Vietnam travel tips for Indians

Lantern-lit ancient towns. A bay full of limestone islands. Street food that ruins you for everything else.   A Vietnam tour from Siliguri is easier than most people in North Bengal realise. Bagdogra Airport (IXB) connects you directly to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with just one stop – and total travel time is just 7–9 hours. No need to go to Kolkata or Delhi first.   Whether you’re in Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, or anywhere across the Dooars – Vietnam is your next international trip. Travel Soft handles everything from visa to return flight. Why is Vietnam a Must Visit? Vietnam is one of the hottest international destinations for Indian travellers in 2026. And for good reason.   Halong Bay – 1,600 islands of limestone and emerald water. Float between them. The pictures never do it justice. They’re one to experience. Hoi An Ancient Town – lanterns in every hue. Temples on every corner. A tailor can have your outfit made in a night. You won’t want to leave. Nobody does. Golden Bridge, Da Nang – enormous stone hands that support a bridge. Stands above the sky. You can walk on air and look down in amazement. Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City – you could find street food around every corner. Eat there and dream about it. Phu Quoc Island – powder white sand. Enjoy crystal clear blue water. Explore cheap beach cocktails. You have time for yourself and the water. Vietnam is value-for-money like nowhere else in Southeast Asia. Your rupee goes far here.  Getting There: Siliguri to Vietnam by Air Flights from Bagdogra (IXB) to Vietnam take approximately 7–10 hours including one stop via Kolkata, Bangkok, or Singapore. The most common route for a Vietnam tour from Siliguri: Route Connection Approx. Flight Time Bagdogra → Kolkata → Hanoi IndiGo / Vietnam Airlines 7–9 hrs Bagdogra → Bangkok → Hanoi Thai Airways / AirAsia 8–10 hrs Bagdogra → Singapore → Ho Chi Minh City Singapore Airlines / Scoot 9–11 hrs Bagdogra → Kolkata → Ho Chi Minh City Air India / IndiGo 7–9 hrs Pro tip: Flying into Hanoi is best for North Vietnam itineraries. Flying into Ho Chi Minh City is best for South & Central Vietnam. For a full-country tour, fly into one and out of the other. Vietnam Visa for Indians: The Complete Guide Yes – Indian citizens need a visa for Vietnam. But don’t let that worry you. It’s straightforward. Best Option: Vietnam E-Visa This would be the easiest route for Indians. The process would be the same for everyone; just fill out your details with your travelling information, attach a copy of your passport scan and a passport photograph and pay the fees online and in 3-5 working days, you will get an approval for your e-visa. Step-by-Step E-Visa Process: Log in to the official e-visa for Vietnam website here, https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ Fill out the form with accurate personal and travel details Attach a scan of your passport (JPEG) and a photo Pay the visa fee through an online transaction You would receive a confirmation email with your application number, and then once your visa application is approved and confirmed, you would be able to download your visa through an online link provided to you. Show and submit it to the immigration officer in Vietnam. Required Documents: A valid Indian passport is valid for 6 months. Passport-sized photo Return air tickets Proof of accommodation in Vietnam (hotel booking confirmation or invitation from host) Travel itinerary Vietnam Visa Fees for Indians There are different kinds of visas that you can apply for visiting Vietnam. Just have a quick look at the different visa types and their fees:   Visa Type Fee (Approx.) Processing Time E-Visa -Single Entry ₹2,100-2,500 (~USD 25 approx) 3–5 working days E-Visa -Multiple Entry ₹4,500-5000 (~USD 50 approx) 3–7 working days Visa on Arrival (with approval letter) ₹2,950 approx (USD 25 per entry (stamping fee 2–5 working days Embassy Visa Varies 10–14 working days   As of the latest updates, no visa-free arrangement has been implemented for Indian passport holders.  So applying in advance through the e-visa route remains the recommended approach.   Apply at least 10 days before travel. Don’t leave it to the last minute. Vietnam Tour from Siliguri – What to Actually Budget A Vietnam tour from Siliguri costs between ₹25,000 and ₹1,00,000+ per person depending on the package, with mid-range tours (flights included) typically ranging from ₹40,000–₹60,000.   Package Cost Guide: There are various types of packages one can go for. The table below represents some useful information.   Package Type Cost Per Person What’s Included Budget (Land Only) ₹25,000–₹35,000 Hotels, transfers, sightseeing Mid-Range (with flights) ₹40,000–₹60,000 Flights, 3-star hotels, guided tours Premium ₹60,000–₹1,00,000 Flights, 4-star hotels, meals, guides Luxury ₹1,00,000+ 5-star stays, private transfers, all meals Travel Soft’s Vietnam package starts from just ₹34,999/- for 5 Nights / 6 Days, including pickup & drop, 3-star hotels, and a local guide. Daily Expenses in Vietnam: Day-to-day spending in Vietnam ranges from ₹3,000-₹8,000 approx per person for food, local transport, and activities -making it one of the most budget-friendly international destinations for Indian travellers. Best Time for a Vietnam Holiday from Siliguri Vietnam is a long, S-shaped country -so the best time varies by region.   Region Best Months Why  North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa) October -April Cool, dry weather. Clear skies for Halong Bay cruises Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue) February -August Sunny, pleasant. Golden Bridge at its best South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) November -April Dry season, ideal for sightseeing Phu Quoc Island November – May Calm seas, blue water, beach weather   Best overall months from Siliguri: October–November and February–April. Great weather, fewer crowds, and comfortable temperatures. Hidden Travel Tips Most Blogs Don’t Tell You These are the real insider secrets for a Vietnam trip from Siliguri:   Take food from the street – only if there is a lively street food place. No long queues equals no