As a backpacking traveler, do you crave a solo international trip with a reasonable budget? If so, Vietnam, with its mist-covered mountains, vast rice fields, and cascading waterfalls, is the perfect pocket-friendly travel destination for you. Recently, Vietnam made it to the list of the top 10 most amazing destinations in the world with surprisingly affordable costs. Recently, Neha from Curly Tales had a 5-day solo trip to Vietnam and discovered its beauty – and she loved it! So, here’s everything you need to know for a solo trip from India to Vietnam.

How to Get To Vietnam

Vietnam is located on the Eastern side of the Indochinese Peninsula and can be easily reached by air. The distance between India and Vietnam is about 3194 km, and the flight takes around 4 hours.

Neha from Curly Tales had a fantastic flying experience with Vietjet, the airline that organized some of the best evening events to promote Vietnam Tourism. The flight was smooth – all thanks to Vietjet’s SkyBoss service. Neha’s flying experience with Vietjet included priority check-in, access to a luxurious lounge, complimentary food & beverages on board, and more.

You can reach Vietnam and its cities – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc – via Vietjet with direct flights from Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

Vietnam Visa

Indian citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. However, you must apply online in advance. Additionally, carrying a passport-sized photo is mandatory. The entire visa application process for stamping can cost around ₹3000.

Currency and SIM Card

Two important things to note when you arrive in Vietnam:

• Arrange your currency exchange. The currency used in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The exchange rate in 2023 for 1 Indian Rupee (INR) is approximately 296 Vietnamese Dong (1 INR = 293.647 VND).
• Travel tip: Bring USD instead of INR to exchange for Vietnamese Dong as INR might not always be available.
• Get a Vietnamese SIM card. It may cost you around ₹700.

Getting Around in Vietnam

When you arrive in Vietnam, you can take domestic flights to travel between different cities. You can also rent a scooter, which costs around ₹400-₹500 per day. To book taxis and motorbikes, you can use the Grab car app.

What to Do?

The smooth white sand beaches, shimmering emerald waters, and ancient villages make Vietnam a beautiful paradise. The land of “Ascending Dragon” has a lot of exciting things to offer travelers.

Explore Hoi An

Hoi An, a town rich in history and architecture, shines with its mesmerizing lanterns. This UNESCO Cultural Heritage is most known for its simplicity. Hoi An is located about 124 km south of Hue and takes about 19 hours by road. However, the routes are a delight to travel. With narrow canals, pristine beaches, lush greenery, and friendly locals, Hoi An truly highlights the charm of Vietnam.

Solo traveler Neha from Curly Tales expressed her surprise at the clean surroundings and the availability of many vegetarian food options at Hoi An.

Some places you can visit in Hoi An are Vin Wonderland, Cam Thanh fishing village to try Basket Boat, and Cam Thao Beach.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Located about one kilometer from the main city, Hoi An’s Old Town used to be a small-scale trading port. The best way to discover this town is to immerse yourself in its culture and heritage during the daytime and witness the illuminated lantern-lit streets and lively restaurants in the evening.

Visit Cua Dai Beach

Cua Dai Beach in Hoi An is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. With its soft white sand and warm emerald waters, it literally means ‘Big Mouth Beach.’ An interesting fact about this beach is that TripAdvisor rated it as the most beautiful beach in Asia. However, due to erosion, the number of tourists visiting the beach has decreased in recent years. But that shouldn’t stop you from exploring its beauty. It is a must-visit in Hoi An.

Try Vietnamese Street Food

Want to immerse yourself in the best of Vietnamese culture? Well, exploring its street food is the first step to it! And Vietnam has a lot to offer – from spring rolls, Banh mi, to Vietnamese ice cream, there are plenty of things for you to try.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Hoi An is lively, and you will be welcomed with loud music and vibrant clubs. Drinks are relatively cheap, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy a happy and high time!

Where to Stay?

Solo traveler Neha from Curly Tales chose Almanity Wellness Resort for her stay in Hoi An. The resort is located in the city center and provides all the facilities and luxury. However, you can always opt for budget-friendly hotels in the city. There are plenty of affordable hotels available in Hoi An with rooms starting from ₹400 per night.

Is Vietnam Safe for Solo Travelers?

Yes, it is! If you’re a solo traveler and concerned about safety in Vietnam, let us tell you, there’s nothing to worry about! Solo traveler Neha from Curly Tales expressed that walking on the streets, even at night, is safe. And fun too!

Now that you have an idea of planning a trip to Vietnam and exploring its international travel destinations, when are you planning your trip? Let us know in the comments section!