Skip to main content

Vietnam Travel Made Easy

Planning a trip to Vietnam with family? A recent trip to Vietnam made me realise how popular the destination is, especially with Indians. Nearly everywhere we went, there were at least a half dozen Indian families speaking in different languages. And yes, we make airport spaces so noisy that people stop and stare! [READ: A Visit to Busselton in Australia]



So, if you are wondering whether to go or not, I would say, "Why not? It's a beautiful Asian country with a gripping history that you should familiarise yourself with. Of course, you may have many questions when you are considering a new destination.

Here are a few frequently asked questions about travelling to Vietnam:

Is Vietnam tourist-friendly?

Yes! My first visit to Vietnam convinces me beyond doubt that Vietnam is tourist-friendly. I loved travelling across Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh city. People are friendly to tourists. Be careful of street vendors as they try to offer you their products or services at inflated prices and it would be best to negotiate at half the price, just as we would do when shopping across local markets in India.

How do I go to Vietnam from India?

Opt for Vietnam Airlines for the best travel experience. It is worth your money! Another alternative is to opt for Thai Airlines. You can also consider Singapore Airlines, which is more expensive.

How much rupees required for a trip to Vietnam from India?

A balanced approach would be to keep aside at least 2 to 3 lakh rupees for a comfortable travel experience. If your budget is affordable, it can be wrapped up in around 1 lakh rupees but you would probably need to opt for basic facilities.

Is it safe to go out at night in Vietnam?

I found it very safe. However, whenever you are walking alone, you are likely to be approached on the street with 'massage offers' that seem shady. It doesn't matter whether you are a man, woman or child - there are vendors who walk up to you. Walk away with a polite 'No' and not pause or hesitate while doing so. Make sure your children are walking with you as they may not understand what they are being asked and may nod or hesitate or their responses maybe misinterpreted.

Do they speak English in Vietnam?

From my recent experience, I would say that Vietnamese is largely spoken by people, and English is not spoken as fluently. It may help to learn a few Vietnamese words for essential communication. However, most of the guides speak good English and if you are able to find the right one, that will make the entire trip more memorable.

Is it affordable to eat in Vietnam?

We loved the vegan and non-vegetarian cuisine in Vietnam. Typically, the average cost for a dinner in Vietnam totals to around 200,000 VND per person. Unlike in Indian restaurants, you have to buy water in Vietnamese restaurnts. They do not serve 'regular' water. If your budget is on the affordable range, opt for local restaurants rather than multinational outlets that turn out to be more expensive and serve less portion. There are plenty of budget-friendly options, so don't worry.

Is clothing expensive in Vietnam?

It depends on what you want to buy. I bought a few lovely silk stoles for myself that I felt were reasonably priced for the quality I bought. The more premium the material or the work on the material is, the more you will have to pay. The affordable range has greater variety and you can negotiate at half the price. The same goes for footwear and shoes - many Indians can be seen buying in bulk.

Is silk cheap in Vietnam?

This depends on what kind of silk material you want to buy - unstitched or customised. Luxury and premium silk wear is likely to be expensive. I was taken in by the sheer variety of designs in silk stoles and found them to be affordable.

How much does a silk scarf cost in Vietnam?

Local markets and souvenir shops usually quote prices ranging from about 150,000 to 2,000,000. These scarves are beautiful and have fine prints and art on them.

Are branded clothes cheaper in Vietnam?

I didn't buy any on my recent trip but I did take a look at their prices and yes, it seemed cheaper and many Indians were buying in bulk.

Are shoes made in Vietnam good?

If you are looking for the affordable range, there's a decent variety to choose from.

Are there luxury brands in Vietnam?

Just as you will find luxury brands in India, the same can be found in Vietnam.

Is fruit cheap in Vietnam?

Yes, and it tastes fresh and delectable.

Can women wear shorts in Vietnam?

Yes. However, this depends on your personal choice. While travelling across Vietnam, I observed that most Indian women were wearing shorts and mini dresses. However, most foreigners opted to dress casually, in jeans and a top. If you are visiting historical or religious sites such as Buddhist temples, it may be good to dress conservatively. Just as in India, the Vietnamese are sensitive about matters related to their spiritual spaces and faith.

What fruit is famous in Vietnam?

I found dragonfruit and durian to be most popular across Vietnam.

Is Vietnam costly for Indians?

It depends on the choices you make. From basic to affordable and premium, the options that define your travel experiences are a result of your choices. A Turkish gentleman we met in Vietnam told us, "I opted to stay in a four star hotel and when I landed here, I realised that it doesn't even have two star facilities."

