I Did 10 Days in Vietnam for ₹60,000. Here Is the Full Breakdown.
Flights, visa, food, stays, and everything in between. The most honest Vietnam travel guide for Indian travelers.
This Vietnam budget trip from India changed how I think about travel. Ten days, three cities, motorbike rides through mountain passes, the best coffee I have ever had, and a total cost of ₹60,000 from Mumbai. This is the complete breakdown.
Flights
₹18,000 to ₹25,000 return.
Mumbai to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the most common entry point. IndiGo flies via Bangkok, Air Asia connects through Kuala Lumpur, and Vietnam Airlines has decent fares via Hanoi. Book 6 to 8 weeks ahead for fares under ₹22,000 return.
Alternatively, fly into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh (or vice versa) to avoid backtracking. This open-jaw routing costs slightly more but saves you significant time and internal transport costs.
Visa
E-Visa required (₹1,500 approx). Indian passport holders need an e-Visa for Vietnam. Apply at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
- Single entry tourist visa: 90 days validity
- Fee: USD 25 (approximately ₹1,500 to ₹2,100)
- Processing time: 3 working days
- Documents needed: passport copy, photo, entry and exit dates, accommodation address
- Apply at least 1 week before travel
The Vietnam e-Visa is one of the easiest visas to get as an Indian passport holder. No interview, no embassy visit.
Where to Stay
₹800 to ₹2,500 per night. Vietnam has some of the best budget accommodation in Southeast Asia. Hostels in Ho Chi Minh City’s Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area start at ₹800 per night with breakfast included. Hanoi’s Old Quarter has similar options.
For a step up, mid-range hotels in city centres come in at ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per night and are genuinely comfortable.
Book Vietnam tours and experiences via Klook (code PIYUSHH04) or Viator.
What to Do in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City (Days 1 to 3)
Start in Saigon to ease into Vietnam. The city is fast, loud, and endlessly interesting.
- Cu Chi Tunnels (book via Klook code PIYUSHH04 or Viator to get the best guided experience)
- War Remnants Museum (free, deeply moving, do not skip)
- Ben Thanh Market for street food
- Bui Vien Street at night for atmosphere
Da Lat (Days 4 to 6)
Take the sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat (around ₹600 to ₹800). Da Lat is Vietnam’s hill station. Cool weather, strawberry farms, coffee plantations, and waterfalls.
- Datanla Waterfall
- Elephant Falls
- Crazy House (Hang Nga Guesthouse)
- Truc Lam Zen Monastery by cable car
Hanoi and Ha Long Bay (Days 7 to 10)
Fly from Da Lat to Hanoi (budget airlines under ₹2,500) and base yourself in the Old Quarter.
- Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
- Train Street (go early morning or late evening)
- Ha Long Bay day trip or overnight cruise (book via Klook code PIYUSHH04 or Viator)
Ha Long Bay is the highlight of any Vietnam trip. The overnight cruise is worth the splurge if your budget allows.
Food in Vietnam
₹300 to ₹600 per day. Vietnam is a food paradise for budget travelers. Three meals a day at local spots will cost you ₹400 to ₹600.
- Pho (noodle soup) for breakfast at any local pho stall. ₹80 to ₹150.
- Banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich) from street carts. ₹60 to ₹120.
- Bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) in Hanoi. ₹150 to ₹200.
- Egg coffee at Cafe Giang in Hanoi. Around ₹120. Do not leave without trying it.
- Com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) in Ho Chi Minh. ₹150 to ₹180.
Avoid the tourist restaurants on Bui Vien Street in Saigon. Walk two streets back and the price drops immediately with better food.
Transport in Vietnam
Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) works in all major cities. Always use Grab over negotiated tuk tuks for fair pricing.
Sleeper buses for intercity travel are cheap, comfortable, and a genuine experience. Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat costs around ₹600 to ₹800.
For short distances within cities, motorbike taxis (Grab Bike) are the fastest and cheapest option at ₹30 to ₹80 per ride.
Total Budget Breakdown
- Flights (return): ₹21,000
- Visa: ₹2,000
- Accommodation (9 nights): ₹14,000
- Food (10 days): ₹5,500
- Activities: ₹8,000
- Transport (local + intercity + internal flight): ₹6,500
- SIM + Misc: ₹3,000
- Total: ₹55,000 to ₹60,000
Book Ha Long Bay and Cu Chi Tunnels in advance. They sell out, especially in peak season.
Book Your Vietnam Activities
Book on Klook (use code PIYUSHH04).
Plan Your Vietnam Trip
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