FAQs

Vietnam currently offers unilateral and bilateral visa exemptions for citizens of 25 countries, with stay durations ranging from 15 to 45 days (for unilateral exemptions) and up to 30 or 90 days (for bilateral agreements). Please check the official entry regulations or contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy/consulate to see if your nationality qualifies for a visa exemption. Find out if you qualify for a Vietnam visa exemption here. 

Foreigners holding foreign passports are eligible for a 30-day visa exemption when visiting Phu Quoc Island directly or transiting through Vietnam’s international airports (by air or sea) en route to Phu Quoc, provided Phu Quoc is their final destination in Vietnam.

Yes. Vietnam issues e-Visas (electronic visas) to citizens of all countries and territories. The e-Visa is valid for up to 90 days, for either single or multiple entries, and can be easily applied for online. Visas on arrival are generally restricted to emergency situations or tours organized by authorized travel agencies with a pre-approval letter.

You can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa through the official portal at https://evisa.gov.vn

Required documents:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.

• A digital scan of your passport details page.

• A digital 4x6 cm passport photo (white background, no glasses).

  Application Steps:

  Step 1: Access the official website, fill in your personal and travel information, and upload your photo and passport scan.

  Step 2: Pay the non-refundable e-Visa fee online ($25 USD for single entry, $50 USD for multiple entry).

  Step 3: Receive your registration code and wait 3 to 5 working days for processing.

  Step 4: Check the portal with your code, download, and print your e-Visa to present upon arrival.

Vietnam's weather varies significantly by region. Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) experiences storms and floods during the late rainy season (September to November). Summer months (April to May) can be extremely hot in Northern and Southern cities. Additionally, during the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday (usually in January or February), many businesses, transport services, and restaurants close for several days.

Beyond trekking, visitors in Sa Pa can ride the world-record cable car up to the summit of Mount Fansipan, enjoy a traditional Red Dao herbal bath, ride a motorbike along the scenic O Quy Ho Pass, or explore local ethnic minority cultures and handicrafts at traditional markets.

Home to Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, Phong Nha offers incredible adventures for every traveler. You can join guided multi-day caving expeditions (such as Tu Lan or Hang En), take a scenic boat trip down the Son River into Phong Nha Cave and Tiên Sơn Cave, or go kayaking and zip-lining at Dark Cave (Hang Tối).

Read more:  Phong Nha

To avoid taxi scams, always use official meter taxis or book through mobile apps. Reliable traditional taxi operators include Mai Linh (nationwide, green taxis), Taxi Group in Hanoi, and Vinasun in Ho Chi Minh City. For digital ride-hailing, download apps like Grab, Be, or Xanh SM (electric vehicles) on your smartphone.

Vietnam Airlines is the flagship full-service carrier operating extensive routes across 21 domestic destinations with generous baggage allowances. For budget and leisure travel, options include Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines. Additionally, Sun Air offers premium luxury and private charter services catering to high-end destinations like Phu Quoc.

The North-South Railway (Reunification Express) takes approximately 32 to 36 hours for the complete journey between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. While long, it is a scenic and memorable way to travel, stopping at key destinations such as Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ninh Binh along the way.

Motorbike rentals typically cost between 100,000 VND to 250,000 VND per day ($4 to $10 USD) depending on the location and whether the bike is automatic, semi-automatic, or a manual clutch model. Always wear a helmet, check local road laws, and carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).

The most common issues are mild stomach upsets ("traveler's tummy") and heat-related ailments like heat exhaustion or dehydration during hot months. Stick to bottled or filtered water, eat at busy food stalls with high turnover, stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen regularly.

Malaria risk is extremely low in urban centers, major tourist destinations, and coastal resorts. The risk is slightly higher in remote, deep-forest rural regions. Dengue fever, another mosquito-borne illness, is more common nationwide. Prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent containing DEET and wearing light, long-sleeved clothing during evening hours.

Yes. When visiting pagodas, temples, religious sites, and official landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees. Remove hats and footwear before entering sacred shrine areas when requested.

Cooking classes are available in almost every major tourist destination! You can enjoy market-to-table experiences in Hoi An (such as Morning Glory or Red Bridge), street food and egg coffee workshops in Hanoi's Old Quarter, or modern Vietnamese culinary classes in Ho Chi Minh City.

Yes! Vietnam is very vegetarian-friendly. Look for restaurants displaying the sign "Chay" (which means vegetarian/vegan in Vietnamese). Plant-based dishes, fresh tofu, seasonal vegetables, and rice/noodle dishes are widely available across the country.