eSIM for Vietnam
Mobile data from the moment you land, no roaming fees and no SIM swap.
What makes Vietnam special
Vietnam is long and thin, and most people travel it as a line from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south by train, bus or domestic flight.
Along the way come pho at the roadside, coffee with condensed milk, boats among limestone karsts and lantern-lit towns at dusk. The flight from Zurich takes roughly 14 to 18 hours, so plan at least two weeks.
The north has Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and the mountain villages around Sapa, the centre has Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang, and the south has the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City. Planning it as a one-way line rather than there and back saves a lot of time.
Ideal for: Backpackers, Food lovers, Culture seekers, Adventurers
When to travel
January
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
February
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
March
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
April
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
May
Outside the months we recommend. Write to us if you want to travel exactly then.
June
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
July
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
August
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
September
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
October
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
November
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
December
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
By region
North with Hanoi and Sapa
Spring and autumn are pleasant. Winter can be cool and misty, while summer is hot and wet.
Centre with Hoi An and Hue
February to May is mostly dry and warm. Autumn can bring rain and typhoons.
South with Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong
The dry season from December to April is hot but good for travelling. In the rainy season short, heavy afternoon downpours are common.
The weather now and in the coming days
Weather currently unavailable
Weather data: MET Norway, CC BY 4.0
What you need to enter
Pick your passport and we show you the entry rule.
Entry rule
No visa needed · stay of up to 45 days
For Swiss citizens
Depending on length of stay and current rules, Vietnam applies either a visa exemption or an e-visa that you apply for online. Check which option applies to you before you book. Time your trip so the passport still has six months left at entry, since the ID card does not count. Sources are the FDFA and the Vietnamese representation, all information without guarantee.
No guarantee – the official authority is binding.
Money and budget
- Currency
- Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Exchange rate
- Rate currently unavailable
Daily budget per person
Frugal
CHF 35
per day
Comfortable
CHF 75
per day
Generous
CHF 170
per day
Guide values excluding flights, in CHF.
How to get there and get around
Flight time from Zurich
approx. 14 to 18 h
Usually with one stop
Getting around
Trains, buses and flights run from north to south, and sleeper trains are an option but take time. In cities use ride-hailing apps and taxis, and note that crossing streets on foot takes some nerve. Vietnam drives on the right, and scooters rule the roads.
Connected and mobile on the ground
Car rental in Vietnam
Compare rental cars and explore on your own schedule.
Airport transfer
Fixed price, driver waiting: a relaxed ride from the airport to your stay.
Activities in Vietnam
Secure tours and tickets in advance.
Partner links: we may earn a commission, the price stays the same for you.
Where to go
Hanoi and northern Vietnam
An old quarter full of street food, Hoan Kiem Lake and tours to Ha Long Bay or the rice terraces around Sapa. The traffic is dense and loud.
Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang
The imperial city of Hue, the lantern town of Hoi An and beaches near Da Nang. In Hoi An the lanterns are lit in the evening.
Ho Chi Minh City
A mix of colonial buildings, markets and high-rises, plus the War Remnants Museum. From here the Mekong Delta is a one- or two-day trip.
Mekong Delta and islands
Floating markets, canals and orchards. Phu Quoc is a well-known beach island in the south.
Photos: Hue Vietnam Citadel-of-Huế-21 by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0; Main gate of the Temple of Literature, Hanoi, Vietnam, 20240123 0929 3068 by Jakub Hałun, CC BY 4.0; 2024 Hội An - Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) after renovation - img 11 by Chainwit., CC BY 4.0; Vietnam, Phong Dien, Mekong Delta, River by Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0. Cropped and compressed. This adaptation is also licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to sleep
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Hostels, small hotels and apartments near the old quarters
Hoi An
Homestays, boutique hotels and villas with a pool
Islands and coast
Bungalows and resorts, book early in peak season
Travel well prepared
Travel advice
Current travel advice and the security situation are published by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
View FDFA travel adviceHealth
Vaccinations are mostly not compulsory for Swiss visitors, though a travel-clinic appointment is still worthwhile. Drink bottled water and pick street food that is cooked fresh. Scooters are risky, so without experience and a helmet it is better to leave them alone. Sort out travel-health cover before you go.
We are happy to advise you on travel insurance.
Good to know
- Language
- Vietnamese
- Plugs
- Type A, C, F, G
- Dialling code
- +84
- Traffic
- Drives on the right
- Tipping
- Tipping is not the norm but welcome. Rounding up is plenty in restaurants, and drivers and guides appreciate a few coins.
- Internet
- Reception is good in cities and tourist places. With an eSIM you have maps and a ride app the moment you land.
- Customs
- You pay in dong, with many zeros on every note, so do a quick sum before handing over cash. Markets mostly take cash and ATMs are common in cities. Sockets are types A, C, F and G at 220 volts, and two-pin Euro plugs often fit, but three-pin Swiss plugs (type J) will not fit, so pack an adapter. In temples and pagodas cover shoulders and knees. Pass things with both hands.
How long to stay
Recommended length
14 to 21 days
Suggested route
- Hanoi (3 nights) with Ha Long Bay
- Hue and Hoi An (4 nights)
- Ho Chi Minh City (3 nights) with the Mekong Delta
- Optionally Phu Quoc or Sapa (3 to 4 nights)
Frequently asked questions
When should I travel to Vietnam?
The country is long, so there is no single season. The north suits spring and autumn, the centre February to May, and the south the dry season from December to April.
What is the daily budget?
Travelling simply works on roughly CHF 35 to 75 a day, with more comfort and excursions closer to CHF 75 to 170. The flight is the biggest cost.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
It depends on length of stay and current rules. Typically there is either an exemption or an e-visa applied for online. Confirm the position with the FDFA or the representation shortly before booking.
How do I get from north to south?
Domestic flights are fastest, while train or bus lets you see more. Many people mix both and fly the long legs.
How dangerous is the traffic?
It is dense, especially for pedestrians. Cross slowly and predictably, and keep an eye on the traffic; if the road is busy, wait for locals to cross with you. Rent a scooter only with experience, a helmet and a suitable licence.
Can I pay by card in Vietnam?
In hotels, larger restaurants and shops yes, but at markets and street stalls mostly cash. Withdraw dong from an ATM.
How many days should I plan?
At least two weeks, given the distances. With three weeks you can cover north, centre and south with room to breathe.
We plan your trip to Vietnam
In a free intro call we cover your wishes, dates and budget. Afterwards you receive a quote with options.
Pick a slot in the calendar right away – or message us wherever suits you best.
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