This guide is crafted for those who seek more than just the postcard. Whether you're following the winding alleys of a hidden market or pausing to watch a crimson sunset over limestone peaks, Vietnam reveals its soul slowly off the beaten track.
This is your go to resource for planning the perfect Vietnam itinerary. It highlights the top places to visit, the best stays, must-see sights, unforgettable experiences, and practical travel tips we've gathered from our many visits to Vietnam.
Table of contents
Welcome to Vietnam
A place where tradition and transformation walk side by side, Vietnam is a nation in motion. In its buzzing cities, centuries-old pagodas stand quietly beside rooftop bars and glassy high-rises. Out in the countryside, life flows to the rhythm of rivers, rice paddies, and ancestral wisdom. Nature too, wears many faces here. In the north, Hanoi opens the door to dramatic mountains, misty valleys, and karst-studded bays. Central Vietnam, anchored by the coastal city of Danang, offers a more relaxed pace with riverside heritage towns and beaches that go on forever. Further south, Ho Chi Minh City hums with energy, while the Mekong Delta and offshore islands invite deeper exploration into Vietnam’s fluid, floating heart.
Best Time to Visit:
Northern Vietnam
Hanoi
Central Vietnam
Southern Vietnam
Getting your Vietnam Visa
Vietnam Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens: Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam as they are not eligible for visa-free entry. The most convenient option is the Vietnam e-visa introduced by the Vietnamese government for short-term travel. As of 2025, Indian citizens can apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry e-visa, valid for up to 90 days. The application must be submitted online through the official Vietnam Immigration Portal by uploading a passport-sized photo, a scanned copy of the passport (valid for at least 6 months), and paying the visa fee, which ranges from US$25 to US$50 depending on the number of entries. Processing time usually takes 3-5 working days, but it's advisable to apply at least a week in advance. E-visas are accepted at 13 international airports, 16 land border crossings, and 13 seaports. For long-term stays, business trips, or other non-tourism purposes, Indian travelers must apply for a visa through the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai, often requiring an invitation letter or sponsorship from a Vietnamese entity.
Types of Visas and Who Can Apply : Vietnam currently offers several visa options to cater to different kinds of travelers: visa exemption (waiver), e-visa, visa on arrival (for limited purposes), and embassy-issued visas. Citizens of 25 countries including Japan, South Korea, Russia, most ASEAN countries, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK are eligible for visa-free entry, typically for 15 to 45 days depending on their nationality. For everyone else, the Vietnam e-visa is the most popular and efficient method. Available online through the official Vietnam Immigration Portal, this visa allows for single or multiple entries and is valid for up to 90 days. It costs US$25-50, depending on the type and is typically processed within 3-5 working days, although delays can happen during holiday seasons. Those traveling for work, long-term stays or with complex itineraries (e.g., volunteering, teaching, or multiple-country business travel) should apply for a visa via the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate often requiring sponsorship or an invitation letter.
Important Tips, Border Points, and What to watch for: Once your visa is approved, make sure to print out the approval letter or e-visa PDF, and carry it with you at all times during your entry and stay. Vietnam e-visas are accepted at 42 international border gates, including 13 international airports like Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, and Can Tho. They're also valid at land borders with Cambodia (e.g., Moc Bai–Bavet), Laos (e.g., Cau Treo–Nam Phao), and China (e.g., Huu Nghi–Youyi Guan), as well as several seaports. Visa on arrival is still available but only for those who have pre-arranged it through authorized Vietnamese travel agencies or organizations mostly for business or urgent situations. It is not an option at land or sea entry points. Travelers from countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and India typically use the e-visa system with great success.
Passport Validity: Always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned date of entry and carry proof of accommodation, return tickets or onward travel if requested by immigration officers. Travelers from countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and India typically use the e-visa system with great success.
How to Get There: Air, Land, and Sea
- 12 international airports allow foreign entry.
- Major airports: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, and Da Nang International Airport (DAD) in Da Nang. There are also direct international flights to major tourism hubs such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.
- Flights from India to Vietnam are available with VietJet Air (budget-friendly with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kochi to cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, though occasionally delayed), Vietnam Airlines (more reliable and comfortable with direct flights from Delhi), and IndiGo (operating with stopovers).Other names like APG Airlines might show up as codeshare options, but for most travellers, VietJet is ideal if you're watching your budget, while Vietnam Airlines is the better pick for comfort and reliability.
