Visa Vietnam : How to get a visa for Vietnam in 2023 ?

Most travelers wishing to visit or travel to Vietnam will need a visa to enter the country. Only Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Brunei, Myanmar, Japan, South Korea, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy and France passport holders are visa-exempt for Vietnam provided that their travel or stay in Vietnam is part of a short-term tourist trip of less than 45 days. Similarly, citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Kyrgyzstan can enter Vietnam without a visa for any tourist stay of up to 30 days. Citizens of the Philippines are exempt from visa for stays of less than 21 days. Beyond this period of stay, a visa is required for these nationalities. (Vietnam travel: How to obtain a Vietnam visa)

There are 2 ways to get a Vietnam visa:

– The first is to apply for e-visa on the official government website : E-VISA VIETNAM

– The second solution is to obtain Visa Vietnam on arrival at the immigration post if your passport is not allowed to apply for e-visa, you will need invitation letter (commonly called “approval letter”).

In any case, before taking the steps to obtain a Vietnam visa, the traveler must be in possession of a valid passport (the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of return), non-biometric passports are accepted.

A Vietnam tourist visa is automatically a single entry visa (unless you apply for a multiple entry visa), which means that if you leave Vietnam (for example for a combined trip with Cambodia , Thailand or Laos), you will need a new visa to return (or apply for a multiple entry visa) unless you are in transit at the airport, of course.

Note:

It is not necessary anymore to wait at least 30 days after leaving Vietnam to enjoy a new visa exemption (updated in 2023).

Here is the list of border gates that allowed foreigners enter and exit Vietnam by E-visa :

13 international airports: Noi Bai (Ha Noi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Da Nang, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Phu Bai (Thua Thien Hue), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Dong Hoi (Quang Binh), Phu Cat (Binh Dinh), Lien Khuong (Lam Dong).

16 land border gates: Tay Trang (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Lao Cai, Na Meo (Thanh Hoa), Nam Can (Nghe An), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh), Cha Lo (Quang Binh), La Lay and Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Moc Bai and Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), Tinh Bien and Vinh Xuong (An Giang), Ha Tien (Kien Giang).

13 sea border gates: Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Quang Ninh), Hai Phong, Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang (Ha Tinh), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Dung Quat (Quang Ngai), Vung Tau (Ba Ria – Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Dong (Kien Giang).

Visa Vietnam on arrival at the airport:

You can get a visa for Vietnam upon arrival if you arrive in Vietnam by one of these 3 airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Danang) through an invitation letter commonly called “approval letter”.

Visa vietnam

The letter of invitation (approval letter) is a letter issued by the immigration authorities in order to authorize the obtaining of the visa for Vietnam on arrival.

Thanks to the letter of invitation issued by our travel agency, you will be able to obtain your Vietnam visa at the immigration counter of the airports mentioned above for the payment of the visa fees at the airport in cash and in dollars ($ 25 for a single entry one-month visa, $ 50 for a one-month multiple entry visa, $ 50 for a 3-month multiple entry visa)

Minors with their own passports will also have to pay visa fees. The time to obtain an approval letter or approval letter is usually between 3 and 5 business days. At the end of this period, our travel agency will send you the letter “approval letter” to print. The approval letter will be required at the time of check-in at the airport. Failing presentation of the visa authorization letter on arrival or a Vietnam visa, boarding your flight to Vietnam may be refused.

Note: The citizens of these countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Bissau Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tobago and Trinidad, Tunisia, Turkey, Yemen, Zimbabwe are not eligible for an approval letter.

Nationals of these countries must obtain a Vietnam visa at the Vietnamese Embassy before they can enter the Vietnamese territory. All letters of approval issued will be refused upon arrival.

How to get a visa on arrival

Simple and economic, obtaining the visa for Vietnam on arrival thanks to the letter of invitation (approval letter) will save you all the hassles of the administration. This system will prevent you from moving to the Vietnam Embassy or sending your passport.

To obtain a visa on arrival at the international airport, here’s how:

– Please send us a photo of your passport to start the procedure and the exact date of arrival on Vietnamese soil

– We will then send you the invitation letter approved by the Vietnamese Government within 3 working days by email

– Print and bring on board the letter of invitation with two ID photos and 25 USD / person for a single entry visa or 50 USD / person for a multiple entry visa for stamping fees. You can also print and bring on the plane the enclosed form (if necessary, you can get this form on the spot at the airport)

– Upon arrival at the airport, in front of the customs, you can queue at the counter for “VISA ON ARRIVAL” – Give your two passport photos with the letter of invitation and the completed form and your passport

– Wait until your name appears on the screen. Receive your passport with a visa and pay 25 USD or 50 USD in cash.

