Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?

No, not for stays under 45 days. The Vietnam government extended visa-free entry to Indian passport holders in 2024 and renewed it through 2026. You do need a passport with at least 6 months validity, a return/onward ticket, and the e-arrival form filled within 72 hours of departure. We include the e-arrival assistance in every Vietnam package. For stays longer than 45 days or for business visits, you'll need an e-visa (₹2,000 approximately, 5 working days).

What is the realistic cost of a Vietnam trip from India?

Budget tier: ₹38,000 to ₹52,000 per person for a 7-night Hanoi + Ha Long + Da Nang trip including return flights from Delhi/Mumbai, 3-star hotels, overnight Ha Long cruise, breakfasts, and major transfers. Premium tier: ₹62,000 to ₹85,000 with 4-star hotels, private cars, and the better Ha Long Bay cruise category (suite cabin with balcony). Luxury tier with 5-star resorts and private guide runs ₹1.2L+. International flights cost between ₹14,000 and ₹28,000 depending on city and season.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

February to April is the sweet spot, comfortable temperatures (18-26°C) across the country, low rainfall in both Hanoi and Hoi An, and clear seas for Ha Long Bay. October-November is the second-best window. Avoid June-August in the south (rainy season in HCMC and Phu Quoc) and December-January in the north (Hanoi can dip to 10°C, foggy). Tet (Vietnamese New Year, late January or early February) shuts a lot of small businesses for 5 days, we work around it but flight prices spike.

Will I find Indian or vegetarian food in Vietnam?

Easily, in Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, and HCMC. Each major city has multiple Indian restaurants (Tandoor in Hanoi, Ganesh in Da Nang, Saigon's Little India). Local Vietnamese vegetarian food (chay) is everywhere thanks to a strong Buddhist tradition, look for any restaurant with chay on the signage. Pure-Jain / no-onion-no-garlic meal plans need pre-arrangement; we book those at hotels rather than at street stalls.

Should I add Phu Quoc to my Vietnam trip?

If you have 9+ nights and want a beach finisher, yes. Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest island, visa-free, 45 minutes by flight from HCMC, and has 5-star resorts at ₹12,000-25,000 per night that would cost ₹60,000+ in the Maldives. If you have 5-7 nights, skip Phu Quoc, you'll feel rushed. Honeymooners often pair 4 nights of Hanoi + Ha Long + Hoi An with 4 nights of Phu Quoc as the cleaner version.