Vietnam

Vietnam is a long, narrow country stretching over 1,600 kilometers along Southeast Asia's eastern coast. The country has become one of the region's fastest-growing tourism destinations, attracting visitors with its diverse landscapes, historic cities, and renowned cuisine.

The country's geography makes flying practical for north-south travel. The three major airports—Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) in the south, Hanoi (HAN) in the north, and Da Nang (DAD) in the center—form the backbone of domestic aviation. International connections have expanded significantly, with direct flights from major cities across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America.

International Gateways

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
SGN	Ho Chi Minh City	Primary international hub	VN, VJ, QH
HAN	Hanoi	Northern international gateway	VN, VJ, QH
DAD	Da Nang	Central Vietnam gateway	VN, VJ
CXR	Nha Trang	Beach resort gateway	VN, VJ
PQC	Phu Quoc	Island resort gateway	VN, VJ

Tan Son Nhat (SGN) — Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam's busiest airport handling over 40 million passengers annually. Serves as the main hub for Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air. Located 7km from the city center with frequent connections to all domestic destinations and international routes throughout Asia, Europe, and Australia.

Noi Bai (HAN) — Hanoi

The capital's international airport and Vietnam Airlines' second hub. Modern Terminal 2 handles international flights. Located 25km north of central Hanoi, connected by expressway and public bus. Gateway for northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa.

Da Nang (DAD)

Central Vietnam's main airport serving the tourist triangle of Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. Growing international connections including routes to major Asian cities. Located 3km from Da Nang city center.

Regional Airports

• Cam Ranh (CXR) — Serves Nha Trang beach resort, 30km from city
• Phu Quoc (PQC) — Vietnam's largest island, direct international charters
• Can Tho (VCA) — Mekong Delta gateway
• Hai Phong (HPH) — Northern industrial city near Ha Long Bay
• Dalat (DLI) — Central Highlands, cooler climate

Flag Carrier

Vietnam Airlines (VN) is the national flag carrier and a SkyTeam alliance member. Operates from hubs at SGN and HAN with a modern fleet including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350s. Extensive domestic network plus international routes to 30+ countries across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America.

Low-Cost Carriers

VietJet Air (VJ) — Vietnam's largest low-cost carrier and one of Asia's fastest-growing airlines. Extensive domestic network plus international routes throughout Asia and to Australia. Known for competitive fares and frequent promotions. Based at SGN and HAN.

Bamboo Airways (QH) — Full-service carrier launched in 2019, positioning between Vietnam Airlines and budget carriers. Operates domestic routes and growing international network. Base at HAN with focus on business travelers.

International Airlines

Major carriers serving Vietnam:

• Asian carriers: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, ANA
• Middle Eastern: Emirates, Qatar Airways
• European: Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines
• Australian: Qantas, Jetstar

E-Visa

Vietnam offers e-visas to citizens of most countries. Apply online before departure.

• Single entry: 30 days, ~$25
• Multiple entry: 90 days, ~$50
• Processing: 3 business days typically
• Application: Official E-Visa Portal

Visa Exemption

Citizens of select countries can enter visa-free:

• 30 days: UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Scandinavian countries
• 21 days: Philippines
• 14 days: Brunei, Myanmar

Note: Visa exemption periods and eligible countries change periodically. Verify current requirements before travel.

Visa on Arrival

Available at international airports (SGN, HAN, DAD, CXR, PQC) with pre-approved letter. Generally slower and more expensive than e-visa.

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
• At least 2 blank pages required
• Return or onward ticket may be requested

Official visa information: Vietnam Immigration

Domestic Flights

Given Vietnam's length, flying is the most practical option for north-south travel. Frequent service on major routes:

• SGN ↔ HAN: 50+ daily flights, 2 hours
• SGN ↔ DAD: 30+ daily flights, 1h 15m
• HAN ↔ DAD: 20+ daily flights, 1h 15m
• SGN ↔ PQC: 15+ daily flights, 1 hour

Book 1-2 weeks ahead for best prices. VietJet frequently offers promotional fares. Vietnam Airlines provides more flexibility and included baggage.

