A Vietnam trip from India needs an e-visa for the mainland, which allows stays of up to 90 days and costs US$25 for single entry on the official portal. Non-stop flights now connect Delhi and Mumbai with Hanoi, and Delhi with Ho Chi Minh City. The best time depends on the region you plan to visit.
Vietnam has become one of the most searched short-haul destinations for Indian travellers. It is close, the flights are getting shorter, and the country offers a mix of limestone bays, old trading towns, beaches and busy cities. This guide covers the paperwork and planning that matter before you book.
Vietnam visa for Indians
E-visa
Since 15 August 2023, Vietnam has offered its e-visa to citizens of all countries, including India. The e-visa allows a stay of up to 90 days with single or multiple entry. The government fee is US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entry, paid online by international card.
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Apply only on the official Vietnam Government E-Visa Portal, evisa.gov.vn. Several look-alike websites charge much higher fees. Processing usually takes about three working days, according to travel portal Wego, but it can take longer during peak periods, so apply at least a week or two before travel.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. Keep a printed copy of the e-visa, your return ticket and hotel bookings.
Phu Quoc visa-free entry
Phu Quoc island allows visa-free stays of up to 30 days, but only if you fly in directly from abroad, stay on the island and leave directly from it. In April 2026, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi issued an advisory recommending an e-visa even for Phu Quoc-only trips, as reported by Wego, because travellers without one can face problems if they need to go to the mainland for medical care or after losing a passport.
Flights from India to Vietnam
Direct connectivity has improved sharply. IndiGo has run daily non-stop flights from Delhi to Hanoi and Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City since December 2025. Akasa Air began non-stop Mumbai to Hanoi flights on 4 September 2026, and IndiGo plans daily Mumbai to Hanoi flights from 25 October 2026, as reported by Esquire India. Vietnamese carriers also operate routes to Indian cities. Flight time from Delhi is roughly four to five hours.
Many travellers book an open-jaw ticket: fly into Hanoi, travel south by domestic flight or train, and fly home from Ho Chi Minh City. This saves a long backtrack.
Best time to visit Vietnam
Vietnam is long and narrow, so the north, centre and south have different weather at the same time of year. Use this table as a broad guide and check local forecasts before you travel.
| Region | Main places | Generally pleasant | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa, Ninh Binh | October to April | Cool, misty winters; hot, wet summers |
| Centre | Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue | February to August | Heavy rain and storms from about September to December |
| South | Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc | December to April | Rainy season from about May to October |
For a first trip in October and November, many Indian travellers focus on the north and south and keep the central coast short. From February to April, the whole country is usually comfortable.
A simple 8 to 10 day plan
- Hanoi (2 days): The Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and street food.
- Ha Long Bay (1 to 2 days): An overnight cruise among limestone islands. The bay was first inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
- Ninh Binh (1 day, optional): River boat rides past limestone cliffs and rice fields, an easy trip from Hanoi.
- Da Nang and Hoi An (2 to 3 days): Beaches in Da Nang and the lantern-lit old town of Hoi An, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Ho Chi Minh City (2 days): War Remnants Museum, markets and a day trip to the Mekong Delta.
Money, food and connectivity
Currency
The local currency is the Vietnamese dong. Indian rupees are not easily exchanged in Vietnam, so most travellers carry US dollars and change them on arrival, or use a forex card. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants; street stalls and small shops expect cash.
Vegetarian food
Vietnamese cooking uses fish sauce widely, which can be a concern for vegetarians. Look for restaurants marked “chay”, which means vegetarian, and Buddhist vegetarian eateries found in most cities. Indian restaurants are available in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.
SIM cards and apps
Local SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy at major airports. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab are widely used in cities and avoid price disputes with taxis.
Practical tips
- Buy travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad.
- Keep digital and paper copies of your passport and e-visa.
- Check the entry port listed on your e-visa matches your arrival airport.
- Traffic in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is heavy with scooters; cross roads slowly and steadily.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas.
- Bargain politely at markets, and confirm prices before ordering at street stalls without menus.
Documents checklist
Before you leave India, keep these ready: passport with at least six months of validity, printed e-visa, return or onward ticket, hotel confirmations, travel insurance and some US dollars in cash. Immigration officers may ask for any of these.
Explore more international holiday ideas in the TSA travel section, and check our finance coverage for tips on forex and travel budgeting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vietnam visa-free for Indians?
No, not for the mainland. Indians need an e-visa or a regular visa. Only Phu Quoc island offers 30-day visa-free entry under strict conditions, and the Indian Embassy has advised getting an e-visa anyway.
How much is the Vietnam e-visa fee for Indians?
On the official portal, it is US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entry. Avoid third-party sites that add large service charges.
How long is the flight from Delhi to Vietnam?
Non-stop flights from Delhi to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City take roughly four to five hours.
What is the best month for a Vietnam trip from India?
February to April suits most of the country. October to April works well for Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, while the south is driest from December to April.
Sources: Vietnam Government E-Visa Portal; Visa policy of Vietnam, Wikipedia; Wego, Vietnam visa for Indians 2026; Esquire India, Mumbai to Hanoi flights.
