Vietnam

Neighboring countries: China to the north, Cambodia to the southwest, and Laos to the west. The South China Sea borders the country to the east.

Area: 331 041 km²

Population: 96.49 million (Dec 2018)

Capital: Hanoi

Time Zone: GMT+7 hours. Daylight saving time (DST) is not implemented in Vietnam.

Religion: Buddhists (75 %), Catholics (7%), Caodaïstes (2 %), Hoa Hao (2%), Protestants (0.75%), Muslims (0.1%).

Language: Vietnamese Currency: Vietnamese Dong VND ($1 = 23,121.10 VND – January 2020)

Vietnam offers visa exemptions to travellers from 24 countries, and e-Visas to travellers from 80 countries. Travellers can also easily apply for a visa on arrival online or in person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Below is all the information you need on visas for Vietnam. 

I. Visa Exemption

To view visa exemptions for diplomatic and other passports, please visit this link.

Notes on visa exemptions:

• As of Mar. 21, 2020, Vietnam will temporarily suspend visa exemptions for citizens from Belarus, Russia, and Japan.

• Starting Mar. 8, 2020 Vietnam has temporarily suspended visa exemptions for citizens of the European Union, the United Kingdom, and as well as other countries with more than 500 cases or grow more than 50 cases a day. 

• As of Feb. 29, 2020 visa exemptions for South Koreans will be temporarily suspended until further notice, and as of Mar. 2, 2020 visa exemptions for Italians will also be temporarily suspended.

• The exemptions listed above for Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Belarus, Finland, Japan, South Korea, and Russia are valid until Dec. 31, 2022.

• The exemptions listed above for the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy are valid until June 30, 2021.

• Spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens are allowed to stay in the country without a visa for six months and must show papers proving their eligibility. 

II. Vietnam Electronic Visa (e-Visa) 

Vietnam's e-Visa is now available to nationals of 80 countries: 

• Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Chile, China (including Hong Kong and Macau passports), Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Salomon Islands, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor Leste, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Western Samoa.

The e-Visa takes three working days to process, costs 25 USD, and is a single-entry visa, valid for 30 days. You can enter Vietnam on an e-Visa at any of the country's eight international airports, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, as well as 14 land crossings and seven seaports. 

How to Apply for Vietnam's e-Visa:

Step 1: Prepare the required materials: 

• One 4x6 passport photo in .jpg format with a white background, without glasses

• One photo in .jpg format of your passport data page

• Passport valid for at least six months

• Your temporary address in Vietnam and points of entry and exit 

• Debit or credit card for payment 

Step 2: Access https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

Step 3: Upload your .jpg images (passport data page and passport photo) and fill out the required fields on the form completely. Submit your form. 

Step 4: Pay the e-Visa fee of 25 USD. Copy down the document code provided.  

Step 5: Within three working days you should receive news of your e-Visa application via email. If not, you can also run a search for your e-Visa at this link. 

Step 6: Use your document code to locate your e-Visa online. Download and print the e-Visa in two copies for extra safety. 

III. For citizens who must apply for visa/visa on arrival

If you are planning a multiple-entry visit or a stay of more than 30 days, you will want to apply for a visa on arrival. To do this you'll need:

1. A 4x6 passport photo with a white background and no glasses

2. A filled-out visa application form

3. A passport or substitute ID valid for six months from the date you plan to enter Vietnam

4. Payment (25 USD to 50 USD) for visa fees, and

5. A Letter of Approval from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate (if you are picking up your visa at the airport)

If you are near a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, you can submit your photo, application form, passport, and visa fee in person. This website will guide you through the process. 

If you are unable to reach a Vietnamese embassy, or are short on time, there are trusted services online who can provide you a valid Letter of Approval for a fee. Bring this letter and together with a visa application form and your other documents to the Visa on Arrival counter at the airport when you land. 