– You can now go to the customs to pass the border control. Note: two photos in the official French format are enough (passport type or ID card), it is not necessary to have official Vietnamese format photos (4 * 6 cm) Here are our prices for obtaining the letter of invitation:

– 1 month visa with single entry: 10 USD / person

– 1 month multiple entry visa: 15 USD / person

– 3 months visa with single entry: 20 USD / person

– 3 month multiple entry visa: 25 USD / person

Get your visa on arrival

    MrMs

    Visa extension

    Once in Vietnam, if you want to extend your stay but your visa comes to end, a visa extension is possible.

    You can go through any local travel agency to obtain a visa extension. However, obtaining a visa extension is very expensive. It is therefore important to think carefully about the duration of your stay and your visa before arriving in Vietnam.

    It is also possible to renew your visa as many times as you want thanks to the visa run technique.

    Hoi An is now a very touristy city where there are more than 600 restaurants. It can therefore be difficult to find a good restaurant especially because of the best alongside the worst. That’s why many people ask us where to eat in Hoi An, which are the best restaurants of Hoi An.

    You can eat all kinds of specialties at all prices. If you want to taste the traditional Vietnamese dishes of central Vietnam, Hoi An is one of the cities to recommend since there are a lot of good restaurants. Between Cao Lau (Only sold in Hoi An), Banh Bao Vac through Banh Xeo and Pho, Vietnamese cuisine is rich in flavors.

    We also have the chance to find excellent Western restaurants if you want to take a break with Vietnamese cuisine. On the program : pizza and burger. Here in this post you will know where to eat in Hoi An. Here is a small list of restaurants to know:

    LOCAL RESTAURANTS (small budget)

    PHO 29

    Here you can enjoy one of the best Pho soup in Hoi An. This soup is made with beef, vegetables and rice noodles. The price of the dish is about 30,000 Dong. The service is only in Vietnamese but with only one dish, no problem of understanding. 

    Adress: 29, Hung Vuong, Hoi An 5100, Vietnam

    NGA COM GA

    Also a unique dish restaurant (Com Ga = Rice with chicken). Here, there are different prices depending on the size of the meal and different pieces of chicken. The first price starts at 40,000 Vnd and they speak a little bit English.

    Adress: Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An, Vietnam

    XANH QUAN
    This typical Vietnamese restaurant is perfect to meet local people. This place is one of the favorite places of locals despite it does not looks local and you will see it is often full. On the other side, if you are sensitive to noise, avoid this restaurant.
    Adress: 138 Tran Quang Khai, Hoi An  

    VIETNAMESE RESTAURANTS

    HI RESTAURANT

    Street food of Hoi An, it proposes a consequent choice of culinary specialties of Hoi An. From White Roses to Banh Dap via Cao Lau and Banh Xeo, most dishes are below 50.000 Vnd. Good size portions. Service in English and impeccable hygiene. Varied drinks.

    Adress: 15, Nguyen Phu Chu st, Hoi An

    BALE WELL

    bale-well Hoi an restaurant

    One of the must-see local restaurant in Hoi An, Bale Well is a restaurant where local people and tourists eat together, which is quite rare in Hoi An. There is no menu like most Vietnamese restaurants and the waitress will bring you the dishes without asking you anything. On the menu, it’s skewer of meat to roll in rice cakes, Banh Xéo and spring rolls for everyone. You pay the number of skewers eaten and the meal varies between 5 and 6 USD per person. Hygiene is not the strength of this restaurant without being repulsive. Point to note: Few varieties of drinks

    Adress: 45/11 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An

    VI CAFÉ
    Small Vietnamese restaurant that excels everywhere, in vietnamese cuisine as well as Western cuisine. The prices are quite cheap making it a canteen for many tourists and expats. Their breakfasts are famous in Hoi An.
    Adress: 113 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An

    BABY MUSTARD
    Located in Tra Que village, this restaurant has a very good reputation in Hoi An. The vegetables used for the dishes come from the ecological garden of Tra Qué. The menu is varied, from traditional to seafood. Staff and hygiene are at the top.

    Eating in the middle of the garden of Tra Qué is an original experience.

    Adress: Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An

    THE LITTLE MENU
    As the name suggests, the menu is really small but the Vietnamese cuisine is excellent, there is nothing wrong. I think the property lacks charm but if you want good Vietnamese food, this is the place for you, you will not be disappointed.
    Adress: 12 Le Loi, Hoi An

    MISS LY

    Second restaurant opened in Hoi An after the Mermaid, it is a reference for Vietnamese cuisine. The quality of the food and the cuisine with English service make it a very popular and highly recommended place and the price will take a back seat. Hygiene side, there is nothing wrong.

    Adress: 22, Nguyen Hue, Hoi An

    NU EATERY

    A fairly new restaurant, it has become a reference in a short time. The chef offers Vietnamese cuisine revisited and does it well. We regret the small portions but we will be seduced by the typical place.

