Documents Required at the Immigration Counter (Airport)

Ensure you have the following documents ready for a smooth entry into Vietnam:

• Passport Size Photograph: 4x6 cm with plain white background
• A Passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of travel
• E-Visa printed on A4 paper
• Return flight ticket

E-Visa
Estimated time to receive the Visa- 5-7 Vietnamese working days

To Apply for E-Visa Document should be in correct form as mentioned below
Clear Scanned Copy of Passport Front Page in JPG/JPEG/PNG file format

• No Fingers - No Folded Page- No Corner Cut- No Blur

Passport Size Photograph:
Size 4x6 cm with plain white background
Original Clicked Photograph Softcopy Required
Full Face (70% Coverage)
No Click of Photo of a Photograph

Currency in Vietnam- Cash is the King

Indian Rupees are not accepted in Vietnam.

• Cash is widely used, with Vietnamese Dong (VND) being the official currency
• Carry USD: It is recommended to bring $300-$400 USD in cash, which can be exchanged for VND at forex shops at Airport in Vietnam for more favourable rates
• Current rates: 1 INR = ~300 VND, 1 USD = ~25,000 VND.
• Cards: International debit and credit cards are widely accepted; however, it's advisable to carry cash, as some places may not accept cards.
• Currency Calculation Tip: Example: 100,000 VND ≈ ₹350 (remove 3 zeros and multiply by 3.5)
• Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam. However, if you feel satisfied with the service, you are welcome to offer a tip at your discretion.

Network Connectivity

• Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport upon landing, useful for contacting your driver.
• You can purchase a Local Tourist SIM card at the airport or local telecom shop from the market.
• Local Sim Card Cost is approx. INR 600 to INR 800 with decent amount of data
• Viettel and Vinaphone offer good network coverage and data plans.
• Your Indian network will not work in Vietnam without an International roaming pack.
• You can also take an international roaming recharge if you want to use your Indian mobile network.
• WhatsApp works seamlessly for communication.

Weather

In December, Vietnam enters the dry season in most regions, though weather conditions vary across the country.

What to Pack

General

• Wearing comfortable walking or sports shoes is essential for day tours in Vietnam, as they require a fair amount of walking.
• Flip-flops for casual wear and beach visits
• Universal International travel adapter with all pins (Type A, C, F)
• Day backpack / Fanny Pack for daily essentials
• Power bank for charging devices on the go
• Toothpaste & Toothbrush
• Lip Balm & Moisturiser
• Body Spray
• Power Bank & Bluetooth Speaker
• Small umbrella for unexpected rain or sun protection
• Raincoat or poncho

👗 Clothing by Region

👕 North:

• Long sleeves, sweaters, jackets
• Jeans, sneakers
• Hat & sunscreen

🌧️ Central:

• Light layers, raincoat
• Water-resistant shoes
• Dry pouch for gadgets

🌞 South:

• Shorts, light fabrics
• Sandals
• Mosquito repellent

Please take off your Hats and Sunglasses while going inside any religious place.

🏨 Hotel Basics

• 🕑 Check-In: 2 PM | ⏰ Check-Out: 11 AM
• 🥞 Breakfast: 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM
• Languages Spoken by Staff: English and Vietnamese
• 🚭 No smoking in rooms: Smoking is strictly prohibited in rooms as it may trigger the fire alarm. Designated smoking areas are available outside.
• Minibar: Items in the minibar are chargeable and must be paid directly at the hotel reception.

Note: These are general guidelines to give a rough idea to the travellers, and may vary by hotel. Kindly confirm specific timings at the reception upon check-in.

Meals

Breakfast: Served at the hotel as per the chef’s special.

At Halong Bay Cruise: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch with vegetarian options available.

We recommend trying Vietnamese dishes for an authentic experience. However, if you're not accustomed to the cuisine, carrying some vegetarian snacks is advisable.

