Vietnam Travel Guide -Everything you need to know about Vietnam

Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is a fascinating country that is steeped in history and culture. From the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil beaches of Nha Trang and Da Nang, Vietnam has something to offer every traveler. Its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural beauty make it a popular tourist destination.

Vietnam is known for its beaches, rivers, pagodas, cities. Vietnam houses a population of around 9.5 crore people. This vacation spot is known for its dark past including the war of Vietnam. But now Vietnam is encouraging tourism as there are many wonderful places to visit. It is just like Thailand but less costly. It is now known for its busy streets, architecture, culture, and food. You can enjoy traveling in this country but you have to keep a lot of things in mind before exploring this beautiful Vietnam country in Asia.

In this Vietnam travel guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip, including where to go, what to see, and how to get around. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Vietnam has something to offer everyone.

We research and made this Vietnam travel guide to make Vietnam travel easy for explorers.

Visa Requirements for Vietnam:

The first and most important thing that you should know in the Vietnam Travel guide is about Visa Requirement. Here are some visa requirements that you must know before booking your tickets for Vietnam:

Most citizens from the ASEAN countries don’t require a visa for 30 days. The countries include Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos.

For the Philippines, citizens don’t require visa for 21 days.
Myanmar citizens don’t require visa for a span of 14 days.
Brunei citizens don’t require visa for 15 days.
Countries Korea, Japan, Russia and Scandinavian nations (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland) don’t require visa for 15 days.
A special exception was made for countries like France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Italy. The citizens of these countries don’t require a visa for a stay of fewer than 15 days regardless of the type of visa. Citizens of all the other countries are required to get a valid visa or a pre-approved letter for picking up an entry visa at Vietnam’s International airport.
Foreigners and Vietnamese who hold a foreign passport and enter through an international border gate to Phu Quoc Island are exempted from visa application for a stay of 15 days. The only condition is that the passport should be valid for 45 days.
You also don’t require a visa if you have APEC Business Travel Card.

How to get Vietnam visa?

There are two ways for obtaining the Vietnamese visa:

1. Online way (Convenient)

It’s a very easy and convenient way of obtaining the visa. You just have to go to the website and submit all the required documents and pay the fees. You can do it from any corner of the world. However, the citizens of Afghanistan are advised to try out the second method given below. If an emergency situation arises, the visa is processed within 30 minutes to a maximum of 4 hours. You get an approval letter for boarding the plane and you get the visa at the airport.

2. Offline way (Less Convenient)

This way is harder and time-consuming. You have to contact the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country. This way is not advised because of the above-given reasons. You have to submit all your documents in the Embassy itself.

Documents for Vietnam Visa:

The following documents are required for obtaining a Vietnam Visa:

Passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of travel. The temporary passport may or may not get declined.
Two passports sized photos with no glass wear.
M3 entry/exit form (for visa on arrival)
Stamping fee of 25$ for a single visit and 50$ for multiple entries. This cost is for visa on arrival.
Approval Letter if you want to obtain visa on arrival at the airport.

Do Indian Passport Holders Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?

Yes, Indian passport holders do require a visa to enter Vietnam. There are different types of visas available, including tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas.

Tourist visas allow visitors to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days, while business visas are issued for up to 90 days. Transit visas are issued for up to 5 days for travelers who are passing through Vietnam on their way to another destination.

Indian passport holders can apply for a Vietnam visa in advance through the Vietnam Embassy in New Delhi or through the online visa application system. The online visa application system allows visitors to apply for a visa online and receive an approval letter via email. Visitors must present this approval letter at the airport in Vietnam to obtain their visa on arrival.

It is important to note that visa requirements and regulations may change, so it is recommended to check with the Vietnam Embassy or a travel agent for the latest information before traveling.

Culture, Food, Lifestyle in Vietnam

The Vietnam travel guide is complete without discussing its culture, food, and lifestyle. This country is a mixture of different cultures. The country was ruled by many civilizations like the Chinese, French, Americans, and Russians. Thus the culture was quite influenced by the ruling civilizations. There are around 60 distinct groups of people inhabiting Vietnam. Vietnamese occupy the lowlands of the country. The majority of people are into agriculture. With a literacy rate of 88 percent, the national script of the country is Quoc Ngu. The Vietnamese culture is also rich in music, food, rituals, and calligraphy. Calligraphy is a noted feature of the Vietnamese culture.

Another great feature of the country is its typical cuisine. The food type varies from region to region in the country. like for example, the central region has spicier food than that of the northern region. Staple food consists of tropical fruits, stir-fries, rice, and soups. Rice is the main grain in the country. Its served plain, sweet and fried along with vegetables. Its also added to rice cakes, or into flour to make rice noodles. Fried rice is used in Vietnamese egg rolls. Rice paper is also eaten. Rice is consumed with almost every meal. Meat and beef are uncommon and seafood is preferred.

Vietnamese food is gaining popularity nowadays and is now included in almost every other restaurant. The lifestyle is almost the same as it used to be. The family is the main point of Vietnamese life. Unlike nuclear families of the urban world, large joint families are found in the country. The average number of children is 4 per couple. Eighty percent population is centralized in rural areas. Most people practice ancestor worship. They believe in the existence of spirits of ancestors in the real world. Buddhism is also practiced along with Christianity. Traditional clothing has now been replaced by modern clothing. The Vietnamese have huge respect for their ancestors. The people are generally quite superstitious.

Vietnamese music is basically in the form of sad poetry and there are three main types of music: folk, classical and choral. Classical music is based on Chinese opera and Choral music is basically a chorus sung with an instrument. Folk music is basically songs dedicated to occasions like birth, death, festivals, etc.