Vietnam’s unique geography creates a range of weather patterns, with both tropical and temperate zones. While March to May offers the best weather countrywide, there is no bad time to visit Vietnam, as there is always some part of the country with holiday skies. Below is a guide to climate of Vietnam’s major regions and destinations, so you know what to expect during your trip.

Northern Vietnam

Weather in Halong Bay

December - March: cool to cold, misty, cloudy

April - June: warm to hot, clear skies, sunny

June - August: stormy, hot, humid

September - November: mix of sun and clouds, warm to cool

If you’re coming to Halong Bay, try to visit from April to June or September to November. You’ll have a better chance of enjoying sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. Other times of year, downpour or heavy mist is common, and  tropical storms can sometimes cause cruise cancellations. However, if you’re on the water during this time you can experience a more mystical side of Halong Bay, with its famous karsts shrouded in mist. Temperatures in January can be frigid, so be sure to bring warm layers.

Weather in Hanoi

December - March: cool to cold, misty, cloudy

April - June: warm to hot, clear skies, sunny

June - August: hot, humid, rainy

September - November: cool, clear skies, sunny

The best time to visit Hanoi is usually from April to June or from September to December. From April the days are normally hot, occasionally above 30 degrees with clear skies. September to November sees cooler temperatures of around 25 degrees and sunny skies -- perfect for exploring the capital.

If you’re coming to Hanoi in June, expect soaring temperatures with humidity highs of 40 degrees, and the rainy season is full swing (June to August). December is cool, misty and atmospheric, however from late December until March temperatures are surprisingly cold with lows of 10 degrees. 

Weather in Sapa

December - March: chilly, misty, cloudy

April - June: warm, clear skies, sunny

June - August: stormy, warm, humid

September - November: cool, clear skies, dry

Vietnam’s Northern destinations such as Sapa have a much cooler climate than the rest of the country, particularly from late December until March. Sapa sees the occasional snowfall in January, so be prepared. Hotels in the area are equipped with heated blankets and local spas offer herbal baths for you to soak in and warm up.

Sapa is near-perfect in late April, as flowers bloom and skies are clear. Early October is also lovely, as its impressive tiered rice paddies turn golden just before harvest.

Central Vietnam

Weather in Huế

September-February: cool to cold, rainy, cloudy

March-August: warm to hot, sunny, clear skies

Huế, home of Vietnam’s last reigning dynasty, has a late rainy season, with storms and days that are wet and cool from September to February. Look out for occasional flooding from September to November. In the early months of the year, temperatures go down to 15 degrees, and January often sees a bit of mist. The rest of the year is dry, and in July you’ll have perfect beach weather, with highs of 35 degrees.

Weather in Hội An

September - January: rainy, cool, cloudy

February - August: warm to hot, sunny, clear skies

Hội An is one of the country’s picture-perfect places, but starting in September, tropical storms hit Central Vietnam hard. March is an excellent time to see Hội An when the fields, gardens and streets are awash in bright blossoms and soothing greens. From May to August, the town can be hot, and you’ll want to head to the beach to cool off. In the late months of the year, from September to November, Hội An sees a lot of rain and even a few small floods. The temperatures begin to dip and reach their coldest point in January, warming up just before the Vietnamese new year.

Weather in Nha Trang

September to December: cool, rainy, cloudy

January - August: hot, sunny, clear skies

Nha Trang gets the more than 300 days of sunshine per year, the most out of the whole country. Some monsoons hit between September and December, but in general Nha Trang has the shortest rainy season in Vietnam. Most of the year, the city has a pleasant temperature, with cooling sea breezes, although you should expect lots of sun and hot days from July until August.

Weather in Da Lat

April - October: rainy, warm to hot, cloudy

November - May: cool to cold, dry, clear skies

Nestled in the central highlands, this charming mountain city is appreciated for its temperate climate. The air in Da Lat is always fresh and crisp. The mountains provide consistent cool temperatures and pleasant breeze, making it a great spot to escape the heat of the cities. Da Lat’s rainy season is from April until October. Temperatures are generally consistent with lows of 20 degrees in January and highs of 30 degrees in July.