Indian Snacks are generally not available in Vietnam. While some Indian grocery stores exist, they often charge up to three times the MRP. If you prefer specific snacks, especially as a vegetarian, it's best to bring them from home.

Tea Lovers: Vietnamese tea differs from Indian chai. If you enjoy Indian-style tea, consider carrying instant tea premix for convenience.

Vietnamese Cuisine

🌱 Veg snacks are rare—pack your favorites!

☕ Carry chai premix if you’re a tea lover

🍽️ Must-Try Dishes:

• 🍜 Phở Chay – Vietnamese noodle soup with a flavorful broth (Vegetarian)
• 🥖 Bánh Mì – A popular Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette and various fillings
• ☕🥚 Egg Coffee – A unique Vietnamese coffee topped with creamy egg foam
• 🥥☕ Coconut Milk Coffee – A rich and aromatic coffee blended with coconut milk
• 🥗 Gỏi Cuốn Chay – Fresh vegetarian spring rolls wrapped in rice paper (Vegetarian)
• 🥞 Bánh Xèo Chay – Crispy Vietnamese pancakes with a vegetarian filling (Vegetarian)
• 🍵 Lotus Tea & Jasmine Tea – Traditional herbal teas enjoyed across Vietnam
• 🍶 Rượu Gạo (Rice Wine) – A traditional fermented rice alcohol popular in Vietnam

Indian Restaurants in Vietnam

Hanoi

• Tadka Indian Restaurant Hanoi
• RK Spice
• Hill Top Curry
• Grills & Gravy

Da Nang

• Dhaba 28
• Mumtaz Indian Aroma
• Indian Ganga Restaurant
• Veda’s Kitchen

Ho Chi Minh City

• Delhi Darbar Indian Restaurant
• Baba’s Kitchen
• Shri Natraj Indian Cuisine

The average cost of a meal at an Indian restaurant in Vietnam ranges between 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND per person. Prices may vary depending on the restaurant and the dishes ordered.

Note: Availability of Indian cuisine may vary by location. It's advisable to check the operating hours before visiting.

Basic Tips for a Smooth Trip to Vietnam

• ⏰ Be Punctual: Group tours follow a strict schedule, often starting early. Plan ahead to avoid delays.
• 🕑 Time Zone: Vietnam follows GMT +7:00, which is 1 hour 30 minutes ahead of India (e.g., 12:00 PM IST = 1:30 PM VST).
• 🚰 Water Safety: Do not drink tap water; always choose bottled mineral water.
• 🛍️ Shopping & Bargaining: Vietnam has no MRP system. Bargaining is common—start at 50-70% of the quoted price.
• 📱 Google Translate: Download the Vietnamese language pack for offline use to ease communication.
• 🚭 Smoking: Prohibited in many public areas. Use designated smoking spots.
• 🚻 Public Toilets: Available at tourist attractions, restaurants, and rest stops during day tours. Facilities are generally tourist-friendly.
• 📸 Photography Etiquette: Always ask permission before taking photos of locals to respect their privacy.

Basic Cultural Etiquette in Vietnam

• Respect Local Guides: Follow their instructions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
• Dress Modestly at Temples & Pagodas: Wear appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
• Carry a Scarf/Shawl: Useful for covering shoulders when visiting religious sites.
• Remove Shoes: Before entering homes, temples, or pagodas, it is customary to take off footwear.
• Bargain Politely: While negotiating in local markets is common, always do so with respect and a smile.

Transportation During Leisure Time

Grab App: Vietnam’s equivalent of Uber, offering affordable and reliable transport for local travel.

Basic Greetings in Vietnamese Language

While Vietnamese is the official language, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas. Here are some basic phrases to help you communicate:

• Hello – Xin chào (Sin chow)
• Thank You – Cảm ơn (Gahm uhn)
• Goodbye – Tạm biệt (Tarm byet)

A simple greeting in the local language can go a long way in making a good impression!