So, here's the key takeaway: Check hotel reviews online, research thoroughly and decide your budget, especially if you are travelling with your family.

What to be careful of in Vietnam?

  • Make your travel plans when the weather is pleasant - summers can be harsh.
  • If you are visiting in summer, pack a hat or buy a Vietnamese hat. It is essential.
  • The Vietnamese are proud of their culture and leaders - do not mock either.
  • It is a punishable legal offence to mock or criticize their leaders. Be careful.
  • Opt for clothes that are comfortable. In places of worship, dress with care.
  • Drink mineral water, not from the tap or any other source.
  • Avoid eating food you are not sure about.
  • Make sure you don't show off much cash as bag snatching is common.
  • For currency conversion, make sure to visit authorised outlets so that you get the best rates and you aren't fleeced.
  • Eat from good restaurants than from the street. Ask your guide to recommend.
  • Be careful when approached with offers for a 'massage' whether you are alone or with your family.
  • What you do with your time and money matters - falling sick will drain both.
  • While shopping, be clear what you would be ready to pay. If not, the vendors will not hesitate to create a ruckus as they have a different expectation.


Vietnam travel is a great opportunity to discover their culture and picturesque beaches and scenic spots. Don't miss an opportunity to visit this beautiful country.

If you enjoyed reading this, subscribe to my newsletter on Substack.

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Most LOVED Posts

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences.  [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste.  You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this  new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being bor...
181 comments
Read more

How do you light Deepam at home?

How do you light deepam at home? As a child, I loved watching the ritual of my grandmother lighting the deepam or the traditional lamp at home in the evenings. A sense of serenity accompanied her frail figure as she would carefully straighten every wick, dip it into the tiny puddle of oil and light the lamp. As my grandmother would read out the scriptures and chant the prayers, the fragrance of incense sticks and flowers added depth to the experience. In many Hindu homes nowadays, the lighting of the lamp (or the nilavilakku, as Malayalis refer to the traditional lamp in their homes) is not a regular practice. A lot of people have many questions around how to light deepam at home and which oil to use and so on. An important point to keep in mind - Maintain physical cleanliness and hygiene while lighting the lamp. Wear clean clothes while lighting the lamp. Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting Deepam at Home Collating most queries related to how to light the deepam at home, I'v...
1 comment
Read more

Power of Hanuman's Work

As you start work - here's a question for you - are you disciplined about how you work and what you do every day? From dawn to dusk, we work - all of us are engaged in some task or another. Many tend to work almost on autopilot. Happens, doesn't it? Sometimes, we engage in activities that may not be of use to us and results in waste of time. Distractions trouble us - it could be a colleague talking loudly in the phone, and we may do the same too, without realising we are distracting others at work.                                        ( Source: Radio Sai.org) Often, we are not conscious of how this impacts the quality of our work and time, not to mention our energy and attitude to work. The way we work reflects in the minds of our children. They watch us and we barely realise what they imbibe. Now life wasn't easy for our elders - in fact, they had none of the comforts that we do today...
Post a Comment
Read more

Best time to light diya

Want to know when is the best time to light diya or deepam at home? In most Hindu homes, 'deepam' or 'diya' is lit at least twice - once in the morning and then in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. Clay diyas are also considered auspicious for lighting at home. When lighting diyas on Fridays, it is better to use ghee than oil, if possible. [READ: What Does Deepam Represent , Why Malayalis Light Nilavilakku ] When Should I Start Lighting Diyas? The symbolic shift begins from darkess to light. Therefore, in the evenings, light diya before sunset to usher in divine blessings into your home. Can we light diyas at 4pm? Typically, we don't see sunset at 4 pm. If sunset is at 4 pm, you can light diya. When to light a lamp in the puja room? Every morning at sunrise and every evening before or at sunset. Whatever you do, offer it with sincerity and love in your heart. Our Devatas are watching, they know wh...
Post a Comment
Read more

Food in Hinduism: The Significance of Offering Food to God

If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it. – Lord Krishna (Bhagawad Gita) Food brings a sense of warmth, hospitality and loving awareness when it is prepared. In most Indian homes, we place considerable importance to the preparation of food and how it is served.  For the same reason, in most Indian homes, food is served with care and love to a guest. I have found it interesting that food can bridge differences, bring people together rather than divide them. If you have missed my post on 'Three Types of Purity While Preparing Food,' you can read it here.                                                       [Image: Pexels.com] Food in Hinduism: Importance of Naivedyam In Hinduism, food is considered to be an aspect of Brahman (the Absolute and Almighty one). The rationale for this in Hi...
12 comments
Read more