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.

traveltoasiaandback.com - Saigon Opera House, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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. 

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 and travelers who wish to remain in the country for a longer stay must obtain a tourist visa. 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.com. It is important to note that travelers arriving in Vietnam overland can not utilize VOA and must have a visa in their passports before arriving at the border. 

Beginning  in February 2017 Vietnam will start issuing 30 day single entry tourist visas on-line. This new electronic (evisa) program will be available  to nationals from 40 countries. It is our understanding that the visa is currently accepted at all land border crossing points.

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 - The Muong Hoa River Valley, Sapa, Lao Cai 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.

Unfortunately, in March of this year a barge struck and destroyed a span of a railway bridge in Dong Nai province. Built by the French more than a century ago, the Ghenh Bridge is scheduled to be replaced by July, but some have speculated that the completion date is overly optimistic. Until the bridge over the Dong Nai River is completed, railway service in southern Vietnam will effectively begin and end at Bien Hoa Railway station. Passengers who purchase tickets from Saigon station will make the 22 mile (35 km) trip to Bien Hoa by bus.

traveltoasiaandback.com - Tour bus, 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.