Hey — welcome! I’m Question Miles, your friendly travel buddy. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s walk through everything you asked about Vietnam, in plain, useful language. I’ve grouped similar questions together so it reads like a relaxed chat rather than a textbook.
Quick snapshot
How many days? 7–10 days for a first trip; 10–14 to see more.
Rough cost (from India): Budget: ₹1,500–2,500/day | Mid-range: ₹3,000–6,500/day (approx).
Visa: Indians need a visa (e-visa or visa-on-arrival with pre-approval). Processing varies — often a few days to a few weeks. (Vietnam Embassy in India)
1) How many days for a Vietnam trip / how many days in Vietnam?
- Short trip (5–7 days): Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong or Hanoi + Halong Bay (quick highlights).
- Better (8–10 days): Add Hoi An/Da Nang or Sapa for mountains.
- Two weeks+: You can comfortably cover north → central → south (Hanoi → Sapa/Ha Long → Hue/Hoi An → Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh).
Think of it like a playlist — you can enjoy the hits in a weekend, but to binge the full album you’ll want two weeks.
2) How much does it cost to travel to Vietnam / how much would a trip cost?
Costs vary by style, but here are realistic per-day guides:
- Budget: $25–$35 (~₹2,000–3,000) per day — hostels, street food, buses.
- Mid-range: $50–$80 (~₹4,000–6,500) per day — 3★ hotels, some tours, internal flights.
- Luxury: $150+ (~₹12,000+) per day — resorts, private drivers, fine dining.
These mid-range estimates match recent traveler budgets and practical guides. (Local Vietnam)
Tips to save: eat street food (delicious and cheap), take sleeper trains/buses for long hops, and book domestic flights early.
3) Is Vietnam expensive? Is Vietnam cheap?
Short answer: not expensive compared to many places — especially for food and local transport. You can travel very cheaply or splurge easily — it’s flexible. For many items (street food, local taxis, decent hotels) Vietnam is budget-friendly. (Local Vietnam)
4) Is Thailand cheaper than Vietnam / is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand?
Generally Vietnam is slightly cheaper for everyday things like local food and many accommodations — but flights or certain tourist services could be cheaper in Thailand depending on season. It balances out depending on what you prioritize (beaches, nightlife, flights). (Adventure In You)
5) What to buy / shop in Vietnam (including jewelry, souvenirs)
Lovely things to bring home:
- Silk & tailor-made clothes (Hanoi/Hoi An).
- Lacquerware & ceramics (Hoi An, Hanoi markets).
- Coffee & cà phê drip sets (Vietnamese coffee is famous).
- Handicrafts & woven goods (northern hill-tribe markets).
- Jewelry: silver and coral pieces are common — check quality and bargaining. Buy from reputable shops if you want certificates.
- Unique gifts: conical hat (nón lá), incense, lacquer boxes.
Pro tip: bargain gently at markets; fixed prices at boutiques. If it’s jewelry, ask for a receipt or certificate.
6) Does it snow in Vietnam?
Yes — but only rarely in high-altitude northern areas (Sapa, Fansipan, Mau Son, Ha Giang) during cold snaps (late Dec–Feb). Most of the country is tropical/subtropical and won’t see snow. If you want winter scenery, head to the far north.
7) Is Vietnam safe for solo female travellers / is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Overall, Vietnam is considered safe for tourists, including solo female travellers. Common-sense safety rules apply: avoid poorly-lit isolated spots at night, watch your belongings, and be aware of common small scams (overcharging, taxi meters). Many women travel solo around Vietnam with positive experiences.
8) What to do in Ho Chi Minh City / Ho Chi Minh — quick highlights
- War Remnants Museum (history).
- Cu Chi Tunnels (half-day trip).
- Ben Thanh Market (food + shopping).
- Rooftop bars & street food in District 1.
- Day trips: Mekong Delta, Vung Tau.
Short, punchy, and full of energy — Ho Chi Minh is a great place to start.
9) What to do in Da Nang
- Relax at My Khe Beach.
- Visit Marble Mountains and Dragon Bridge.
- Short ride to Hoi An (30–45 mins) for lantern evenings and tailor shops.
Great combo: Da Nang (beach) + Hoi An (culture & shopping).
10) How to travel to Vietnam from India / how to go / how to reach Vietnam
- By air: many direct flights from major Indian cities to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang — fastest and most common.
- Overland: possible via neighboring countries but lengthy and less common for short trips.
So: book a flight (often cheapest if you watch sales).
11) Is Indian rupee accepted in Vietnam / is Vietnam currency cheaper than India?
- No, INR is not accepted for general payments. You’ll use Vietnamese Dong (VND). Major hotels or tourist spots may accept USD or cards, but always carry VND for markets and taxis. Exchange INR to USD (or directly to VND at authorized exchangers) before/after arrival. (Niva Bupa)
On “cheaper currency”: the numerical value of VND vs INR doesn’t mean “cheaper” — what matters is purchasing power and local prices. Many things in Vietnam are low-cost for tourists.
12) How long does Vietnam e-visa take / do Indians need visa for Vietnam?
