Vietnam tour package or DIY? 10 days compared
By Ganesh ·
A 10-day Vietnam package from India costs about ₹70,000–₹1.3 lakh per person; doing Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City yourself costs about ₹55,000–₹95,000. Cost table, comparison and plan.
The short answer: a 9–10 day Vietnam tour package from India covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang/Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City usually costs about ₹70,000–₹1,30,000 per person. Doing the same route yourself typically costs ₹55,000–₹95,000 per person. Vietnam is good value either way, and independent travel is easy: direct flights from India, cheap domestic flights, an online e-visa and a well-trodden north-to-south route.
All prices are approximate, per person, for two people sharing. Check the official e-visa portal for the current fee and rules.
What a typical Vietnam package includes
- Return flights (often into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City) and two domestic flights.
- e-visa assistance.
- Hotels in Hanoi, Da Nang or Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City; usually one night on a Ha Long Bay cruise.
- Guided tours: Hanoi old quarter, Ha Long Bay, Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, Hoi An old town, Cu Chi tunnels, a Mekong Delta day.
- Breakfasts, some lunches, and Indian dinners on many group tours.
What it costs to do it yourself
| Item | Approximate cost per person |
|---|---|
| Return flights (open-jaw) | ₹20,000–₹40,000 |
| Vietnam e-visa | About ₹2,000–₹4,000 (check the current fee) |
| Two domestic flights | ₹6,000–₹12,000 |
| Hotels, 8 nights (shared) | ₹8,000–₹20,000 |
| Ha Long Bay overnight cruise | ₹8,000–₹20,000 |
| Tours and tickets (Ba Na Hills, Cu Chi, Mekong) | ₹6,000–₹12,000 |
| Food and Grab rides | ₹6,000–₹12,000 |
| Total | about ₹55,000–₹95,000 |
Package vs DIY side by side
| Package | DIY | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost, 9–10 days | ₹70,000–₹1,30,000 | ₹55,000–₹95,000 |
| Ha Long Bay | Fixed cruise, often a day trip | Pick the cruise, or quieter Lan Ha Bay / Ninh Binh |
| Food | Indian meals often included | Local food is cheap; Indian restaurants in big cities |
| Effort | None | Booking flights, a cruise and a few tours |
| Best for | Families, groups, first-timers | Couples and friends on a budget |
Who should pick which
- Pick a package if you want Indian meals arranged, a guide at every stop, and transfers handled.
- Go DIY if you'd like more time in Hoi An or Ninh Binh, want to choose a better Ha Long cruise, or want to add Sapa or Phu Quoc.
A sample 10-day DIY plan
- Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi; old quarter walk and the evening at Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Day 2: Day trip to Ninh Binh (Trang An boats, Hang Mua viewpoint).
- Day 3–4: Overnight cruise on Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay.
- Day 5: Fly to Da Nang; beach evening.
- Day 6: Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, or the Marble Mountains.
- Day 7: Hoi An old town, lanterns at night.
- Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City; the War Remnants Museum and Ben Thanh market.
- Day 9: Cu Chi tunnels in the morning; Mekong Delta day trip as an alternative.
- Day 10: Fly home.
Tips
- The north is cold and misty in December–February; the centre gets heavy rain around October–November; the south is hot all year. March–May suits the whole route best.
- Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal; look-alike sites charge extra.
- Use Grab for cars and bikes; agree prices before cyclo rides.
- Carry some cash in dong; cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants.
FAQ
How much does a Vietnam trip from India cost?
About ₹55,000–₹1,30,000 per person for 9–10 days, depending on hotels, the cruise and whether you take a package.
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, Indians apply for an e-visa online on the official portal before travelling.
Is Vietnam good for vegetarians?
Yes, with a little effort: look for "chay" (vegetarian) restaurants, and Indian restaurants in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.
You can plan this north-to-south route on Sancharees and share it with your group.
Photo: Street seller of fingered citrons in Old Town of Hanoi, 20240204 1335 5772 by Jakub Hałun, CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Read in: वियतनाम टूर पैकेज या खुद की प्लानिंग: उत्तर से दक्षिण 10 दिन का खर्च