If you’re gearing up for your first-ever journey to Vietnam, get ready for an unforgettable adventure.It can be overwhelming to plan a first trip to Vietnam, but in a good way. Vietnam offers amazing diversity in a relatively compact country, from bustling cities and serene rice fields to lantern-lit old towns and emerald bays. You can enjoy this diversity without hurrying, being confused, or missing any of the highlights with a well-planned Vietnam travel itinerary.
Designed specifically for first-time travelers, this Vietnam travel guide covers everything from the best routes and daily schedules to prices, seasons, and helpful advice that’s especially helpful if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam from India. Whether you have five, seven, or ten days, this guide will help you confidently create the best Vietnam travel itinerary.
Why Vietnam Is Perfect for First-Time International Travel
For all traveller types,Vietnam is incredibly rewarding and beginner-friendly be it Vietnam group tour, solo tour, family or couple trip.
- Easy tourist visas.
- Reasonably priced lodging, transportation, and food.
- Strong infrastructure for tourism.
- A rich blend of history, nature, and culture
You can visit famous locations in Vietnam without feeling hurried if you have the right Vietnam trip planner.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam (Seasonal Breakdown)
.Planning your itinerary requires knowing when is the best time to visit Vietnam.
- Best time to go to Vietnam overall: February to April & August to October
- Best month to visit Vietnam: March is the ideal month to travel to Vietnam because of the pleasant weather in all areas.
- Vietnam best time to visit for beaches: April to August
- Vietnam best time to visit for sightseeing: February, March, October
Vietnam’s climate varies, so timing is more important than a single “perfect” month.
Best Vietnam Itinerary Options (5, 7 & 10 Days)
Below are flexible itineraries that work well for first-time visitors.
Vietnam Itinerary – 5 Days (Quick Introduction)
Ideal for: Short vacations or add-on international trips
Day 1: Hanoi
- Old Quarter walk
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Street food exploration
Day 2: Halong Bay
- Overnight cruise
- Kayaking & limestone caves
Day 3: Fly to Da Nang → Hoi An
- Lantern-lit old town
- Riverside cafés
Day 4: Hoi An
- Bicycle through rice fields
- Tailor shops & local markets
Day 5: Return
This Vietnam itinerary 5 days focuses on North + Central Vietnam highlights.
Vietnam Itinerary – 7 Days (Most Popular Choice)
Best itinerary for Vietnam if you want balance without rushing.
Day 1–2: Hanoi
- Cultural sites, cafés, local food
Day 3: Halong Bay cruise
Day 4: Fly to Da Nang → Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An
- Cooking class or beach visit
Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
- War Remnants Museum
- Ben Thanh Market
Day 7: Mekong Delta day trip
This Vietnam itinerary of 7 days is the most recommended for first-timers.
Vietnam Itinerary – 10 Days (Complete First-Time Experience)
Best Vietnam travel itinerary if time allows.
Day 1–2: Hanoi
Day 3–4: Halong Bay
Day 5: Fly to Da Nang → Hoi An
Day 6: Hoi An countryside & beach
Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 9: Mekong Delta
Day 10: Departure
This Vietnam itinerary of 10 days covers North, Central, and South Vietnam smoothly.
Must-Have Experiences to Include in Your Vietnam Travel Itinerary
A well-thought-out itinerary for a trip to Vietnam includes experiences that define the trip rather than just locations.
- Cruising through limestone karsts in Halong Bay
- After sunset, walking through Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets
- Vietnamese coffee in a café in Hanoi
- Exploring floating markets in the Mekong Delta
An ordinary itinerary becomes unforgettable because of these moments.
Vietnam Trip Plan from India (Practical Overview)
Vietnam is among the most straightforward or easiest Southeast Asian destinations for Indian tourists.
- Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore
- Easy e-visa procedure
- Vegetarian cuisine is widely accessible
- Indian restaurants in major cities
Time is saved and internal travel stress is avoided with a well-planned Vietnam trip plan from India.
Vietnam Trip Cost from India (Realistic Breakdown)
Vietnam Trip Cost from India (Per Person)
(7–8 days, mid-range)
- Flights: ₹30,000 – ₹45,000
- Hotels: ₹20,000 – ₹30,000
- Transport & internal flights: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000
- Food & activities: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000
Total: ₹70,000 – ₹1,05,000 approx.
Vietnam Trip Cost from India for Couple
- Comfortable mid-range couple trip: ₹1.4 – ₹1.8 lakh
- Luxury-focused itinerary: ₹2+ lakh
When compared to many other international destinations, Vietnam offers exceptional value.
Getting Around Vietnam (Travel Planner Tips)
Efficient transportation is a key component of a well-planned trip to Vietnam.
- Time is saved by domestic flights.
- Budget-friendly overnight trains.
- Use the Grab app for local transportation
- Organized tours for Halong Bay & Mekong
This ensures a seamless and predictable itinerary for your trip to Vietnam.
Where to Stay (First-Time Friendly Areas)
- Hanoi: Old Quarter
- Hoi An: Ancient Town or riverside
- Ho Chi Minh City: District 1
Staying in the center shortens travel times and enhances the experience.
Unique Experiences to Add to Your Vietnam Trip Plan
For tourists looking for something more:
- Join a Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An
- Take a countryside bicycle tour through villages
- Take a river cruise in Ho Chi Minh City at sunset.
- Explore historical sites and the war era tunnels.
A typical trip itinerary from India to Vietnam is enhanced by these activities.
Cultural Highlights First-Time Visitors Should Experience
Vietnam’s culture reveals itself through everyday life.
- Morning Tai Chi sessions around Hoan Kiem Lake
- Traditional water puppet shows in Hanoi
- Visits to pagodas and local temples
- Interactions with local vendors and artisans
Including cultural stops adds depth to your Vietnam vacation guide.
Food You Shouldn’t Miss
Vietnamese food is light, fresh, and flavorful.
- Street-side pho (noodle soup) for breakfast.
- Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) for quick lunches
- Fresh spring rolls and local seafood
- Egg coffee in Hanoi and iced coffee in the south
Food experiences are affordable and deeply local. Food is a highlight in every Vietnam vacation guide for good reason.
Travel Tips for First-Time Vietnam Visitors
Following are some of the travel tips for the first-time travellers:
- Carry cash for small vendors
- Learn basic local greetings
- Respect temple dress codes
- Book cruises and flights in advance
These tips make planning a trip to Vietnam stress-free.
FAQs
Is Vietnam good for first-time international travelers?
Yes, it’s safe, affordable, and well-developed for tourism.
How many days are ideal for Vietnam?
7–10 days is ideal for first-time visitors.
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, but the e-visa process is simple.
What is the best month to visit Vietnam?
March is considered the best overall month.
Is Vietnam expensive for tourists?
No, Vietnam is very budget-friendly.
Can Vietnam be done without a tour group?
Yes, independent travel is easy with proper planning.
Conclusion
Vietnam is one of the most rewarding destinations for first-time international travel. With the right Vietnam travel itinerary, thoughtful pacing, and seasonal planning, your trip can be smooth, affordable, and unforgettable. Whether you choose a 5-day snapshot or a complete 10-day journey, this Vietnam tour guide gives you everything you need to plan with confidence.
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, start with a clear itinerary and let Vietnam do the rest. So,what are you waiting for? Let The Tarzan Way guide you this time towards making the most of your first-time Vietnam travel interesting and memorable.
