Is Vietnam a Budget-Friendly Destination for Indian Travelers in 2024?

Is Vietnam a Budget-Friendly Destination for Indian Travelers in 2024?

Written by Bamboo Hat Admin | October 22, 2024

Planning a trip to Vietnam from India in 2024? You’ll be pleased to know that Vietnam is an affordable destination that offers incredible value for money. From the vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay and the iconic Golden Hand Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam has something for every traveler. But how much will your trip cost? In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of a trip to Vietnam from India covering everything from flights to accommodation, food, activities, and more.

1. Flight Costs: India to Vietnam

Airfare will likely be the most significant expense for your trip. The cost of flights from India to Vietnam depends on factors such as the departure city, the time of year, and how far in advance you book.

  • Round-Trip Airfare:
    • Delhi to Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City: ₹18,000 – ₹30,000 (Economy class, non-stop)
    • Mumbai to Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City: ₹18,000 – ₹32,000
    • Bangalore to Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City: ₹17,000 – ₹28,000
    • Chennai to Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City: ₹16,000 – ₹25,000

Budget Tips:

  • Book flights 3–6 months in advance for the best rates.
  • Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak to find the best deals.
  • Consider flying with budget airlines like IndiGo or Vietnam Airlines, which often have good offers on direct flights.

2. Visa Costs for Indian Travelers

Indian travelers to Vietnam need a visa to enter the country. There are two primary options for obtaining a visa for Vietnam:

  • E-Visa:

    • Cost: $25 USD (approx. ₹2,100) for a 30-day single-entry visa.
    • Apply online through the official Vietnamese government portal or via a visa service provider. Processing time: 3–5 business days.
  • Visa on Arrival (VOA):

    • Cost: Approximately $20–$25 USD for processing, but you must obtain an approval letter in advance, which costs around $10 USD.
    • Upon arrival, you’ll pay the visa stamping fee of $25 USD at the airport.

Note: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.

3. Accommodation Costs in Vietnam

Accommodation in Vietnam is affordable, with a wide range of options catering to different budgets. The cost varies based on the type of accommodation and the city you’re staying in.

Budget Accommodation (Hostels/Guesthouses):

  • Cost: ₹500–₹1,200 per night (for dorm beds or basic rooms)
  • Popular areas: Hanoi Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City Backpacker District, Hoi An Ancient Town

Mid-Range Accommodation (Hotels/3-Star):

  • Cost: ₹1,500–₹4,000 per night (private rooms in 3-star hotels or boutique guesthouses)
  • Popular areas: Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hue

Luxury Accommodation (5-Star Hotels/Resorts):

  • Cost: ₹5,000–₹12,000+ per night (for upscale hotels, resorts, or boutique stays)
  • Popular areas: Da Nang (near the Golden Hand Bridge), Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi

Budget Tip: For a unique experience, consider staying in a homestay, which can offer an authentic cultural immersion for around ₹1,000–₹2,500 per night.

4. Daily Expenses: Food, Transport, and Activities

Vietnam is an incredibly affordable country to travel in, and your daily expenses will be low compared to other destinations.

Food Costs

  • Street Food: You can enjoy delicious Vietnamese street food for as little as ₹50–₹200 per meal. Popular dishes include Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (sandwich), and Goi Cuon (spring rolls).
    • Example: A bowl of Pho or a Banh Mi sandwich will cost around ₹50–₹150.
  • Restaurant Meals: Eating at a mid-range restaurant costs around ₹200–₹800 per meal, depending on the type of cuisine and location.
    • Example: A full meal at a mid-range restaurant in cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City will cost around ₹350–₹600 per person.
  • Western Cuisine: In tourist areas or international restaurants, western-style meals may cost more, around ₹500–₹1,000 per meal.

Transport Costs in Vietnam

  • Public Transport:

    • Buses: ₹30–₹60 for short trips in cities.
    • Local taxis: Starting fare is around ₹50–₹80 for the first 2 km; then about ₹15–₹20 per km.
  • Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab):

    • Grab motorcycle taxi (Xe Om): Around ₹30–₹60 per ride (short distance)
    • Grab car: Around ₹100–₹200 for short trips.
  • Intercity Travel:

    • Train (e.g., from Hanoi to Hue or Da Nang): ₹600–₹1,500 for a sleeper seat (depending on the class).
    • Bus: ₹250–₹500 for intercity routes (e.g., from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta).
    • Flights between cities (e.g., Hanoi to Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City): ₹1,500–₹4,000 (for budget airlines, if booked in advance).

Activity Costs

  • Ha Long Bay Cruise: From ₹2,000–₹4,500 per person for a day tour.
  • Golden Hand Bridge (Ba Na Hills): The entrance fee and cable car ride will cost approximately ₹1,500–₹2,000 per person.
  • Mekong Delta Tour: Around ₹1,500–₹2,500 for a day trip.
  • Cyclo Rides in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City: Around ₹200–₹400 per hour.
  • Cooking Classes: Around ₹1,000–₹2,500 per class.
  • Cultural Experiences: Museum entry fees range from ₹100–₹500, while cultural shows or performances may cost around ₹500–₹1,000.

5. Sample Trip Cost Breakdown (7-10 Days in Vietnam)

Budget Traveler (Low-End):

  • Flights: ₹20,000
  • Visa: ₹2,100
  • Accommodation: ₹1,200 per night × 7 nights = ₹8,400
  • Food: ₹200 per meal × 2 meals/day × 7 days = ₹2,800
  • Activities and Transport: ₹5,000 (local tours, public transport, and occasional taxis)
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₹38,300 – ₹42,300

Mid-Range Traveler:

  • Flights: ₹25,000
  • Visa: ₹2,100
  • Accommodation: ₹2,500 per night × 7 nights = ₹17,500
  • Food: ₹500 per meal × 2 meals/day × 7 days = ₹7,000
  • Activities and Transport: ₹10,000 (including tours, taxis, and intercity travel)
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₹61,600 – ₹65,600

Luxury Traveler:

  • Flights: ₹30,000
  • Visa: ₹2,100
  • Accommodation: ₹6,000 per night × 7 nights = ₹42,000
  • Food: ₹1,000 per meal × 2 meals/day × 7 days = ₹14,000
  • Activities and Transport: ₹15,000 (luxury tours, private transport)
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₹1,03,100 – ₹1,05,100

6. Travel Insurance

It’s always advisable to have travel insurance. The cost for a basic travel insurance policy covering medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations typically ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 for a week-long trip.

7. Miscellaneous Costs

  • Shopping: Depending on your shopping habits, you might spend anywhere from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 on souvenirs or local goods. Popular items include silk, handicrafts, lanterns, and spices.
  • Tips: Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated in Vietnam. You can give 10,000–20,000 VND (~₹35–₹70) for good service at restaurants or to guides.