    Adress: 10A Nguyen Thi Minh Kai – Hoi An

    RESTAURANTS OF SEAFOOD

    A ROI

    The best place to taste seafood is the A Roi. A local restaurant not far from the beach where you can choose fish and seafood in ponds. Negotiate prices per kilo before ordering. The waiters speak English. This is really worth the cost of taking a taxi to get to this little seaside restaurant. To go back to hotel, ask a waiter to call you a taxi. The other restaurants next to A Roi are also very good.

    INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS

    MIX 
    This new restaurant offers Greek cuisine. If you want to have a break in Vietnamese cuisine, this place is a good choice. It offers dishes with several specialties of Mousaka to Souvlaki through the Calamari.
    Adress: 188/, 05 Tran Phu

    GANESH
    The best Indian restaurant in the city is without hesitation the Ganesh. It offers several specialties from northern India. Reserve your seat or you will have to stay outside.
    Adress: 24 Tran Hung Dao

    GOOD MORNING VIETNAM
    Establishment of pizza in Hoi An and after the closure of Casa Verde (one of the oldest reference in pizza), Good Morning Vietnam, run by an Italian is one of the best see the best pizzeria from Hoi An

    Despite the quality of the service, pizzas are sometimes better than those served in european restaurants. My favorite, the calzone (puffed pizza).

    Count about 180,000 Vnd on average for a pizza.

    Adress: 11 Le Loi – Hoi Anwhere to eat in hoi an

    In the past, tipping is not a part of South East Asia culture. However, as the time flies, many things have changed, tipping gradually has become a part of this area culture and Vietnam is not an exception. But how much should I tip in Vietnam ?

    That’s an important question because with a tip, you want to give a reward for a service but the income of people is quite different in Vietnam than in other countries. So, how much should I tip in Vietnam to show my respect ?
    Here are some recommendations in this article for tipping.

    The root of this change is from the increase of a huge number of foreign tourists who come from Western countries and bring tipping culture here and nowadays, the tips is like a necessary part of the services employees’ income.

    Because tipping does not belong to the authentic local culture, normally, it is not compulsory for you to tip for any services you used. However, as in Vietnam, the general income for most of people is quite low, therefore the tip from customers is very important for service staff.

    How much should I tip the Tour Guide in Vietnam

    Normally, with private tour guide, the tip should be from 5 – 8 USD per day. However, with the group about 5 – 8 people or more, you should tip 2-3 USD/person/day. As the tour guide have to serve you all day long (even when they have already comeback home) and this job need a lot experience, knowledge and health, the tip for them usually the highest among other service staffs in tourism industry.

    how much should I tip the tour guide in Vietnam

    How much should I tip the driver in Vietnam

    You should tip a tour driver about 2-3 USD per day. On the other hand, with taxi drivers, if you feel totally comfortable with the car and they are so nice, you can just round up the total amount and let them keep the change.

    how much should I tip the driver in Vietnam

    How much should I tip in the Hotel (Bellman & Housekeeper)

    The tips about 1-2 USD should be applied for the bellman, but if you have too much luggage, you may tip 1 USD per suitcase or bag.

    Some people choose not to tip the housekeeper as clean the room is their duty. However, if you are totally happy with a clean and clear room with light aroma, you should leave few dollars on a table inside the room.

    how much should I tip in the Hotel in Vietnam

    How much should I tip at the Restaurant

    Restaurants in Vietnam usually applied 5% of service fee into your bills, therefore, actually there is no need to tip in any restaurant here. However, as you are totally happy with any waiter/waitress, you can give he/she 1-3 USD directly.

    how much should I tip at restaurant in Vietnam

    Spa

    If you use the luxury spa service, there is no need for tipping because the fee is high enough and includes commission for the staffs inside. In contrast, with the lower-end service, as the service price has been really low already, therefore, you should tip 15-20% bill directly to the staff who serve you.

    In general, although tipping is not a must-do in a South East Asia country like Vietnam. However, it now as a common way to say thank to service staffs whenever you get a totally satisfied service. Just remember, only tip when you are happy, no one can force you do that!

    trip to Vietnam is more meaningful and memorable than ever by trying its fine and delicious cuisine with a wide range of dishes in different regions. After checking in many impressive attractions, enjoying specialties are indeed a good way to enjoy your life. Furthermore, it is also interesting to learn more about the culinary uniqueness, local life and culture of each region. So, are you ready to explore this beautiful S-shaped country and find out the best specialty foods in different parts of Vietnam ?

    Specialties in Northern Vietnam

    • Green Sticky Rice (Côm Vòng) in Hanoi

    “Côm” is indeed a specialty in Hanoi. And the most reliable address for you to enjoy the best green sticky rice is in Vong village located on the outskirts of the capital city. Although how “Cốm” is made is still kept as a secret, there is one thing for sure that the process of making this specialty is really complicated and requires much time. Young glutinous rice – the main ingredient here – should be carefully chosen when they are even in their blossom. Slowly chewing green sticky rice is what you should do to feel its subtle scents, softness and tastes.

