Guide on Vietnam trip cost and cash to carry from India

Vietnam is a popular destination for tourists. It is a melting pot of culture. It offers you the scenic beauty of Halong Bay. Tourists love the historic streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The country truly offers something for everyone. Tourists can explore ancient temples. You can enjoy tasty local food. You can relax on sandy beaches. With so much to do, the question arises - How much does the Vietnam trip cost from India?

Vietnam is an affordable country. Vietnamese are very friendly people too. Vietnam is a great place if you are an adventure seeker. It is a haven for those looking for a peaceful getaway too. It's a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. It has become a favourite spot for travellers. Many people from around the world visit Vietnam.

Guide on Vietnam trip cost from India and cash to carry

Trip duration: how long should you stay?

The Vietnam trip cost from India largely depends on how long you plan to stay. A typical vacation can last anywhere between 5 to 10 days. However, some travellers prefer a shorter trip of about 3-5 days. Others may want to explore Vietnam for two weeks or longer. A 7-day trip is often enough to visit key destinations. You can visit cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. It gives a balanced experience of both the city and nature.

Average travel and accommodation costs

1. Flights

The biggest part of your Vietnam trip cost from India will be the flight ticket. The price of a round-trip ticket from India to Vietnam can range between ₹ 20,000 and ₹ 35,000. It depends on various factors. You must check the time of booking and the airline. The season plays a significant role too. VietJet, Indigo, and AirAsia are popular budget-friendly airlines. They offer affordable flights between India and Vietnam.

2. Accommodation

Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodation options. You can stay from budget hostels to luxurious hotels:

• Budget Hostels: ₹ 600 - ₹ 1,500 per night

• Mid-range Hotels: ₹ 2,500 - ₹ 5,000 per night

• Luxury Hotels: ₹ 7,000 - ₹ 15,000 per night

(All the above rates are per person cost. The amount is an approximate figure and is subject to change)

On average, expect to spend around ₹ 2,500 - ₹ 3,500 per night for decent 3-star accommodation. The total cost for 7 days would be approximately ₹ 17,500 - ₹ 24,500. However, the Vietnam trip cost from India also depends on your preferences.

Food and local travel costs

1. Food costs

Vietnam is known for its affordable and delicious street food. A budget traveller can comfortably eat local meals for about:

• Street food: ₹ 150 - ₹ 250 per meal

• Mid-range restaurants: ₹ 400 - ₹ 700 per meal

• Fine dining: ₹ 1,200 - ₹ 3,000 per meal

(All the above rates are per-person cost. The amount is an approximate figure and is subject to change)

A day’s food budget could range from ₹ 700 to ₹ 1,500, making food costs for a 7-day trip anywhere between ₹ 5,000 and ₹ 10,500. Multiple Indian restaurants are offering Hindu Vegetarian means, too. The price can range from full-course to 200 for a full-course meal. You can even find various vegan options. Search for An Chay restaurants (translation: vegan restaurants).

2. Local transport

Vietnam offers various cheap local transport options:

• Taxis: ₹ 100 - ₹ 200 for short rides

• Motorbike rentals: ₹ 300 - ₹ 500 per day

• Public buses: ₹ 15 - ₹ 25 per ride

• Domestic flights (for travel between cities): ₹ 3,000 - ₹ 7,000 one-way

(All the above rates are per-person cost. The amount is an approximate figure and is subject to change)

For a week-long trip, budgeting around ₹ 2,000 - ₹ 4,000 for local transport is enough, depending on how much you move around.

Total trip cost breakdown

Here’s a simple breakdown for a 7-day Vietnam trip cost from India for a budget to mid-range traveller:

(All the above rates are per-person cost. The amount is an approximate figure and is subject to change)

This total Vietnam trip cost from India can be adjusted up or down depending on your choices. However, this gives a good idea of what to expect.

How much cash to carry for your Vietnam trip?

1. Carrying limit for Indian Rupees (INR)

As per Indian regulations, you can carry up to ₹25,000 in cash when travelling abroad. Any amount higher than this would need to be declared. Since ATMs are widely available in Vietnam, carrying cash beyond this limit isn’t necessary.

2. Carrying limit for Vietnamese Dong (VND)

When entering Vietnam, you can carry a maximum of 15 million VND (approximately ₹50,000) in cash. However, carrying large amounts of cash is not recommended due to safety reasons. Stick to smaller amounts for personal expenses. You can always rely on ATMs and credit cards.

Cash alternatives: managing your money wisely

If you prefer not to carry too much cash, there are many convenient alternatives available:

1. Credit and Debit cards

Most hotels, restaurants, and even some street vendors accept Visa, MasterCard, and AmEx. Cards are ideal for larger payments such as hotel bills or high-end dining. However, for smaller transactions, it’s better to have some Vietnamese Dong on hand. Local markets and smaller shops may not accept cards.

2. Prepaid travel cards

Prepaid travel cards are a great alternative to carrying cash. You can load them with multiple currencies. They offer better exchange rates than cash. Cards such as Niyo Global and HDFC Forex are popular choices among Indian travellers.

3. Digital wallets

Some merchants in Vietnam accept PayPal, Alipay, or other digital wallets. Although this is a less common alternative. Having a reliable international wallet can be helpful for online bookings or emergencies.

Tips to save money on your Vietnam trip

1. Book flights early

One of the easiest ways to save money is by booking your flight tickets well in advance. Use price comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track price changes and get alerts when prices drop.

2. Look for package deals

Sometimes, booking a tour package can be more cost-effective than booking flights and accommodation separately. Tour packages may include airport transfers, guided tours, and hotel stays at discounted rates.

3. Use public transport

Taxis are convenient, but buses and motorbike rentals are far cheaper. If you are travelling within the city or between cities, opt for public transport whenever possible to keep your budget in check.

4. Bargain at local markets

When shopping at markets or using services like motorbike taxis. Bargaining is common in Vietnam. Don’t hesitate to negotiate the price to save a few extra bucks.

5. Travel off-season

If you’re flexible with your travel dates, visit Vietnam during the off-peak season (May to September). Flights and accommodation are generally cheaper during this time. You can also find better deals on tours and activities during these months.