The Ultimate Budget Travel Guide: One Week in Vietnam from India

Vietnam is a budget traveler’s dream destination, offering rich culture, stunning landscapes, delicious food, and affordable experiences. Whether you're a backpacker or a budget-conscious traveler, this guide provides everything you need to plan and book your trip immediately – flights, accommodation, internal transport, food, and more!

Let’s plan your one-week Vietnam adventure step by step! 🌍✈️

1. Best Time to Visit Vietnam

📌 Ideal months: March-April & September-November (pleasant weather, fewer crowds)

📌 Monsoon season (May-October): Cheaper prices, but occasional heavy rain

📌 Winter (December-February): Cool in North Vietnam, warm in the South

💡 Budget Tip: Travel in the off-season to save on flights & accommodations!

2. Flights from India to Vietnam

✈️ Direct Budget Airlines: VietJet Air, IndiGo, Vietnam Airlines

💰 Round-trip Cost: ₹14,000 – ₹22,000 (book 2-3 months in advance)

Best Websites to Book: Skyscanner, Google Flights, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo

📍 Vietnam Airports: Hanoi (North), Da Nang (Central), Ho Chi Minh City (South)

💡 Airport Tip: Carry a printed visa approval & return ticket for immigration.

3. Visa & Entry Requirements for Indians

✅ E-Visa (Best Option): Apply at Vietnam E-Visa Official Website

💰 Cost: $25 (~₹2,000)

⏳ Processing Time: 3–5 working days

📄 Documents Needed: Passport (valid for 6+ months), passport photo, return ticket

4. Getting a SIM Card in Vietnam

📶 Best SIM Providers: Viettel (Best coverage), Mobifone (Affordable), Vinaphone (Urban connectivity)

💰 Cost: ₹400–₹800 for 10GB+ data

📍 Where to Buy: Airport kiosks, convenience stores (Circle K, VinMart)

💡 Tip: Consider an eSIM for hassle-free activation before arrival.

5. Internal Transportation in Vietnam

🚆 Domestic Travel:

• Flights: VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways (₹1,500–₹4,000 per flight)

• Trains: Reunification Express (₹1,000–₹2,500 for sleeper class)

• Buses: Futa Bus, The Sinh Tourist (₹300–₹1,000 per trip)

🚖 City Transport:

• Grab App (Cheapest taxi/bike rides; ₹50–₹150 per ride)

• Public Buses (₹10–₹50 per ride)

• Bicycle Rentals (₹100–₹300 per day in Hoi An, Da Nang)

🏍 Motorbike Rentals: ₹250–₹500/day (License needed for large bikes)

🚗 Car Rentals: Not recommended (Vietnamese license required)

💡 Tip: Use 12Go Asia or Baolau for booking trains & buses.

6. Where to Stay on a Budget

💰 Budget stays: ₹500 – ₹1,500 per night

📍 Best Areas to Stay:

• Hanoi: Old Quarter (backpacker hostels, guesthouses)

• Da Nang: My Khe Beach (budget hotels)

• Hoi An: Near Ancient Town (homestays)

• Ho Chi Minh City: Pham Ngu Lao Street (cheap dorms, Airbnb)

🛏 Booking Websites: Agoda, Booking.com, Hostelworld

7. One Week Budget Itinerary in Vietnam

🗓 Day 1-2: Hanoi

• Hoan Kiem Lake, Train Street, St. Joseph’s Cathedral

• Explore Old Quarter & street food tour (Banh Mi, Pho)

• Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

• 
  

🗓 Day 3-4: Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay

• Ninh Binh: Tam Coc boat ride, Trang An caves

• Ha Long Bay: Budget cruise (₹2,500 for a day trip)

• 
  

🗓 Day 5-6: Da Nang & Hoi An

• My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains

• Hoi An Ancient Town, Japanese Bridge

• Basket Boat Tour (~₹500), Night Market shopping

• 
  

🗓 Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City

• War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels

• Ben Thanh Market shopping

💡 Budget Tip: Use overnight buses/trains to save hotel costs.

8. Packing Guide for Vietnam (Men & Women)

🎒 Essentials: Passport, visa printout, travel insurance, power bank, universal adapter👕 Clothing: Light T-shirts, breathable pants, swimwear, rain jacket, hiking shoes🩺 Health & Safety: Mosquito repellent, first-aid kit, travel towel, sunscreen

💡 Tip: Carry modest clothing for temples (covered shoulders & knees)

9. Must-Try Food in Vietnam

🍜 Best Dishes:

• Pho (Noodle soup) – ₹100-₹200

• Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) – ₹80-₹150

• Bun Cha (Grilled pork noodles) – ₹150-₹250

• Egg Coffee – ₹120-₹180

📍 Best Street Food Areas: Hanoi Old Quarter, Ben Thanh Market, Da Nang’s Han Market

💡 Tip: Eat where locals eat to ensure food safety.

10. Best Things to Buy in Vietnam

🛍️ Souvenirs:

• Vietnamese Coffee & Phin Filter

• Lacquerware, Silk, Handicrafts

• Dried Fruits, Cashew Nuts

• Vietnamese Lanterns

📍 Best Markets: Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi), Ben Thanh Market (HCMC), Hoi An Night Market

💡 Tip: Bargain up to 50% in street markets!