    It seems a big pity to skip a specialty in Ninh Binh, namely goat meat. Unlike goats in other areas, Ninh Binh goats likely grow on rock mountains. That’s why their meat is tougher, much more delicious and exotic than the ones raised on hills. Besides, the process of making goal meat dish becomes a secret of the locals. Traveling to Ninh Binh, you should not forget to enjoy various dishes cooked from goat meat, such as stir-fried goat meat, rare goat meat with lemon, steam goat meat, lemongrass and coconut goat, grilled goat brisket, etc.

    • Green Bean Cake in Hai Duong

    Also named Bánh Đậu Xanh Hải Dương, “green bean cake” is a sweet rectangular cake whose ingredients include green bean, pork fat, sugar, and grapefruit oil. After opening the box, eaters can easily feel its sweetly attractive smell. A very soft and tasty flavor just melt in your mouth after you enjoy it! Don’t forget to buy this specialty cake as the unforgettable gifts for family members during a trip to Hai Duong, Vietnam.

    • Fermented Pork in Thanh Hoa

    You only eat the best fermented pork in Thanh Hoa which is widely famous across the country, thanks to its delicious taste and unforgettable flavor. In fact, such specialty is made from fresh pork. That means the pork must immediately choose when the pig is slaughtered. Then, it is carefully minced and processed in a lot of steps. Another ingredient is pigskin. Once pork and pigskin are now processed, they will be then mixed with chili, salt, sugar, black pepper, fish sauce and “thính.” Next, the mix is wrapped in “dong” and banana leaves. In general, each packed roll may be eaten after 3 or 4 days.

    Specialties in Central Vietnam

    • Vietnamese Conjugal Cake (Bánh Phu Thê) in Hue City

    Hue is noticeable as the old kingdom of Nguyen Dynasty in the Center of the country. The city is peaceful and traditional with many attractions and foods. Here is where you can find it hard to leave without trying Conjugal Cake, or Bánh Phu Thê. As its name suggests, such cakes often do not come as individuals. Instead, you can see them being packed in pair. Basically, the stickiness of the cake represents the tie of the marriage, while the golden filling symbolizes the faithfulness and loyalty of the couple in a family.

    • Vietnamese Pancake in Phan Thiet

    Unlike other turmeric-yellow pancakes in Saigon, pancakes in Phan Thiet are very small crispy crepes. However, these are chewer and more delicious than their cousins in Ho Chi Minh City. The fillings are usually made of pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, etc. To eat, you should tear off chunks of the crepe, and then wrap them in the paper rice, herbs and vegetable. After that, the roll is deeply dipped into a sweet and sour fish sauce dip. What a yummy dish! Tuyen Quang Street is where you can find such specialty.

    • Cudo Candy in Ha Tinh

    Cudo is a specialty of Ha Tinh. It is simply a kind of crispy candy in which many layers are made from dry cake, malt, peanuts, and sugar cane honey. Vietnamese have a tendency to eat Cudo while drinking green tea and leisurely have a conversation. What make the candy a culinary phenomenon of the region is its sweet, fatty, and spicy flavor. Foreigners can find it difficult to chew Cudo, because of its toughness. But, after trying several times, they instantly fall in love with this candy and also want to buy it to bring home and present to their family members and friends.

    • Grilled Rice Cake in Dalat

    Along with being a romantic place to marvel at colorful flowers, Dalat also gets its name famous for top best foods. Grilled Rice Cake is one of the city’s specialties. At that time, rice paper and other yummy toppings (i.e. pork floss, dried tiny shrimp, mayonnaise, quail egg, and chili sauce) are grilled on charcoal. Wait until the rice paper turns yellow and become crispy. This exotic food is greatly enjoyed while it is still hot.

    Specialties in Southern Vietnam

    • Cu Chi Beef in Saigon

    When visiting Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City – a place to learn more about Vietnam’s heart-breaking, heroic and resounding war against invaders, you should not ignore a chance to enjoy Cu Chi beef whose name has become a common specialty in many districts in Saigon. After browsing the menu, you can be enthralled by many various beef cooking styles. However, it is highly advisable to try boiled beef served with vegetables and forest leaves (Bò Tơ Hấp Cuốn Bánh Tráng Rau Rừng), beef served with vinegar soup (Bò Tơ Nhúng Giấm), stirred beef with saffron (Bò Xào Nghệ), etc. Gourmets may even feel the real taste of Cu Chi beef when it is cooked with no adding spices. Then, small slices of boiled beef should be wrapped in rice paper with herbs. Next, the roll is dipped into a wonderful fish sauce. How great it is!

