Is the Vietnam Visa on Arrival Program Trustworthy?

One of the most important lessons travelers learn is that they should work only with trustworthy individuals and companies. Whether it is booking a hotel room, finding a great rental car or securing travel documents, travelers need to be careful.

When it comes to travel documents, it is even more important to exercise caution. After all, not securing the right travel documents could end your trip before it even begins. If you have traveled internationally before, chances are you already have a valid passport, but if you are planning a trip to a more exotic destination, you might find that you need additional documentation, like a valid entry visa.

If you are planning to travel to Vietnam, you will need a valid entry visa in addition to a passport. Many new travelers are intimidated by this visa requirement, but it is really quite simple to obtain the documentation you need, even before you leave home.

There are a number of ways to get the entry visa you need to travel to Vietnam, but not all options are equally convenient. One choice is to travel to an embassy, where you can present your identification and get the entry visa you need.

The problem is that many people do not live anywhere near an embassy. If you live in a major city, you may be lucky enough to have an embassy within a reasonable driving distance. If not, you could be looking at a long drive, or a costly plane ticket, just to get to the embassy. Once there, you could face further obstacles in the form of limited hours and low staffing levels.

The good news is  that you do not need to travel to a far off embassy to get the travel documents you need to enter the country of Vietnam. The government of Vietnam has created a program known as the Vietnam visa on arrival. This program allows travelers to submit their identification documents to an authorized travel agency and receive an official letter. When the traveler arrives in Vietnam, he or she presents that official letter and receives an entry visa. The process is designed to be simple, easy to understand, and very streamlined.

Some first time travelers to Vietnam may wonder if the Vietnam visa on arrival program is trustworthy and legitimate. The truth is that this program has been designed by the Vietnamese government, and the officials at all airports in Vietnam are well aware of it and have a thorough understanding of how it works. That means you can rest assured that your arrival letter will be honored when you arrive at the airport in Vietnam. You can simply get your official approval letter, put it with your passport and board your flight. Then when you arrive, you can disembark, present your letter, go through customs and be on your way.

Train from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang

Similar  with train from Ho Chi Minh to Phan Thiet, there are two categories for train  from Saigon to Nha Trang: Golden Train and Vietnam Railway.

Golden Trains, the private-operator sleeping-car is a cut above the  regular Vietnamese railways sleepers between Saigon (HCMC) and Nha Trang  City.  It runs attached to the regular SNT1/SNT2 overnight train. These  have 4-berth soft sleepers of a higher quality than the regular sleepers  operating by Vietnam Railway.

Train  mark SE2 & SE4 are the best trains from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang, whereas, SE1 & SE3 are  trains from Nha Trang to Saigon, operating by Vietnam Railway. Exactly, they are all running  route Saigon to Hanoi and vice versa with stops at Nha Trang station. These  trains have variety of choices with air-conditioned soft sleeper (4-berths), air-conditioned  hard sleepers (6-berths) and air-conditioned soft seats.
Besides, there are trains  mark SN3 & SN4 (operating by Vietnam Railway) running route Ho Chi Minh to  Nha Trang and vice versa only, riding time of these trains are longest among  others.

Golden Trains marks
  • SNT1: Train from Nha Trang  to Saigon (Ho Chi MinhCity)
  • SNT2: Train from Saigon to  Nha Trang
Vietnam Railway marks
  • SE1 & SE2: Train from Hanoi  to Saigon with stopover in Nha Trang station
  • SE2 & SE4: Train from  Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi with stopover in Nha Trang.
  • SN4: Train from Ho Chi Minh  to Nha Trang route
  • SN3: Train from Nha Trang  to Saigon.
Train  Saigon to Nha Trang timetable & pricelists                                                                                                                                                   
Train mark
Departure
Arrival
Prices (US$)
Hard    sleeper
Soft    sleeper
Tourist    train*
SE2
19:00
02:36
35
40
N/A
SE4
23:00
05:36
36
42
N/A
SN4
21:25
08:19
32
34
N/A
SNT2
20:00
05:10
N/A
N/A
45
Train Nha Trang to Saigon Timetable & pricelists                                                                                                                                                    
Train markDepartureArrivalPrices (US$)
Hard    sleeperSoft    sleeperTourist    train*
SE120:3304:103338N/A
SE321:4505:003440N/A
SN318:3005:513032N/A
SNT119:0003:56N/AN/A45
Notes:
  • Tourist train soft sleeper is operated by Golden Train,  included mineral water, tissue, and snack on cabin.  
  • The prices base on per person/way, included ticket delivery.
  • The prices can be changed without prior notices due to low/high season, day/weekend…
  • Free of charge for children under 5 year old sharing parent‘s existing berths.
  • WC is not in cabin. It is located at the end of the carriage.
  • Passengers need to be at the railways station at least 30’ in advance before the departure time

Vietnam Domestic Flights

There are 03 airlines operating domestic flights within Vietnam, Vietnam Airline, Vietjet Air and Jesta Pacific with more routing opening. Airport taxes are included in the fare for all domestic flight in Vietnam. You should be airport at least 1 hours before flight departure for boarding procedures. Tickets are electronic one, so it's easy to be sent to you by e-mail when you booked and paid. The Airport Transfer service is ready at the destination when you arrived reserve car now.

