I have always seen travel as being very personal to the individual. It isn’t just about setting foot in a new place, it is about getting under the skin of that new place; to taste their food to meet their people. As an Indian traveller I am often drawn to destinations that offer a combination of these four things – history, adventure, good food and affordability. That is why, Vietnam is my new favourite travel obsession – and I'm not alone. Vietnamese magic is being discovered by a growing number of Indian travellers and it is quickly becoming the next big travel trend.
Why Vietnam? Vietnam Is the Perfect Blend of Culture, Affordability, and Beauty
Vietnam is one of those rare places that offers a bit of everything—stunning landscapes, rich history, warm hospitality, and an amazing food scene. For Indian travellers, it ticks all the right boxes: it’s budget-friendly, visa procedures are easy, and there’s even a growing awareness of Indian vegetarian and halal food. But beyond the practical aspects, there’s something about Vietnam that feels familiar yet refreshingly different.
Vietnam is a must-visit destination for every traveler because it offers an unforgettable mix of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. From the stunning limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the lush terraced rice fields of Sa Pa, Vietnam’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring. Whether you love beaches, mountains, or bustling cities, this country has something for everyone.
Vietnam is an excellent travel destination for Indian tourists because of it’s cheap to travel, has great hospitality and has very easy visa policy. What are some good travel destinations in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a place that needs to be experienced more than it needs to be visited. You can float down the Mekong Delta, delve into the biggest cave in the world in Phong Nha or motorcycle over the stunning Hai Van Pass – looking for adventures.
A visa friendly destination
Vietnam is among one of the favourite travel destinations among Indians thanks to the easy to get visa. For Indian passport holders, Vietnam offers e-visas. So, this makes the process a breeze, unlike some other international destinations that require you to complete tedious paperwork and spend time waiting for the same.
Applying for my e-visa was super easy. Just a few forms online, a fee, and within days, I had my visa approval letter. It was a walk in the park compared to getting a Schengen or U.S. visa. For travelers looking for an international trip that doesn't involve the headache of complicated visa procedures, Vietnam is an easy and breezy destination.
Affordable travel without compromise on expenses
We'd all like to travel in style, but there's a catch. Travel budgets are a real thing and sometimes they limit the trips we plan. Where we'll go depends largely on the budget we have.*cos-action-required*
I had a great time in Hanoi at the hotel I stayed at. I mean, the prices were so good and the service was top notch not to mention the rooftop views, the breakfast spread was beyond amazing and they were also in some of the best locations imaginable. Not only that, but you can get a beachside five star resort down in Da Nang or up in Phu Quoc for a fraction of what you would pay in Bali or Thailand!
Other than that, various activities cost less and are great for budget travelers. A yummy bowl of Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) only costs about ₹150-₹200 and a meal at a good restaurant is only about ₹500-₹700. Airlines have also started flying between cities in India and Vietnam, offering cheap flights, most direct from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.
Food !- A paradise for every Indian palate
Who wouldn’t want to sample some Indian food? Food is like paradise to the Indian palate. And Vietnamese food is so good!
I was a bit worried about not finding vegetarian options while on my vacation but it was a pleasant surprise. Vietnamese food is full of really fresh, flavourful ingredients, and includes many vegetarian-friendly elements as well. Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), pho, and spring rolls were my favourite dishes. Many restaurants also offer halal and vegetarian options, to cater for travellers who are from India and have dietary needs.
Vietnamese and Indian cuisines are distinct, yet remarkably similar in both the flavors, the ingredients, and the ways the food is cooked. Both culinary traditions are known for the abundance of fresh herbs and aromatic spices, and for their bold flavors that come from the amalgamation of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory. Coriander, basil and mint is typical of what you could expect to find in Vietnam, just as cilantro, mint and curry leaves are common in Indian cuisines.
Both countries have rice as a staple of food items. It’s not just steamed rice, but rice noodles (pho) or rice pancakes (banh xeo) in Vietnam and biryani, dosa or idli in India. Street food is also a strong part of both cultures, with little stalls serving up quick and tasty dishes, such as banh mi and pho in Vietnam, and chaat, samosas, and parathas in India.
Spices such as cumin, turmeric and garam masala are the stars of Indian curries, while dishes from Vietnam are made with star anise, cinnamon, and lemongrass—all of which are found in Indian kitchens. Both cultures are also host to a wealth of flavorful vegetarian dishes. If it’s a rich Indian dal or a warming Vietnamese tofu pho, both cuisines bring fresh, savory, and soulful cuisine to life.
The local coffee culture was what captured my heart. Oh, boy, egg coffee! Egg coffee is a creamy, frothy coffee made with egg yolk and condensed milk that is very popular in Vietnam. How strange is that, right? Not too much for me to acknowledge it with a single sip, and I really loved it. This was big news for me as a chai lover, a priceless find—something fresh yet familiar simultaneously.
Vietnam is famous for its egg coffee, a creamy, frothy coffee made with egg yolk and condensed milk. It might sound unusual, but one sip and I was hooked. You will fall in love with the local coffee culture. And it was this discovery that was so comforting and so exciting to me, a chai lover.
Breathtaking Landscapes
Vietnam sure is a beauty, with everything from misty mountains, to clean beaches and emerald green rice terraces, all of which are nothing short of breathtaking.
During my trip, sailing through the thousands of limestone karsts rising from the sea at Ha Long Bay was absolutely extraordinary. As the golden sun was setting over the water, and the view was illuminated, it gave me a sense of wonder. I had to pinch myself to believe that the moment was real. And even more amazing, is the fact, that the whole cruise - with meals and activities - was way less expensive than a similar European cruise would be.
If you love mountains, Sa Pa is a must-visit. I love the terraced rice fields, the cool weather, the chance to interact with local ethnic tribes - and it's one of my favourite travel experiences. And if you're a beach person, Da Nang and Phu Quoc feature stunning coastlines, luxury resorts and clear blue waters — without the crowds of Bali or Phuket.
History and Culture that resonates with Indians
Vietnam’s history is both tragic and inspiring. The country has been subjected to wars, colonisation, and has witnessed its share of struggles, yet its people are some of the warmest and most welcoming I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
Visiting the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City was one of the most emotional experiences of my trip. It’s a stark reminder of the horrors of war but also a testament to Vietnam’s resilience. As an Indian, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to our own history of struggle and freedom.
Vietnam’s spiritual side is just as intriguing as its ancient history. The country boasts some of the most beautiful Buddhist pagodas I have ever seen, some of them reminding me of monasteries I visited in Ladakh and Sikkim. The ancient town of Hoi An felt like a fairytale, with its lantern-lit streets and riverside cafes. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, breathe, and just soak in the beauty around you.
Why Vietnam is more than just a trend?
For Indian travellers, Vietnam is a favourite travel spot because it offers a bargain, culture, food, and there is a chance for unique experiences. No matter if you are a backpacker, honeymooner, family traveller or solo avid traveller, here is something special in Vietnam for you.
Sitting at a roadside café in Hanoi, sipping my egg coffee and watching the world go by, I realised that travel is more than just crossing off a list. It’s about finding places that make you feel alive, that connect you to people and that resonate with your soul.
Vietnam is that special place for me and I am confident you will find the next adventure by being here.