    • Dish Made From Herring Fish And Vegetables (Gỏi Cá Trích) in Phu Quoc

    To make this dish, the fresh herring fishes are carefully chosen and processed by fishermen. Then, these will be decorated with strange types of vegetables with various flavors. Of course, the sauce is usually prepared with good quality fish sauce in Phu Quoc. All of these ingredients are harmoniously combined to make an unforgettable and wonderful dish, namely “gỏi cá trích.” And you can find this dish nowhere else in Vietnam, but Phu Quoc only. Sweet, salty, aromatic, acidic, as well as different textures, it does leave a strong impression on both local and international eaters.

    • Noodle Soup (Hủ Tiếu) in My Tho

    Although you can try a bowl of Hu Tieu in several street stalls at Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Hu Tieu My Tho is quite different with its secret recipe only passing down from generations to generations. Instead of eating noodle soup with herbs and lettuce, guests are welcomed to try the flavor of lemon, chili, soybean, and soy sauce. To be sure, the most important contribution for an irresistible bowl of Hu Hieu is its broth cooked from pork, shinbone, squids, seasonings and additives. Enjoy one and feel the major differences right now!

     

    Traveling to Southeast Asia may make you feel that everything just looks like the same, such as white-sand beaches, old temples, tourist traps, etc. Your mind can be changed after you visit Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam. Landing on here is like a new breath of fresh air. While Ho Chi Minh City attracts tourists by its vigorous and lively vibe, Hanoi helps them feel peaceful in heart and mind. The city is an amazing combination of modern living and traditional culture, which is suited to both extroverts and introverts. If you are the first-time visitor who’s concerned about what to do, when to visit, etc., then this post of Hanoi travel guide can ease your worry for sure !

    How to get there ?

    • By plane: Located about 45 kilometers North of Hanoi, Noi Bai International Airport serves as the main airport for domestic and international airlines. There are lots of regular flights which make it easy for tourists to choose from. Once you exit the airport, consider catching a metered taxi and mini-bus to reach any nearby hotel. But, if you’re still uncertain of using public conveyance, don’t mind requesting a hotel you’ve booked in advance to render airport service to you.
    • By train: Making a trip to Hanoi by train is also a nice idea because the city’s prime train station is not far from the centre of Hoan Kiem Lake. But, make sure that you check the cost’s ticket and route before departure.
    • By bus: Hanoi is a large transportation hub. You can catch the first-class sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi with an affordable price.

    When is the best time to visit Hanoi ?

    The city is endowed with 4 distinctive seasons. So, the time for departure partly depends on your travel purpose and your desirable activities once checking in here. In general, saying Hello to Hanoi in spring or autumn (from October to December) to enjoy cooler weather and avoid heat is a good choice. Or, you may stay away from the rainy season by making a travel plan between October and April. If watching many colorful parades and joining in temple celebrations are your main goals for this vacation, then make sure to arrive during Tet Holiday, which often takes place in late January or early February.

    What to do ?

    Visit the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution 

    Situated at Tong Dan Street, this museum will be worth an arrival, if you are particularly interested in how Hanoi was in the past and the country’s revolutionary history. Events from 1858 to 1945 are mainly highlighted here. Although many artifacts in the museum are fascinating enough to get high attention from viewers, these simply aim for a less emotional and shocking pitch than those artifacts in War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City. Thus, items and documents here don’t fully convey the raw zeal which historical events occurred.

    Go around Hoan Kiem Lake

    Also called Lake of the Restored Sword, this place gets its name famous for an interesting legend. It was about Le Loi King who used the sword – a gift from heaven – to fight against a neighboring country and won a noble victory. One day, when taking a boat trip around the Thuy Quan Lake, a giant tortoise rose above water and asked him to return the sword to the Dragon King. He then threw the sword to the lake without any hesitancy. And the name “Hoan Kiem” started from then on.
    In general, from dawn to dusk, the lake is full of exciting activities. If waking up early, you can see lots of the elder and young people taking exercise or practicing Tai-chi. The afternoon is an ideal time to rent a cyclo and go around the lake with a handy camera. Once the sun goes down, it is easy to watch couples sitting on long benches to have sweet conversations or going for a stroll hand in hand along the lake.

    Hanoi city tour

    Drop by the Temple of Literature

    Just about a 10-minute walk away from Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature is another must-see destination you should not miss. It is considered the first university in Vietnam, which also serves as a monument to dozens of high-rank scholars. Visiting this temple gives you a chance to not only admire its classic architecture, but also learn more about its cultural and historic values. The opening time ranges from 8.00 AM to 5 PM with admission fee about 20,000 VND for adults and 10,000 VND for kids.

    Watch a show of Water Puppet

    A trip to the Northern Vietnam will not be complete without watching a performance of water puppetry. It is actually a traditional Vietnamese art form, dating back many centuries. A show tends to be performed in a pool of water, where the wooden puppets are manually controlled by skillful and talented artists. It basically displays the daily life of farmers (cultivating, catching fishes, harvesting, etc.), historical legends, or even communal festivals (dragon dancing, swimming contest, etc..).

