Mysore International Travels logo
📞 +91 96119 57301 Get a Quote
Destination Guide

Vietnam Tour Packages & Travel Guide

Plan a Vietnam trip with MIT — Ha Long Bay cruise, Hanoi old quarter, Hoi An lanterns and Da Nang beaches. Get a customised Vietnam quote.

Get a Free Quote WhatsApp Us
Vietnam — travel guide by Mysore International Travels

Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for Indian travellers, and the appeal is easy to see: dramatic landscapes, a food culture that stands with the best in Asia, prices well below Thailand's, and a country long and narrow enough that a single trip covers genuinely different regions.

The north gives you Hanoi's dense old quarter, Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts rising from emerald water, and the terraced rice mountains of Sapa. Central Vietnam holds Hoi An — a lantern-lit UNESCO-listed trading port, the country's most charming town — along with the imperial city of Hue and the beaches and bridges of Da Nang. The south centres on Ho Chi Minh City, still widely called Saigon, with the Cu Chi tunnels and the Mekong Delta nearby.

Because the country is around 1,650 km end to end, most itineraries pick two regions rather than all three, connected by a cheap internal flight. Vietnam's war history is present throughout and handled directly at sites like the Cu Chi tunnels and the War Remnants Museum — worth going into with some context. MIT arranges Vietnam itineraries with flights, e-visa processing, hotels, internal flights, and the Ha Long cruise.

Best Time to Visit

Vietnam's length means no single season covers the whole country. For the north (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa), October to April is best, though December-February is cold and misty. For central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang), February to May is the sweet spot, with October-November the wettest and prone to flooding. For the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong), December to April is the dry season. February to April is the window that works reasonably well nationwide, which is why most multi-region itineraries land there.

Weather

Vietnam spans several climate zones. The north has four distinct seasons, with cold, misty winters (December-February) that can drop to 10°C in Hanoi and colder in Sapa, and hot humid summers. Central Vietnam is warm year-round with a pronounced wet season from September to December, including typhoon risk. The south is tropical and consistently hot at 25-35°C, with a wet season from May to November bringing short heavy afternoon rain. Pack differently depending on which regions you include.

Ideal Duration

8 to 10 days for two regions — most commonly north and central, or central and south — with an internal flight between them. Six days covers one region well. Twelve to fourteen days allows all three regions at a proper pace. Trying to cover the whole country in under a week means spending it in transit.

Budget

Vietnam is excellent value, generally cheaper than Thailand and considerably cheaper than Singapore. Street food is inexpensive and outstanding, hotels offer high quality for the price, and internal flights are cheap. The main costs are international flights, the Ha Long Bay cruise (which ranges from budget day trips to genuinely luxurious overnight boats), and internal transfers. MIT quotes the full trip including flights, e-visa, hotels, internal flights, and the cruise.

Must-see

Top attractions in Vietnam

Ha Long Bay

A UNESCO World Heritage bay of nearly 2,000 limestone karst islands, best experienced on an overnight cruise with kayaking and cave visits.

Hoi An Ancient Town

A UNESCO-listed former trading port of yellow shophouses, lantern-lit at night, with a strong tailoring tradition and a river running through it.

Hanoi Old Quarter

A dense grid of narrow streets each historically dedicated to a trade, with Hoan Kiem Lake, street food, and the Temple of Literature nearby.

Cu Chi Tunnels

An extensive underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War, near Ho Chi Minh City, parts of which visitors can enter.

Sapa & the Northern Terraces

Terraced rice mountains near the Chinese border, home to several ethnic minority communities, with trekking and homestays.

Hue Imperial City

The UNESCO-listed walled citadel and palace complex of the Nguyen dynasty, with royal tombs along the Perfume River.

Da Nang & the Golden Bridge

A coastal city with long beaches, the Marble Mountains, and the Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands.

Mekong Delta

A vast river network south of Ho Chi Minh City with floating markets, fruit orchards, and boat trips through narrow coconut-palm canals.

