From India to Vietnam in ₹60K – My 6-Day Budget Travel Story

Last updated on April 10th, 2026 at 08:11 am

Reading Time: 9 minutes

I’ve planned a 6-day trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, and wanted to keep the Vietnam trip cost as low as possible.

Whenever I consider traveling, budget is always the first thing I focus on.

So, I looked for affordable options for stays, flights, food, and activities.

While I didn’t set a fixed budget, I did try to keep my spending as tight as possible.

And guess what?

6 days. Under 60k. Mind-blowing experience. Here’s how I made it happen, and you can also do a budget Vietnam trip.

Note – Prices in this post are from my 2025 trip. Always check current fares on before planning.

My Vietnam Trip Cost Breakdown — 6 Days from India

Category	What I Spent
Delhi to Hanoi flight (one way)	₹13,000
Hanoi to Delhi return flight	₹15,000
Vietnam E-Visa	₹2500 – Rs. 3000 (ideally) — I paid ₹7,000 due to a mistake
Stay — 5 nights hostel dorm	₹4,586
Food — 6 days	₹3,000 approx
Ninh Binh day tour	₹3,395
Lan Ha Bay + Cat Ba Island tour	₹6,125
Local transport + miscellaneous	₹4,000–5,000 approx
Total	₹51,000–60,000

Note: My total was under ₹60K including the e-visa mistake. If you avoid that error, you can do this trip for closer to ₹50,000.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam from India

Vietnam is a long country with different climates across regions. For Hanoi specifically:

October to April is the best time to visit. The weather is dry, mild, and perfect for sightseeing. This is when I went — January — and the weather was comfortable though slightly cold in the evenings. Carry a light jacket.

May to September is the monsoon and hot season in Hanoi. It’s humid, wet, and not ideal for outdoor sightseeing or day trips.

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) typically falls in January or February. The city atmosphere is incredible — decorated streets, festive energy, fewer tourists. But many restaurants and shops close for 3–5 days during Tet itself. Plan around it, not during it, unless you specifically want that experience. I experienced Tet in Vietnam and it was unlike anything I’d seen before.

Cheap flight season from India: Book 2–3 months in advance for the best fares. Night flights are consistently cheaper — both my flights were night flights and saved me a few thousand rupees.

How Many Days Do You Need for Vietnam?

This depends entirely on how much you want to cover. Here’s a simple breakdown:

6 days — Hanoi city + 1-2 day trips (Ninh Binh, Lan Ha Bay). This is what I did and it felt complete without being rushed.

10 days — Hanoi + Ha Long Bay overnight cruise + Hoi An. Gives you the best of north and central Vietnam.

14 days — Full north to south route. Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City. The classic Vietnam trail.

If it’s your first time, I’d recommend not rushing. Pick one or two regions and go deeper rather than covering everything on the surface.

Flight Options

Flights are the only thing where you won’t find huge price variations, but you can still check on Skyscanner for slight price differences.

I prefer to book from Make My Trip. However, when I checked on Skyscanner, the price was almost the same, so I booked from MMT.

The Delhi to Hanoi flight cost Rs. 13,000, and the return ticket for Rs. 15,000.

Usually, the late night and very early morning flights are cheaper, so, you can keep that in mind while booking.

For the Hanoi trip, the flights I booked were both direct night flights. Thus, when I compared it with other times of the day, it was less expensive.

Vietnam E-Visa for Indians — How to Apply Correctly

Indian citizens need a Vietnam E-Visa to enter the country. It’s straightforward if you follow the right steps.

Cost: Approximately ₹2,500–3,000 (around $30 USD)

Processing time: 3–4 working days on a regular application

Validity: 90 days, single or multiple entry

How to apply: Only apply through the official Vietnamese government e-visa portal: https://evisa.gov.vn Do not use third-party websites — they charge significantly more for the same visa.

Photo requirements — get this right:

• Plain white background, no shadows
• No smiling, neutral expression
• Size: 4×6 cm, minimum 400×600 pixels
• Recent photo, taken within 6 months

My mistake: I applied through a third-party site thinking it was the official government portal. It cost me ₹4,800 instead of ₹3,000. Then I realized my photo had a shadow in the background, so I had to apply again. Total damage: ₹7,000 for something that should have cost ₹3,000. Don’t repeat this. Use only the official portal linked above.

One important note: If you’re travelling around Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year), e-visa services shut down for several days. Check the exact Tet dates for your travel year and apply well in advance. I almost missed my trip because of this.

For the full detailed guide on the e-visa process and what apps you need in Vietnam, read my Hanoi Travel Guide.

Budget-Friendly Stay in Hanoi Vietnam  

I stayed in an Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel, which offers dorm beds. 

