The Budget: Is ₹35,000 Really Possible?
First things first, let's address the big question. A trip to Vietnam for under ₹35,000 from India is not just possible, it's a fantastic adventure waiting to happen, provided you plan smart. This budget typically covers a 5 to 7-day trip. The key is military-grade
planning, flexibility, and embracing the local way of life. Your main costs will be flights, visa, accommodation, food, and local transport. With return flights potentially taking up half the budget (around ₹15,000-₹18,000), you're left with roughly ₹17,000 for everything else. It’s tight, but by using the hacks below, you can make every rupee count.
Flights: Winning Half the Battle
Your flight will be the single largest expense, so getting this right is crucial. Budget airlines like VietJet Air and IndiGo offer direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. To snag the best deals, book at least two to three months in advance, especially during the shoulder seasons (March-April and September-November). Use flight aggregator sites, set price alerts, and be flexible with your dates; flying on a weekday is often cheaper. An off-peak, red-eye flight might not be glamorous, but the savings are real.
Visa: A Simple, Affordable Step
Unlike some countries with complicated visa processes, Vietnam is quite welcoming. Indian passport holders need an e-visa, which is a straightforward online process. As of 2026, a single-entry e-visa, valid for up to 90 days, costs around $25 USD (approximately ₹2,100-₹2,500). Always use the official government portal to apply and avoid third-party sites that charge extra. Apply at least 10-15 days before your trip to ensure it arrives on time, and with that, you've cleared a major administrative hurdle affordably.
Accommodation: Embrace the Hostel Culture
Forget expensive hotels. Vietnam has one of the world's most vibrant and affordable hostel scenes. In hubs like Hanoi's Old Quarter or Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, you can find clean, safe, and social dorm beds for as little as ₹500-₹800 a night. For a five-night trip, your accommodation cost could be as low as ₹2,500-₹4,000. These hostels are more than just a place to sleep; they often offer free breakfast, cheap tours, and a fantastic platform to meet other travellers and gather priceless local tips.
Food: Eat Like a Local, Save a Fortune
Vietnamese street food is legendary for a reason: it's delicious, authentic, and incredibly cheap. You can have a fantastic meal for under ₹200. A classic Banh Mi sandwich might cost you ₹80-₹100, while a hearty bowl of Pho could be around ₹150-₹250. A budget traveller can comfortably eat well for about ₹800-₹1,000 per day. Sticking to street stalls and local markets instead of tourist-focused restaurants is the single best way to save money on food and have a more authentic culinary experience.
Getting Around: Smart and Thrifty Transport
Within cities, ride-hailing apps like Grab are your best friend, offering motorbike taxis and cars at a fraction of the cost of traditional taxis. For travelling between cities, like from Hanoi to Da Nang, consider overnight sleeper buses or trains. They are not only cost-effective (₹500-₹900 for a bus) but also save you the cost of a night's accommodation. For shorter distances, renting a scooter can be an option for the adventurous, but always prioritise safety and make sure you have the correct license and insurance.
Experiences: The Best Things in Life (and Vietnam) Are Free
You don't need a fat wallet to experience Vietnam's soul. Many of its best attractions are free. Spend your days getting lost in the charming chaos of Hanoi's Old Quarter or wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake. Most temples and pagodas across the country have free entry. Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside, exploring local markets, or simply people-watching from a streetside cafe are all free activities that offer a deep sense of place. Prioritise these free experiences and sprinkle in a few paid attractions, like a budget-friendly day tour, to stay within your limit.
