Choose Your Departure City Wisely
Not all Indian cities offer the same deals. Currently, major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata have direct flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which can often be cheaper and faster. Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kochi also have direct connections.
If you live elsewhere, it might be cheaper to book a separate domestic flight to one of these hubs rather than booking a connecting international flight from your hometown. Kolkata, due to its proximity, often has the shortest flight times, around 3 hours, which can sometimes translate to lower fares.
Embrace Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers are a backpacker's best friend. Airlines like VietJet Air and IndiGo have significantly increased their direct routes between India and Vietnam. AirAsia is another excellent option, though it usually involves a layover in Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. While full-service carriers like Air India and Vietnam Airlines also operate direct flights, the base fares on budget airlines are typically much lower. Just remember to factor in the extra costs for check-in baggage and meals, which are usually not included in the initial ticket price.
Travel During the Shoulder Season
Timing is everything. The peak tourist season in Vietnam runs from November to March, and flight prices soar accordingly. To save a significant amount, aim for the shoulder seasons: April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is still pleasant in many parts of the country, but the demand for flights is lower, leading to better prices. February also appears to be a surprisingly cheap month to fly from India. Being flexible with your dates by even a few days can unlock substantial savings.
Master the Art of the Layover
While direct flights are convenient, they aren't always the cheapest. Don't be afraid to consider flights with one stop. Cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore are major transit hubs with frequent, competitive flights to Vietnam. Sometimes, booking two separate tickets—one from India to the layover city and another from there to Vietnam—can be cheaper than a single connecting flight. This strategy, known as multi-city booking, requires more planning but can lead to big savings, and you might even get to explore another city for a day or two.
Book in Advance, But Not Too Far Ahead
The sweet spot for booking international flights from India is typically two to three months in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure a low fare before prices start to climb as the departure date nears. Waiting for a last-minute deal is a gamble that rarely pays off for international travel. Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to set up price alerts for your desired route. These tools will notify you when prices drop, allowing you to book at the optimal moment without having to check manually every day.
Sort Out Your Visa Online
Planning your visa is a crucial part of budget travel. Fortunately, Vietnam offers a straightforward e-visa for Indian citizens, which is the most recommended option. As of 2026, the e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and costs around $25 for a single entry. The entire process is online via the official government portal (evisa.gov.vn), and processing usually takes 3-5 working days. Applying for the e-visa well in advance avoids any last-minute stress and is more reliable than the visa-on-arrival service, which requires a pre-approval letter. A special exception exists for Phu Quoc island, where Indian citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days if they fly there directly from another country.
