Budget Vietnam Trip Under INR 35,000: Here's How To Plan It

Vietnam has emerged as one of the most affordable and rewarding destinations for Indian travellers. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant street food culture, and fascinating history, it offers a wholesome holiday without burning a hole in your pocket. The good news? You can enjoy a 6-7 day Vietnam trip well within INR 35,000 if you plan carefully.

How To Plan A Budget Trip To Vietnam:

1. Flights and Visa: The Biggest Costs to Manage

The biggest chunk of your budget will go towards flights. Round-trip fares from India to Vietnam usually range between INR 18,000 and INR 22,000 if booked early. Look for deals from airlines like VietJet Air, AirAsia, and Indigo that often operate budget-friendly connections via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore.

Visa costs are also manageable. Indian travellers need an e-visa, which costs around INR 2,100 approx. and can be applied online. It's processed in about 3-5 working days.

Tip: Always book flights 2-3 months in advance and use fare trackers like Skyscanner or Google Flights to snag the best deals.

2. Choose the Right Itinerary

To make the most of your budget, focus on two major cities or regions instead of trying to cover all of Vietnam. A good balance is:

Hanoi + Ha Long Bay (North Vietnam): Perfect for history, culture, and natural beauty.

Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta (South Vietnam): Bustling city vibes with day trips to riverside villages.

Trying to cover both North and South in one budget trip will add heavy internal travel costs. Stick to one region and explore deeply.

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit in Vietnam
Photo: Pexels

3. Stay Options: Hostels, Guesthouses, and Budget Hotels

Accommodation in Vietnam is surprisingly affordable. Clean and comfortable hostels start at just INR 500-INR 700 per night with free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Budget hotels or guesthouses can cost around INR 1,200-INR 1,800 per night.

For a 6-night stay, you'll spend approximately INR 6,000-INR 8,000. Booking platforms like Agoda or Hostelworld often list exclusive deals for Indian travellers.

4. Food

Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers, especially on a budget. Street food like Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (baguette sandwich), and spring rolls cost only INR 100-INR 200 per meal. A day's meals can easily be managed under INR 600 if you stick to local eateries.

Don't miss: Egg coffee in Hanoi, seafood in Da Nang, and street-side barbeques in Ho Chi Minh City.

5. Opt for Local Transport

Vietnam's public transport is reliable and inexpensive.

• City travel: Use Grab (ride-hailing app) for bikes and taxis, costing around INR 80-INR 150 per ride.
• Intercity travel: Sleeper buses and trains between cities like Hanoi-Da Nang cost INR 1,500-INR 2,000, offering both savings and adventure.
• Day tours: Shared group tours to Ha Long Bay or Mekong Delta cost INR 2,000-INR 2,500 per person, including transport and meals.

6. Attractions That Won't Break the Bank

Most cultural sites, temples, and museums in Vietnam charge modest entry fees between INR 100 and INR 300. A few must-visit places include:

• Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter (Hanoi) - free to explore.
• Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City) - approx. INR 400.
• Ha Long Bay day cruise - INR 2,000 onwards.
• War Remnants Museum - approx. INR 250.

Vietnam offers many attractions for tourists. 
Photo Credit: Pexels

Sample Budget Breakdown (6 Nights/7 Days)

• Flights: INR 20,000
• Visa: INR 2,100
• Stay: INR 7,000
• Food: INR 4,000
• Transport & Tours: INR 5,000
• Miscellaneous (shopping, extras): INR 2,000
• Total: INR 35,000 approx.

Tips to Keep Your Vietnam Trip Within Budget

• Travel in shoulder seasons (March-April or September-October) to avoid inflated prices.
• Carry USD for exchange - better rates than INR.
• Avoid luxury cruises or resorts - opt for shared tours and hostels.
• Pre-book tours online to get discounts.
• Pack smartly - essentials like power banks, medicines, and reusable bottles can save unexpected expenses.

Common FAQs On Vietnam Travel:

1. Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand for Indians?

Yes, Vietnam is generally cheaper than Thailand in terms of food, stay, and attractions.

2. How many days are enough for a Vietnam trip?

6-7 days are sufficient for exploring one region (North or South). Covering the entire country needs 12-14 days.

3. Is vegetarian food easily available in Vietnam?

Yes, but limited. Look for "chay" restaurants that specialise in vegetarian food.

4. Can I travel to Vietnam without booking a tour package?

Absolutely. DIY trips are easy thanks to affordable flights, online bookings, and local apps like Grab.

A Vietnam trip doesn't need to be a luxury splurge. With thoughtful planning, you can enjoy history, culture, landscapes, and food - all under INR 35,000. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam promises memories that far outweigh the budget.