Vietnam Trip Cost for Indian Couples in 2026: Flights, Visas, and Daily Budget

Indian citizens planning a trip to Vietnam in 2026 must obtain a single-entry e-visa, which allows a stay of up to 30 days. The application is completed online through the official Vietnamese government portal, with a non-refundable fee of 650,000 VND (about $25 USD) per person. Payment is made by international debit or credit card, and it’s important to use the official site to avoid third-party markups or scams.

Travelers should apply for the e-visa at least two weeks before their intended departure date. While the standard processing time is 3–5 working days, delays can occur during peak travel seasons or national holidays, so building in extra time is wise. The e-visa is issued as a PDF document, which must be printed and presented upon arrival in Vietnam. Immigration officers will check both the e-visa and your passport at the border.

A key requirement is that your passport remains valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Vietnam. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before applying for the e-visa. The e-visa is single-entry, so if you plan to visit neighboring countries and return to Vietnam, you’ll need to apply for a new visa each time. For the latest application process and to start your application, visit the official government site at https://vietnam.travel/plan-your-trip/visa-requirements.

Direct flights connect major Indian cities—Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore—with both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, making Vietnam accessible for couples planning a trip in 2026. VietJet and Indigo operate most of these routes, offering non-stop options that typically take about 4 to 5 hours. For travel in the late monsoon season (August to October), round-trip fares for two adults generally range from 14,000,000 to 18,000,000 VND (about $540 to $690 USD), depending on the city of departure and how early you book.

Booking your tickets 2 to 3 months before your intended travel dates usually yields the lowest fares, especially on budget carriers. Prices can rise quickly as departure dates approach or during Vietnamese holidays, so flexibility with travel dates can help keep costs down. Most flights depart in the evening and arrive in Vietnam early morning, allowing for a full first day without needing an extra hotel night.

Both VietJet and Indigo allow for online booking with Indian debit or credit cards, though it’s wise to confirm international transaction capability with your bank before purchase. Checked baggage is often not included in the lowest fare class, so factor in an additional 600,000–1,000,000 VND ($23–$38 USD) per couple if you’ll need more than cabin baggage. Upon arrival, both Hanoi’s Noi Bai and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat airports have straightforward visa-on-arrival and currency exchange facilities, making the transition into Vietnam smooth for Indian travelers.

A budget double room in major Vietnamese cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang typically costs between 400,000 and 700,000 VND per night (about $15–$28 USD) in 2026. This price range covers basic but clean hotels, guesthouses, and hostels, many of which include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. In popular tourist neighborhoods—such as Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1—guesthouses and hostels are plentiful, making it easy for couples to find affordable accommodation even during busy travel months.

For travelers seeking a bit more comfort, mid-range hotels average around 1,200,000 VND ($46 USD) per night for a double room. These hotels usually offer larger rooms, better amenities, and sometimes include breakfast. Properties in this category are common near city centers and main attractions, and many are listed on international booking platforms.

Booking accommodation online remains the most reliable way to secure the best rates and ensure availability, especially during Vietnamese holidays or peak tourism periods. Websites like Booking.com, Agoda, and Airbnb list a wide selection of rooms, and many properties allow free cancellation. Prices can rise during festivals or weekends, so booking a few weeks in advance is recommended for both budget and mid-range options.

A daily budget of 900,000–1,400,000 VND ($35–$55 USD) is realistic for two people traveling in Vietnam in 2026, covering meals, local transport, and sightseeing. Street food remains a reliable way to keep costs down and sample local flavors: a bowl of pho or a banh mi typically costs 40,000–80,000 VND ($1.50–$3 USD) per person. Many vegetarian options are available, especially in larger cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, and sit-down meals at casual restaurants rarely exceed 120,000 VND ($4.50 USD) per person.

For getting around, ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek are widely used and affordable. A short ride within city limits usually costs 25,000–60,000 VND ($1–$2.30 USD), while longer journeys (for example, airport transfers) may reach 150,000–250,000 VND ($6–$10 USD). Local buses are even cheaper, with fares often under 10,000 VND ($0.40 USD) per ride, though routes can be confusing for first-time visitors. Taxis are available but generally more expensive than app-based rides.

Entry fees for museums, pagodas, and historical sites are modest. Most attractions charge between 30,000 and 100,000 VND ($1–$4 USD) per person, with some major sites like the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City or the Imperial City in Hue at the higher end of this range. Many temples and public parks are free or request only a small donation. With careful planning, couples can enjoy a full day of sightseeing, local transport, and three meals within the suggested daily budget range.

Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), and nearly all everyday transactions—whether at restaurants, markets, or transport counters—are conducted in VND. Indian rupees (INR) aren’t widely accepted, so it’s best to exchange your cash upon arrival. Currency exchange counters are available at major airports like Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), as well as at banks and licensed money changers in city centers. Rates at airport counters are competitive, but you may get a slightly better deal at city banks. As of mid-2026, 1 INR typically exchanges for around 300 VND, but rates can fluctuate, so check the latest before you travel.

ATMs are plentiful in cities and tourist areas, and most accept international Visa and Mastercard debit or credit cards. Withdrawal fees range from 30,000 to 60,000 VND ($1.15–$2.30 USD) per transaction, with a typical daily withdrawal limit of 2,000,000–5,000,000 VND. However, some Indian cards—especially Rupay or those with limited international access—may not work at all machines, so it’s wise to confirm with your bank before departure and enable international usage. Carry at least two cards as a backup.

While larger hotels, chain stores, and some restaurants accept cards, many local businesses, street food stalls, and markets operate on a cash-only basis. Always keep small denominations (20,000–100,000 VND notes) for taxis, snacks, and minor purchases. Mobile payment apps like MoMo and ZaloPay are popular among locals but require a Vietnamese bank account, so they aren’t practical for short-term visitors. For Indian travelers, a mix of cash and cards covers most scenarios, but cash remains essential for daily convenience.

August to October marks the wet season across northern and central Vietnam, including destinations like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hue. Expect frequent afternoon showers and occasional heavy downpours, especially in September. A compact, breathable raincoat or a sturdy umbrella is essential for city walks or sightseeing. Quick-drying clothes and waterproof footwear also come in handy, as sudden rain can leave streets slick and puddled. In the south, including Ho Chi Minh City, rain is less persistent but still common, with humid conditions continuing through October.

Vietnam celebrates several festivals during this period, most notably the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu), which usually falls in September. Cities like Hanoi and Hoi An host lantern-lit parades and street performances, but hotel rates and airfares may spike around festival dates. Booking accommodation and flights at least two to three months in advance helps avoid inflated prices and limited availability.

Vegetarian travelers will find plenty of options in major cities. Buddhist-run eateries (com chay) and mainstream restaurants offer meat-free Vietnamese dishes like banh mi chay and pho chay. Street food vendors often display ingredients, making it easier to communicate dietary preferences.

Travel insurance is strongly advised, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and weather-related disruptions. While not mandatory for entry, it provides peace of mind, especially during the rainy season when travel plans can change unexpectedly. Be sure to purchase a policy before departure, as it is not included in most budget estimates.