Southern Vietnam

Weather in HCMC & the Mekong Delta

May to November: sporadic rainfall, hot, humid

December to April: clear skies, hot, sunny

Southern Vietnam and Hồ Chí Minh city have consistent temperatures year-round. HCMC is either hot and dry or hot and rainy, although there are some pleasant fresh days early in the year, and some scorching days mid-year. Temperatures are normally around 30 degrees, with sunshine. From May to November, the wet season brings a dependable afternoon downpour, usually lasting a few hours.

Weather in Phú Quốc

July - September: stormy, hot, humid

October - June: clear skies, hot, sunny

The island of Phú Quốc has some of Vietnam’s best beaches and promises balmy weather year-round. However, you might want to avoid visiting in the rainy season, from July through September. During these months some storms roll through, making ferrying dangerous and the beaches less than ideal. The rest of the year is hot and dry, and Phú Quốc is a sublime tropical escape in December and January.

BY AIR

Traveling to Vietnam by air is quite easy as many airlines offer direct or indirect flights and more and more airports in Vietnam are open to international destinations. Today, the international airports are Noi Bai in Hanoi, located around 45 minutes from the city center (45km), Cat Bi in Hai Phong, Danang airport only 4km from the city-center, Cam Ranh located at around 40 minutes from Nha Trang city-center (30km) and Tan Son Nhat located just 20 minutes from the center of Ho Chi Minh City (6km).

BY LAND

You can also travel to Vietnam by land, with the bus being the best means of transport to travel from Cambodia or Laos for example. Vietnam has land borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia.

Land borders China/Vietnam: (you must have a visa before going through immigration and customs)

• Mong Cai (Quang Ninh) – by land: located at the northeast end of the country, this land border is accessible by road.
• Huu Nghi (Lang Son) – by land: located 18 km from Lang Song city.
• Dong Dang (Lang Son) – railway
• Lao Cai (Lao Cai) – by land or railway: accessible by train from Hanoi, the route goes via the Hekou bridge.

Land borders Laos /Vietnam (land): (visa available at most land borders)

• Cau Treo (Ha Tinh): located 80 kilometers from the city of Vinh on the route to Vientiane (Laos’ capital city).
• Cha Lo (Quang Binh): in Dan Hoa province, accessible via road 12A from Ba Don – Quang Binh province.
• Lao Bao (Quang Tri): at 150 km of Hue, on the route to Savannakhet in the South of Laos.
• Tay Trang (Dien Bien Phu) : from Diên Biên province
• Na Meo (Than Hoa)
• Nam Can (Nghe An)
• Bo Y (Quang Toum)

Land borders Cambodia /Vietnam: (visa available at most land borders).

• Moc Bai + Sa Mat (Tay Ninh): at 70km from Ho Chi Minh this land border is accessible by bus and taxi and is located on the route between Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh (the capital city of Cambodia)
• Vinh Xuong + Tinh Bien (An Giang): enables access directly to the Cambodian seaboard.
• Bo Nue (Binh Phuoc)
• Thuong Phuoc (Dong Thap)
• Xa Xia (Kien Giang)

TRANSPORT IN VIETNAM

• BUS

Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel around cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Nha Trang, etc. The tickets usually cost 7000 dongs ($0.35)

The bus network is fairly well developed in big cities and is also a good way to get out of the inner city to visit some villages or other sites located in the suburbs and beyond. The inconvenience is that long-distance buses usually depart from bus stations located some kilometers from the city center, so it is necessary to take a taxi to first reach the bus station.

The bus is also a good means of transport to travel from one city to another and discover other outlying regions of the country. Many private companies offer bus services. Most of the time, buses are minivans, but you can also take night buses (buses with bunk beds) for longer trips.

