Vietnam is magnificent, but it rewards smart planning. These 10 tips from travellers who’ve done it will save you time, money, and avoidable frustration, so you can spend every moment soaking it all up.
1. Get Your e-Visa Before You Fly- Not After
Some travellers still assume Vietnam has a visa-on-arrival system. It doesn’t work that way for Indians. You need a Vietnam e-visa, applied for in advance through the official portal at evisa.gov.vn. The fee is approximately ₹2,100 for a single-entry visa and processing takes 3–5 working days. Apply at least 7–10 days before travel for peace of mind.
Once approved, download your e-visa as a PDF and carry a printed copy to immigration. Vietnamese immigration officials often require the physical document; a screenshot on your phone may not be accepted.
2. Plan Your Trip in a Direction -Not a Loop
Vietnam is long and thin, so the classic mistake is trying to go back on yourself. The smartest approach is a one-direction itinerary: fly into Hanoi in the north, travel south through Ha Long Bay → Hoi An / Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City, and fly home from Saigon. Or the reverse. This way you see the full range of the country without wasting a single day on backtracking.
Roameaze builds all Vietnam itineraries this way; it’s simply the most efficient and rewarding structure.
3. Book Your Ha Long Bay Cruise Carefully
Ha Long Bay is the single most iconic experience in Vietnam, and the quality of your cruise boat makes an enormous difference to the experience. The bay has hundreds of operators ranging from budget party boats (crowded, noisy, poorly maintained) to stunning boutique wooden junks with gourmet food, private balconies, and impeccably trained crews.
For a genuinely memorable overnight on the bay, mid-range and above boats are the way to go. Budget from ₹8,000–₹12,000 per person for a quality 2D/1N cruise. Luxury boutique options run ₹20,000–₹30,000 per person and are worth every rupee for a honeymoon or special trip. Always book through a verified travel agent; Roameaze vets every boat operator we recommend.
4. Download Grab – It Works Across Vietnam
Just as in Bangkok and Bali, Grab is your best friend for getting around Vietnamese cities safely and affordably. It operates in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and several other major cities. Fixed prices, rated drivers, no haggling. Download the app in India before you travel. In smaller towns like Hoi An, you can rent a bicycle (₹150–₹250/day) or hire a xe om (motorbike taxi) through Grab.
5. Use VietJet’s Flash Sales for Cheap Internal Flights
Internal flights within Vietnam are the fastest and most practical way to cover large distances, and they can be remarkably cheap if booked in advance. The key routes for most tourists are: Hanoi → Da Nang (~1 hr 20 min, from ₹2,500), Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City (~1 hr 15 min, from ₹2,500), and Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City direct (~2 hrs, from ₹3,000). VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways frequently run deals. Sign up for VietJet fare alerts before your trip.
6. Vietnamese Dong: Cash Is Still King in Many Places
Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The exchange rate is extremely favourable for Indian travellers: approximately ₹1 = VND 300. Street food, local markets, xe om rides, and small guesthouses are all cash-only. While major hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in cities accept cards, always carry a reasonable amount of VND cash.
Exchange currency at banks or authorised exchange bureaus; Vietcombank and Agribank ATMs give fair rates. Avoid exchanging at the airport. Carry USD as a backup; it is widely accepted and easy to exchange across Vietnam.
7. Get Measured at a Hoi An Tailor on Day One
If your itinerary includes Hoi An (and it should), visit a tailor on your very first day in town. Most shops take 24–48 hours to produce finished garments. If you wait until your last day, you’ll miss the experience entirely. Good tailors on Tran Phu Street and Le Loi Street can produce a well-fitting suit, dress, or ao dai (traditional Vietnamese tunic) from roughly ₹2,500–₹6,000. Always bring a reference photo and ask to see samples of previous work.
8. The Food Is Spectacular – Here’s What to Order
Vietnamese cuisine is among the finest in the world, and eating well is central to the travel experience. A regional cheat sheet:
Hanoi: Pho bo (beef noodle soup), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles and dipping sauce; this is what President Obama famously ate with Anthony Bourdain), cha ca La Vong (turmeric fish with dill).
Hoi An: Cao lau (thick noodles with pork and herbs), white rose dumplings, banh mi (the best in Vietnam is widely considered to be in Hoi An).
Ho Chi Minh City: Banh xeo (sizzling crispy pancake), com tam (broken rice with grilled pork), fresh coconut on every street corner.
Vegetarian travellers: look for com chay (vegetarian rice restaurants) found across all major cities. Buddhist culinary traditions mean meat-free options are genuinely plentiful and excellent.
9. June Weather in Vietnam: What to Expect
June sits at the edge of Vietnam’s rainy season in the north and centre, but offers excellent conditions in the south. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay (North): Warm and humid, occasional afternoon showers, but Ha Long Bay cruises run year-round and brief rain on the bay is actually atmospheric. Average temperature: 30–33°C.
Da Nang & Hoi An (Central): June marks the start of the hot, dry season here; actually one of the best months for the central coast. Sunny, warm, excellent beach weather.
Ho Chi Minh City & Phu Quoc (South): Rainy season, but typically short afternoon showers rather than all-day rain. Hotel rates are lower, and attractions are less crowded.
Pack a light rain poncho (or buy one in Hanoi for under ₹100), and you’ll be absolutely fine throughout June.
10. Let Roameaze Do the Heavy Lifting
A Vietnam trip with its internal flights, Ha Long Bay cruise booking, Hoi An tailor timing, and regional weather considerations has more moving parts than most international holidays. Getting the sequence right is the difference between a trip that flows beautifully and one that constantly feels rushed.
At Roameaze, we specialise in fully customised Vietnam itineraries for Indian and UK travellers: honeymoon circuits, family adventures, group tours, and solo explorations. Every detail is planned before you leave home, so you can focus entirely on experiencing one of the world’s most extraordinary countries.
Call / WhatsApp: +91 9990403060 | roameaze.com | ✉: -roameaze@gmail.com
Vietnam is waiting. It will surprise you, move you, and feed you extraordinarily well.
Frequently Asked Questions- Vietnam
Q: Is Vietnam safe for Indian tourists?
Yes. Vietnam consistently ranks among Southeast Asia’s safer destinations. Tourist areas are well-managed, and the local population is famously hospitable.
Q: How many days are enough for Vietnam?
7–10 days is ideal for a multi-city trip. A focused trip to just Hanoi and Ha Long Bay can be done in 4–5 days.
Q: Is the food spicy in Vietnam?
Vietnam uses chillies but is generally less intensely spicy than Indian food. Most dishes can be adjusted to preference.
Q: Can I customise clothes in Hoi An for a short trip?
Yes. Tailors in Hoi An are remarkably efficient, and many can complete custom garments within 24–48 hours.
