Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Thailand and Vietnam?

As of 2026, Indian passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days per visit under the permanent visa exemption arrangement between India and Thailand. For Vietnam, Indian citizens can apply for an e-visa online before travel, which allows a stay of up to 90 days and is easy to obtain. Visa on arrival is also available in Vietnam for Indian passport holders. Always verify the latest visa rules from official embassy or government websites before booking your trip, as policies can be updated.

Which country is cheaper for a 7-day trip from India?

For a 7-day trip, Thailand often works out to a similar or slightly lower total cost than Vietnam when you factor in cheaper and more frequent direct flights from India. Vietnam's daily in-country expenses are marginally lower, but the flight cost difference can offset this. On a 7-day trip, a budget traveller can manage comfortably in both countries for a total trip cost of Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000 per person including flights, accommodation, food, and activities, depending on the season and how carefully you plan.

Is Thai food or Vietnamese food more suitable for Indian taste preferences?

Thai food tends to feel more familiar to Indian palates because it uses bold spices, chillies, and aromatic flavours similar to Indian cooking. Dishes like Tom Yum, Massaman curry, and green curry feel comfortably close to Indian flavour profiles. Vietnamese food is lighter and herb-forward, which some Indian travellers love and others find less satisfying. Indian restaurants are available in tourist areas of both countries, so neither destination will leave you struggling for a familiar meal if needed.

Which destination is better for a 10 to 14 day trip?

Vietnam is the stronger choice for a longer trip of 10 to 14 days. The country has enough variety across north, central, and south Vietnam to fill two full weeks with genuinely different landscapes and experiences. A typical route from Hanoi in the north through Hoi An and Da Nang in the centre down to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, with a Ha Long Bay cruise included, makes for an excellent and memorable two-week itinerary. Thailand is also great for longer trips, but Vietnam's geographic range and diversity of experiences give it the edge for extended travel.

What is the best time to visit Thailand and Vietnam from India?

For Thailand, the best time to visit is November to March, which is the cool and dry season. April and May are very hot. June to October is the monsoon season on the Gulf of Thailand coast, though the Andaman coast remains drier during this period. For Vietnam, the best time depends on which region you plan to visit. Hanoi and northern Vietnam are best from October to April. Central Vietnam around Hoi An and Da Nang is best from February to July. Southern Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City are best from December to April. Vietnam's geography means you can usually find a good region to visit at any time of year.