Vietnam Trip Planning Guide for 2025 – Expert Tips from Harish Bali (Visa2Explore)

Vietnam remains one of Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations, and if you're considering a trip in 2025, this is the perfect time to start planning! We recently had an exclusive conversation with Harish Bali, the creator of the popular travel YouTube channel Visa2Explore, who shared his personal experiences and expert tips from his recent Vietnam adventure.

From the visa process and travel budget to must-visit places, food tips, and common mistakes, Harish Bali gives a complete guide to help you plan the ultimate Vietnam trip in 2025. And stay tuned—he’s also working on a detailed Vietnam travel series for his channel!

🧭 Why Visit Vietnam in 2025?

According to Harish, Vietnam offers a perfect blend of history, culture, beaches, scenic landscapes, cruises, and natural beauty. Whether you're a backpacker, couple, or family, Vietnam has something special for everyone.

📅 When Did Harish Visit Vietnam?

Harish Bali explored Vietnam in early to mid-April, spending 13 days covering southern, central, and northern regions (excluding Sapa in the north).

☀️ Best Time to Travel to Vietnam

• Ideal months: February to April (pleasant and dry weather)

• Rainy season: Mid-October to December

• Festivals: Vietnam hosts many local events, but they weren’t a focus during Harish’s trip.

  ✈️ North to South or South to North – What’s Better?

  Harish believes both directions are fine. Start your journey based on flight availability and personal preference—you won’t miss out either way!

  🛂 Vietnam Visa Guide for Indian Travelers (2025)

• Type: E-visa (single-entry)

• Processing Time: 3–5 business days

• Cost: Around $25 USD

• Apply: On the official Vietnam Immigration website

• Tip: Always print your e-visa before traveling.

• 💸 Vietnam Travel Budget – What to Expect?

  Harish says Vietnam is not really a budget-friendly destination overall but prices are still reasonable.

  Estimated 7–10 Day Costs:

• Flights (round trip): ₹20,000–₹25,000

• Hotels: Around 30% cheaper than Indian hotels

• Taxis: Around 50% more expensive

• Food: Comparable to Indian street food

• Guides: Costlier—nearly double the price compared to India

Pro Tip: Traveling in a group can reduce guide and transport costs.

🚕 Daily Travel Costs (Approximate)

• Transport: Depends on whether you book shared rides or private vehicles

• Meals: ₹200–₹500 per day (local street food)

• Attractions: Mixed—some are free, while others (like cruises or Ba Na Hills) require extra payment

Harish used a private guide and transport, which made the trip smoother but costlier.

🏙️ Top Cities to Visit in Vietnam (Recommended by Harish)

• Da Nang – Harish’s personal favorite city

• Hoi An – Famous for lantern-lit streets and local culture

• Ba Na Hills – Home to the iconic Golden Bridge

• Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – Vietnam’s lively, modern side

• Hanoi – Ideal for old town charm and colonial vibes

• Ninh Binh – Great for nature lovers and peaceful getaways

• Ha Long Bay – Best explored on a day cruise

• Phu Quoc Island – A beautiful beach escape (requires 3 extra days)

🌍 Hidden Gems & What He Missed

Harish wishes he had included:

• Sapa – Known for its scenic mountains and local tribes

• Son Doong Cave – The largest cave in the world

• Overnight stay in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) – A peaceful countryside retreat

  🥘 Unmissable Food Experiences in Vietnam

  Harish Bali, known for his love of food, was impressed by the vegetarian options in Vietnam. His favorites include:

• Pumpkin soup with coconut milk

• Eggplant dishes

• Tofu in various styles

• Flavorful mushroom recipes

• Classics like Pho, Banh Mi, and spring rolls

• 🧳 Essentials to Know: Language, Transport & Safety

• Language: Can be a barrier—most locals don’t speak English

• Transport: Easy to manage, but private options are more expensive

• Safety: Vietnam is generally safe for travelers

• ❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating the language challenge

• Assuming Vietnam is very cheap—not everything is

• Over-shopping – Harish suggests skipping shopping; better value is available in India

  🛠️ Must-Have Apps for Travelers

• Google Maps – For getting around

• Booking.com – Hotel reservations

• Klook – Useful for guides and visa-related help

  📡 Staying Online in Vietnam

• Public Wi-Fi is widely available but not always secure

• Harish recommends buying a local SIM card or eSIM for data and safety

🎥 Harish’s Favorite Travel Moments

• Hoi An at night – Magical atmosphere

• Stay at Ba Na Hills – A unique experience above the clouds

😕 Any Regrets?

Harish says no disappointments—Vietnam completely met his expectations.

🗓️ Suggested 7–10 Day Itinerary by Harish Bali

Day 1 – Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
Days 2–5 – Visit Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ba Na Hills
Days 6–8 – Head to Hanoi, take a day trip to Ha Long Bay, and explore Ninh Binh

Bonus: Add 3 extra days for Phu Quoc Island if time allows

🎬 Coming Soon: Vietnam Series by Visa2Explore

Stay tuned as Harish Bali releases his detailed travel series on Vietnam—covering everything from street food to famous sights. Perfect for anyone planning a Vietnam trip in 2025!

👉 Problems with your Vietnam E-visa?

Were you denied boarding by the airline even though you had an e-visa? Facing issues with your visa application, haven't received your visa yet, or is your travel date approaching soon?"- START YOUR APPLICATION HERE: VIETNAM EXPRESSS VISA SERVICE