- Indians do need a visa to enter Vietnam (e-visa or visa-on-arrival with pre-approval). (Vietnam Embassy in India)
- E-Visa processing: official sources show processing can range from a few days to several weeks (commonly quoted windows like 3 working days standard; some embassy pages say 5–30 working days depending on circumstances). Apply early to be safe. (My Vietnam Visa)
Reminder: rules change — always check the official e-visa portal or nearest Vietnamese embassy before you book.
13) Is visa on arrival available for Indian passport holders?
Visa on arrival used to be common with pre-approved letters from agents, but rules shift. The more reliable route now is the official e-visa or embassy visa. Always check the official e-visa site or embassy guidance for current policy. (eVisa Vietnam)
14) How far is Vietnam from India?
Depends on departure/arrival cities. Flight times typically:
- Delhi → Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh: ~4.5–6.5 hours non-stop (if direct).
Distances are short compared to Europe — easy weekend escape (if you don’t mind jetlag).
15) Is travel insurance mandatory for Vietnam?
Not strictly mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended — covers medical, trip cancellation, lost baggage. Some tour operators or visa categories may ask for proof; it’s better to be covered.
16) Is vegetarian food available in Vietnam / what does food cost?
- Vegetarian food: Yes — rice, noodle dishes (phở chay), tofu, vegetable stir-fries, fresh fruit — though the cuisine often uses fish sauce. Ask for “không nước mắm” (no fish sauce) or look for veggie restaurants, Buddhist eateries, and vegetarian options in cities.
- Food cost: street food meals can be very cheap (a few hundred INR / a couple dollars); mid-range restaurants cost more. Expect low food costs compared to many countries.
17) Is Vietnam good for honeymoon?
Absolutely — Hoi An (lantern nights), Ha Long Bay cruises, beach resorts near Phu Quoc and Da Nang, and romantic countryside stays all make Vietnam a lovely honeymoon choice.
18) What to wear in Vietnam
- Lightweight breathable clothes for most of the year.
- Modest clothing for temples (shoulders/knees covered).
- In the north in winter (Dec–Feb), pack a warm jacket if you go to Sapa or Hanoi nights.
Comfortable shoes for walking and scooters!
19) How to travel in Vietnam
- Short distances: Grab (ride-hailing), taxis, motorbikes.
- Long distances: domestic flights, sleeper trains (Hanoi↔Sapa/Hue), overnight buses.
- Island access: ferries to Phu Quoc / Con Dao.
Grab is widely used in cities — super convenient.
20) Is Vietnam Airlines good / how is Vietnam Airlines?
Vietnam Airlines is the flag carrier, rated as a solid full-service airline and has been recognized regionally — experiences vary, but it is a common, reputable choice for internal and international flights. Recent developments show fleet expansion and industry recognition.
21) Passport required? Do we need visa for Vietnam from India?
Yes — valid passport required (with at least 6 months validity recommended). Indians do need a visa; see the e-visa / embassy guidance and apply ahead of time. (Vietnam Embassy in India)
22) Is Vietnam in India?
No — Vietnam is a separate country in Southeast Asia, bordered by China, Laos, and Cambodia. (Quick geography check!)
23) Is Vietnam currency cheaper than India?
Currency values don’t equal cost of living. You’ll use Vietnamese Dong (VND) in Vietnam — many things are inexpensive for visitors compared to India, but exchange rates and local prices vary. Best practice: compare actual item prices, not face-value currency.
24) Must-see places in Vietnam / what is Vietnam famous for / what to see
Must-see list (quick):
- Hanoi — Old Quarter, street food.
- Ha Long Bay — iconic karst islands (cruise).
- Hoi An — lanterns, tailors, easy nights.
- Hue — imperial citadel, history.
- Ho Chi Minh City — energy, markets, museums.
- Sapa / northern highlands — rice terraces, trekking.
- Phu Quoc — beaches and resorts.
Vietnam is famous for coffee, street food, rice terraces, historic sites, and scenic coastlines.
25) “Can Tho University Vietnam” — short answer
Yes — Can Tho University exists in Can Tho city (Mekong Delta). It’s one of Vietnam’s major universities, especially known for agriculture and regional studies.
26) Practical checklist before you go
- Passport (6+ months validity) & visa/e-visa. (Vietnam Embassy in India)
- Local currency (VND) or plan to exchange on arrival.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
- Lightweight clothing + one warm layer if traveling north in winter.
- Power adapter (European/Type A/B may be needed depending on hotel).
- A copy of pre-approval for visa-on-arrival if you use that route.
Quick FAQ — short, to the point
- Do Indians require visa for Vietnam? Yes. Apply e-visa or via embassy. (Vietnam Embassy in India)
- How long for e-visa? Processing windows vary — commonly a few days; some official pages list 5–30 working days depending on the situation. Apply early. (My Vietnam Visa)
- Is INR accepted? No — carry VND or USD/cards.
- Is Vietnam safe for solo women? Generally yes — but use common-sense caution.
- Does it snow? Rarely — only in high northern mountains Dec–Feb.
Final tips from your travel buddy (Question Miles)
- Pack flexible plans. Weather varies north→south, so don’t schedule a one-day miracle across the whole country.
- Try the street coffee (egg coffee if you’re curious) and sample local markets — that’s where the real flavor is.
- Ask locals for recommendations — some of the best meals and shops are word-of-mouth.
- Book visas and travel insurance early to avoid stress.