Those night buses are generally a very good alternative to the train which is often substantially more expensive. You can buy tickets and ask for information at travel agencies and hotels in order to choose the bus service that matches your requirements (time of departure/arrival, place of departure/arrival, price, etc).

Please bear in mind, that even though the bus network is quite well developed, roads are often in bad condition and buses have to go slowly sometimes and stop often to pick up and drop off passengers. Transfer times are usually counted in hours and not in kilometers.

• MOTO-TAXI

Moto-taxis (Xe Ôm) are everywhere! On any street corner, parked on sidewalks, moto-taxi drivers will enthusiastically offer you their services wherever you want to go. Moto-taxis are a good alternative to a car taxi as they are more able to infiltrate the dense traffic of cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh and can save a lot of travel time. Besides, travel by motorbike taxi is fun and a great way to get up close and personal with the sights and sounds of Vietnam. Please be aware that you should fix the price before departure. Don’t hesitate to bargain.

Caution: the driver should provide you with a helmet for the ride as helmets have been compulsory since 2007. If the driver does not give you a helmet, just find another driver. If you are overly concerned about comfort and safety, moto-taxis aren’t really made for you, however, if you are in a hurry and a bit intrepid, moto-taxis will be one of your best friends.

• MOTORBIKES

Motorbikes are the main means of transport in Vietnam but even though most locals drive them, the law clearly forbids any foreigners without a valid Vietnamese license from driving a motorbike (international licenses do not apply in Vietnam). Indeed, traffic is really dense and the risk of accidents is real. Besides, most travel insurance policies do not cover travelers for motorbike accidents. However, if you really want to move around and drive as the Vietnamese do, you won’t have any problem finding an agency or a hotel that rents motorbikes (automatic or semi-automatic) with helmets to foreigners.

• BIKES

If you want a means of transport more peaceful you can also rent a bicycle. However, be aware that as for motorbikes, biking in the dense traffic of city-centers may be a bit scary and potentially dangerous. This is why we recommend you to wear a helmet and limit your bike riding to the countryside and suburbs, and outside of rush hours. One thing is for sure, riding a bike in the countryside and through villages will definitely be appreciated by the local people somewhat bemused to see foreigners making such an effort. Expect lots of smiles and happy hellos, even the occasional invite to stop and share a cup of tea.

• TRAIN

The train is a convenient means of transport in Vietnam. Transfers are secure and quite comfortable if you choose the “soft seat” or “soft bunk” classes. However, the railway network still has to be improved and travel times remain quite long (even really long). Thankfully, some Express railway services have been created, like the one between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, called the Reunification Express. We recommend you to preferably choose trains registered as SE rather than those registered TN if you want to save time (a lot of time).

• CAR

Renting a car is forbidden for foreigners to drive (apart from expatriates with a Vietnamese license); however it is possible to rent a car with a driver if you want to travel alone or with your family.

• PLANE

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel long distances in Vietnam. Moreover, airline tickets purchased in Vietnam are quite cheap, whether you want to take a domestic flight within the country or an international flight to a neighboring country.

Before departure, it is always better to let your guests know about the culture and traditions of their destination to ensure they will have a pleasant trip. That will help them avoid offending the local population as well as have a better understanding of their new environment. Regarding Vietnam, have a look below to discover the DOs and DON’Ts
Greeting & interactions with Vietnamese

• For a Vietnamese, it is important to know the age of a person, before their job or even their wealth, as it is what defines their status. Thus, being ‘old’ is a positive attribute in Vietnam and asking a person how old they are is something common and well appreciated.
  When out in public
• Please ask permission from locals before taking a photo. Particularly in the countryside or in the highlands.
• Keep smiling. Being rude to bargain/negotiate prices won’t help you. Traditionally, people in Vietnam (as in other Asian countries) are conditioned to control their emotions and keep calm in order to save face.
• Any affectionate physical contact between men and women is not appropriate in public. It is better to avoid showing your affection in public.
  When visiting a temple or a pagoda
• Take off your shoes and socks before entering any religious place. Let them both at the entrance and walk barefoot in the temple or the pagoda.
• Wear a tee-shirt and shorts hiding at least your shoulders and your knees. Ideally, to avoid any problem wear trousers.
• Don’t wear hats or caps in the temples and pagodas.
  When invited to someone’s home
• Traditionally, when you want to offer something to someone or when you receive a gift/object from someone, you have to use both hands.
• Never hammer (tap) your chopsticks into your food (rice). This gesture reminds people of a ritual performed during a funeral.

