Flights: The First Hurdle
Your largest single expense will be airfare. The key to keeping this cost down is booking well in advance—ideally, three to four months before your trip. Direct flights to Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) are available from major Indian cities like
Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata on airlines such as VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines. While nonstop fares can be high, budget-conscious travellers should look for one-stop flights, which can significantly lower the price. By being flexible with your dates and booking during the shoulder seasons (September-November or March-May), you can find round-trip tickets for approximately ₹14,000–₹18,000. Anything less is a steal, so grab it. This will be the biggest chunk of your ₹35,000 budget.
Visa & Pre-Travel Essentials
Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam, and the e-visa is the most convenient option. The process is entirely online through the official government portal. A single-entry, 90-day tourist e-visa costs a standard fee of $25 USD, which is roughly ₹2,100. It's crucial to apply at least 10 days before your departure to allow for a processing time of three to five business days. Another small but essential cost is travel insurance. While not mandatory for entry, it’s highly recommended for peace of mind. A basic travel insurance plan for a five-day trip can be secured for as little as ₹500–₹800.
Accommodation: Sleep for Less
Vietnam is famous for its extremely affordable and high-quality hostels and guesthouses. This is where you can make significant savings. In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a clean and safe dorm bed in a well-rated hostel can cost as little as ₹400–₹800 ($5-10 USD) per night. Many of these hostels are located in prime tourist areas like Hanoi's Old Quarter and include breakfast, adding even more value. For four nights, you can budget around ₹2,000–₹3,200 for your stay. This leaves plenty of room in your budget for other expenses.
Food: A Feast on a Budget
Eating in Vietnam is both a cultural experience and a budget traveller's dream. The street food scene is legendary, offering delicious and authentic meals for incredibly low prices. A filling bowl of Phở (noodle soup) or a Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwich) will typically cost between ₹100 and ₹200 ($1.20-$2.40). You can comfortably eat three full meals a day and try various snacks for just ₹800–₹1,200 per day. Over five days, a food budget of ₹4,000–₹6,000 allows for a fantastic culinary journey without any compromises. Local beer is also cheap, often costing less than ₹100 a bottle.
Activities & Local Transport
To stick to a five-day schedule, it's best to focus on one region. For a northern itinerary, base yourself in Hanoi and take a day trip to Ha Long Bay. Budget-friendly, all-inclusive day tours to this UNESCO World Heritage site can be found for around ₹3,500–₹4,500 ($39-$60). If you choose the south, a day trip to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City offers a similar price point. Inside the cities, ride-hailing apps like Grab are incredibly cheap for getting around. Many attractions, like walking around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi or exploring the Old Quarter, are free. Set aside ₹5,000–₹6,000 for one major tour and local transport.
The Final Verdict: Is ₹35,000 Realistic?
Let's add it up. On the lower end, your costs could look like this: Flights (₹16,000) + Visa (₹2,100) + Accommodation (₹2,400) + Food (₹5,000) + Activities & Transport (₹5,500) + Insurance (₹500). The total comes to ₹31,500. This leaves a buffer of ₹3,500 for miscellaneous expenses like shopping, extra snacks, or a second smaller tour. The ₹35,000 budget is not just possible; it's quite comfortable for a backpacker-style trip. The key is disciplined planning, advance booking of flights, and embracing the local way of life through street food and budget stays.
