FAQs

Vietnam currently offers visa exemptions from 15 to 30 days for citizens of 22 countries. Find out if you qualify for a Vietnam visa exemption here. 

Foreigners and Vietnamese people holding foreign passports are allowed to stay in Phu Quoc Island for no more than 30 days without a visa. Foreigners who transit via an international entry point into Vietnam (by air or sea) and then directly onwards to Phu Quoc Island can also take advantage of this 30-day visa-free policy.

Visas granted on arrival are only given to travellers holding a pre-approval visa letter. This letter can be arranged within a few days via your local embassy or a third-party travel agent before your trip.

Vietnam also offers e-visas for stays of up to 30 days to citizens of 46 countries.

You can read all about the e-Visa application process on this page. For a short version of how to apply for Vietnam's e-Visa online, see the steps below.

Documents for e-Visa application:

- 4x6cm digital front facing, white background photo without glasses
- Scan of passport details page (passport for at least 6 months more)

Step 1: Access https://www.immigration.gov.vn and fill in required information, upload your passport data page image and photo.

Step 2: Receive your document code and pay the e-Visa fee.

Step 3: Receive your e-Visa or related information within 3 working days from the submission of application and payment.

Step 4: Use your document code to check the result and print your e-Visa.

The months of April and May can be extremely hot. Some areas, such as Central Vietnam, experience storms and floods in the late rainy season. Also, during the Tet festivities many businesses tend to be closed, which can be an inconvenience to travellers with a shortage of time.

An exhilarating way to experience the Sa Pa highlands is via motorbike. For the less adventurous, a Dao herbal bath makes for a soothing experience, or you can ride the cable car up to the summit of Mount Fansipan. You can also explore the cultures of the region's ethnic groups at colourful markets and handicraft classes.

Phong Nha has recently exploded in popularity due to the opening of the Son Doong, the largest cave system in the world. If you don't have the funds or the patience to wait for the two-year-long queue, Phong Nha has a number of alternatives that are equally thrilling, and more accessible. You can take a boat from town along the river into Phong Nha Cave for a few hours or set off on a multi-day trek in the national park.

Read more:  Phong Nha

Unfortunately taxi scams are a concern for travellers in Vietnam. Use only reputable taxi companies, such as Taxi Group in Ha Noi (red and blue horizontal stripes), Vinasun in Ho Chi Minh City (white taxis) and Mai Linh in both cities (green taxis). Grab, Bee and GoViet are also available for booking rides in Vietnam's major cities if you have a Vietnamese SIM card.

The official commercial airline, Vietnam Airlines, flies to 21 destinations across the country and is a reliable option. If you are on a budget, Vietjet, Jetstar and newcomer Bamboo Airways are affordable options but have a reputation for delays.

While the Reunification Express makes stops in Ha Noi, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet (Mui Ne) and Ho Chi Minh City, if you were to stay onboard the whole journey, it would technically take you 36 hours. A slow, but memorable journey, five Reunification Express services run daily (7:30PM; 10PM; 6AM; 9AM; 1:10PM) from both Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City.

While you’ll find rental shops in almost every city, travellers should take care if planning to travel by motorbike in Vietnam. Rental prices depend on the quality of the bike. On average, most bikes go from 6 to 12 USD/day. You may be asked to deposit your passport at the motorbike company or leave a monetary deposit if renting a vehicle for more than a week. Always wear your helmet on roads.

Most likely, the worst you'll come home with is the common cold or some minor stomach woes. Heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration can be an issue in the hot season. Stay vigilant about hydration and applying sunblock.

The risk of contracting malaria is heightened in the rural highlands. Consider taking anti-malarial medication before traveling to remote region. A more common mosquito-borne disease is dengue fever, which has been more frequent throughout the nation over the last few years. The best preventative measure is to wear bug spray at all times and cover your ankles and arms early in the evening, around sunset.

When visiting religious sites, the countryside and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you should dress modestly with your shoulders and knees covered. Remember to remove your hat when entering a temple or pagoda.

There are a seemingly infinite variety of cooking classes in all major destinations of Vietnam. Experiences vary, from modern cooking classes in Ho Chi Minh City, traditional ones in Hoi An and local ones in Ha Noi's Old Quarter. To get started we recommend Morning Glory in Hoi An.

Vietnam is one of the most vegetarian-friendly countries in the world. Vegan dishes can be more challenging to find (as Vietnamese love their fish sauce) but desserts are often vegan by default.