Vietnam is a mesmerizing Southeast Asian country known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Every year, it attracts thousands of tourists from around the globe, including a significant number from India. In this comprehensive travel guide for 2022, we cover essential aspects such as flights, visa requirements, accommodations, must-visit cafes, and more to help you plan your perfect Vietnamese adventure. Additionally, we’ll break down the expected costs of a trip from India to Vietnam.
### Flights from India to Vietnam
Several major airlines operate flights between India and Vietnam. Direct flights are available from cities like New Delhi and Mumbai to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – the two major Vietnamese cities. Airlines such as VietJet Air, Air India, and Malaysia Airlines offer competitive prices and reasonable flight durations ranging between 5 to 7 hours depending on the route. An average return flight could cost anywhere between INR 20,000 to INR 40,000 depending on the seasonality and how early you book.
### Visa Requirements for Indians
Vietnam offers several visa options for Indian tourists:
1. **E-Visa:** This is one of the most convenient options. The E-visa is valid for 30 days (single entry) and can be applied for online through the official Vietnamese immigration website.
2. **Visa on Arrival (VOA):** For this type of visa, you must obtain a pre-approval letter before your departure. Upon arrival in Vietnam at certain airports you can get the visa stamped in your passport.
3. **Visa through Embassy:** You can also apply for various types of visas through Vietnamese embassies or consulates in India.
The cost of an e-Visa is approximately USD 25 (about INR 2,000), while fees may vary slightly for other types.
### Where to Stay
Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodation options suitable for all budget ranges:
– **Budget travelers** can find hostels priced as low as INR 500 per night.
– **Mid-range hotels** typically charge about INR 2,000 – INR 4,000 per night offering decent amenities.
– **Luxury accommodations** in five-star hotels or resorts start from about INR 6,000 per night upwards.
Popular places with good accommodation facilities include Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Ho Chi Minh City’s Districts 1 and 3.
### Cafes You Must Visit
Vietnamese coffee is famous worldwide; therefore visiting local cafes is a must:
– **Hanoi:** Giang Café is famed for its Egg Coffee.
– **Ho Chi Minh City:** L’Usine offers French-inspired decor with a modern twist on Vietnamese coffee.
– **Da Nang:** Cong Caphe has military-themed decor serving traditional Vietnamese coffee with coconut milk.
### Additional Travel Tips
1. **Currency Exchange:** The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). It’s recommended to exchange some money beforehand or withdraw directly from ATMs there.
2. **Local Transportation:** Opt for Grab (similar to Uber) instead of local taxis to avoid scams.
3. **Language Barrier:** While English isn’t widely spoken except in tourist areas; learning basic Vietnamese phrases can be helpful.
4. **Connectivity:** Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for easy internet access throughout your journey.
### Estimated Total Trip Cost From India
Considering flights (INR 30k), visa fees (INR 2k), accommodation (INR 15k over seven nights), daily meals and transportation (approx INR 10k), along with miscellaneous expenses like shopping/souvenirs/entry tickets etc., expect your trip to cost around INR fifty-seven thousand or higher based on activities chosen.
In conclusion: Vietnam serves not just as a travel destination but an immersive experience that’s boundlessly enriching culturally and spiritually especially suited for those hailing from India looking at exploring new geographies without breaking their bank! Whether you’re into historical sites or just chilling at cozy cafes – Vietnam promises an adventure worth every penny!