Setting The Budget: What ₹35,000 Covers
Let's be clear from the start: this ₹35,000 budget is for your on-ground expenses in Vietnam. This includes accommodation, food, local transport, and activities for a solo traveller for seven days. International flights are the biggest variable and are not
included in this figure. By booking flights with budget airlines like VietJet Air a few months in advance, you can often find return tickets from major Indian cities for ₹18,000–₹22,000. Your first mandatory expense is the e-visa, which Indian citizens need to enter Vietnam. The process is online and costs approximately $25 (about ₹2,100), so be sure to apply at least two weeks before your trip. With an exchange rate of roughly 1 INR to 300 Vietnamese Dong (VND), your ₹35,000 becomes over 10 million VND, making you a millionaire in local currency.
Accommodation: Hostels and Homestays
To stick to your budget, embrace hostels and homestays. Vietnam has a fantastic network of clean, safe, and social hostels, especially in popular areas like Hanoi's Old Quarter. A dorm bed typically costs between ₹500 and ₹1,000 ($6-$12) per night. For a seven-night trip, your total accommodation cost can be as low as ₹3,500–₹7,000. Not only do hostels save you a significant amount of money, but they are also great places to meet fellow travellers and get local tips. Many also offer free breakfast, which helps lower your daily food costs even further.
Food: A Street Food Paradise
Vietnam is world-famous for its delicious and incredibly affordable street food. You can eat like royalty for very little. A filling bowl of Phở (noodle soup) or a Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwich) often costs less than ₹150. A daily food budget of ₹800–₹1,200 is more than enough to enjoy three hearty meals, snacks, and the country's iconic coffee. To manage this, eat where the locals do. Small street-side stalls and bustling local markets offer the most authentic and cheapest meals, allowing you to experience the true flavours of Vietnam without straining your wallet.
Transport: Getting Around For Less
Within cities like Hanoi, walking is the best way to explore, especially in compact areas like the Old Quarter. For longer distances, ride-hailing apps like Grab are your best friend. A Grab Bike (motorbike taxi) is significantly cheaper than a car and a thrilling way to navigate the city's lively streets. For intercity travel, such as the popular trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay, overnight sleeper buses or trains are cost-effective options, often costing between ₹1,000 and ₹2,000 for a journey. Budgeting around ₹4,000 for all local and intercity transport for the week is a realistic target.
A Sample 7-Day North Vietnam Itinerary
To maximise your time and money, focusing on one region is key. Northern Vietnam offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Here’s a sample plan: Days 1-2: Hanoi. Arrive and check into your hostel in the Old Quarter. Spend two days exploring the city's highlights: walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the Temple of Literature, and see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Most of these sites have minimal or no entry fees. Days 3-4: Ha Long Bay. Book a budget-friendly overnight or two-day cruise. These tours, which can be booked in Hanoi for competitive prices, typically include transport, meals, kayaking, and a stay on a boat amidst the stunning limestone karsts. Days 5-6: Ninh Binh. Known as 'Ha Long Bay on land', Ninh Binh is a must-visit. Take a bus from Hanoi and spend two days exploring. A boat trip through the Trang An or Tam Coc grottoes is the main attraction, offering breathtaking views of rice paddies and karst formations. Day 7: Return to Hanoi. Spend your last morning sipping on iconic Vietnamese egg coffee before heading to the airport for your flight home.
