Vietnam Visa for Indians 2026: e-Visa Application & Travel Guide

Vietnam — a land of limestone karsts, jade-green bays, vibrant street food, and ancient towns — offers extraordinary value for Indian travellers. Since 2023, India benefits from an extended stay allowance.

Vietnam e-Visa for Indians

As of August 2023:

• Stay: Up to 90 days (extended from previous 30 days)
• Entry: Multiple entry
• Cost: USD 25 (~₹2,100)
• Apply at: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
• Processing: 3 business days

e-Visa Application Steps

1. Visit the official Vietnam Immigration portal
2. Fill form with personal, passport, and travel information
3. Upload passport photo (white background) and scanned passport page
4. Pay USD 25 by card
5. Receive e-Visa PDF by email in 3 business days
6. Print and present at immigration alongside passport

Documents at Immigration

• Passport (6+ months validity)
• e-Visa printout
• Return/onward flight
• Hotel booking confirmation

Vietnam's Must-See Destinations

Hanoi (North Vietnam)

• Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Temple of Literature (Vietnam's first university, 1076 AD)
• Old Quarter — 36 traditional craft streets
• Night Market on weekends

Ha Long Bay (2–3 hour bus from Hanoi) UNESCO World Heritage Site — 1,969 islands and islets rising from emerald waters. Options:

• Day cruise (cheapest, limited)
• 2-day/1-night cruise (recommended)
• 3-day/2-night cruise (best experience) Book a junk boat cruise with a reputable operator.

Ninh Binh (2 hours from Hanoi) The "inland Ha Long Bay" — limestone karsts rising from rice paddies:

• Tràng An boat tour (UNESCO)
• Mua Cave hike for panoramic views
• Hoa Lu ancient capital Lesser-known, highly underrated.

Hoi An (Central Vietnam) The most photogenic town in Southeast Asia:

• Ancient Town (UNESCO) — yellow walls, Chinese assembly halls, Japanese covered bridge
• Lantern Festival every full moon night
• Tailors make custom clothes in 24–48 hours (get measured Day 1, pick up Day 3)
• An Bàng Beach — relaxed, less touristy than Da Nang

Hue Imperial Vietnam's ancient capital — walled citadel, royal tombs, dragon boats on the Perfume River.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon, South Vietnam) Vietnam's energetic commercial capital:

• War Remnants Museum — powerful, confronting
• Cu Chi Tunnels — Viet Cong underground network
• Ben Thanh Market — souvenirs and street food
• Bui Vien Walking Street (nightlife)

Phong Nha (Central Vietnam)

• Son Doong Cave — the world's largest cave (expensive, worth it)
• Phong Nha and Paradise Caves — more accessible and stunning

Getting Around Vietnam

Vietnam is long (1,650 km north to south). Getting around:

• Domestic flights: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo — cheap and fast
• Overnight train: Hanoi to Hue/Da Nang/Ho Chi Minh — book SE-class (soft sleeper) on dsvn.vn
• Open Bus Ticket: Sinhbalo/Sinh Tourist — hop-on hop-off ticket from north to south

Vietnamese Food for Indians

Vietnam has incredible vegetarian options:

• Phở chay (vegetarian pho noodle soup)
• Bánh mì chay (vegetarian baguette sandwich)
• Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls — usually no meat if ordered carefully)
• Cơm chay (vegetarian rice dishes — found near Buddhist temples)
• Look for "Quán Chay" (vegetarian restaurant) — found in all major cities

Budget Guide

Style	Daily Budget
Budget (hostels, street food)	₹1,200–2,000
Mid-range	₹2,500–5,000
Luxury	₹8,000+

Ha Long Bay cruise: ₹7,000–25,000/person (2-night) depending on boat class.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam is long, so weather varies drastically by region:

• North (Hanoi, Ha Long): Best October–April
• Central (Hoi An, Hue): Best February–August
• South (Ho Chi Minh, Mekong): Best November–April

Plan your Vietnam adventure — e-visa, Ha Long Bay cruise, and custom itinerary sorted.