    You are able to buy tickets and enjoy water puppet performances in 2 main theatres, including Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and Vietnam Puppet Theatre. Going with children is also a good way to help them enhance their knowledge and bring them excitement.

    Haggle at one of Dong Xuan night market

    If your hotel or guest house is within the Old Quarter, and you would like to discover how nightlife in the city is, then head towards Dong Xuan night market now! You can find anything in this market, from sweets, salted dry fruit (ô mai), to clothes, stationeries, decorations, and toys. Even shopping is not your main purpose, roaming around to feel the atmosphere, savoring some snack, and chatting with other friends are highly recommended.

    Halong Bay is one of the places that have the greatest number of magnificent and mysterious caves in Vietnam. Thanks to the pristine feature of those caves, they have attracted a wide range of domestic and foreign tourists every year. Here is the list of top most beautiful caves in Halong bay that you should not miss when paying a visit to this beautiful place.

    1. Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave)

    Trinh Nu Cave, along with other caves in the same cave system such as Sung Sot Cave, Dong Tien Lake, Luon Cave, is located on Bo Hon Island, which is about 15 kilometers from Bai Chay of Halong Bay.

    In the past, the French came here and called this cave as La Vierge (Virgin Cave). On the other hand, this cave is called “Trinh Nu Cave” by the Vietnamese.
    For the fishermen, Trinh Nu Cave is always their cozy home but for the lovers, this cave is even a symbol of their love.
    On entering this cave, you can easily see a stone statue of a girl lying in the center of the cave. The girl statue is very lively with long hair and the hoping, miserable look in her eyes.

    Opposite of Trinh Nu Cave is Trong Cave (or Male Cave). Inside Trong Cave is a stone statue of a man looking at the girl statue. You can even feel the despairing scream of the man and the sound of his knocking the stone wall for endless times.

    Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave)
    Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave)

    2. Sung Sot Cave

    Sung Sot Cave is one of the most beautiful caves of Halong Bay. This cave is located on Bo Hon Island, which is in the center of Halong Bay. Every year, Sung Sot Cave attracts a great number of visitors, who come here to contemplate its spectacular and magnificent beauty.
    Before entering the cave, you must pass the long stone staircases to pass the luxuriant forests. Tourists will have an interesting opportunity of climbing the mountain.

    The total area of Sung Sot Cave is 10 000 kilometer square. Inside the cave is a wide range of stalagmites and stalactites in mysterious and weird shapes. You may be overwhelmed when contemplating the pristine beauty of this fairy-tale-cave.

    The French used to call this cave as “Grotte Des Surprises” (The cave of surprises) thanks to its unique feature. When visiting caves in Halong Bay, you should not forget to explore and contemplate the marvelous beauty of this cave.

    Sung Sot Cave
    Sung Sot Cave

    3. Dau Go Cave

    It can be said that Dau Go Cave is the center of ancient architecture and little stalagmites and stalactites. It is such a wonderful experience to admire the picturesque beauty of Halong Bay in this spectacular cave.

    From the far away, you can see the blue entrance of Dau Go Cave, which looks like the blue jellyfish in the center of Halong Bay. You must pass 90 stone staircases to enter the cave entrance.

    On standing at Dau Go Cave’s entrance, you will feel as if standing in front of a magnificent and luxurious castle with marvelous architecture.

    Dau Go Cave
    Dau Go Cave

    4. Hanh Cave

    The French used to call Hanh Cave as Le Tunnel (or The Tunnel in English). A special feature of Hanh Cave is that its entrance is very low, therefore, if you want to explore this cave, you must travel by small boat. Hanh Cave is one of the most beautiful and the longest caves in Halong Bay.
    This cave attracts a great number of foreign tourists, who love adventure coming here to contemplate and explore the cave by kayak. The total time of a full trip to Hanh Cave is about 60 to 90 minutes.
    Hanh Cave
    Hanh Cave

    5. Luon Cave

    Luon Cave is located on Bo Hon Island, which is about 14 kilometers to the South of Bai Chay. The location of this cave is a steep rock with quiet crystalized water.

    The total length of Luon Cave is about 60 meters, and the cave’s ceiling is between 2.5 meters and 4 meters, depending on the water level. On entering the cave, if the level of water is high, you must lower your head to pass it. This must be the reason why the cave is called “Luon” in Vietnamese. The cave’s ceiling has so many beautiful and magnificent stalactites that you will surprise and amaze by the talent of Mother Nature.

    After passing the entrance, you will see a large lake surrounded by luxuriant forest and spectacular mountains. It can be said that the beauty of Luon Cave is such a masterpiece of nature.

