How to get to Vietnam: The ultimate guide for first-time travelers

Altogether, tourist attractions, food, people, and other elements of Vietnamese culture create one of the best journeys which will definitely leave a lasting impression on you.

What are Vietnam visa requirements?

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Foreigners can visit the Vietnam Embassy at their home country or apply for Vietnam eVisa or Visa On Arrival, either way at your convenience. 

At the arrival port of Vietnam, please adhere to the entry requirements such as,

• You have to hold valid permanent residence cards, temporary residence cards, visas, OR visa exemption certificates;

• You have to present all required documents in compliance with your visa application method;

• Round-trip tickets or onward tickets to another country;

• Not subject to the entry ban or restriction on entry into Vietnam;

• Follow the rules of bringing goods overseas.

How to get to Vietnam?

• By Plane

Taking a plane is undoubtedly one of the most popular methods for travelers to set foot in Vietnam, as some of the aviate operational practices are quite similar in any country’s airports such as booking a ticket, boarding a flight, and getting through an immigration process, etc. 

There are 13 international airports in Vietnam, which include three major gateways - Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang International Airport (Danang). In case of getting Visa On Arrival (have your passport stamped), you are only eligible to enter the country via international airports. 

Noi Bai International Airport (Source: Collected)

After the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam has been actively signing and expanding unilateral and bilateral diplomatic ties with other countries, which in turn increases more direct flights from foreign nations to Vietnam. However, international visitors can also take an indirect flight for a cheaper price, transiting in Singapore or Hong Kong, etc. 

Many international aviation carriers have operated one-way, return, or open-jaw flights for their customers, you can use search engines on websites of travel agencies or airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Tiger Airways, Korean Air, etc for more details.

• By Bus/Train

Although flying is known to be quick and convenient, it is unfortunately exclusive of the sightseeing privileges to beautiful regions in a route as when traveling by bus or train. With that being said, the neighboring countries of Vietnam. which are mainland China, Laos, and Cambodia, can take advantage of its new routes and services. For example, Chinese citizens can cross the border at Lao Cai, Thanh Thuy, Dong Dang near Lang Son, and Mong Cai (Quang Ninh). 

Photo: VnExpress

It is essential to get your passport ready when purchasing train or bus tickets, and you should definitely check out the facilities and prices on their websites in advance. Besides, there are some routes that local and international buses can carry out their services, thus you may need to prepare a visa or meet certain entry/exit requirements.

• By Boat

Opting for boat travel is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique experience. Vietnam is a coastal country with a 3.260 kilometers shoreline, which allows 13 sea border gates to welcome international visitors with eVisa. From Cambodia, foreigners can use a 4-hour ferry service to Chau Doc in the Mekong Delta, and enter the country via Ho Chi Minh City ports. Besides, boat journeys take you through Vietnam's most picturesque destinations, including Halong Bay, the Mekong Delta, and other beautiful locations. 

Where do I stay in Vietnam?

Vietnam offers a variety of accommodation choices from hotels, guesthouses, and resorts to homestays that foreigners can access information easily via the Internet. Nowadays, travelers use international booking services a lot such as Airbnb, Booking.com and Traveloka as well.

If you go on tour with Vietnamese locals, it is a relief that they have already settled everything for you.

On the other hand, if you travel to Vietnam by yourself, we highly recommend booking accommodation before arriving.