Getting there

How to reach Vietnam

By Air
Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) are the main gateways, with some direct flights from Indian cities and easy connections via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore. Da Nang also takes some international services. From Bangalore, expect roughly 5.5 hours direct or 8-11 hours with a connection.
Visa
Indian passport holders generally require a visa for Vietnam, most commonly obtained as an e-visa applied for online in advance. Processing usually takes a few working days. Rules and validity periods change periodically, so we confirm current requirements and handle the application as part of the itinerary.
Getting Around
Internal flights between Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City are cheap, frequent, and the practical way to cover the country's length. Overnight trains and sleeper buses are alternatives. Within cities, ride-hailing apps including motorbike taxis are inexpensive and widely used.
Make the most of it

Things to do

  • Take an overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay, with kayaking among the karsts and a cave visit
  • Walk Hoi An's ancient town after dark, when the lanterns are lit and the river fills with floating candles
  • Have clothes tailored in Hoi An, where the tradition is genuine and turnaround is fast
  • Eat your way through Hanoi's Old Quarter — pho, bun cha, banh mi, and egg coffee
  • Go into the Cu Chi tunnels outside Ho Chi Minh City
  • Visit the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City for a direct account of the war
  • Trek the terraced rice mountains around Sapa and stay in a village homestay
  • Explore the Hue imperial citadel and the royal tombs along the Perfume River
  • Cross the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills above Da Nang
  • Take a boat through the Mekong Delta's floating markets and coconut-palm canals
Where to stay

Hotels in Vietnam

Hanoi's Old Quarter is atmospheric and central, though noisy; the French Quarter is calmer. Hoi An has boutique hotels in and around the ancient town plus beach resorts at An Bang and Cua Dai a short ride away. Da Nang has a long beach strip of resort hotels. Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 is the practical base for sightseeing. Ha Long Bay is stayed on rather than at — the overnight cruise boat is the accommodation, and the quality range there is enormous, which is worth spending on.

Where to eat

Restaurants & local food

Vietnamese food is a major reason to go — pho, banh mi, bun cha, fresh spring rolls, cao lau in Hoi An, and Vietnamese coffee including the egg coffee of Hanoi. It is generally lighter and less chilli-heavy than Thai food, built on fresh herbs, and street food is where the best of it is. Vegetarians should note that fish sauce is used almost universally, so state requirements explicitly; Buddhist vegetarian restaurants marked 'chay' are the reliable option. Indian restaurants exist in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang but are fewer than in Thailand or Malaysia.

Before you go

Travel tips

  • Apply for the Vietnam e-visa well in advance — it is straightforward but takes a few working days, and rules change periodically
  • Pick regions rather than trying to cover the whole country; Vietnam is 1,650 km long and internal flights are cheap for a reason
  • Match your regions to the season — north, central, and south have genuinely different climates, and February to April works best nationwide
  • Avoid central Vietnam in October-November, when heavy rain and flooding are common in Hoi An and Hue
  • Choose a Ha Long Bay cruise carefully; quality ranges enormously and the cheapest boats can be genuinely poor
  • Crossing the road in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City means walking steadily and predictably while traffic flows around you — do not stop suddenly
  • Vegetarians should say so explicitly, as fish sauce is near-universal; look for 'chay' Buddhist vegetarian restaurants
  • Agree prices before taking cyclos or motorbike taxis, or use ride-hailing apps which show the fare upfront
  • Carry cash in dong for street food and markets; cards work in hotels and larger restaurants
Nearby

Nearby attractions

  • Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay – the karst bays northeast of Hanoi, with Lan Ha noticeably quieter
  • Sapa – terraced mountains and ethnic minority villages in the far north
  • Hue & Da Nang – the imperial city and the beach city, both in central Vietnam
  • Phu Quoc – Vietnam's largest island, in the south, with beaches and resorts
  • Cambodia – frequently combined with southern Vietnam for Angkor Wat, a short flight or overland from Ho Chi Minh City
FAQs

