So you've finally booked that dream Vietnam holiday? Congratulations! Vietnam is one of the most rewarding destinations for Indian travellers — affordable, exotic, beautiful, and just a 5-hour flight away. But here's the truth: most first-time Indian travellers make 5–10 small mistakes that cost them money, time, or comfort. Things nobody tells you in those generic travel blogs.
This guide is different. After helping over 1,000+ Indian families travel to Vietnam, our team has compiled the 25 most useful Vietnam travel tips for Indians — covering money matters, food hacks, cultural etiquette, packing essentials, and safety tips. Bookmark this page, share it with your travel buddies, and read it again the night before you fly.
💰 Money & Currency Tips
Tip 1: Carry Both USD and Indian Cards
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND), with 1 INR = approximately 290 VND. Carry around USD 200–300 in cash for emergencies, cruise tips, and visa-on-arrival situations. Indian debit/credit cards work at most ATMs and hotels. Avoid carrying large amounts of INR — it's hard to exchange.
Tip 2: Use ATMs in Vietnam, Not Airport Exchange Counters
Airport currency exchange rates are 5–10% worse than ATM withdrawals. Withdraw VND from ATMs in cities. Most accept Indian Visa/Mastercard debit cards. Withdrawal limit per transaction: 2,000,000 VND (~₹6,900).
Tip 3: Don't Be Shocked by "Million Dong" Bills
Vietnamese currency has lots of zeros. A simple meal might cost 200,000 VND (~₹690). Mentally divide by 290 to get INR — or use the calculator app on your phone. Many Indians overspend in the first 2 days because they confuse the zeros.
Tip 4: Always Bargain at Markets — But Politely
At markets like Ben Thanh (Saigon), Dong Xuan (Hanoi), or Hoi An night market, vendors often quote 2–3x the actual price to foreigners. Counter-offer at 40–50% of the asking price and meet halfway. Smile while negotiating — Vietnamese culture values respect over aggression.
Tip 5: Tipping Is Appreciated but Not Mandatory
Unlike India, tipping isn't a strict custom — but it's appreciated. Round up restaurant bills, tip $1–$2 per bag for hotel porters, and $5–$10 per day for cruise crew. Tour guides expect $5 per person per day for a tip.
🛂 Visa & Documentation Tips
Tip 6: Apply for Your E-Visa at Least 2 Weeks Early
The Vietnam e-visa is valid for 90 days but takes 3–7 working days to process. Don't wait till the last week. Apply directly at evisa.gov.vn (avoid agent sites that overcharge). For full step-by-step instructions, read our complete Vietnam visa guide for Indian passport holders.
Tip 7: Keep 3 Copies of Your Documents
Carry: (1) Original passport, (2) Photocopy of passport bio page, (3) Printed e-visa PDF. Email a digital copy to yourself too. Hotels in Vietnam will ask for your passport at check-in — never hand over the original for storage; just let them photocopy it.
Tip 8: Phu Quoc Has Visa-Free Entry for Indians
Bonus tip most Indian travellers don't know: Phu Quoc Island is visa-free for up to 30 days for Indians, IF you fly in directly from outside Vietnam (e.g., Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur). Perfect for a quick beach escape.
🍴 Food & Vegetarian Tips for Indians
Tip 9: Yes, You Will Find Indian Food Everywhere
Major cities — Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City — all have authentic Indian restaurants. Look for Namaste Hanoi, Tandoor Saigon, Ganesh Hoi An, Khazaana Da Nang. Expect to pay ₹600–₹1,200 per meal (slightly more than local food but worth it for comfort food cravings).
Tip 10: Carry Indian Snacks for Emergencies
Pack: instant poha, MTR ready-to-eat meals, Maggi, theplas, mathri, biscuits, and pickle sachets. These save the day during long cruises, train journeys, or when you can't find Indian food. Vietnamese customs allow these without issue.
