Vietnam for Indian Travelers: Visa, Flights, Costs, and Vegetarian Food (2026)

Vietnam’s most comfortable travel seasons for Indian visitors are February to April and September to November. During these months, temperatures across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and central Vietnam average 22–28°C, humidity is manageable, and rainfall is minimal. This period also coincides with several cultural festivals, including the Hue Festival (April) and Mid-Autumn Festival (September), offering travelers a chance to experience local traditions without the crowds or logistical headaches of peak holiday periods.

The Tet holiday, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, falls in late January or early February. While the country is filled with lively celebrations, fireworks, and flower markets, Tet can disrupt travel plans. Domestic flights, trains, and buses often sell out weeks in advance, and hotel prices may double. Many businesses, including restaurants and shops, close for several days, so Indian travelers should only visit during Tet if they’ve pre-booked all accommodation and transport. Otherwise, it’s best to avoid this period to prevent last-minute hassles.

From June to August, monsoon rains sweep through much of Vietnam. Heavy downpours can cause flight delays and cancellations, especially on routes between India and Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Outdoor sightseeing, cruises in Ha Long Bay, and visits to rural attractions may be affected by flooding or slippery conditions. For a smoother trip, Indian travelers are advised to plan their Vietnam visit outside the monsoon months.

Indian travelers flying to Vietnam in 2026 can book direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. VietJet and Air India operate these routes, with flight durations averaging 4 to 5 hours. This eliminates the need for layovers in Bangkok or Singapore, making travel more straightforward and time-efficient. Most flights depart daily, but schedules may fluctuate during monsoon months (June–August), so check availability before booking.

For entry, Indian passport holders must obtain an e-visa, which is now the standard process for short-term tourism. Applications are submitted online via the official Vietnam immigration portal, and travelers should apply at least seven days before their departure date to allow for processing. The e-visa fee is USD $25, roughly INR 2,000, payable online by credit or debit card. Confirmation and the visa approval letter are sent by email; print a copy to present at immigration on arrival. While the process is generally smooth, delays can occur during festival periods such as Tet, so early application is recommended.

Upon arrival, immigration officers require both the printed e-visa and a valid passport with at least six months’ validity. Indian travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of their passport and visa throughout their trip, as these documents may be requested at hotels or police checkpoints. For up-to-date visa guidelines and links to the application portal, refer to official sites like vietnamtourism.gov.vn.

Entry fees for Vietnam’s most visited sites in 2026 remain reasonable and straightforward. The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City charges VND 40,000 (about INR 140) per adult, with doors open from 8:00 to 17:00 daily. This museum is centrally located in District 3, making it easy to fit into a city itinerary. Tickets are sold at the entrance, and there’s no need to book in advance unless you're part of a large group.

In central Vietnam, the Imperial City in Hue sets its entry fee at VND 200,000 (INR 700) per person. The ticket covers access to the main citadel and several royal tombs within the complex. The site operates from 8:00 to 17:00 every day, but last entry is usually 30 minutes before closing. Audio guides and English-language maps are available for a small additional charge at the main gate.

For those heading north, Ha Long Bay cruises are a popular option. Half-day tours start at VND 500,000 (INR 1,800) per person, including basic onboard meals and sightseeing stops. Prices rise for longer or luxury cruises. Most boats depart between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning from Bai Chay or Tuan Chau harbor, returning by early afternoon. Advance booking is advised, especially during festival periods or weekends.

Most major attractions across Vietnam follow a standard schedule, opening daily from 8:00 to 17:00. Some sites, especially temples and pagodas, may close for lunch or on special holidays, so it’s wise to check ahead if visiting during Tet or other major festivals.

Budget-conscious travelers from India will find Vietnam’s accommodation and daily expenses manageable in 2026. Budget hotels in central districts of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang typically charge between INR 1,500 and 3,000 per night for a clean, air-conditioned double room. Many of these hotels offer free Wi-Fi and basic amenities, and advance booking through platforms like Agoda or Booking.com can secure the best rates, especially during festival periods.

Vegetarian Indian food is widely available in major cities, with thali meals, dosas, and curries at restaurants such as Ganesh (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) and Tandoor (Da Nang) priced between INR 400 and 900 per person. Outside these hubs, vegetarian options may be limited to local Vietnamese dishes like pho chay (vegetarian noodle soup) or com chay (vegetarian rice), which are often cheaper but less familiar.

For getting around, app-based ride services like Grab and traditional taxis are both reliable and affordable. A short ride within city centers usually costs INR 100–300, depending on distance and time of day. For longer journeys or airport transfers, expect to pay more, but fares remain reasonable compared to Indian metros. Upon arrival, purchasing a local SIM card with 10GB data costs INR 350–500 at airport kiosks or convenience stores, ensuring easy access to maps and ride-hailing apps throughout your trip.

Vegetarian and halal food options for Indian travelers have expanded in Vietnam’s major cities, but some planning is still needed. In Hanoi, popular Indian restaurants like Namaste Hanoi (46 Tho Nhuom, open daily 11:00–22:00) and Zaika Indian Restaurant serve thali, dosa, and a range of North and South Indian curries. Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 is home to Benaras, Baba’s Kitchen, and Ganesh, all of which offer vegetarian menus and can prepare Jain meals on request. Expect to pay INR 400–900 for a vegetarian meal at these establishments in 2026. Da Nang’s My An area has a handful of Indian restaurants such as Family Indian and Mumtaz, though variety is more limited than in Hanoi or Saigon.

Vegetarian food is easy to find in urban centers, with many Vietnamese restaurants offering meatless pho, tofu dishes, and stir-fried vegetables. However, in rural areas or smaller towns, vegetarian and especially halal options are scarce. Dishes labeled “chay” (vegetarian) are common in Buddhist-run eateries, but it’s wise to clarify ingredients, as fish sauce or shrimp paste can sometimes be included.

For those requiring halal food, options are concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 and Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Halal@Saigon and D’Nyonya Penang are reliable choices, but outside these hubs, halal-certified restaurants are rare. Before booking hotels in smaller towns, confirm whether vegetarian or halal meals can be arranged, as hotel kitchens may not accommodate special diets. Carrying snacks or instant meals is recommended for long journeys or rural stays.

Currency exchange scams remain a concern in Vietnam’s main tourist areas, particularly around airports and popular markets. Indian travelers should use only official exchange counters or bank branches—avoid street money changers, who may offer better rates but frequently use rigged calculators or counterfeit notes. Hanoi’s Noi Bai and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat airports both have clearly marked official counters in the arrivals hall; rates are competitive and receipts are provided.

Carrying a photocopy of your passport and visa is strongly recommended, as random checks by local authorities are not uncommon, especially in larger cities. Keep originals in your hotel safe and have digital backups on your phone. This precaution can also help if you need to replace lost documents or check into hotels that require identification.

When visiting religious sites like Hanoi’s Tran Quoc Pagoda or Hue’s Thien Mu Pagoda, modest dress is mandatory. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and above-the-knee skirts are not allowed; bring a shawl or light jacket to cover shoulders and knees. Some pagodas provide rental sarongs for VND 10,000–20,000 (INR 35–70), but it’s easier to dress appropriately in advance.

Indian credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, RuPay) are accepted at major hotels and upscale restaurants, but cash is preferred for taxis, street food, and local attractions. ATMs are widely available in cities, with withdrawal fees typically VND 30,000–50,000 (INR 100–180) per transaction. Carry small denominations for convenience, as change is not always available.