If you’ve always wanted to travel abroad but are on a tight budget, Vietnam is the perfect place to start your international adventures. Located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country that offers rich culture, scenic landscapes, delicious food, and all at affordable prices.
From lush green mountains and peaceful beaches to limestone caves and floating villages, Vietnam is a mix of natural beauty and cultural charm. In this guide, we’ll help you explore Vietnam in just 5 days, including where to go, what to see, what to eat, and how to manage everything on a budget.
Visa & Flights for Vietnam
Indian citizens can travel to Vietnam easily with either an e-Visa or Visa on Arrival. Just make sure you carry all the required documents. Indian tourists can stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days.
You can find direct flights to Vietnam from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. Travel time varies from 4 to 6.5 hours, depending on your departure city. If you book your tickets a few months in advance and avoid peak seasons, you can grab great deals on flight fares.
Day 1: Hanoi – Welcome to Vietnam!
Start your trip in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Once you arrive, the first thing to do is exchange your Indian currency into Vietnamese Dong (VND). Currently, 1 INR ≈ 286.41 VND.
For stay, Hanoi offers both budget hostels and premium hotels, depending on your preference.
Hanoi is rich in history and culture. Spend your first day exploring:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- West Lake
- Hoàn Kiếm Lake
- Hỏa Lò Prison Museum
What to Eat in Hanoi?
Hanoi is a street food paradise. Don’t miss trying:
- Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup)
- Banh Cuon (rice noodle rolls)
- Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles)
- Cha Ca (turmeric fish)
- Bun Rieu (crab noodle soup)
Day 2: Halong Bay – The Jewel of Vietnam
On your second day, head to Halong Bay, located about 163 km from Hanoi. You can get there by bus, car, or train.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is famous for:
- Cruise tours
- Limestone rock formations
- Caves
- Floating fishing villages
- Swimming & kayaking
What to Eat in Halong Bay?
Try local Vietnamese dishes like:
- Banh Bao (stuffed steamed buns)
- Khoi Tai Curry (sweet chicken curry)
- Ca Sot (poached tigerfish)
- Ca Chien (fried basa fish)
If you prefer Indian food, a few Indian restaurants are also available. After your cruise, return to Hanoi by evening (around 3-4 hours by road).
Day 3: Mai Chau – A Peaceful Mountain Getaway
On Day 3, travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau – a quiet valley town surrounded by green hills, located 135 km away (3-4 hours by bus).
Mai Chau offers:
- Stunning views of rice fields and mountains
- Local ethnic culture
- Village walks and homestays
You can stay in local homestays, huts, or eco-lodges, and enjoy authentic Vietnamese meals, especially sticky rice and other village delicacies.
Day 4: Sapa – Heaven in the Clouds
Travel from Mai Chau to Sapa, located about 373 km away. It’s a long journey (around 14-15 hours by bus), but absolutely worth it.
Known for its terraced rice fields and misty mountains, Sapa is perfect for nature lovers and trekkers. Things to do:
- Hike through rice fields
- Trek to Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak
- Explore Bac Waterfall, Ham Rong Mountain, Rattan Bridge, Bamboo Forest, and Ta Phin Cave
Also visit:
- Cat Cat Village
- Sapa Lake
- Muong Hoa Valley
- Sapa Museum
After a full day, head back to Hanoi for the night.
Day 5: Ninh Binh – Vietnam’s Hidden Gem
On your final day, take a short trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, located just 95 km away (2-3 hours by taxi, bus, or train).
Ninh Binh is known for:
- Limestone mountains
- Caves & valleys
- Peaceful boat rides through rice paddies
Must-see places:
- Trang An boat cruise
- Bich Dong Pagoda
- Hang Mua Viewpoint
- Cuc Phuong National Park
- Ancient villages
Try local dishes like Com Chay (crispy rice) and De Tai Chanh (goat with lemon).
In the evening, return to Hanoi and prepare for your flight back to India.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam’s weather varies by region. For North Vietnam (like Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh):
- May to October: Hot & rainy
- November to April: Cooler, pleasant weather
The best time to visit North Vietnam is between December and March.
Important Travel Tips
- Keep copies of your passport and visa with you at all times.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Pack essentials like a raincoat, water bottle, hat, and warm clothes.
- Try local food but be cautious with street food hygiene.
- Book stays and transport in advance for better deals.
With just 5 days, a bit of planning, and a love for culture and nature, Vietnam can be the perfect budget-friendly international trip. From food to views, it’s a country that offers rich memories at every corner.
