Is a ₹35,000 Budget Realistic?
Let's be clear from the start: a five-day trip to Vietnam for ₹35,000 is ambitious but entirely possible with disciplined planning. This budget requires you to travel during the shoulder season (like March-April or September-November), book flights far
in advance, and embrace a backpacker's mindset. The key is to manage your biggest expense—airfare—and then live frugally like a local. This guide focuses on a trip to Southern Vietnam, as covering both North and South in just five days is impractical and would inflate costs significantly.
First Step: Securing Your E-Visa
Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam, and the e-visa is the most straightforward option. The official government website is the best place to apply. The cost for a single-entry e-visa, valid for up to 90 days, is approximately $25 USD, which translates to about ₹2,100. The process is entirely online and typically takes 3-5 working days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date, and keep a printed copy of your e-visa with you when you travel.
The Flight Challenge: Booking Smart
Your flight will be the largest chunk of your budget. To stay within the ₹35,000 limit, you need to find a round-trip ticket for under ₹18,000. This is achievable with budget airlines like VietJet Air, especially if you book 3-4 months in advance and fly from cities with direct connections like Kolkata, Delhi, or Mumbai. Use flight comparison tools, set price alerts, and be flexible with your travel dates. Flying on weekdays is often cheaper than on weekends. Securing an affordable flight is the most critical hack for this budget trip.
Sample 5-Day Itinerary in Southern Vietnam
To maximise your time and minimise travel costs, focus on Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and its surroundings. Day 1: Arrive in HCMC, check into your hostel, and explore District 1 on foot. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Day 2: Dive into history at the War Remnants Museum and the Independence Palace. In the evening, explore the vibrant Bui Vien Walking Street. Day 3: Take a full-day group tour to the Mekong Delta. These tours are cost-effective and cover transport, a boat trip, and lunch. Day 4: Head to the Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning, a fascinating underground network from the Vietnam War. Spend the afternoon shopping at Ben Thanh Market. Day 5: Enjoy a final Vietnamese coffee and a local breakfast before heading to the airport for your flight home.
Budget Accommodation and Food Hacks
Vietnam is famous for its affordable and comfortable hostels, where a dorm bed can cost as little as ₹600-₹800 per night. Staying in hostels not only saves money but is also a great way to meet other travellers. When it comes to food, embrace the street food culture. A delicious bowl of pho or a flavourful banh mi sandwich often costs less than ₹200. Eating at local street stalls and small eateries instead of tourist-focused restaurants will allow you to eat well for under ₹1,500 a day.
Your ₹35,000 Budget Breakdown
Here is a plausible breakdown of how your funds would be allocated. Remember, this requires strict adherence and finding great deals. Return Flights: ₹18,000 (The biggest variable). E-Visa: ₹2,100. Accommodation (4 nights in a hostel @ ₹750/night): ₹3,000. Food & Drinks (5 days @ ₹1,500/day): ₹7,500. Activities & Local Transport (including a Mekong Delta tour, museum entries, and bus/ride-hailing apps): ₹4,400. This brings the total to exactly ₹35,000, leaving no room for unplanned splurges. For context, one Indian Rupee is roughly equivalent to 300 Vietnamese Dong, so you'll be handling large denominations of local currency.