Anywhere you go, hostels are the most affordable option you can choose.  

I know people who are not used to seeing strangers in their rooms. It feels a little awkward. But, it’s fine as they also feel the same. Moreover, you get to meet different people during your stay and make friends. 

Indeed, it’s not every time you meet someone to travel around the city. 

Likewise, happened to me, I stayed in a 6-bed, 8-bed, and 10-bed mixed dorm during my 6-day stay in Vietnam. 

But I couldn’t find anyone to travel around the city as they seemed busy with their own company. So, that’s okay—you shouldn’t hold any expectations, especially when traveling. 

So, for the 5-day stay in the hostel I paid Rs. 4586. 

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is known as a backpacker’s paradise, so you’ll find plenty of hostel options here.

In fact, you can even find places cheaper than where I stayed—helping you cut down your Vietnam trip cost significantly when it comes to accommodation.

I’d recommend checking Hostelworld to book your stay easily.

Vietnam Currency and Money — What You Need to Know

Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

As of 2025–26, 1 INR = approximately 290–300 VND. Everything feels incredibly cheap once you get used to the conversion.

How to carry money:

Avoid exchanging money at the airport — the rates are poor. The Old Quarter has numerous money changers with much better rates.

How much to carry: For 6 days on a budget, ₹8,000–10,000 worth of cash is sufficient for food, local transport, and small purchases. Tours like Ninh Binh and Lan Ha Bay can be paid by card on Klook.

Grab app is essential for transport in Hanoi — works just like Ola/Uber, accepts UPI-linked cards, and is far safer than negotiating with local tuk-tuks. Download it before you land.

Places to Eat in Hanoi Vietnam

Honestly, I faced difficulty in finding vegetarian food in Hanoi Old Quarters.

Finding Vegetarian Food in Hanoi — Honest Guide for Indian Travellers

This is the one area where Vietnam requires planning, especially for vegetarians.

Hanoi is heavily meat and seafood-focused. Street food menus assume non-vegetarian. But it’s manageable if you know where to look.

What worked for me:

My hostel breakfast was the most reliable meal — bread omelette, fruits, and bananas every morning. Simple but consistent.

Banh Mi — Vietnamese street sandwich — is available everywhere. The vegetarian version has egg, cucumber, pickled vegetables, and sauce. Cost: ₹90–100 from street vendors. I had two every night for dinner.

Ring Roti near Hoan Kiem Lake — sweet Vietnamese buns in Vanilla and Matcha flavour. 20,000 VND (approximately ₹66). Good as an evening snack. Fully vegetarian.

Circle K convenience stores are open 24/7 across Hanoi. You can find packaged sandwiches, instant noodles, juices, and snacks. Not exciting but reliable when nothing else is open.

What to avoid: Most pho (noodle soup) and street soups are made with chicken or pork broth even if they look vegetarian. Always ask “no meat” before ordering — Grab Translate app helps here.

Budget: My total food cost for 6 days was approximately ₹3,000 — about ₹500/day. This is very achievable as a vegetarian if you eat at the hostel for breakfast and lunch, and street food for dinner.

For Breakfast

Luckily, I managed breakfast at the hostel restaurant. They served a delicious—bread omelette, bananas, and fruits—which I had every morning.

For Lunch 

Even for lunch, I usually ate at the hostel. They offered just one rice-based option, or I’d repeat the breakfast meal—both were quite satisfying. Sometimes, I only ate fruits.

For Dinner 

For dinner, I often had Banh Mi—a Vietnamese sandwich roll I absolutely loved. It’s similar to Subway but with fewer veggies, so one was never enough—I usually had two!

You can get Banh Mi for Rs. 90-100. Usually, the street vendors sell them.

Including other small expenses on food throughout the day, my daily food cost came to around ₹500. So, for 6 days, it totaled approximately Rs. 3,000.

Food is indeed very affordable in Hanoi Vietnam.

Roti

Furthermore, I liked “Roti” as well—Roti is a sweet Bun in Vietnam. Bun comes in flavors such as Vanilla, and Matcha, which cost 20,000 VND – Rs. 66. You can take it as an evening snack.

Generally, I love the Vanilla flavor.

To have a taste of it, you can go to Ring Roti in Old Quarter, near the Hoan Kiem Lake.

Circle K 

Circle K is a 24/7 convenience store offering daily usage items. So, from there, I sometimes used to eat sandwiches.

It’s like a general store, and you’ll easily find Circle K in Hanoi streets.

Circle K is another great option when you’re on a budget, and want to minimize the Vietnam trip cost.

Places to Visit

For the first few days, I explored Hanoi Streets and was mesmerized by its attractiveness. 

