Managing The Biggest Expense: Flights
The ₹35,000 budget is ambitious and best applied to your on-ground expenses in Vietnam. Your largest single cost will be the return flight from India. However, airlines like VietJet Air and IndiGo frequently offer direct flights and promotional fares
from major Indian cities. Booking your tickets three to four months in advance can significantly lower costs, with round-trip fares sometimes dropping as low as ₹15,000 - ₹20,000. Flying mid-week is often cheaper than on weekends. Being flexible with your dates and setting up price alerts on travel portals are your best strategies for securing a deal that keeps your total trip cost down.
Get Your E-Visa The Smart Way
For Indian passport holders, securing a visa for Vietnam is a straightforward and affordable online process. You can apply for an e-visa directly through the official Vietnamese government portal. A single-entry, 90-day tourist e-visa typically costs around $25 USD, which is approximately ₹2,100. The processing time is usually just three to five business days. Applying directly yourself avoids extra agent fees and is the most cost-effective method. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity and apply at least two weeks before your trip to avoid any last-minute stress.
Accommodation Without The High Costs
Vietnam is a paradise for budget travellers, offering a vast network of clean, safe, and social hostels. In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a dorm bed can cost as little as ₹500–₹800 per night. If you prefer privacy, basic private rooms in guesthouses are also widely available for ₹1,200–₹2,000. Not only do hostels save you money, but they are also fantastic places to meet other travellers and get local tips. Many also offer free breakfast, further stretching your budget.
Feast on World-Famous Street Food
One of the best ways to experience Vietnamese culture and save money is by eating street food. A delicious and filling meal, such as a bowl of Phở or a Bánh Mì sandwich, can cost between ₹100 and ₹250. You can comfortably budget ₹800–₹1,200 per day for all your meals, allowing you to sample a wide variety of local delicacies without breaking the bank. Look for busy stalls packed with locals—it's always a sign of good quality and authentic flavour. A glass of 'Bia Hơi', a local draft beer, can cost as little as ₹20-₹30.
Travel Within Vietnam For Less
To cover the distance between cities, sleeper buses are the most budget-friendly option, with tickets for long-haul journeys often costing between ₹800 and ₹1,500. For shorter distances and getting around within cities, motorbike taxis booked through apps like Grab are incredibly cheap and efficient, with most rides costing under ₹100. To make your seven-day trip manageable and affordable, focus your itinerary on a single region—either North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay) or South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta). This will save you significant time and money on cross-country travel.
Enjoy Free and Low-Cost Activities
Vietnam is full of incredible experiences that cost very little or nothing at all. Exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, or visiting local markets are all free activities. Entrance fees for most temples, museums, and historical sites like the War Remnants Museum are typically very low, often under ₹200. Instead of booking expensive organised tours for everything, consider a self-guided walking tour or simply exploring on foot to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