Tip 11: "No Fish Sauce" Is the Magic Phrase
Vietnamese cuisine uses nuoc mam (fish sauce) in almost everything — even some "vegetarian" dishes. If you're strict vegetarian or Jain, learn to say: "Khong nuoc mam, khong thit, khong trung" (no fish sauce, no meat, no eggs). Better yet, write it on a card to show waiters.
Tip 12: Try These Veg-Friendly Vietnamese Dishes
- Pho Chay — vegetarian noodle soup
- Banh Xeo — Vietnamese pancake (ask for veg version)
- Goi Cuon — fresh spring rolls with tofu
- Com Chay — Buddhist vegetarian rice
- Rau Muong Xao Toi — water spinach with garlic
Tip 13: Street Food Is Safe — But Choose Wisely
Vietnamese street food is among the cleanest in Asia, but stick to busy stalls with high turnover (the food is fresher). Avoid raw vegetables and ice unless you're at a reputable restaurant. Bottled water only — never tap.
📱 Communication & Connectivity Tips
Tip 14: Buy a Local SIM at Hanoi or Saigon Airport
Skip international roaming (₹3,000+ for 7 days). A Vietnamese SIM at the airport costs around ₹500–₹1,300 for 7 days of unlimited data. Viettel and Vinaphone are the best networks. eSIMs are also available if your phone supports them.
Tip 15: Download Google Translate (with Offline Vietnamese)
English is limited outside major hotels and tourist spots. Download Google Translate's offline Vietnamese pack before you fly. The camera-based translation feature works miracles on menus and signs. Also useful: Google Maps offline maps.
Tip 16: Use Grab Instead of Local Taxis
Download the Grab app (like Uber/Ola) before you fly. Fixed prices, no haggling, English support, multiple payment options. Works in all major Vietnamese cities. A 5 km ride costs ₹100–₹250.
🚗 Transportation Tips
Tip 17: Take Internal Flights, Skip Long Trains
Distances in Vietnam are deceiving. Hanoi to Da Nang is 17 hours by train but only 1 hour 20 minutes by flight (₹3,500). For a 7-day trip, internal flights are non-negotiable. See our 7-day Vietnam itinerary from India for the optimal city-hopping plan.
Tip 18: Be Careful Crossing Roads
Vietnam has 70+ million motorbikes, and traffic rules are loosely followed. The trick to crossing roads: walk slowly and steadily — do not stop or run. Motorbikes will flow around you. Stopping suddenly causes accidents.
Tip 19: Avoid Renting a Motorbike Unless Experienced
While renting motorbikes (₹350–₹600/day) is tempting, Vietnamese traffic is overwhelming for first-timers. Insurance usually doesn't cover tourists without a valid international license. Stick to taxis and Grab for safety.
👗 Cultural & Etiquette Tips
Tip 20: Dress Modestly at Temples and Pagodas
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples like the Temple of Literature (Hanoi), One Pillar Pagoda, or Cao Dai Temple. Some temples provide cover-up wraps. Remove shoes before entering inner sanctums. This applies for both men and women.
Tip 21: Avoid Public Displays of Affection
Vietnam is conservative outside major cities. Holding hands is fine, but kissing or hugging in public draws stares. Honeymoon couples should save the romance for private moments.
Tip 22: Don't Touch People's Heads
In Vietnamese culture, the head is considered sacred. Avoid patting children's heads — even affectionately. Also, avoid pointing your feet at people or religious objects when sitting.
🧳 Packing & Practical Tips
Tip 23: Pack a Universal Travel Adapter
Vietnam uses Type A, C, and D plugs (mostly compatible with Indian round pin plugs, but flat-pin US-style is also common). Voltage is 220V — same as India. A universal adapter (₹500) saves headaches.
Tip 24: Pack Layered Clothing if Visiting in Winter
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa) gets surprisingly cold in December–February (10–18°C). Sapa even sees occasional frost. Most Indians underestimate this and freeze. Pack a light jacket, hoodie, and full-length pants for evenings. Read our best time to visit Vietnam from India guide for season-by-season packing tips.
