Flights and Visa: The First Hurdle
Your biggest pre-trip expenses will be flights and your visa. Indian citizens need a visa for Vietnam, but the process is straightforward. The e-visa is the most popular option, costing about USD 25 (around ₹2,100). It’s best to apply through the official
government portal at least a week before your trip. Round-trip flights from major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai to Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) can be found for ₹18,000 to ₹25,000 if you book a few months in advance. Budget airlines often have great deals, so keep an eye out and be flexible with your dates to snag the best price.
Accommodation: Sleep for Cheap
Vietnam is a backpacker's paradise, and hostels are the way to go for Gen Z travellers. A dorm bed in a clean, social hostel in cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City costs between ₹600 and ₹1,200 per night ($8-15 USD). Many hostels offer free breakfast (saving you a meal's cost) and social events like free beer hours, making it easy to meet other travellers. For a seven-day trip, your total accommodation cost can be as low as ₹4,200 to ₹7,000. These hostels are often centrally located, putting you right in the heart of the action.
Food and Drink: A Culinary Adventure
This is where Vietnam truly shines. You can eat like royalty on a shoestring budget. Street food is not only delicious but incredibly affordable. A hearty bowl of Phở (noodle soup) or a Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwich) will only set you back ₹100-₹200 ($1-2.50 USD). You can comfortably budget ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 per day for three full meals, snacks, and the occasional bia hơi (fresh beer), which costs less than ₹50 a glass. Over seven days, expect to spend around ₹7,000 to ₹10,500 on food. Don't be afraid to pull up a tiny plastic stool at a roadside stall—it’s the most authentic experience.
Local Transport: Getting Around
Within cities, getting around is cheap and easy. Ride-hailing apps like Grab are popular and offer bike-taxis for short distances, often costing less than ₹100 per ride. For a week-long trip focused on one region (like Northern Vietnam), you might take one longer bus or train journey. For example, an overnight bus from Hanoi to a destination like Ha Giang or Sapa can cost between ₹800 and ₹1,300 ($10-16 USD), which also saves you the cost of one night's accommodation. Budget around ₹3,000 for all your local transport needs.
Activities and Tours: Unforgettable Experiences
Many of Vietnam's best experiences are free or very cheap. Walking through Hanoi's Old Quarter, exploring local markets, or relaxing by Hoan Kiem Lake costs nothing. Entrance fees for museums or temples are typically minimal, around ₹100-₹200. The biggest activity expense might be a day trip or an overnight cruise to Ha Long Bay or a tour of Ninh Binh's landscapes. A budget-friendly day tour can cost between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000. For a 7-day trip, allocating around ₹5,000 for activities will allow you to see the highlights without stress.
The Grand Total: Your 7-Day Budget
So, what’s the final number? Let's add it all up for a realistic 7-day backpacking trip. Flights: ₹22,000 Visa: ₹2,100 Accommodation: ₹6,000 Food & Drink: ₹8,500 Local Transport: ₹3,000 Activities: ₹5,000 * Miscellaneous (SIM card, etc.): ₹3,400 This brings the total to approximately ₹50,000 per person. This is a comfortable backpacker budget that allows for a mix of experiences without constant penny-pinching.
