Backpacking Vietnam on a Budget: A Complete Guide for Indians
Vietnam is the kind of place that instantly wins you over. It has chaotic streets buzzing with scooters, lush rice terraces that look like postcards, lantern-lit towns, beaches that rival Thailand’s, and food so flavourful it lingers long after your trip ends. The best part? It’s one of the most affordable countries to explore, especially if you’re backpacking.
If you’re an Indian traveller dreaming of an adventure without draining your savings, Vietnam is calling. This guide is your all-in-one handbook to backpacking Vietnam on a budget—covering routes, visas, hostels, costs, and travel hacks.
Why Vietnam is perfect for backpackers
Vietnam strikes the perfect balance of beauty, culture, and affordability. From noodle bowls under ₹150 to comfortable hostels for under ₹600 a night, your rupees stretch surprisingly far. Travelling here feels adventurous yet easy, thanks to a well-trodden backpacker trail and a friendly local vibe.
Unlike Europe or Japan, where a single day can burn through your budget, Vietnam rewards slow, immersive travel. It’s a place where you can linger longer, see more, and still spend less.
Sorting the visa from India
Indians need a visa to enter Vietnam, but the process is simple. You can apply online for an e-vis. It costs around ₹2,100 and allows you to stay for 30 days, single entry.
The approval usually takes three working days, and you’ll get a PDF via email that you just print and carry. Keep a few passport-size photos handy, as sometimes immigration officers ask for them.
Best Vietnam backpacking route for Indians
Backpackers usually travel in Vietnam in one of two ways: north to south or south to north. Both work well because the country is long and narrow, connected by cheap trains and buses.
Here’s a popular two-week route that balances cities, culture, and nature:
- Hanoi (2–3 days)Start in the capital. Explore Old Quarter streets, sip egg coffee, and watch the water puppet shows.
- Ha Long Bay (1–2 days)Take an overnight cruise or a day trip to see the iconic limestone karsts.
- Ninh Binh (1–2 days)Think of it as “Ha Long Bay on land” with karst cliffs, rivers, and cycling trails.
- Phong Nha (2 days)Home to some of the world’s biggest caves. A must for adventure lovers.
- Hoi An (2–3 days)A lantern-filled old town with incredible food, beaches, and tailor shops.
- Hue (1 day)Explore the imperial city and royal tombs.
- Da Nang (1 day)A modern city by the beach, with day trips to Ba Na Hills.
- Ho Chi Minh City (2–3 days)End with Vietnam’s buzzing southern hub. Visit Cu Chi tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
If you’ve got more time, add Sapa (mountain treks) in the north or Phu Quoc Island in the south.
How much does backpacking Vietnam cost?
Let’s break down a realistic Vietnam backpacking cost for Indians:
- Flights from India: ₹15,000–₹25,000 (round trip if booked early).
- Visa: ~₹2,100.
- Accommodation: ₹600–₹1,200 per night in good hostels.
- Food: ₹150–₹400 per meal (street food is cheap and delicious).
- Transport:
- Attractions: ₹500–₹1,500 for most entry tickets or tours.
On average, ₹2,000–₹2,500 a day is comfortable, including stays, meals, and transport. That’s around ₹35,000–₹45,000 for a two-week trip, excluding flights.
Staying in hostels: Tips for Indians
Vietnam has some of the best backpacker hostels in Asia. Think rooftop bars, free breakfast, swimming pools, and even free beer hours.
Some budget-friendly hostels Indians love:
- Hanoi Backpackers Hostel (Hanoi) – lively, social, with tours.
- Nguyen Shack (Ninh Binh) – rustic bungalows surrounded by rice fields.
- Tribee Hostel (Hoi An) – free family dinners, perfect for meeting people.
- The Hideout (Ho Chi Minh City) – party hostel with daily events.
Prices range from ₹600–₹1,200 per night. Always check reviews on Hostelworld or Booking.com before booking.
Food to try without blowing your budget
Street food is where Vietnam shines. It’s cheap, authentic, and tasty. Must-tries include:
- Pho (noodle soup)
- Banh Mi (crispy baguette sandwiches)
- Fresh spring rolls
- Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles)
- Egg coffee (Hanoi speciality)
Meals on the street cost ₹150–₹250, while mid-range restaurants charge ₹400–₹800. Vegetarians will find tofu-based dishes, though you may need to clarify “no meat, no fish sauce.”
Getting around Vietnam
Transport is easy and budget-friendly:
- Sleeper buses: Affordable and comfy for long distances.
- Trains: Slower but scenic, especially the coastal route.
- Domestic flights: VietJet and Bamboo Airways often have ₹1,500–₹3,000 tickets if booked early.
- Local rides: Use Grab (like Uber) for short hops in cities.
For adventurous souls, renting a bike to ride the Hai Van Pass between Hue and Da Nang is unforgettable.
Essential tips for Indian backpackers
- Currency: 1 INR ≈ 300 VND. Carry some USD as backup.
- SIM card: Get one at the airport for about ₹600–₹800 for a month’s data.
- Weather: North can be chilly (Dec–Feb), while the south is tropical year-round.
- Safety: Vietnam is safe, but watch for petty scams like taxi overcharging.
- Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly at temples, and always remove shoes before entering homes.
Backpacking Vietnam on a budget is not just about saving money; it’s about slowing down, connecting with people, and experiencing a country that offers so much more than guidebook clichés. For Indians, it’s an especially rewarding destination—affordable, diverse, and welcoming.
So pack light, grab your e-visa, and hit the road. Vietnam is waiting to surprise you at every turn.
And when you’re ready to plan every detail without the overwhelm, you can plan your trip with Eia – AI Trip Planner.