Things to take care while in Vietnam:

1. Beware of fake taxis and travel companies

There are two main taxi companies in Vietnam – Vinasun and Mai Linh. They have white and green cars respectively. But some fraudsters fake these taxi colors to fool passengers and especially foreigners and trick them into sitting in their taxis. Their taxis contain tampered meters and charge double or triple the money. Similar is the case with fake travel companies. After the success of any kind of travel company, fake businesses open shops very alike in the layout of the real ones in order to fool non-Vietnamese people.

2. The money switch scam

Often due to similar colors of banknotes, people switch the notes with smaller denominations when you pay. It is often seen in taxi services and during shopping from various street sides. To avoid this, it is advised to shop with cash in smaller denominations.

3. Driving motorbikes

If you are navigating the country on a bike, ensure to have proper measurements. Wear a helmet, remove any kind of jewelry and avoid miniskirts and flip flops.

4. Proper dressing sense

Although you can roam freely in any type of garment in the country, while visiting historic and religious places, ensure to cover your body properly.

5. Don’t settle for the initial price

In Vietnam markets, the bargain is expected and you may not settle for the quoted price as it’s a common thing and not at all rude.

6. Public behavior

The public might want to get a photograph with you or your kid because they consider foreigners special. Also, they like to get photographed, so don’t hesitate if someone stops and asks for a photograph.

7. Be cautious before getting into things

Being a good vacation spot, you can easily get trapped if you are not cautious enough. Don’t fall prey to beautiful girls who purposely flirt with men to rob them or scam them. Also, think twice before doing any monetary transaction as most people try to make fool of you by claiming things that don’t even sound to be true. Also, avoid street dogs.

What makes Vietnam a great international trip from India?

Vietnam is a great international trip from India for several reasons:

Proximity: Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia, which makes it a relatively short flight from India. The flight time from New Delhi to Hanoi, for example, is around 5 hours.
Affordable: Vietnam is an affordable destination, with reasonable prices for food, accommodation, and transportation. This makes it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Culture: Vietnam has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from China, France, and other neighboring countries. Visitors can experience a diverse range of cultural traditions, including music, dance, and cuisine.
Natural beauty: Vietnam is home to stunning natural landscapes, including the famous Halong Bay, the Mekong Delta, and the beaches of Da Nang and Nha Trang.
History: Vietnam has a fascinating history, with influences from the Cham, Khmer, and Vietnamese dynasties, as well as the French and American wars. Visitors can learn about this history through visiting historical sites such as the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

How much does trip to Vietnam cost from India?

The cost of a trip to Vietnam from India can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the duration of the trip, the mode of transportation, the type of accommodation, and the activities you choose to do.

Here’s a rough estimate of the cost of a 7-day trip to Vietnam from India for one person:

Flight: The cost of round-trip airfare from major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City can range from INR 15,000 to INR 30,000, depending on the airline and time of booking.
Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in Vietnam depends on your preferences and budget. A budget hotel or hostel can cost around INR 800-1200 per night, while a mid-range hotel can cost around INR 2500-5000 per night.
Transportation: Local transportation in Vietnam, such as taxis, buses, and trains, are quite affordable. A taxi ride within the city costs around INR 150-300, while a train ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City can cost around INR 3000-5000.
Food and drinks: Vietnam is known for its delicious and affordable street food. You can expect to spend around INR 500-800 per day on food and drinks, depending on your appetite and preferences.
Activities and attractions: The cost of activities and attractions in Vietnam can vary widely. For example, a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels can cost around INR 2000-2500 per person, while a visit to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City costs around INR 150 per person.

A 7-day trip to Vietnam from India can cost anywhere from INR 35,000 to INR 60,000 per person, depending on your travel style and preferences.

How can I plan Vietnam from India?

Planning a trip to Vietnam from India requires some careful preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here are some steps to help you plan your Vietnam trip:

Determine your budget and travel dates: Decide on your budget and travel dates based on your availability and preferences.
Apply for a visa: Indian citizens require a visa to enter Vietnam. You can apply for a visa online or through the Vietnam Embassy in New Delhi.
Book flights: Research flight options and book your flights in advance to get the best deals.
Book accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance to ensure availability and get the best rates. Consider factors such as location, amenities, and reviews.
Plan your itinerary: Decide on the places you want to visit, the activities you want to do, and how much time you want to spend in each location.
Arrange transportation: Consider local transportation options, such as taxis, buses, and trains, and book in advance if necessary.
Pack appropriately: Vietnam has a tropical climate, so pack light and comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Purchase travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected events, such as illness or trip cancellations.
Learn some Vietnamese phrases: It’s always helpful to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases to help you communicate with locals.

By following these steps, you can plan a successful trip to Vietnam from India.

How To Reach Vietnam By Flight, Bus, Train

Vietnam is a popular tourist destination and is easily accessible by flight, bus, and train.

By Flight: Vietnam has several international airports, including Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang. These airports are served by various airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Air India, Air Asia, Thai Airways, and Singapore Airlines. Direct flights from major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are available, with a flight time of around 4-6 hours.

By Bus: It is also possible to reach Vietnam by bus from neighboring countries like Laos and Cambodia. There are several bus companies operating in the region, including Mai Linh Express, Sinh Tourist, and Hanh Cafe. Buses depart from major cities in these countries, and there are several border crossings where you can enter Vietnam.

By Train: It is also possible to reach Vietnam by train from China. The train journey starts from Beijing and takes around 40 hours to reach Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. The train route passes through several scenic landscapes, including the Great Wall of China, and offers an exciting travel experience.

Overall, the most common way to reach Vietnam from India is by flight, as it is the fastest and most convenient option.