Vietnam — Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, generally — most Indian travellers use the e-visa, applied for online in advance, with processing usually taking a few working days. Rules and validity periods change periodically, so we confirm current requirements and handle the application as part of every Vietnam itinerary.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
It depends on the region. North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa): October to April. Central (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang): February to May. South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong): December to April. February to April is the window that works reasonably well nationwide, which is why most multi-region trips land there.
How many days do I need for Vietnam?
Eight to ten days for two regions with an internal flight between them, which is the standard trip. Six days covers one region well. Twelve to fourteen days allows all three regions properly. Under a week for the whole country means spending it in transit.
How do I reach Vietnam from Bangalore or Mysore?
There are some direct flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from Indian cities, roughly 5.5 hours from Bangalore, and easy connections via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore taking 8 to 11 hours total. From Mysore or Coimbatore, most connect through Bangalore or Chennai.
Is Vietnam cheaper than Thailand?
Generally yes. Street food, hotels, and internal flights all cost less than in Thailand, and considerably less than Singapore. The main expenses are international flights and the Ha Long Bay cruise, which ranges from budget day trips to genuinely luxurious overnight boats.
Is the Ha Long Bay cruise worth it?
Yes, and an overnight cruise is meaningfully better than a day trip — you see the bay at dawn and dusk without the day-boat crowds, and get kayaking and cave visits. Choose the operator carefully, though: quality ranges enormously and the cheapest boats can be genuinely poor.
What is Hoi An known for?
A UNESCO-listed ancient trading town of yellow shophouses, lit by lanterns at night, with a river running through it. It is also famous for tailoring — clothes made to measure in a day or two — and for its distinctive local dishes such as cao lau and white rose dumplings.
Is vegetarian food available in Vietnam?
Yes, but you must be explicit, because fish sauce is used almost universally, including in dishes that look vegetarian. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants marked 'chay' are the reliable option and are widespread. Indian restaurants exist in the main cities but are fewer than in Thailand or Malaysia.
How do I get around Vietnam?
Internal flights between Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City are cheap and frequent, and are the practical way to cover the country's 1,650 km length. Overnight trains and sleeper buses are alternatives. Within cities, ride-hailing apps including motorbike taxis are inexpensive.
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Yes, generally very safe, with low rates of violent crime. The main risks are petty theft — particularly bag-snatching from motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City — and traffic. Keep bags on the inside of the pavement and be alert crossing roads.
How do I cross the road in Vietnamese cities?
Walk steadily and predictably at a constant pace and let the traffic flow around you. Do not stop suddenly, run, or dart back — riders are anticipating your movement. It feels alarming the first few times and then becomes routine.
What are the Cu Chi tunnels?
An extensive underground network near Ho Chi Minh City used during the Vietnam War, with living quarters, kitchens, and supply routes. Sections have been widened for visitors to enter. It is a striking site, and worth pairing with the War Remnants Museum for context.
Should I visit Sapa?
If you have the days and are travelling October to April, yes. The terraced rice mountains are spectacular, particularly around the September harvest, and trekking with a local guide through minority villages is the main draw. It is a long journey north from Hanoi, usually by overnight train or bus.
Is Vietnam good for families with children?
Yes. Da Nang's beaches, the Ba Na Hills cable car and Golden Bridge, Hoi An's lantern town, and boat trips all work well for children. The main considerations are internal travel distances and traffic in the big cities, both of which are manageable with planning.
Can I get clothes tailored in Hoi An?
Yes, it is one of the town's genuine specialities, with hundreds of tailors and turnaround often within a day or two. Quality varies, so choose an established shop, allow time for a fitting, and be realistic about what can be achieved in 24 hours.
What is Vietnamese coffee?
Strong, usually robusta, brewed through a small metal filter and typically served with condensed milk, hot or over ice. Hanoi's egg coffee — whipped egg yolk and condensed milk over coffee — is a local speciality worth trying. Coffee culture here is serious and cafés are everywhere.
Can I combine Vietnam with Cambodia?
Yes, and it is a common pairing. Siem Reap for Angkor Wat is a short flight or overland journey from Ho Chi Minh City, and a combined Vietnam-Cambodia trip of twelve to fourteen days covers both well. Cambodia has its own visa requirements, which we handle alongside Vietnam's.
What should I buy in Vietnam?
Tailored clothing from Hoi An, silk, lacquerware, conical hats, coffee, and hand embroidery. Ceramics from Bat Trang near Hanoi are good quality. Bargaining is expected in markets. Note that some 'antiques' cannot legally be exported, so buy from reputable shops.
Is the war history difficult to visit?
It can be. The War Remnants Museum in particular presents the conflict directly and includes graphic material. The sites are worth visiting, but go in with some context and be prepared for it, especially with children. Guides are generally matter-of-fact rather than confrontational.
How much does a Vietnam tour package cost?
It depends on dates, flights and routing, how many regions you include, hotel category, and the Ha Long cruise standard, which is the widest single variable. MIT quotes the full trip including flights, e-visa, hotels, internal flights, and the cruise.
Does MIT arrange Vietnam tour packages?
Yes. MIT arranges Vietnam itineraries including flights from South India, e-visa processing, hotels, internal flights between regions, the Ha Long Bay cruise, and Cambodia combinations. Call or WhatsApp +91 96119 57301 or email mitb2btravels@gmail.com.
Plan your trip

Get a custom Vietnam itinerary

Tell us your dates and group size — we'll build a Vietnam plan around you.

Fill in your details once, then choose how you'd like to reach us — either way we'll call you back. Prefer to talk now? Call +91 96119 57301 (Primary) or +91 96119 57201 (Alternative).