LOCAL CURRENCY: VIETNAM DONG (VND)

The money in Vietnam is the Vietnam Dong. You can find notes of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10 000, 20 000, 50 000, 100 000 and 500 000 VND. The official exchange rate is $1 = 23 166.01 VND  (January 2020)

MONEY SUGGESTIONS

Major currencies can be exchanged practically anywhere in Vietnam, but not all exchange facilities are created equal. It can be easily exchanged in authorized shops and banks (Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank, etc.). Banks in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will exchange foreign currencies and most travelers’ cheques.

Always bring new notes; any damaged or dirty notes will be charged an additional two percent of the note’s face value.

ATM AND CREDIT CARDS

International credit/debit cards such as VISA and MASTERCARD are accepted in most ATMs and shops/stores that accept card payments. With a foreign card, a small percentage of the amount withdrawn/paid will be charged; however, this amount remains quite low. The money withdrawn at ATMs is always in Vietnam Dong.

TRAVELER CHEQUES

Only banks located in big cities such as (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh) keep accepting traveler cheques. We recommend you have another means of payment.

BARGAINING

Bargaining is part of the Vietnamese tradition. You have to bear in mind that everything (or almost everything) is worth a certain price, but the price varies (sometimes a lot) according to the client. You can be sure that with your foreign face you won’t be offered the best price…so bargaining is essential! You can even halve the price or even more sometimes. Be careful, however, not to offend the vendor and to keep smiling and stay polite in any circumstance. Don’t push too much and do not bargain in any place it is not welcome: shops with fixed prices are not open to negotiation.

TIPS

Tips are not part of the tradition of Vietnam. However, in some situations and thanks to the many generous travelers that have preceded you, tipping is becoming more popular.

For example, you can tip your guide after a whole day or several days of travel. You can also tip luggage porters and taxi drivers.

It is not usual to tip a waitress/ waiter.

When visiting temples or pagodas, you will usually see some donation boxes near the entrance/exit in which you can place some money. In this case, we do not call it tips but donations, dedicated to the maintenance of the site. Vendors and other people within the venue may also invite you to pray with them with an incense stick, but if you accept, some of them will likely ask you for some money in exchange.

Overview:

The following items may be freely imported into Vietnam by travelers without incurring customs duty

1. For passengers 18 years of age and older:

a. tobacco products: 200 cigarettes, or 20 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
b. alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages:

• liquor at 20% volume and above: 1,5 liters; or
• liquor below 20% volume: 2 liters; or
• other alcoholic beverages (excl. wines) and soft drinks: 3 liters;

c. tea, max. 5 kilograms; coffee, max. 3 kilograms;

2. A reasonable quantity of perfume and personal belongings;

3. Other goods, the total value of which is not exceeding ten million VND (Vietnamese Dong).

Banned imports

Prohibited imports include weapons, ammunition, explosives, military equipment, antiques, drugs, toxic chemicals, immoral products, firecrackers, more than 200 cigarettes, and raw gold.

Banned Exports

Prohibited exports include weapons, ammunition, explosives, military equipment, antiques, drugs, toxic chemicals, wild animals, endangered plants and animals, documents related to national security, and raw gold.

Currency Import regulations:

Local currency (Vietnamese Dong-VND): no restrictions. Amounts exceeding VND 15,000,000.- must be declared on arrival.
Foreign currencies: no restrictions. Amounts exceeding USD 5,000.- (or equivalent) must be declared on arrival. Amounts under USD 5,000.- (or equivalent) to be deposited in credit institutions and branches of foreign banks must also be declared on arrival.

