Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guide for Indian Visitors
- 9min Read
Blog Outline
30sec Snapshot
Vietnam offers a blend of culture, history, natural beauty, and landscapes. It is ideal for both budget and luxury travellers. Our Vietnam travel guide covers the best places to visit.
- Visit the Hanoi City
- Enjoy at the Halong Bay
- Explore Hoi An
- Unfold the offerings of Ho Chi Minh City
- Explore Nha Trang
Vietnam is a beautiful country with timeless culture, fabulous food, blissful beaches, changing cities, and wonderful scenery. With its old countryside rhythms and new urban lifestyles, you can find an unmatched experience in Vietnam. You can see anything and everything in Vietnam, like beautiful beaches, bustling street markets, vibrant food scenes, lush greens, and breathtaking landscapes.
Nevertheless, to learn the history of Vietnam, you can tour its historical sites. In this blog, we will help you with a perfect Vietnam travel guide to help you know everything about Vietnam.
Essential Information: Vietnam Travel Tips
Here are some of the essential tips from our Vietnam travel guide that you should know before planning a trip to Vietnam.
- Visa requirements: You must have a Vietnam Visa to enter the country. You can apply online or via Consulate in your country. Apply well in advance, like 2 or 3 weeks before your trip to Vietnam.
- Best time to visit: March to May is the best time to visit Vietnam. However, there is no bad time to visit this huge country. You will always have good weather in some parts of the country. Usually, the peak season is from December to January and then March to May.
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong is the currency used in Vietnam. You can exchange your money in banks, ATMs, and exchange beaus, but they will charge a commission for the exchange. Carry money while travelling to small villages and towns, as banks and ATMs are available in cities.
- Vaccinations: Although no COVID-19 vaccination records are needed, you should be aware of tropical illnesses in Vietnam. Visit your doctor before a trip to Vietnam for anti-malarial medications.
- Safety: You should brush up on your haggling skills, as most purchases require more money. Fix a rate before taking a taxi or any local transportation. Keep your belongings safely while crossing the road in traffic, and watch out for motorbikes, as there are chances of snatchings.
Make your Travel Rewarding and Hassle-Free with a Vietnam Visa for Indians Online!
Packing Essentials: Things to Carry for Vietnam Trip
Check out our packing list in our Vietnam travel guide to make your journey memorable and comfortable.
- Clothing: Pack lightweight and loose-fitting dresses, cotton shirts, shorts, long skirts, long pants, and a lightweight rain jacket, as the winter is also dry.
- Footwear: You can carry Waterproof shoes, Hiking boots, flip-flops, lightweight clothing, and hiking socks for various activities and exploring cities.
- Electronics: Pack your phone, tablets, camera, chargers, earplugs, adaptors, and power banks.
- Documents: Take your Passport, visa, travel insurance, other bookings, and financial proof documents.
- Toiletries: Not all hotels will provide toiletries, so it is better to take your basic toiletries, insect repellent, first-aid kit, and sunscreen.
Getting Around Vietnam
Our comprehensive Vietnam travel guide will help you get around in Vietnam with ease.
- Domestic flights: If you are short on time, you can take domestic flights. Popular airlines include Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Vietnam Airlines.
- Trains: Trains in Vietnam are classified as SE (Super Express), TN (Thong Nhat), and Reunification Express. You can travel to major cities like Hanoi and HCMC by train.
- Buses: You can travel almost everywhere on the bus. They are affordable, and you can take Open Tours or Open Ticket buses for convenient travel.
- Motorbikes: For an adventurous visit, you can rent a motorbike. But look for the condition of the bike you are taking, and you must possess an international driving licence.
Must-Visit Destinations in Vietnam
Here are some of the must-visit places you should see from our Vietnam travel guide.
Hanoi City Guide:
Hanai is nestled on the banks of the Red River and is the capital city of Vietnam. You can divide the tourist attractions of Hanoi into two: the Old Quarter and the French Quarter. In the Old Quarter, you can explore the food scene, busy markets, traditional shops, alleys and century-old buildings. On the other hand, you can enjoy the stunning balustrades and Gothic domes, 65 glam floors of Lotte Tower, cobbled riverside streets, tube houses, and farmers’ markets. The best place to stay in Hanoi is the Old Quarter, as it’s close to many restaurants, and you can view the nearby attractions on foot.