    Luon Cave
    Luon Cave

    6. Tam Cung Cave

    Tam Cung Cave is located in the center of Halong Bay, which is about 5 kilometers to the Northeast of Sung Sot Cave.
    The cave is divided into 3 rooms with a lot of beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The cave’s ceiling has many stalactites, which look like a white orchid cacti’s bud.Especially, the 2nd room of the cave is a lively natural museum with many stone sculptures of the lion, the seal, the water deities, etc. There is a long stream inside the cave, too. The cave’s wall looks like a magnificent stalactites curtain. And at the last room, tourists will have the opportunity to contemplate the spectacular and skillful sculptured artworks of the Mother Nature.
    Tam Cung Cave
    Tam Cung Cave

    7. Thien Cung Cave

    Thien Cung Cave is located at the North of Dau Go Island, which is about 4 kilometers to the South of the port. This cave is about 10 000 meters square in width.
    Being one of the most beautiful caves of Halong Bay, Thien Cung Cave has such a complex structure with many rooms and wide, large ceiling. Especially, inside the cave is a great number of stalactites and stalagmites in weird shapes.
    Thien Cung Cave
    Thien Cung Cave

    8. Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave)

    Me Cung Cave is about 25 meters from the sea level on Lom Bo Island, which is about 2 kilometers to the Southwest to Titop Island. The cave’s entrance has such a complicated structure with many rooms, floors, as well as the stone ceiling and 100-meter-long balcony. There is also a lake called Me Cung inside the cave.
    Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave)
    Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave)

    Halong Bay is situated in the Northeastern part of Vietnam, its weather is different in 4 seasons but it can be mainly divided into cold dry winter and hot humid summer. If you are looking for the best time to visit Halong Bay, you are on the right page.

    Winter in Halong Bay lasts from November to March which lead to cold weather, getting colder in Jan, Feb… not ideal for swimming. The foggy days or strong monsoon are also visible this time. Despite of this season feature, this time rises as high season of Halong Bay tourism. The temperature is from 12ºC to 20ºC

    Summer time lasts from May to early September, as other part of Northern Vietnam, the Bay is sunny and hot for swimming under clear blue sky. There is light rain in some days and even unexpected typhoon that might cancel your trip. Temperature rises from 25ºC. Summer promotion rate can be found during this time.

    Spring (March, April) and Fall ( September, October) seems to be the best time to visit Halong bay, the weather is cool and you enjoy the best time of the year.

    It is fine to visit Halong Bay all year around. Even though there are some unexpected cases leading to trip cancellation. Each season will bring you a different feeling that you will never forget.  The best time to visit Halong Bay really depends on your own definition of a perfect trip.

    It’s advisable to check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly based on your preferences for weather conditions. Keep in mind that Halong Bay is a popular tourist destination, and certain times of the year may be busier with tourists.

    Best Time to visit Halong Bay

    Peak Season in Halong Bay :

    Anytime is the best time to visit Halong Bay but some months receive more visitors than the others. The peak season falls on December and January – the months that coincide with Christmas and New Year break. Other months that also see busy lines of travellers include October, November, February, March and April. During these months, the weather is also most suitable to visit Halong Bay.

    Halong Bay, does not have a distinct peak season, as it is a popular destination throughout the year. However, the weather can vary, and different times of the year may offer slightly different experiences.

    Low season in Halong Bay :

    The period from May to September is often considered as low season for international travellers in Halong Bay. Besides the glowing sun – which makes it perfect for water based activities, the uncrowded beach and various cruise promotions are all attractive reasons for you to plan your holiday around this time of the year.

    Best time to visit halong bay

    What is the best time to visit Halong Bay ?

    The best time to visit Halong Bay is generally from October to April. During this period, Halong Bay experiences milder temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:

    1. October to November: This is the beginning of the dry and cool season. The weather is generally pleasant, with cooler temperatures and clear skies. It’s a great time for cruising and exploring the bay.
    2. December to February: Winter months in Halong Bay bring cooler temperatures, but it’s still a good time to visit. While it can be misty and cool, the scenery is often dramatic, and there are fewer tourists compared to the peak season.
    3. March to April: Spring is another excellent time to visit Halong Bay. The weather starts to warm up, and nature comes alive with blossoming flowers. The skies are often clear, providing ideal conditions for enjoying the bay’s beauty.

    Keep in mind that Halong Bay is a popular tourist destination, so the number of visitors may increase during holidays and special events. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (October-November and March-April). However, even during the busier months, Halong Bay’s breathtaking scenery is sure to leave a lasting impression.

    Book your cruise with the best service :

    Jacky Vietnam Travel will give you advice to book the best cruise on Halong Bay with the best service. We have also the lowest prices for Halong Bay cruise with good quality service. We will take care of you like our own family.

    Please, take a look at our Halong Bay Cruises :

    Halong Bay Cruises

    Only the citizens of below countries are able to visit Vietnam without an entry visa:

    – Most citizens of ASEAN member-countries as Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos do not need visa if they visit Vietnam within 30 days. The Philippine passport holders do not need a Vietnamese visa for 21 days and Myanmar do not need Visa within 14 days. The passport holders of Brunei are not required to get a visa to Vietnam for 15 days. They could apply for popular passport type with return tickets.

