnight Cruise)

UNESCO World Heritage Site: A must-visit destination! Ha Long Bay’s stunning natural beauty is breathtaking.
Day Trip vs. Overnight Cruise: A day trip costs around ₹3,000, while an overnight cruise ranges from ₹8,000-10,000. If you have the time and budget, an overnight cruise offers a more immersive experience.
My Recommendation: Don’t miss Ha Long Bay! Even a day trip is worth it.

Ha Giang Loop (4 Days)

Motorbike Adventure: Explore the stunning mountainous landscapes of northern Vietnam on a motorbike. This loop is known for its challenging roads but offers incredible views.
Cost: Around ₹16,000 if you ride yourself, or ₹20,000 with a hired driver.
My Regret: I didn’t do the Ha Giang Loop, and everyone I met said it was the best part of their Vietnam trip. If you have the time and budget, definitely consider this adventure.

Sapa (2-3 Days)

Mountain Scenery and Trekking: Sapa is a stunning mountain town. It’s great for hiking and exploring local hill tribe cultures.
Things to Do:
- Village hikes and homestays offer immersive cultural experiences.
- Conquer Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak, by hiking or taking the cable car.
My Experience: I had fun hiking in the village. I met local communities, but the foggy weather blocked the views.

Ninh Binh (1-2 Days)

Ninh Binh is a peaceful and unique spot. It’s a great place to enjoy nature’s beauty.
Things to Do:
- Cycle through the picturesque countryside.
- Take a boat tour through Tam Coc or Trang An.
- Hike to Mua Caves for panoramic city views.
My Experience: I loved the peaceful atmosphere of Ninh Binh. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Central Vietnam: Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ba Na Hills

Da Nang: A coastal city with beaches, Marble Hills, and delicious food.
Hoi An: A charming ancient town with vibrant nightlife and tailor shops. Consider a cooking class and a coracle boat tour (around ₹1,600-1,700). Look for deals on Klook, Viator, Agoda, or GetYourGuide.
Ba Na Hills: A French-era hill station with stunning views and a Golden Bridge. Entry is around ₹3,000. I skipped it, but it’s a popular tourist spot.
My Experience: I enjoyed the nightlife in Hoi An and took a fun cooking class combined with a coconut boat tour.

Ho Chi Minh City (2-3 Days)

Vibrant Metropolis: Ho Chi Minh City is a lively place. It blends history, culture, and modern attractions.
Things to Do:
- Explore historical sites and museums.
- Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels for a glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime history.
- Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta.
- Experience the nightlife on Bui Vien Walking Street.
- Shop for souvenirs and local products at Ben Thanh Market.
My Recommendation: The Cu Chi Tunnels were a fascinating experience. Don’t forget to download a currency converter app for easy bargaining at markets.

Other Destinations

Dalat: A hill station 6 hours from Ho Chi Minh City.
Mui Ne: Known for its sand dunes and beaches, located 3-4 hours from Ho Chi Minh City.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

North Vietnam: November to April
Central Vietnam: January to August
South Vietnam: November to April
Overall: January to April is ideal for exploring the entire country.

My 14-Day Itinerary and Budget

My actual itinerary differed slightly from my ideal plan. I’ll share both versions and my budget breakdown in a future update.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

I hope this comprehensive guide helps you plan an incredible trip to Vietnam! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below or message me on Instagram. For personalized travel planning assistance, you can book a one-on-one call with me. Happy travels.

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ULTIMATE Vietnam Travel Guide 2025 – 14 Days Vietnam Itinerary