Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guide: 15 Must-Visit Places & Essential Tips for Indians in 2025
Are you thinking about planning a vacation in Vietnam? Congrats, you have come to the accurate and detailed guide you seek! Having spent a wonderful three weeks in Vietnam, I look forward to sharing everything you need to know about Vietnam Travel from an Indian point of view.
Is Vietnam Visa Free for Indians?
No, Indians are required to get a visa to visit Vietnam. Before your trip, don’t forget to check the latest Vietnam visa requirements for Indian citizens to avoid any last-minute surprises. However, following the process is easy since there are options like:
- Using e-visa is recommended, as the cost is $25 and you get your visa in 3-5 days.
- Visa on arrival is available only at certain airports.
- Embassy visa: This process is done at Vietnamese consulates
Vietnam Currency: What You Need to Know
The Vietnam currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The exchange rate at present is as follows:
- VND 1 is about equal to 0.0034 INR (approximately).
- 1 INR equals between 290-300 VND in Vietnam currency.
Because exchange rates are not stable, always check the current rates before leaving
A Complete Guide to the Best Times to Visit Vietnam
If you want to have a great trip, think about the best time to visit Vietnam. Having spent part of every season in Vietnam, I am ready to help you decide when the best time to go to Vietnam will be for you.
When is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?
Being an S-shaped country with many different climate zones, the best season to visit Vietnam varies greatly from region to region. Here, I am giving you a straightforward, region-by-region explanation.
Northern Vietnam includes places such as Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay
- Between October and April is the best time to visit.
- October-December is the best time for comfortable weather with little to no rain and a temperature range of about 18-25°C.
- During January through March, the weather is mild and perfect for exploring (it is usually 15-20°C). The weather is warm and comfortable in these months before it gets really hot (20-28°C).
TIP: It is best to skip travelling during June, July, August and September when the weather is extremely hot, humid and it rains heavily.
Central Vietnam (Hoi An,Huè, Da Nang)
- The best time to visit is between February and August.
- The weather is best in February, March and April with low rainfall and temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees
- From May to August, it is not too hot and the weather is good for outdoor beach fun (26-35°C).
TIP: Don’t travel in September to January because it may be rainy and typhoon season.
In South Vietnam, the main cities to visit are Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc.
- You can expect the best experience from December to April.
- December to February is the dry and cool season, when you’ll enjoy the best weather (25-30°C).
- During March and April, the days are pleasant and you won’t feel too hot before the rains which are around 28 to 35°C.
TIP: Avoid planning your visit between May and November, if you don’t like rain and hot, humid conditions.
Vietnam in June – What to Expect
In June, Vietnam experiences the arrival of summer and it looks differently in various regions.
Northern Vietnam remains hot and humid, meanwhile, Central Vietnam has sunny beaches for the whole family and the South gets showers in the afternoon as the rainy season begins.
My June Experience – I went to central Vietnam in June and found the weather by the beach in Da Nang pleasing; however, the north experienced more humidity.
July is summer peak time for Vietnam.
In July, Vietnam shows the best of its hot and sunny weather.
In Northern Vietnam, you’ll find hot weather and a lot of rain, not good for sights. Central Vietnam offers more sunshine and beach activities. In the south, you’ll notice plenty of monsoon rains in the afternoons but mornings can be clear.
TIP: July is a great time to tour the central coastal areas to have the best experience.
Overall Best Time to Visit Vietnam
The best travel months are March through May and from September to November no matter the region. Here are some points about these shoulder seasons:
- Consistent weather all over the country
- Very little rain falls
- With clear skies, your photographs will look even more beautiful.
- There are less people visiting during this season
- lower prices at hotels than during December-February
Overview of the weather across seasons
November to April make up the Dry Season.
- Perfect for those coming on their first trip
- Enjoyable for use during outdoor activities
- Ha Long Bay gets the most exposure to tourists.
- The time of year when tourists visit in the greatest numbers (among costs are usually higher)
In the Rainy Season which goes from May to October, the weather is:
- Beautiful, green natural scenery
- Less people choose to go.
- Reduced cost of staying in accommodations
- Afternoon is when thunderstorms usually happen.
When NOT to visit Vietnam
In my view, these aren’t the ideal times to buy.
- In July to September, the north of Vietnam is very hot and humid.
- During these months in Central Vietnam, there could be rain from the monsoon and possible flooding.
- Sometimes June to November in Southern Vietnam has heavy rain that can affect traveling
Top 15 Places to Visit in Vietnam
1. Hanoi – The Main Center of Culture
The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, captures the mind by mix French colonial designs with traditional history. Don’t miss:
- You’ll find lots of activity on Old Quarter’s streets
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Temple of Literature
- Food tours around the streets
2. Ha Long Bay – UNESCO World Heritage Wonder
This amazing bay stands out for its hundreds of limestone pillars that rise from green waters. Take an overnight cruise to get the ultimate experience.
3. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Modern City
The largest city in Vietnam is full of excitement.
- War Remnants Museum
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Ben Thanh Market
- Saigon Skydeck
4. Hoi An – Ancient Trading Port
UNESCO has recognized this place for its beauty.
- Japanese Covered Bridge
- Lantern Festival is celebrated once every month
- Individually tailored clothes and the variety of nice local dishes
- My Son Sanctuary Day trip
5. Sapa – Mountain Paradise
It is well-known for its rice fields on the terraces and the presence of ethnic minority villages. This region is ideal for people.
6. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
The region is known for its huge caves and big underground rivers.
7. Mekong Delta – Rice Bowl of Vietnam
Try out local markets, traditional settlements and wide rivers.
8. Da Nang – Beach City
The city is modern and is also famous for its sparkling beaches and the Golden Bridge.
9. Mui Ne is a treasure along the coast.
Notable for its level of sand dunes, fishing ports and sporting activities on the water.
10. Nha Trang – Beach Paradise
The country’s best coastal location with beautiful beaches.
11. Da Lat – Cool Mountain Retreat
A hill station in French colonial settings for those who want to forget about the heat.
12. Cat Ba Island – Natural Wonder
A beautiful entrance to Ha Long Bay which is also a national park.
13. Hue – Imperial City
A place where the royal family was settled, showing displays of tombs and citadel.
14. Ninh Binh – Halong Bay on Land
Stunning limestone hills and lovely riverboat rides.
15. Phu Quoc Island is a Tropical Paradise
Beautiful beaches, pepper farms, and fish sauce factories.
Is Vietnam Cheaper Than India?
Yes, trips to Vietnam tend to cost less for tourists than those to India.
However, tourist activities can be pricier than India.
Best Things to Do in Vietnam
Best things to do in Vietnam include:
- Visiting tourist sites while riding motorcycles
- Going for a street food walk in Hanoi
- Going kayaking in Ha Long Bay
- Going to local markets
- Going to places where war museums and war sites are located
Planning Your Vietnam Travel from India
Visiting Vietnam from India is very cost-effective and enjoyable at the same time. In 2025, Vietnam is expected to house 98 million people, making the atmosphere there colorful and ideal for exploring the local culture.
Conclusion
Vietnam absolutely lives up to its title of Southeast Asia’s hidden gem. If you plan well with this guide, your vacation in Vietnam will be well organized and enjoyable. The Vietnam capital is busy and exciting, while its quiet, beautiful countryside appeals to all kinds of visitors.
Book your Vietnam trip as soon as possible – I promise you’ll love it, since the country mixes age-old traditions with modern attractions.
Have you decided to visit Vietnam yet? Go ahead and plan your adventure now so you can remember it always.
Have you been to Vietnm? Post your experiences in the comments to make it easier for others to prepare for a trip to Vietnam!
