Vietnam Tourism

The pleasant weather and fewer crowds from March to April and September to November make these months ideal times to visit Vietnam for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Ideally, a recommended trip to Vietnam can last 7-10 days. Personalise your next Vietnam trip with Travel Triangle for a seamless itinerary and memorable experiences. 

Quick Overview 

 Category  Details  Capital   Hanoi  Location  Southeast Asia  Languages  Vietnamese, English, and Chinese  Currency   Vietnamese dong  Festivals   Lunar New Year (Tet), Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu), the Hue Festival, Hoi An Lantern Festival, and the Perfume Pagoda Festival  Cities  Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, H?i An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Dalat, Can Tho, Thua Thien Hue, Hoa L?, V?ng Tàu Pop  Top Attractions   Cu Chi Tunnels, Old Quarter, War Remnants Museum, Ban Gioc Waterfalls, Hoàn Ki?m Lake  Best Time to Visit   March to May or September to November  Activities  Exploring cities, cruising, kayaking, temple hopping, hiking, snorkelling Famous Cuisine Pho, banh mi, bun cha, and various noodle soups and spring rolls.  Shopping Places Ben Thanh Market, Cai Rang Floating Market, Binh Tay Market

Budget & Accommodations

Due to the low cost of living, cost-effective accommodation, food, and transportation, Vietnam is considered one of the budget-friendly travel destinations in the world. A trip to Vietnam can cost around INR 15,000 to 55,000, depending on factors such as trip duration, attractions, and the time of year.

Whether you're a solo traveller or travelling with family, Vietnam offers many cosy accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury villas. A decent stay in Vietnam starts from INR 2,500. However, the price may vary depending on location, duration, number of people and amenities.

How To Reach 

By Air: The only way to reach Vietnam from India is by Air. There are three major airports, including  Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Fly to one of them. 

By Train: There are no trains from India. However, one can take a train from China (1,281 km ). 

Getting Around: For travel within the country, buses are a budget-friendly option for both long-distance and local travel. Trains offer scenic journeys between cities, while motorbikes provide flexibility for exploring.

Culture

The cultural tourism of Vietnam is boosted by its people, language, dance, music, art forms and vibrant festivals.

Language and traditional attire 

A majority of people in Vietnam speak Vietnamese as the official language. Beyond Vietnamese, English and French are also widely spoken. The rich culture of Vietnam is also reflected in its traditional attire, where both men and women wear iconic ao dai, ceremonial robes.

Dance and music 

With about 50 national music instruments, the traditional music in Vietnam is of two genres i.e. Imperial Court Music and Folk Music. Dragon or Lion Dance, Fan Dance, Hat Dance, and Lantern Dance are popular dance forms in Vietnam. Drizzling costumes and heavy make-up feature the vibrant dance performances. 

Art forms

Experience the centuries-old tradition of Vietnam through its rich art and crafts. The intricate design and carving in Lacquerware items, Lacquer Paintings, Silk Paintings, Ceramics and Pottery items show Vietnam’s excellent craftsmanship. 

Festivals 

The country has its share of grand and vibrant festivals throughout the year. Visit during the Lunar New Year in January, the Perfume Pagoda Festival and Lim Festival in February, and Reunification Day in April to witness the true essence of Vietnam. Additionally, the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Hue Festival, and the Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa Sea Festival are other notable festivals in Vietnam. 

Nightlife 

Explore the vibrant nightlife of Vietnam at its bars, pubs and night markets as well. Head to the coastal city of Nha Trang, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for nightclubs and live music haunts. The night markets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are perfect for some night-time shopping.

Cuisine 

The diversity of Vietnamese cuisine can also be seen in its unique blend of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter flavours, with a strong emphasis on fresh herbs, vegetables, and fish sauce. Pho,  Banh Mi, Fresh Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon), Com Tam and Banh Xeo are the must-have dishes. Along with non-vegetarian options, vegetarian dishes are also available. For an authentic Vietnamese taste, head to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. 

Best Time To Visit

The best times to visit Vietnam are from March to April and from September to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant and calm, and is an ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

 Seasons  Min/Max Temperature   Perfect For  Spring(March-April)  20°C/32°C  sightseeing, exploring cultural sites, Blooming Landscapes and outdoor activities  Summer(May-August)  25°C/33°C  Beaches and festivals  Autumn(September-

November)

 20°C/31°C  Trekking, motorbiking, boat trips and mid-Autumn festivals  Winter(December to February)  17°C/23°C  Hiking and cultural festivals

Things To Do

Along with its natural beauty, Vietnam offers many thrilling adventure activities, such as cruising in Halong Bay, exploring ancient palaces, taking a Coconut Basket Boat Ride in Hoi An, and trekking through rice fields in Sapa. Beach hopping, exploring Phong Nha Caves and walking across the Golden Hands Bridge in Da Nang are other things to do in Vietnam. 

Shopping

From traditional items to handicrafts, Vietnam offers a diverse range of products for tourists. Don't leave Vietnam without buying some Vietnamese Coffee, a Conical Hat, Silk Products, Lacquerware, an Ao Dai dress, Spices, and local food and handicraft items like lanterns. 

To experience local shopping in Vietnam, head to Ben Thanh Market, Dong Xuan Market and Hoi An Night Market and for luxury products, visit malls like Vincom Centre and Saigon Centre. Floating markets, such as Cai Rang, also offer unique shopping opportunities. Don’t forget to bargain for a better price. 

What To Pack 

For the dry season, pack breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes

Sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from harsh sunlight

Vietnam uses Type A plugs, so pack an adapter if needed. 

Camera with waterproof case and a Power bank for charging devices

For Rainy seasons, pack a waterproof backpack and a Raincoat

Carry a passport, visa, travel insurance details, and any other necessary documents.

Pack toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste.

Carry necessary medications and basic first aid.

Essential Information

The affordable accommodations, easy accessibility to hospitals, and warm and welcoming hospitality make Vietnam an ideal place for elderly parents. Da Nang, Hanoi, Hoi An, the Mekong Delta, and Ninh Binh are some of the best attractions for senior people. With a blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and adventure, Vietnam is a safe place for families and kids. Additionally, Vietnam is not a pet-friendly travel country.

Visa and permits: 

To enter Vietnam, you must obtain a visa. Indian citizens can get an e-visa or a visa on arrival, valid for up to 90 days. 

Tips 

Book your accommodation and flights in advance for a better price 

Obtain a local SIM card for easy communication

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases

While credit cards are accepted in major cities, do carry some cash in smaller towns and villages. 

Use local transport for long-distance travel

Be aware of common tourist scams  and pickpocketing 

Choose vendors with good hygiene.

Drink only bottled water.