Since, it was the time of Tet in Vietnam. Hence, the streets are decorated. Also, many people shut their shops during this time of the year. But, I consider it’s also the best time to see around with less crowd and more energetic vibes around.

I had visited 2 places outside Hanoi during my 6 days in Vietnam. 

First was Ninh Binh:

To visit Ninh Binh, I’ve enquired offline and decided to book the day tour from a local operator.

From climbing Hang Múa for breathtaking views to a peaceful boat ride in Tràng An and exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, this trip had it all!

The Ninh Binh tour cost Rs. 3,395. 

Second was Lan Ha Bay and the Cat Ba Island cruise tour:

The decision to choose Lan Ha Bay immediately came to me on a bus ride to Ninh Binh. 

While sitting on a bus, I made a last-minute decision to visit Lan Ha Bay—and I’m so glad I did!

If I had missed that moment, I might have never seen this jaw-dropping paradise—a place filled with emerald waters, towering limestone cliffs, and unforgettable experiences. 

From cycling through quiet villages to watching kayakers from my drone’s view, every moment was magical!

Furthermore, visiting Cat Ba Island, “Many Women Island”, was the highlight of this journey.

I booked the Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island tour on Klook. It cost Rs. 6,125 and was totally worth it for the experience!

On other days, I’ve explored the city by foot. 

Thus, places to visit roughly cost Rs. 10,000.

Also read, Is a Solo Trip to Vietnam Safe—My Honest Experience

My 6-Day Vietnam Itinerary from India

Here’s exactly how I spent my 6 days in Hanoi and nearby places — in case you want to follow the same plan.

Day 1 — Arrive in Hanoi Flight lands early morning. Check into your hostel in the Old Quarter, freshen up, and spend the first day walking the streets slowly. Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter lanes, and Banh Mi for dinner. Rest early — jet lag is real.

Day 2 — Hanoi Streets and Hidden Cafés This is the day to explore properly. The Old Quarter has a different energy during the day — markets, street food, history. Visit the Note Coffee café covered in sticky notes — it’s one of the most unique places I’ve been to. Evening by Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 3 — Ninh Binh Day Trip Book a day tour from a local operator in the Old Quarter or online. Hang Mua peak climb, Trang An boat ride, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Full day, back by evening. Cost: ₹3,395. Read my full Ninh Binh day trip guide.

Day 4 — Lan Ha Bay + Cat Ba Island Cruise The highlight of the trip. Book on Klook in advance — this fills up fast. Emerald waters, limestone cliffs, kayaking, and Cat Ba Island. I booked this last minute on a bus ride and barely got a spot. Cost: ₹6,125. Full story in my Lan Ha Bay guide.

Day 5 — Hanoi at Your Own Pace Rest day. Street food, markets, any cafés you missed. This day costs almost nothing — just walk and eat.

Day 6 — Depart Grab to the airport, fly home.

My Vietnam Trip Cost from India

Including flights, stay, food, and sightseeing, my 6-day trip to Hanoi, Vietnam cost me less than ₹60,000 in Indian rupees.

I chose to explore only Hanoi and nearby places, and honestly, I’m glad I didn’t rush through multiple destinations.

I returned with a lot of valuable experiences, especially around the e-Visa process, where I realized I could have saved a bit more. But it was all part of the learning, and totally worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions — Vietnam Trip from India

How much does a Vietnam trip cost from India? For a 6-day budget trip covering Hanoi and nearby places, budget ₹50,000–60,000 including return flights, stay, food, e-visa, and 2 day tours. You can do it cheaper if you book flights early and avoid my e-visa mistake.

Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam? Yes. Apply for an e-visa on the official government portal at https://evisa.gov.vn . Cost is approximately ₹2,500–3,000. Processing takes 3–4 working days. Do not use third-party sites.

Is Vietnam safe for solo Indian travellers? Yes. Hanoi Old Quarter is very tourist-friendly. I travelled solo and felt safe throughout. Read my full experience in Is Vietnam Safe for Solo Travel.

Is vegetarian food available in Vietnam? Limited but manageable. Hostel breakfasts, Banh Mi, and convenience stores like Circle K are your best options. Plan meals in advance rather than relying on finding vegetarian street food easily.

What is the best way to get around Hanoi? Grab app is the most reliable and affordable. Walking is great for the Old Quarter. For day trips to Ninh Binh or Lan Ha Bay, book through a local tour operator or Klook.

What currency does Vietnam use? Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 INR = approximately 290-300 VND. Carry a mix of cash and a forex card. Avoid airport exchange counters.

Which is better — Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City? Hanoi for culture, history, and slower pace. Ho Chi Minh City for a more modern, fast-paced experience. For a first trip, Hanoi is the better starting point — and the day trips to Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay are exceptional.