    – From July, 1st 2018 to next June 2021, Vietnam Government exempts Visas for nationals of 5 Western European countries as: France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom and Italy. They do not need visa if staying in Vietnam less than 15 days regardless of their purpose or type of visas.

    – Citizens of and Timor-Leste is all required Visa Vietnam.

    – The Passport Holders from Korea, Japan, Russia and the Scandinavian nations (as Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland) do not need visa to Vietnam if they intend to stay in the country within 15 days. They could also apply for popular passport type with return tickets.

    All other citizens are required to get a Vietnam entry visa (issued prior to departure by local consulates or embassies) or a pre-approved letter for picking up an entry visa (issued on arrival at Vietnam’s International Airports) at the airport. Both are supplied before arrival in the country.

    Hoi An is a pretty town in central Vietnam, 3-hour drive from Hue and 45 minutes drive from Danang. According to Tripadvisor, Hoi An is in the list of the 25 most preferred travel destinations in the world in 2017. When you arrive in Hoi An, the question is what to do in Hoi An, by which way to begin to visit this city ?

    Located on the UNESCO heritage route, Hoi An is the favorite destinations of many travelers. The city is very small, with only 130,000 inhabitants, most of whom live on tourism and trade. Despite its small size, there is plenty things to do in Hoi An.

    Hoi An ancient town

    Hoi An city includes centuries-old Buddhist pagodas and temples, colonial shophouses, and quaint museums that are set within the popular areas of Riverside and Ancient Town. Once a prominent Vietnamese trading port between the 15th and 19th century, the ancient town and riverside of Hoi An City were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its well-preserved mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French architecture.

    Offering sightseeing opportunities you won’t find in other city in Vietnam, the best part of Hoi An is that its attractions are easily accessible on foot or cyclo thanks to its pedestrian-friendly streets. If you’re looking to explore beyond Hoi An Ancient Town, there are plenty of local villages and pristine beaches that are less than an hour away. This section is a detailed list of what to see in Hoi An, as well as our top picks that you should never miss out during your vacation.

     

    The beaches of Hoi An

    Just about 4 km from the centre of the beautiful Hoi An Ancient Town in Vietnam, you will find the Hoi An beaches of Cua Dai and An Bang.  Imagine golden, fine sand covered beaches, all lined and filled with spectacular palm trees. These are two of our favourite little spots for both relaxation, cocktails and some fine local cuisine. what to do in Hoi An

    Cua Dai Beach

    Cua Dai is the closest beach to Hoi An. It is easy to go to Cua Dai Beach by bicycle. You can rent bicycles in Hoi An old town easily for 3 or 4 USD per day.

    At Cua Dai Beach, you will enjoy the wonderfull landscape and the white sand of this beach. You can rent a chair to take a bath of sun or have a drink on the beach.

    An Bang Beach

    This very popular and very touristy stretch of the Hanoi Beach is called An Bang. There are more tourists on this beach but the view is amazing. That’s why more people go there.

    My Son Holy Land : The Angkor Wat of Vietnam

    My Son Holy Land is located in a narrow valley, surrounded by springs, mountains and green, dense jungle. It consists of several temple – towers constructed between 7th and 13th century AD.

    After centuries of wars and numerous natural changes there are still about 70 monuments remaining, representing six styles of ancient Champa art. It contains evidence of cultural interactions between Champa Kingdom and other South East Asian civilisations, such as India and China.

    My Son Holy Land is located about an hour from Da Nang and Hoi An, and 3 hours from Hue. For visiting My Son Holy Land, you can book a half day tour. A guide will bring you to My Son by bus. The explanations are quite interesting about these monuments. If you are interested about the story of people who lives in Vietnam some centuries ago, you will enjoy this day tour.

     

    New experience : catching fish in Tam Coc

    With our new guests, we went to Tam Coc for a new experience in the Ninh Binh province. There, after discovering the beautiful landscapes of this part of Vietnam, our guets could try to learn how to fish in the rivers of Tam Coc. Our guide brought them to the river and told them how they had to fish with smal wooden baskets. It is a traditionnal way to fish in Vietnam.

    Our guests enjoyed a lot catching fish in the river ! They were wet but happy !

    Our guests were very good fishermen or very lucky because they catched a lot of fish ! This was impressive !

     

    Staying overnight at bungalow

    After fishing party, our guest went to the bungalow near the mountains of Ninh Binh. These confortable bungalows provided a peaceful experience. Staying overnight in the middle of the vietnamese nature is wonderful. Our guests were glad to stay there and enjoyed a lot the local food of Ninh Binh. For dinner, they could taste the fish they catched in the river !

     

    If you want to have the same new experience in Tam Coc as our guests, please contact us and we will give you more details.