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Vietnam
Visa Requirements for EU Citizens
All EU citizens need an eVisa to visit Vietnam. The eVisa grants entry for up to 90 days and allows for multiple entries within that period. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. The eVisa can be easily applied for online.
Transport
Getting around Vietnam is straightforward with these main options:
- Trains and buses are the most common ways to travel between cities in Vietnam. Trains offer scenic journeys along the coast, while buses can reach almost any destination. Book both through 12GoAsia.
- For local travel, taxis, motorbike taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely available in cities. In smaller towns, renting a motorbike or bicycle is a popular option, especially for places like Hoi An and Ninh Binh.
Stop Tips
Snap Stops
- Notre Dame Cathedral (Ho Chi Minh City) – Iconic colonial architecture in the heart of the city.
- Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City) – Explore the vast underground network used during the Vietnam War.
- White Sand Dunes (Mui Ne) – Stunning desert-like landscape, ideal for photos at sunrise.
- Hoi An Ancient Town (Hoi An) – A UNESCO site, famous for its lantern-lit streets and preserved architecture.
- Dragon Bridge (Da Nang) – A unique, dragon-shaped bridge that breathes fire on weekends.
- Phong Nha Cave (Phong Nha) – One of the largest cave systems in the world, perfect for adventurous explorers.
- Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) – Often called "Halong Bay on land," with boat rides through rice paddies and limestone cliffs.
- Lan Ha Bay (Cat Ba) – A quieter alternative to Halong Bay, with stunning islands and turquoise waters.
- Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi) – A peaceful lake in the city’s center, with the iconic Turtle Tower.
- Fansipan Mountain (Sapa) – The highest peak in Indochina, accessible by cable car or trekking.
Snack Stops
- Propaganda Bistro (Ho Chi Minh City) – Famous for its fresh takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes.
- Banh Xeo 46A (Ho Chi Minh City) – Known for delicious Vietnamese pancakes.
- The Cargo Club (Hoi An) – Perfect for Western-style breakfasts and Vietnamese specialties.
- Bale Well (Hoi An) – Authentic street food experience with grilled meat skewers and dipping sauces.
- The Hill Station (Sapa) – Enjoy traditional food with incredible views of the rice terraces.
- Pho Bat Dan (Hanoi) – A must-visit for traditional pho in the capital.
- Huong Viet (Phong Nha) – Cozy family-run restaurant with delicious local dishes.
- Veranda Restaurant (Ninh Binh) – Great spot for local and Western cuisine in a tranquil setting.
- Green Mango (Cat Ba) – Offers great seafood and Vietnamese classics by the beach.
- Banh Mi Phuong (Hoi An) – Famous for being one of the best places for a Banh Mi sandwich.
Sip Stops
- Rooftop Bar (Ho Chi Minh City) – Stunning views of the city skyline with great cocktails.
- Drip Coffee (Da Nang) – A cozy café known for serving traditional Vietnamese drip coffee.
- Q Bar (Hoi An) – Set in a beautiful colonial building, it’s the perfect spot for cocktails.
- Bia Hoi Corner (Hanoi) – Known for serving the cheapest fresh beer in the world in a lively street setting.
- The Deck (Ho Chi Minh City) – Riverside bar offering cocktails with views of the Saigon River.
- Victory Hostel Rooftop Bar (Sapa) – Ideal for sunset drinks with views of the rice terraces.
- Mojito Bar (Cat Ba) – Laid-back beachside bar with tropical drinks.
- Le Pub (Hoi An) – A cozy bar in the ancient town, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
- Tung's Kitchen (Phong Nha) – Known for local drinks and a social traveler vibe.
- Cộng Cà Phê (Hanoi) – Trendy café chain, famous for coconut coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee.
Sleep Stops
- The Hideout Hostel (Ho Chi Minh City) – Popular with backpackers for its social scene and clean dorms.
- Mui Ne Backpackers Village (Mui Ne) – Great place for relaxing by the pool after a day in the sand dunes.
- Under the Coconut Tree (Hoi An) – Beachside hostel with bungalows, perfect for chilling out.
- Funtasea Beach Hostel (Da Nang) – Located near My Khe Beach, offering dorms and private rooms.
- Easy Tiger Hostel (Phong Nha) – A well-known hostel with organized tours to explore the caves.
- Tam Coc Bungalow (Ninh Binh) – A beautiful, riverside accommodation with views of the rice paddies.
- Nihn Binh Family Homestay (Ninh Binh) – A cozy homestay with friendly hosts, ideal for budget travelers.
- Cat Ba Central Hostel (Cat Ba) – Social atmosphere with easy access to boat tours.
- Hanoi Buffalo Hostel (Hanoi) – Popular with backpackers for its location and free walking tours.
- Sapa Mountain View Hostel (Sapa) – Budget-friendly with great views and trekking guides.
