First trip to Vietnam: tips for Indian travellers

Vietnam works brilliantly as a first international trip for Indian travellers. It is compact enough to explore several cities in a week, the food is flavourful and varied, and the e-visa process is straightforward. Plan for warm weather, carry some dong and a working card, and you can move around Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang and Hoi An with confidence. Here is what you need to know before you go.

Visa and documents before you fly

You must sort out the visa before you board your flight. Indian passport holders need an e-visa before travel to Vietnam, as verified on 9 Oct 2026. The e-visa has to be granted before you check in, so do not leave it to the last minute. Keep a printed copy of the approval with your passport, and carry the same travel documents you used when applying.

• Indian passport valid for at least six months from your entry date
• E-visa approval, printed as well as saved on your phone
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Hotel booking confirmations for each city
• A little US cash or dong for arrival expenses

Some websites still describe the entry rule for Indians loosely, so trust the official source. Vietnam opened e-visa to all nationalities in 2023, and the rules are often mis-reported. Check the official e-visa portal and read the requirements carefully before you pay anyone for help.

Getting around Vietnam

Most first trips use Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City as the starting point, then move through a handful of stops. Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover the long north-to-south stretch, and they are frequent and affordable. Within cities, use ride-hailing apps rather than flagging taxis on the street, as the metered fare is easier to track on an app.

• Book domestic flights a few days ahead, not on the day of travel
• Use ride-hailing apps for short city trips
• Walk in the old quarters of Hanoi and Hoi An, which are compact and flat
• For Halong Bay, join an organised cruise that includes transfers
• Keep small notes of dong for buses and local snacks

A typical first visit might cover Hanoi, an overnight Halong Bay cruise, then Da Nang and Hoi An nearby. This keeps travel time short and lets you see both the north and the central coast without rushing.

Food, water and vegetarian options

Vietnamese food is lighter and fresher than many Indian travellers expect, built around rice noodles, herbs, fish sauce and grilled meat. Vegetarian food is available, but you have to ask clearly. Many dishes that look meatless are seasoned with fish sauce or cooked in meat broth. Tell the server you are vegetarian before ordering, and be specific about what you avoid.

• Pho chay: vegetable and tofu noodle soup, quick and filling
• Banh mi chay: a baguette with egg or tofu and pickled vegetables
• Fresh spring rolls with tofu, ask for no fish sauce in the dip
• Stir-fried greens and tofu with steamed rice
• Tropical fruit, which is cheap and excellent in every market

Do not drink tap water. Use bottled or filtered water, and check the seal on any bottle you buy. Busy local stalls are generally safe because the food turns over quickly, but go where you see a queue and the food is cooked in front of you. For a gentler start, sit-down restaurants in Hanoi and Hoi An serve excellent vegetarian menus with clear labels.

Local customs and etiquette

Vietnamese people are warm and patient with visitors, and a little politeness goes a long way. Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees when you enter temples or pagodas, and remove your shoes where you see others do so. Point with your whole hand rather than one finger, and pass money or objects with both hands when you can.

• Remove shoes before entering homes and some shops and temples
• Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites
• Ask before photographing people, especially monks and sellers
• Speak softly; raising your voice is seen as losing face
• Haggle gently at markets, but keep it friendly and accept a fair price

Staying connected and staying safe

Buy a local SIM at the airport as soon as you land, before you leave the arrival hall. A local data SIM makes maps, ride-hailing apps and translation far easier, and airport SIM stores are quick and set the phone up for you. Keep your Indian SIM in a second slot if your phone supports it, or carry a spare phone for the local SIM.

Vietnam is generally safe for tourists, but the usual city rules apply. Watch your phone and wallet in crowded markets and on busy crossings, and use a cross-body bag rather than an open tote. Cross the road slowly and steadily in the big cities, as scooters flow around you rather than stopping. Keep your passport and spare cash in the hotel safe and carry only what you need for the day.

What your first Vietnam trip can look like

A well-rounded first visit covers Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang and Hoi An. A 7-day package with 6 nights typically includes the visa, hotels on twin sharing, an overnight Halong Bay cruise, the Ba Na Hills cable car and Golden Bridge, a Hoi An lantern boat, a Cam Thanh basket boat, and ground transport within Vietnam. It is priced at ₹39,999 per person, twin sharing, international flights not included for 6 nights, priced on 8 Oct 2026, valid through 7 Nov 2026.

International flights, travel insurance, meals not listed in the inclusions, airport transfers not listed in the inclusions, and personal spending are all outside this price, so budget for those separately. If you have more time, a longer itinerary covering Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc opens up the beach side of Vietnam as well.

Your first trip to Vietnam will be easier than you expect. Handle the e-visa early, carry a mix of cash and a card, learn the word for vegetarian, and use ride-hailing for city trips. The food, the scenery and the calm way of life tend to win over first-time visitors from India very quickly.