11. Best Booking Websites for Budget Travelers

✈️ Flights: Skyscanner, Google Flights, MakeMyTrip

🏠 Hotels & Hostels: Agoda, Booking.com, Hostelworld

🚆 Transport: 12Go Asia, Baolau, Grab

🎟 Tours & Activities: Klook, GetYourGuide, Viator

12. Packing List

For Women:

• Clothing:

  • 3-5 lightweight tops (mix of t-shirts, tank tops, and long-sleeved shirts)

  • 2-3 pairs of shorts or skirts

  • 1-2 pairs of lightweight pants or leggings

  • 1 dress (preferably knee-length for versatility)

  • 1 lightweight rain jacket or poncho

  • 1 swimsuit

  • Undergarments (sufficient for the duration of your stay)

  • Sleepwear

  • Lightweight scarf or shawl (useful for temple visits)

• Footwear:

  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals

  • Flip-flops (handy for beaches and communal showers)

• Accessories:

  • Sunhat or cap

  • Sunglasses

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Daypack or small backpack for daily excursions

• Toiletries:

  • Basic personal hygiene products

  • Sunscreen (preferably reef-safe)

  • Insect repellent

  • Hand sanitizer

For Men:

• Clothing:

  • 3-5 lightweight shirts (mix of t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts)

  • 2-3 pairs of shorts

  • 1-2 pairs of lightweight trousers

  • 1 lightweight rain jacket or poncho

  • 1 swimsuit

  • Undergarments (sufficient for the duration of your stay)

  • Sleepwear

• Footwear:

  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals

  • Flip-flops

• Accessories:

  • Sunhat or cap

  • Sunglasses

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Daypack or small backpack for daily use

• Toiletries:

  • Basic personal hygiene products

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Hand sanitizer

Additional Tips:

• Cultural Sensitivity: When visiting temples or religious sites, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees.

• Medication: Carry any personal medications along with a basic first aid kit.

• Electronics:

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Portable charger

  • Camera or smartphone for capturing memories

• Documents:

  • Passport (with valid visa, if required)

  • Photocopies of important documents

  • Travel insurance details

13. Finance Situation

1. Currency in Vietnam

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Although some businesses in tourist areas accept USD, it’s best to use VND for local transactions.

• Current Exchange Rate: 1 INR ≈ 290-300 VND (rates fluctuate, check before traveling)

• Common Denominations:

  • Bills: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, 500,000 VND

  • Coins: Rarely used

💡 Budget Tip: Since 200,000 VND and 500,000 VND notes look similar, double-check your cash before paying to avoid overpaying by mistake.

2. Should You Carry Cash?

Yes, cash is king in Vietnam, especially for street vendors, taxis (except Grab), local markets, and small businesses. ATMs are available in cities, but rural areas may have limited access.

How Much Cash to Carry?

• For a week: ₹10,000 - ₹15,000 (3 - 4 million VND) in cash should be enough for food, transport, and small expenses.

• Where to Exchange INR to VND?

  • In India: Exchange INR to USD first, then convert to VND in Vietnam (INR to VND rates are poor in India).

  • In Vietnam: Gold shops and local exchange centers offer the best rates, better than banks and airports.

💡 Budget Tip: Never exchange money at the airport in Vietnam—rates are higher than local money exchangers.

3. Credit and Debit Cards in Vietnam

Most high-end hotels, malls, and restaurants accept Visa/MasterCard but charge a 3-4% extra fee for card payments.

• Best Cards to Carry: International Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards work well.

• Transaction Fees: Some Indian banks charge foreign transaction fees (2.5% - 4%), so check with your bank before traveling.

• ATMs in Vietnam: You can withdraw VND from ATMs using your international debit/credit card, but each withdrawal costs ₹250 - ₹500.

💡 Budget Tip: Use HSBC, Citibank, or Vietcombank ATMs, as they have higher withdrawal limits and lower fees.

4. Forex Cards: The Best Option for Vietnam

A forex card (prepaid travel card) is one of the most cost-effective ways to carry money in Vietnam. It allows you to load multiple currencies, offers better exchange rates, and avoids high foreign transaction fees.

Why Use a Forex Card Instead of Debit/Credit Cards?

✔ No Foreign Transaction Fees: Unlike credit/debit cards, forex cards don’t charge extra for international transactions.✔ Better Exchange Rates: More competitive than airport or bank exchange rates.✔ Secure & Replaceable: If lost, you can block and replace it easily.✔ Fixed Rates: Lock-in exchange rates before your trip, avoiding fluctuations.

Best Forex Cards in India for Vietnam:

1. Niyo Global Card (Zero forex markup, works worldwide)

2. HDFC Forex Card (Good for multiple currencies)

3. ICICI Forex Prepaid Card (Accepted widely, lower fees)

4. Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card (Offers insurance and cashback benefits)

💡 Budget Tip: Load USD instead of VND in your forex card, as INR to VND conversion in India is expensive and limited. Withdraw VND in Vietnam from ATMs.

5. Final Payment Tips for Vietnam

✅ Carry a mix of cash and forex card for flexibility.

✅ Use cash for street food, taxis, and local shops.

✅ Use a forex card for hotels, shopping malls, and big restaurants.

✅ Avoid dynamic currency conversion (always pay in VND when using a card to get the best exchange rate).

By following these money management tips, you can travel stress-free in Vietnam while avoiding unnecessary fees.

14. Final Budget Summary & Tips

💰 Total Budget for 7 Days: ₹35,000 – ₹50,000

✅ Flights: ₹16,000

✅ Visa & SIM: ₹2,500

✅ Accommodation: ₹4,000–₹8,000

✅ Food & Transport: ₹6,000–₹10,000

✅ Sightseeing & Extras: ₹5,000

💡 Quick Travel Hacks:

• Book flights early for best rates

• Use Grab instead of taxis

• Eat at street stalls for authentic, budget-friendly food

• Stay in hostels/homestays to save money

  
  

Vietnam is an affordable, adventure-packed destination for Indian travelers. Follow this guide, and you’re fully ready to explore Vietnam tomorrow! 🇻🇳✈️