Ha Long Bay cruises, Hanoi street life and the lanterns of Hoi An — a 7-day Vietnam itinerary from Mumbai, with the e-visa, best months, vegetarian food tips and what to budget for.
Vietnam has quickly become one of the most popular international trips for Indian travellers — and it's easy to see why. It offers dramatic scenery, rich culture, great food and good-value hotels, all within a short flight of India. Ha Long Bay's limestone islands, Hanoi's buzzing old quarter, the golden hands of Ba Na Hills and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An fit comfortably into one week.
Vietnam at a glance for Indian travellers
- Visa: Indian passport holders can apply online for a Vietnam e-visa before travel. Apply at least a week or two ahead, and use only the official government portal or your travel agent.
- Flights: there are direct flights from India to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, plus convenient one-stop options via Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
- Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND). Carry some US dollars to exchange locally; cards work at hotels, malls and larger restaurants.
- Time difference: Vietnam is 1.5 hours ahead of India.
- Ideal length: 6 to 8 nights for a first trip covering the north and centre (or north and south).
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam is long and narrow, so the weather differs from north to south — there's a good region to visit in every season.
- North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): October to April is the most pleasant. December to February is cool, so pack a jacket.
- Centre (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue): February to August is sunny and dry. September to December can bring heavy rain.
- South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): December to April is the dry season, perfect for beaches.
7-day Vietnam itinerary: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang and Hoi An
- 1
Day 1 — Arrive in Hanoi
Check in and head to the Old Quarter in the evening. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, try egg coffee and watch the city come alive. On weekend evenings, the streets around the lake become pedestrian-only.
- 2
Day 2 — Hanoi city tour
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, then the famous Train Street. End the day with a traditional water puppet show.
- 3
Day 3 — Ha Long Bay cruise
Drive to Ha Long Bay and board an overnight cruise among thousands of limestone islands. Kayak through lagoons, explore caves like Sung Sot and watch the sunset from the deck.
- 4
Day 4 — Ha Long Bay to Da Nang
Enjoy a sunrise tai chi session on deck, cruise back to shore and fly from Hanoi to Da Nang. Spend the evening at My Khe Beach and see the Dragon Bridge lit up at night.
- 5
Day 5 — Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge
Ride one of the world's longest cable cars up to Ba Na Hills. Walk the famous Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands, explore the French Village and enjoy the cool mountain air.
- 6
Day 6 — Hoi An Ancient Town
Explore the UNESCO-listed old town, the Japanese Covered Bridge and tailor shops. In the evening, take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River and float a paper lantern as the town glows.
- 7
Day 7 — Fly home
Last-minute shopping for coffee, lanterns and silk, then fly back from Da Nang to Mumbai via a connecting city.
Is Vietnam good for vegetarian and Jain travellers?
Yes, with a little planning. Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City all have Indian restaurants, and Vietnamese Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (look for the word "chay") serve fully meat-free food. Jain travellers should ask for meals without onion, garlic and root vegetables in advance; we can arrange Indian meals on the Ha Long cruise and at hotels on request.
What affects the cost of a Vietnam trip?
- Flights: fares from Mumbai rise sharply around Diwali, Christmas, New Year and summer holidays — book two to three months ahead.
- Ha Long Bay cruise: day cruises cost less, but an overnight cruise is the highlight of most trips and worth it.
- Hotels: 3-star hotels in Vietnam offer excellent value; 4- and 5-star beach resorts in Da Nang cost more.
- Internal flight: Hanoi to Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City saves a full day of road travel.
- Entry tickets: Ba Na Hills, water puppet shows and Hoi An's old town have separate tickets — check what your package includes.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa, which can be applied for online as a Vietnam e-visa before travel. Apply at least one to two weeks ahead, and check the current rules for your travel dates.
How many days are enough for Vietnam?
Seven days is ideal for a first trip covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and either Da Nang and Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City. With 10 to 12 days you can add Sapa, Hue or Phu Quoc.
Is there a direct flight from Mumbai to Vietnam?
Yes, there are direct flights from Mumbai to Vietnam on some routes, along with one-stop options via Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Schedules change by season, so we confirm the best options when you enquire.
Which is the best month to visit Vietnam from India?
For a trip covering the north and the centre, February to April is the sweet spot. For the north and the south, November to March works best.
Is Vietnam safe for families and senior citizens?
Yes. Vietnam is considered safe and welcoming for families and senior travellers. Choose an overnight cruise with comfortable cabins, internal flights instead of long drives, and a relaxed pace.
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