BASIC FACTS
Pho-The Culinary Staple
BRIEF HISTORY
From Ancient Roots to Modern Resilience
Source: Nguyen Art Gallery
(40 CE – 1800s)
Vietnam’s story isn’t just one of dynasties and dates-it’s a tale of resilience, rebellion, and remarkable transformation. For over a thousand years, this long, narrow strip of Southeast Asia lived under the shadow of Chinese rule. But even then, Vietnam’s fierce spirit never dimmed. In 40 CE, the legendary Trung Sisters rode elephants into battle, leading a revolt that’s still remembered with pride. Ngo Quyen’s victory at the Battle of Bạch Đằng River in 938 finally threw off the last Chinese overlords, opening a chapter of homegrown dynasties. The Trần Dynasty stood tall against the Mongols, while General Trần Hưng Đạo emerged as one of Vietnam’s most celebrated war heroes. Centuries later, Lê Lợi would rise from the countryside to defeat Ming invaders and form the Lê Dynasty-his rebellion, the Lam Sơn Uprising, is etched in Vietnam’s national memory.
(1858 – 1975)
But foreign powers would return. By the late 1800s, the French had colonised Vietnam, folding it into French Indochina. Resistance simmered again. Activists like Phan Bội Châu and Phan Chu Trinh sowed seeds of nationalism, but it was Hồ Chí Minh who truly changed the course. A schoolteacher-turned-revolutionary, he founded the Indochinese Communist Party in 1930 and later the Viet Minh. After Japan’s occupation during World War II, Hồ declared independence in 1945. The French, unwilling to let go, sparked the First Indochina War, which ended in 1954 with the Battle of Điện Biên Phủ-a defining victory for General Võ Nguyên Giáp. Vietnam was then split in two: the communist North led by Hồ and the US-backed South. What followed was the Vietnam War-a brutal, decades-long conflict that ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the reunification of the country.
(1976 – Present)
Vietnam’s post-war years were not easy. Cut off from much of the world, the country faced poverty and economic isolation. But in 1986, the government made a bold move. Đoi Moi or “Renovation” which opened Vietnam to the global market. Since then, the country has transformed at a lightning pace. Skyscrapers rise over ancient pagodas, motorbikes zip past colonial-era buildings, and its people, always grounded in history, are building a future full of energy and optimism.
Vietnam today is proud, pragmatic, and peaceful. It’s a nation shaped by conflict but defined by resilience. When you walk through its cities or sit by its rivers, you can feel the layers of history breathing under the surface.
Getting Around Vietnam
Source: Happy Go Travel
Trains: Scenic Journeys and Comfortable Rides
Vietnam's rail network is one of the most atmospheric ways to travel, especially if you’re not in a rush. The Reunification Express, running between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, offers a classic north-south journey through Vietnam’s ever-changing landscapes. For a touch of indulgence, luxury trains like the Violette Train or Laman Express from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai) deliver a comfortable overnight experience with soft berths, air-conditioning, and even private cabins-ideal for those seeking both scenery and serenity. The Sapa route, in particular, climbs through misty hills and rice terraces, making it one of the most scenic rail journeys in the country.
Buses: Budget-Friendly and Extensive
Vietnam’s bus system is extensive, reliable, and budget-friendly, connecting even the smallest towns and remote villages. Open-tour buses, especially those operated by companies like The Sinh Tourist or Futa Buslines, let you hop on and off along the major tourist routes-perfect for backpackers and budget travellers. Sleeper buses with reclining seats are common for overnight travel, though legroom can be tight for taller travellers. Buses are often the best choice for mountainous or less accessible areas where train routes don’t reach.
Ferries: Coastal and Island Connections
Ferries are limited to coastal and island travel, but they play a vital role in connecting the mainland to destinations like Phu Quoc, Cat Ba Island, and the Con Dao Archipelago. From Ha Long or Hai Phong, ferries and speedboats serve Cat Ba Island, while the route from Rach Gia or Ha Tien to Phu Quoc is well-serviced with fast ferries that take around 1.5-2.5 hours. Though not luxurious, ferry travel can be a scenic and affordable way to explore Vietnam’s lesser-trodden tropical corners.