Trains

The Reunification Express runs the full length of the country (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City):

• Full journey: 30-35 hours
• Popular segments:
  • Hanoi-Da Nang: 15-17 hours
  • Da Nang-Ho Chi Minh City: 15-17 hours
  • Hanoi-Hue: 13-14 hours

Sleeper cabins available. Scenic coastal views but significantly slower than flying.

Buses

Long-distance sleeper buses operate throughout Vietnam. Comfortable for overnight journeys:

• Ho Chi Minh City-Nha Trang: 8-9 hours
• Hanoi-Sapa: 5-6 hours
• Da Nang-Hoi An: 1 hour

Book through reputable operators like The Sinh Tourist or Futa Bus.

Car Rental

Self-drive car rental is not practical for tourists—international driving permits are not recognized. Options:

• Car with driver: Common and affordable, book through hotels or agencies
• Motorbike rental: Popular but requires experience with chaotic traffic

Regional Climate Differences

Vietnam spans multiple climate zones—the best time varies by region.

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa)

• Best: October-April (cooler, drier)
• Avoid: May-September (hot, humid, monsoon rains)
• Note: December-February can be cold in mountains

Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue)

• Best: February-May (dry, warm)
• Avoid: October-November (heaviest rainfall, typhoon risk)
• Note: Different monsoon pattern from north/south

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong, Phu Quoc)

• Best: December-April (dry season)
• Shoulder: May, November
• Rainy: June-October (daily afternoon showers, still warm)

Peak Travel Seasons

• Tet (Lunar New Year): Late January/February—domestic travel peaks, prices surge, some businesses close
• Summer: June-August busy with domestic tourists
• Christmas/New Year: International peak season

Best overall: March-April or October-November for balanced weather across regions.

Cities

City	Airport	Known For
Ho Chi Minh City	SGN	Business hub, history, nightlife, food
Hanoi	HAN	Capital, Old Quarter, culture, lakes
Da Nang	DAD	Beaches, Ba Na Hills, central base
Hue	Via DAD	Imperial citadel, royal tombs
Nha Trang	CXR	Beach resort, diving, nightlife

Regions

• Ha Long Bay: Fly to HAN, 3-4 hour drive or seaplane
• Hoi An: Fly to DAD, 30-minute drive
• Sapa: Fly to HAN, then overnight train or 5-hour drive
• Mekong Delta: Fly to SGN, day trips or multi-day tours
• Phu Quoc Island: Direct flights to PQC, beach resort island
• Phong Nha: Fly to Dong Hoi (VDH), caves and national park

Money

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 USD ≈ 24,000-25,000 VND
• Cards: Accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, malls. Cash essential elsewhere
• ATMs: Widely available in cities. Withdraw VND, not USD
• Tipping: Not traditional but appreciated (10-15% at tourist restaurants)
• Bargaining: Expected at markets, not in shops with fixed prices

Electrical

• Voltage: 220 V / 50 Hz
• Plugs: Type A (two flat pins) and Type C (two round pins)
• Adapters: US travelers can use Type A without adapter. UK/Australian travelers need adapter
• Note: Most hotels have universal outlets

Connectivity

• Mobile: Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone are major carriers
• Tourist SIM: Available at airports, ~$5-10 for data package
• eSIM: Supported, providers like Airalo work well
• WiFi: Free at most hotels, cafes, restaurants

Safety

Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists. Common sense precautions:

• Watch for motorbike bag snatching in Ho Chi Minh City
• Use Grab (Southeast Asian ride-hailing app) for taxis
• Book tours through reputable agencies
• Keep valuables secure in crowded tourist areas

Useful Apps

• Grab: Ride-hailing and food delivery
• Google Maps: Works well for navigation
• Google Translate: Download Vietnamese for offline use
• Booking.com/Agoda: Hotel reservations

• Tourism: Vietnam Tourism
• E-Visa: Official E-Visa Portal
• Vietnam Airlines: vietnamairlines.com
• VietJet Air: vietjetair.com