Tip 25: Don't Skip Travel Insurance
For ₹500–₹1,500, travel insurance covers medical emergencies, flight cancellations, lost baggage, and cruise weather disruptions. Halong Bay cruises occasionally cancel due to typhoons (especially July–September), and insurance is your only refund option. Worth every rupee.
🎁 Bonus Tips Most Travel Blogs Miss
Bonus Tip A: The "10 AM Rule" for Halong Bay Photos
The morning mist over Halong Bay's karsts is most photogenic between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM. By 10 AM, the haze burns off and the magic fades. Set an alarm and don't sleep in. Read our complete Halong Bay cruise guide for more insider tips.
Bonus Tip B: Buy Vietnamese Coffee as Souvenirs
Vietnamese coffee (especially G7 brand and Trung Nguyen) is amazing and makes affordable, memorable gifts for friends and family back in India. Buy from supermarkets (₹150–₹400/pack) — don't buy from tourist shops at 3x the price.
Bonus Tip C: Hoi An Tailors Deliver in 24 Hours
Get a custom-made suit, dress, or saree blouse in Hoi An — premium tailors deliver finished clothes in 24 hours. A complete suit costs ₹6,000–₹15,000 (vs ₹40,000+ in India). Yaly Couture and Kimmy Tailor are reputable.
Bonus Tip D: Carry a Small Hand Towel
Vietnamese summers are humid. A small towel for wiping sweat (especially at temples and outdoor markets) is a lifesaver. Most locals carry one — copy this habit.
Bonus Tip E: Book Cu Chi Tunnels Tours Early
If you're claustrophobic, the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City may be uncomfortable. Book the morning slot (cooler), and skip if tight spaces give you panic attacks.
5 Things You Should NEVER Do in Vietnam
- Never accept "free" gifts from street vendors — they always ask for money afterwards
- Never count money in public — keep wallets discreet, especially in crowded markets
- Never leave bags unattended — drive-by motorcycle theft is rare but possible
- Never criticise the government or politics — it's frowned upon, even casually
- Never drink tap water — bottled water only, including for brushing teeth in budget hotels
Vietnam Travel Cost — How Much Should Indians Budget?
Quick reference:
- Backpacker: ₹2,500–₹3,500 per day
- Mid-range comfort: ₹6,000–₹8,000 per day
- Luxury: ₹15,000+ per day
For complete cost details — flights, hotels, food, sightseeing, visa, and hidden expenses — read our detailed Vietnam tour cost from India guide.
Quick Pre-Flight Checklist for Indians Travelling to Vietnam
- ✅ E-visa approved and printed (2 copies)
- ✅ Passport valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- ✅ Travel insurance booked
- ✅ Hotels confirmed in all cities
- ✅ International credit/debit card activated for foreign transactions
- ✅ USD 200–300 cash carried
- ✅ Grab app + Google Translate (offline) downloaded
- ✅ Vegetarian preferences communicated to hotels & cruises
- ✅ Indian SIM international roaming OFF (saves nasty surprises)
- ✅ Universal travel adapter packed
- ✅ Indian snacks for emergencies
- ✅ Modest clothing for temples
Final Word: Vietnam Will Surprise You — In the Best Way
Vietnam is one of those destinations that exceeds expectations every single time. The food is spectacular, the people are warmer than you'd imagine, the landscapes are otherworldly, and the prices are unbelievable. With these 25 tips in your back pocket, you're already ahead of 90% of first-time Indian travellers.
👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it with your travel companions on WhatsApp — they'll thank you later!
Ready to plan your Vietnam adventure? Start here:
- Vietnam Visa for Indian Passport — Complete 2026 Guide
- Best Time to Visit Vietnam from India
- 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary from India
- Vietnam Tour Cost from India
- Halong Bay Cruise Guide
Or browse our handpicked destination packages: Halong Bay · Hanoi · Hoi An · Da Nang · Ho Chi Minh City · Phu Quoc · Sapa
Got a Vietnam tip we missed? Drop it in the comments — let's make this the best Vietnam guide for Indians on the internet!
