Depart Mumbai in the morning (sample window 8:00–11:00) — direct flights are rare; common connections via Bangkok/Singapore. Book an early morning or afternoon flight on VietJet/IndiGo/Thai Airways so you arrive in Hanoi same day. Choose an itinerary that gives at least 3 hours free on arrival.
Taxi or Grab from Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter (approx 45–60 min depending on traffic). Check into a centrally located hotel to be within walking distance of nightlife and markets.
Stroll the atmospheric narrow streets, shop for souvenirs (silk, lacquerware) and visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple; shops typically open 9:00–21:00 and night market stalls open from ~6:00pm.
Loving Hut (vegan chain in Vietnam) or a local vegetarian chay restaurant offers pho chay (vegetarian pho) and mock-meat dishes; many are open 11:00–21:00. Great introduction to Vietnamese vegetarian flavours.
Experience the lively 'beer street' (Ta Hien) for people-watching, or pick a rooftop bar near Hoan Kiem for skyline views (rooftops usually open 5:00pm–midnight). Stay with drinks/tea and street snacks.
Visit Vietnam’s first university and tranquil gardens (generally open 8:00–17:00). It's a peaceful, photogenic stop and a cultural introduction to Hanoi.
Learn about Vietnamese history during French and US periods; open roughly 8:00–17:00. It's compact but informative if you want deeper historical context.
A vegetarian lunch with local dishes (rice plates, noodle soups) — many chay restaurants serve flavorful, meat-free Vietnamese meals. Most open 11:00–14:00 for lunch and again for dinner.
Return to the Old Quarter to shop for silk, handicrafts, and tailor-made clothing; stores usually open 9:00–21:00. Great chance to pick up small souvenirs and practice bargaining.
Short internal flight (~1h15m) to Da Nang; from Da Nang airport a 30–45 min taxi takes you to Hoi An. Book a late-afternoon flight (4:30–6:30pm) to arrive in time for dinner in Hoi An.
Arrive Hoi An, check in, then stroll the lantern-lit old town and night market (lanterns and market activity typically 6:00–22:00). Dinner at Natraj or an Indian/veg-friendly restaurant in Hoi An if you want reliable vegetarian choices.
Rent bikes (1–2 hours) to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town early before the crowds (town sites open roughly 8:00–18:00). It's charming, photogenic and great for shopping small artisan goods.
Many schools (Red Bridge, Morning Glory, or local family-run classes) offer morning sessions with vegetarian menus if requested; classes typically run 9:00–13:00 and include market visits and hands-on cooking.
Short ride to An Bang Beach for sun, swim, and beachfront cafes; open all day and a great afternoon to unwind. Rent sunbeds and enjoy fresh fruit and veg-friendly snacks.
Try local vegetarian specialties at a Hoi An veg-friendly place or an Indian restaurant that offers thalis and familiar options (many open 11:00–22:00).
Saigon has many vegetarian and vegan restaurants; Hum (Vietnamese vegetarian) or an Indian restaurant in Pham Ngu Lao will have familiar veg choices. Most open 11:00–22:00.
Experience the backpacker/nightlife strip for bars, live music, and late-night eats; open late into the night. Great spot for people-watching and casual street energy.
Popular morning tour (departures around 7:00–8:30) to Cu Chi tunnels; offers insight into wartime history and tunnels. Tours usually return mid-afternoon. Note guided sites open 7:00–17:00.
Great for fashion, accessories, and inexpensive souvenirs; Ben Thanh day market closes ~19:00 but the night market continues around it. Practice bargaining.
Many full-day Mekong tours depart early (7:00–8:00) and include boat rides, fruit orchards, and village visits; request vegetarian meal options when booking.
Relaxed morning for last-minute shopping or a final pho chay; arrange airport transfer and confirm onward flight and India's domestic connection to Bikaner.
Choose an afternoon flight (depart 11:00–16:00) with a single connection; flights to Jaipur may route via Delhi. Aim to arrive India with time to make the onward land/rail transfer toward Bikaner.
If you land Delhi late evening, options: overnight train to Bikaner (book AC sleeper) or an onward domestic flight to Jaipur + road transfer to Bikaner next morning. If you fly into Jaipur, consider an overnight hotel and a morning road transfer (Jaipur→Bikaner ~4–5 hours).
Take an overnight train from Delhi to Bikaner (trains run overnight; ~9–10 hours) or stay in Jaipur and leave early next morning by private car (recommended for comfort). Book tickets in advance.
Browse markets for Bikaner specialities (sweets like rasgulla, bhujia — ensure veg), colourful textiles and handicrafts; shops generally open 9:00–20:00.
If interested and you have time, visit Karni Mata's famous temple (Deshnok) ~30–40 km from Bikaner (temple typically open early morning to evening). It’s a unique cultural site (note modest dress required).
Final Rajasthani vegetarian dinner — try local specialties such as dal baati churma (vegetarian) at a well-reviewed local restaurant; relax and reflect on your Vietnam adventure.