Flights: Fast Travel Between Regions
Vietnam has a growing network of domestic flights that make long-distance travel quick and convenient, particularly between major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Budget carriers such as VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways offer frequent, low-cost flights, while Vietnam Airlines provides a more premium flying experience. Flying is often the most efficient way to cover large distances especially for travellers short on time or hopping between the northern mountains and southern beaches.
Top Places to Visit
Source: Quang Ninh
Source: A Fun Couple Blog
Source:Jungle Boss
Southern Vietnam
Pongour Waterfall, Dalat
Festivals & Public Holidays
Hoi An Lantern Festival: Every full moon, the power switches off in Hoi An’s Ancient Town and the streets are illuminated by hundreds of glowing lanterns. The Hoi An Lantern Festival offers a poetic pause, a moment to float a candle down the Thu Bon River, make a wish or simply marvel at the magic. It’s a celebration of light, peace, and heritage that perfectly captures the soul of the town.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year): Vietnam’s biggest and most meaningful holiday, Tet Nguyen Dan (or just Tet), is the country’s Lunar New Year celebration. It’s a time when life slows down, families reunite, and cities empty out as people head home to honour ancestors and welcome spring. Shops close, streets go quiet, and temples fill with incense and prayers.If you're in Hanoi, Tet offers a rare chance to see the capital in a more intimate light. Catch the early morning rituals at Ngoc Son Temple or Quan Su Pagoda, where locals make offerings and light incense. By night, the area around the Hanoi Opera House comes alive with music, festive gatherings, and colourful firework shows. It’s a great time to witness Vietnamese traditions up close-just remember to plan ahead, as travel and services can be limited during the holiday week.
It is suggested not to visit Vietnam during this period as most of the hotels would remain closed.
Lim Festival: Held in Bac Ninh province, the Lim Festival is a vibrant ode to Quan Ho folk singing-Vietnam’s treasured UNESCO-listed musical tradition. Locals dress in elaborate traditional garb, engaging in duets that play out like melodic courtship. Beyond the singing, there’s tug-of-war, bamboo fighting and wrestling matches-each game a glimpse into rural Vietnamese life. For travellers, it’s a colourful and cultural immersion not far from Hanoi.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Held on the 15th day of the lunar month, the Mid-Autumn Festival is all about mooncakes, lion dances, and lanterns. Though celebrated countrywide, Hoi An’s version is particularly magical-with thousands of lanterns lighting up the ancient town. Children parade through the streets with handmade lanterns while families gather to eat traditional sweets. It’s joyful, photogenic and a must-see for families.
Pack Like a Pro: Vietnam Travel Essentials You’ll Actually Use
A lightweight backpack is perfect for daily exploring, just big enough for water, camera, rain gear, and snacks. Bonus points if it’s anti-theft, especially for the crowded streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Stay Connected in Vietnam (Mobile/Internet Access)
Getting a local SIM card in Vietnam is easy, affordable, and highly recommended for travelers. The major telecom providers are Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone which offer wide coverage, even in remote areas like Sapa and Ha Giang. Viettel, operated by the military, tends to have the best national coverage, especially in the highlands and rural regions. You can purchase prepaid SIM cards at the airport, convenience stores, or official retail outlets with just your passport. A basic SIM with around 5–10GB of data can cost between VND 100,000 to 200,000 (approx. ₹350–700) and top-ups are easy to do at local stores or online.
Vietnam has reliable 4G connectivity and 5G is being rolled out in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and even on some buses, though speeds may vary. For longer stays or shared usage, pocket Wi-Fi devices are also an option, available for rent at airports or online in advance.
5 Sustainable & Responsible Travel Tips
Suggested Itineraries for Vietnam
With over 3,000 km of coastline, eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and rapidly expanding tourism infrastructure, Vietnam offers travellers a well-rounded mix of culture, nature, history, and modern convenience. From the karst formations of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the cool highlands of Da Lat, the country caters to a wide range of travel interests.
Start tracing the contours of Vietnam not just on a map, but through its flavours, festivals, and forgotten lanes. With Offbeat Tracks, your journey unfolds gently, and you are never in a rush!