Vietnam (2023) FAQs
Please note that the following FAQs are based solely on my personal experiences from my trip to Vietnam in September 2023. For more general information about Vietnam, I recommend checking online resources.
How much did the trip cost?
Our 8-day trip to Vietnam for two people cost approximately ₹1,50,000. The largest expense was air tickets, which amounted to ₹55,000. We also paid ₹1,500 for travel insurance and around ₹4,500 for our Vietnam visas. Each of these expenses may vary depending on booking timing. Accommodation in Hanoi, where we based ourselves, was reasonably priced at around ₹1,000 per night. We booked all seven nights in Hanoi, though we booked additional accommodations for trips that required overnight stays. Food and other miscellaneous expenses, including some shopping, were also part of the overall cost, bringing the total to ₹1,50,000.
How to get the Visa for Vietnam?
In my opinion, it is always advisable to secure a visa before traveling, even for countries that offer visas on arrival. This way, you won’t have to spend time on visa formalities upon arrival or worry until the last moment about having all the required documents. I applied for and received the Vietnam visa from their official website linked below, and note that each visa must be applied for individually. The fee was 25 USD (about ₹2100) per person. Be aware that while many other websites appear in Google search results, they are not official and may charge additional fees. The processing time from application to receipt of the visa was six days.
https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/khai-thi-thuc-dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tu
What was your daily budget, including food, accommodation, and activities?
We didn’t adhere to a strict daily budget, but based on our overall spending, an average daily budget can be estimated. In terms of food, street meals are extremely affordable, costing about ₹200 to ₹300 per meal per person, which meant that for both of us, three meals a day would usually total around ₹1200-₹1800. Street food in Vietnam is as affordable as in India, so we took advantage of this when snacking. For accommodation, we spent around ₹1,000 per night in Hanoi. The cost of activities varied; for instance, a short 10-15 minute tricycle ride in Hanoi cost us ₹500, which seemed high. On days we opted for sightseeing, the costs varied widely. Overall, if you subtract the one-time expenses for flights, insurance, and visas from the total cost, and divide the remaining amount by eight days, you’ll get an approximate daily expense.
Which month did you travel, and what was the weather like?
We visited Vietnam in September, during which Hanoi’s tropical climate was warm and rainy. Daytime temperatures were around 30 to 35°C, with intense, frequent rains. We traveled to Sapa in the northern mountains, where the climate was noticeably cooler, reminiscent of Shillong’s weather, with temperatures dropping to about 13 or 14°C in the evenings. The weather in Vietnam can vary greatly depending on the month and region, so it’s worth planning accordingly.
What are must-visit places in Vietnam?
Instead of focusing on popular tourist spots, I aimed to explore areas that offered a more local experience. However, there were certain highlights that I’d recommend. Sapa, in the northern mountains, is a beautiful area worth visiting, and Ha Long Bay is another must-see. We took a one-day Ha Long Bay tour, which cost ₹15,000 for two people and was arranged through our homestay. Although Ha Long Bay is a touristy destination, the experience and views are stunning and worth the cost. If we had more time, I would have preferred arranging a personal visit rather than a group tour, but even with limited time, the cruise was memorable.
Where did you stay, and what was the accommodation cost?
In Hanoi, we stayed at a place called NuSmiles Homestay, located in the Old Quarters. Despite being called a homestay, it functions much like a hotel but with a communal kitchen, allowing guests to cook their own meals if they wish. The cost was about ₹1,000 per night, which is great value for money given that a similar room in India would cost around ₹2,500 to ₹3,000. On the way to Sapa, we stayed in a rural accommodation that was even cheaper, around ₹700 per night, and in Sapa, we paid approximately ₹1,200 for a night.
What is the best way to get around Vietnam?
For us, renting a motorbike was ideal, giving us freedom and flexibility at a cost of around ₹700 per day. Public transport options like buses and trains are also available and popular for longer distances. However, for a raw travel experience, we found motorbiking to be the best option for exploring at our own pace.
Did you encounter any language barriers, and how did you manage?
Language was a challenge, as English isn’t widely spoken, even in Hanoi. Simple words like “water” often weren’t understood. In rural areas, communication was even more limited, but thanks to Google Translate, we managed just fine. In larger cities, locals are familiar with Google Translate and use it often, which made interactions smooth and even enjoyable.
What local dishes did you try? Which would you recommend?
Vietnam offers a unique food experience with a variety of dishes. “Pho,” a soupy noodle dish filled with vegetables and meat, is a must-try and one of the most popular dishes. Another classic is “Banh Mi,” a sandwich influenced by the French and now distinctly Vietnamese. Another favorite of mine was “Banh Cuon,” a thin rice pancake filled with minced meat. For adventurous eaters, there are options like snake dishes, which you can check out in this vlog if you’re curious.
How safe did you feel while traveling?
Throughout our journey, we felt completely safe, whether in Hanoi’s bustling city or rural mountain regions. We didn’t experience any safety concerns at any time of day, and locals were friendly and welcoming. Even while driving back from Sapa to Hanoi after dark, we encountered no issues.
Were there any unexpected costs or hidden fees?
The only unexpected expense was a tricycle ride in Hanoi, costing around ₹500 for a short trip. Although I’d heard about potential scams, especially with taxis, I didn’t personally experience this. Bargaining skills helped keep our costs reasonable.
How does Vietnam compare to India in terms of cost?
Accommodation is significantly cheaper in Vietnam, often less than half the price of comparable rooms in India. For example, we found a rural room in Vietnam for ₹700, which offered better quality than a ₹2,000 room in India. Food costs are also affordable, with prices slightly cheaper than in India by about 10–20%. Additionally, cigarettes and beer are significantly cheaper in Vietnam. A 20-pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs approximately ₹100 in Vietnam, compared to around ₹300 in India.
What advice would you give to a first-time traveler to Vietnam?
Since this was my first international trip, I don’t have extensive advice to offer. However, you’re welcome to reach out if you have specific questions—I’m happy to answer or add more insights to this FAQ. Just drop me a message through the contact page or DM on Instagram.