Travel Vietnam
In the last twenty years the number of international tourists arriving in Vietnam has increased dramatically. In 2015 nearly eight million people visited this fascinating country. In addition to being one of the least expensive countries in Southeast Asia to visit; the people of Vietnam are friendly and welcoming, the food is delicious and there is plenty to do and see in this country of nearly ninety two million inhabitants. A single journey through Vietnam can include, touring UNESCO World Heritage sites in Hue, lying on powder-white sand beaches in Danang, SCUBA diving in Nha Trang, trekking to a remote minority village in Sapa or luxury shopping in Ho Chi Minh City.
Travel to Vietnam
With major international airports in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD) and Hanoi (HAN), Vietnam is easy to reach from North America, Europe and the Middle East. A number of discount carriers operate from major Asian hub cities such as Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. It is also possible to travel overland to Vietnam from Cambodia, Laos and China.
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Saigon Opera House, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam Tourist Visa
Tourists from certain Asian and European countries can enter Vietnam visa free for periods of stay between 14-30 days. North and South Americans, Australians and travelers who wish to remain in the country for longer stays must obtain a tourist visa. Here is a current list of countries eligible for: Exemption of Entry Visa to Vietnam.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Working the rice fields, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Travelers arriving at one of the major airports can take advantage of the Visa on Arrival Program. Visitors, who wish to participate in VOA, should contact one of the many online visa service providers such as Vietnam Visa Pro. It is important to note that travelers arriving to Vietnam overland (or by sea), that this type of visa cannot be used. To travel overland, or by seaports, one must have either a visa in their passports or an evisa at ports that accept them.
This is a good choice for travelers who want to stay in the country for more than 30 days; three-month visas are issued as either single or multiple entry. Passport holders from the United States can get six- or twelve-month visas, with the stipulation that the visa holder can stay in the country for a maximum of ninety days.
This is a good choice for travelers who want to stay in the country for more than 30 days; three-month visas are issued as either single or multiple entry. Passport holders from the United States can get six- or twelve-month visas, with the stipulation that the visa holder can stay in the country for a maximum of ninety days.
traveltoasiaandback.com - Rice planting. La Pan Tan, Mu Cang Chi, Yen Bai Province
Vietnam E-visa
In February 2017 Vietnam began issuing 30-day single-entry tourist visas on-line. This new electronic (evisa) program is currently available to nationals from 80 countries. Tourists can now use the e-visa at 37 different points, including 8 airports, 16 land border crossings and 13 sea-ports. An updated list can be found here. There are several advantages to using an e-visa. At $25 USD it is the cheapest method to obtain a visa. It also saves time at airports as there is no need to stand in line at the VOA counter. One simply prints out a copy and hands it to the officer at any immigration counter. It is important to note that the evisa can only be purchased on Vietnam's official evisa website. Also, there have been many reports of delays in the issuance of these visas, do not wait until the last minute to make an application.
traveltoasiaandback.com - A friendly resident of Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Travel in Vietnam
With its discount domestic airlines, efficient railway system, and modern highways, Vietnam is very easy and affordable to travel around. Budget travelers and back packers will appreciate the fact that most of the country’s most popular destinations can be reached inexpensively by train, bus or a combination of the two. The main tourism hot spots will all have travel agencies with English-speaking staff who can organize all types of transportation for a very modest fee.
Traveltoasiaandback.com - Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Train travel in Vietnam
Traveling by train in Vietnam is a very safe, inexpensive and reliable option which provides visitors a fantastic opportunity to see the country’s breathtaking scenery while gaining a glimpse into the daily lives of its people. Vietnamese people are very friendly and you cannot help but interact with them on platforms and rail cars. They are more than willing to help visitors navigate the rail system and are generally up for a chat. Unlike railways in some other countries, trains in Vietnam run like clockwork and almost always depart on time; make sure not to arrive at the station late. Two useful websites for planning train travel in Vietnam are Vietnam Railways and The Man in Seat 61.
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Sapa, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Bus Travel in Vietnam
Although buses in Vietnam are convenient and inexpensive, traveling on Vietnam’s highways generally has a reputation for being unsafe. Do a quick internet search on, “bus safety in Vietnam” for example, and you will see what we mean. However, for visitors on a budget, traveling by bus is the only option to get from such places as Da Lat to Nha Trang or from Dan Nang to Hoi An. Everyday buses in Vietnam are full of tourists and we suggest that each traveler do their own research and decide for themselves whether the risk is worth the reward. With that being said; having made one unpleasant journey on a night bus we concur with the general sentiment that night buses in Vietnam should be avoided.