Currency Export regulations:

Local currency (Vietnamese Dong-VND): no restrictions. Amounts exceeding VND 15,000,000.- must be declared on departure.
Foreign currencies: no restrictions. Amounts exceeding USD 5,000.- (or equivalent) must be declared upon. Proof of expenses is required.

Vaccinations

Officially, no vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam apart from travelers coming from countries with yellow fever transmission risks. However, if you travel to Vietnam you should do everything possible and take all required precautions to avoid becoming ill during your trip. Make sure that all your vaccinations are current and that you are vaccinated for Tetanus, Polio, and Diphtheria. Other vaccines recommended include Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B (if you are in-country for over 3 months), Typhus and Tuberculosis, vaccinations against rabies and Japanese encephalitis are also advised.

Health Advice

• Drink plenty of fluids during the day (2 liters).
• Do not drink tap water in Vietnam. Only bottled water is drinkable.
• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid eating unpeeled fruit or raw vegetables and ice.
• Most important: trust your gut feeling. If you don’t like your food, stop eating and do a double check when eating from street vendors.

– Keep a pull-over with you to cover yourself when the air conditioning is too cold or for cooler nights outside

Police: 113

Ambulance: 115

Fire department: 114

Pre-Departure Tasks

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before the expiry date and that you have the correct visa. Have a look at the visa requirements for more information. Consider medical, baggage and trip cancellation insurances.

Check with your doctor the vaccinations and medicines needed.

Clothes

• Clothing should be lightweight and of the drip dry variety. You will be in the sun a lot so long sleeves and a wide hat would be more suitable.
• Underwear should be synthetic and easily washable.
• Sleepwear.
• Shirts should be long sleeved and lightweight with lots of closed pockets.
• T-shirts, short sleeved and again with pockets.
• Cool evenings necessitate the need for pullovers or a lightweight jacket.
• A lightweight vest with lots of pockets will be handy for carrying your camera (and film) and binoculars.
• Long trousers made from a lightweight, quick-drying fabric should have multi pockets for day trips. Long trousers that turn into shorts are ideal.
• For trekking lightweight long shorts (for modesty purposes) are acceptable.
• Bathing suit should be modest so as not to offend the locals.
• Hat for protection from the sun. Should have a wide brim and a strap.
• A sturdy poncho or parka will help to keep your gear dry in case of rain or waterfall spray.
• Footwear: You will need some sturdy comfortable boots for trekking or just walking around. They will need to support your ankles as well as having a nonslip sole.
• Waterproof sandals for those short trips and boating.
• Some smart casual clothes for the evenings and visiting restaurants.

Pharmacy

• Insect repellent with the percentage of DEET recommended by your travel medicine physician. It’s important that you bring an ample supply of good quality repellent.
• Antiseptic wipes for hand washing and emergency toilet paper.
• Personal First Aid Kit (bring in small amounts and in small containers)
• Aspirin/ibuprofen, etc.
• Cold-symptom relief tablets, antihistamine, cough drops. Adequate quantity of sweat-resistant sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 rating or higher, and lip balm with sunscreen.
• Prescription medicines in their original bottles. Acidophilus enzyme (available in capsules in health-food stores). This often helps your digestive system get in shape for “new” flora.
• Immodium, Lomotil, or similar anti-diarrhea medicine. Pepto-Bismol.

Vaccinations

Officially, no vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam apart from travelers coming from countries with yellow fever transmission risks. However, if you travel to Vietnam you should do everything possible and take all required precautions to avoid becoming ill during your trip. Make sure that all your vaccinations are current and that you are vaccinated for Tetanus, Polio and Diphtheria. Other vaccines recommended include Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B (if you are in-country for over 3 months), Typhus and Tuberculosis, vaccinations against rabies and Japanese encephalitis are also advised.