Halong Bay:
It is famous for its fantastic karst formations and cruise rides. You can explore this region by cruise or boat on a day trip. Visit Cat Ba Island and Dong Thien Cung. Kayaking and snorkelling are other popular activities in this region. You can set a luxurious sail on overnight cruises to explore the magnificent natural landscapes.
Hoi An:
It is an old town in the centre of Vietnam. You can explore the lantern-lit streets, ancient structures, riverside, and historic merchant houses. The food culture of Hoi An is delightfully exciting, and it has multi-cultural cuisine. The city transforms into a mesmerising ambience at night with its illuminating and colourful waterways. You can also see the Chinese and Japanese influences in the culture and the preserved architecture. The city is small enough to explore on foot or bicycle.
Ho Chi Minh City:
It is popularly known as Saigon, where you can explore ancient culture and modern urbanisation. Here, you can find ornate temples, old shrines, stunning skyscrapers, and shopping malls. There are many tourist attractions here, such as Cu Chi, Ben Dinh Tunnels, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Opera House. Saigon is home to eccentric shopping malls, nightclubs, and fine-dining restaurants. This city is always busy with traffic and motorbikes. You can find budget hotels around Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham and Bui Vien streets.
Nha Trang:
Nha Trang is famous for its beautiful bays and beach resorts. Here, you can enjoy water activities like sailboating, kiteboarding, island hopping, and scuba diving. You can also enjoy spas, bars, and boutiques. Visit the Cham Towers, Museums, and Pagodas. The tourists and locals start the parties with loud music and cocktails at night. Never miss trying the seafood in this beach town, as it is the seafood capital of Vietnam.
Mekong Delta:
This region is the rice bowl of Vietnam. You can see the world-famous Mekong River here. There are also floating markets, green fields, enchanting villages, and colourful fruits to discover. Tra Su Cajuput Forest, Tram Chim National Park, and Vinh Trang Temple are some of the places worth visiting near this delta.
Hidden gems:
Apart from the regular tourist visiting places, there are also many Off-the-beaten-path destinations. You can add it to your list for an adventurous trip. Some include Ba Ho Waterfall, Lan Ha Bay, Trang An Grottoes, and FITO Museum. With that, you can have a day trip to small villages and try farm-to-table foods.
Food and Drinks in Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine’s flavours differ from region to region. However, it is considered healthy because it contains little oil and more vegetables. Let us explore the cuisine with our Vietnam travel guide.
- Vietnamese cuisine: Phở, bánh mì, cơm tấm, and bún bò huế are some of the must-try dishes. Generally, the main dish is based on noodles, rice, and soy sauce. Fish, shrimp, meat, and seafood are also involved in the cuisine. Lemon grass, ginger, basil, mint, Serrano peppers, and coriander are the spices mostly used here.
- Coffee culture: Vietnamese coffee is different from other coffees in the world. It is made from thick and sweet condensed milk and coffee beans, making it a creamy beverage.
- Fresh fruit: You must try exotic fruits such as mangosteen, pomelo, green dragon fruit, and three-seed cherry.
Read Famous Vietnam Food for Indian Explorers to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine.
Backpacking to Vietnam
Vietnam offers budget-friendly options for accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. You can plan your itinerary based on time, from exploring bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to relaxing in scenic spots like Ha Long Bay and Hoi An. Solo female travellers should stay in well-reviewed hostels, use reputable transportation services, and dress modestly to respect local customs.
Get a Vietnam Visa for Indians at the Lowest Price and Start your Adventure with Ease!
Conclusion
Vietnam is a country with a diverse culture, stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, and affordable travel options. This Vietnam travel guide will assist you in planning your trip wisely. You can explore Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Nha Trang. For an adventurous trip, try the Vietnam hidden gems. Embrace the local customs, savour the delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cao Bằng, Đắk Lắk, Quy Nhơn, and Phong Nha are some of the off-the-beaten-path destinations that are worth visiting.
Vietnam is generally considered the safest country for solo female travellers. However, it is advisable to take safety measures.
Bánh Mì, Phở, Bánh Xèo, and Cơm Gà are some of the must-try dishes, and Ca phe sua is the Vietnamese coffee you should never miss tasting.
You can have a budget-friendly trip to Vietnam by travelling in low season, using public transport, not buying anything unnecessarily, enjoying street food and staying in affordable accommodations.
You should greet local people with a handshake or slight bow and address them respectfully. Dress modestly, especially in religious sites, and always remove your shoes before entering religious temples or pagodas.