Vietnam Airlines is the largest airline and various routes; it is considered high quality and also the most expensive price in Vietnam. The price is divided into 03 main kinds with different conditions for each one.
Prices and class policies
  • Business class (J & C): It is free of charge for changing date, 15US$ will be charged for changing or cancel the route.
  • Economy class (M, K): It is free of charge for changing date (except for Tet festival duration) , 15 US$ will be charged for changing or cancel the route.
  • Promotion ticket (L, Q, N): Any amendment and cancelation made before departure date, 15 US$/ticket will be charged. Charge fee will be 30US$ for any amendment/cancellation take place during and after the departure date that indicated on the ticket.
Luggage policies:
  • Hand luggage: Business Class passengers are allowed to carry 02 pieces of hand luggage, Economy Class passengers are allowed to carry 01 pieces of hand luggage. Each piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 7 kg.
  • Checked Baggage: Business class passengers get free checked baggage maximum 30kg and 20kg for economy class passengers. Babies are allowed 10kg of free checked baggage.
Children policies:
  • Children under 3 years of age, charge 10% fare adult price
  • Children from 3 to 11 years, charge 70% fare adult
  • Children 12 years and older, charge full adult fare
Vietjet Air is good quality and reasonable price. The pricing policies and terms of Vietjet Air and Jetstar Pacific are similar to each other. Internal flights in Vietnam are not so long (the longest route takes about 2.5 hour flight), so Vietjet Air is worth for your consideration as its nice service and comparative prices.
Price policies:
  • Any amendment took place 2 days before departure, charging $ 15US for each change.
  • Not allow for any amendment took place after 2days of departure.
  • No refund for any cancelation.
Luggage policies:
  • Hand luggage: Maximum 01 peace of hand luggage at 7kg allows carrying.
  • Checked Baggage: 7US$ (150.000VND) will be charged for checked baggage from/under 15kg and 9US$ (180.000VND) will be charged for checked baggage from/under 20kg.
Children policies:
  • Children under 2 years of age, free of charge.
  • Children from 2 and older, charge full adult fare.
Route fares
Vietnam Airlines
Vietjet Air
C class
M - K class
N -Q class
  From Hanoi (HAN)
Can Tho (VCA)
205
125
105
N/A
Da Nang (DAD)
125
95
78
65
Dien Bien Phu (DIN)
N/A
72
65
N/A
Da Lat (DLI)
195
130
88
65
Dong Hoi (VDH)
98
72
59
N/A
Nha Trang (CXR)
225
125
98
85
Ho Chi Minh (SGN)
225
125
98
75
Hue (HUI)
128
94
75
N/A
Pleiku (PXU)
178
117
85
N/A
Phu Quoc(PQC)
205
125
105
N/A
Quy Nhon (UIH)
178
117
85
N/A
From Da Nang (DAD)
Can Tho (VCA)
N/A
95
75
N/A
Buon Ma Thuat (BMV)
N/A
72
65
N/A
Da Lat (DLI)
128
94
75
N/A
Ha Noi (HAN)
125
95
78
65
Hai Phong (HPH)
128
94
75
N/A
Nha Trang (CXR)
128
94
75
N/A
Ho Chi Minh (SGN)
128
94
75
55
Pleiku (PXU)
N/A
72
65
N/A
From Ho Chi Minh (SGN)
Buon Ma Thuat (BMV)
98
72
59
45
Con Dao island (VCS)
N/A
72
59
N/A
Ca Mau (CAH)
N/A
72
59
N/A
Da Lat (DLI)
98
72
59
N/A
Da Nang (DAD)
125
95
78
55
Ha Noi (HAN)
225
125
98
75
Hue (HUI)
125
95
78
N/A
Hai Phong (HPH)
195
130
107
85
Nha Trang (CXR)
98
75
65
55
Phu Quoc island (PQC)
98
72
59
55
Quy Nhon (UIH)
125
95
78
N/A
Pleiku (PXU)
98
72
59
N/A
Rach Gia (VKG)
N/A
58
49
N/A
From Phu Quoc (PQC)
Ho Chi Minh (SGN)
98
72
59
N/A
Ha Noi (HAN)
205
125
105
N/A
Rach Gia (VKG)
N/A
58
49
N/A
Can Tho (VCA)
N/A
58
49
N/A
Notes:
  • The prices can be changed without notice due to high/low season, departure time….
  • The prices not included payment fees by credit card, PayPal, bank transfer
  • Round trip fare counted as double of one way fare. Fares including VAT and domestic airport tax.
  •  

Transfer from Da Nang to Nha Trang

The distance from Da Nang to Nha Trang is 515km; it takes about 1hour by air, 12 hours by open bus and 8hours by train. With the variety and convenience of transportation, you can easily find convenience mean of vehicle to get the beautiful beached from Da Nang.

By Airplane

Currently, there is only Vietnam Airline operating route from Da Nang to Nha Trang with frequency of 01 flight per day in the afternoon. So, you do not have many options for carriers and timetable. You can refer to the details flight (prices and schedule) in our airline service

By Train

By the limitations of the flight from Da Nang to Nha Trang, train is being favored. You can choose to take the train in morning or in afternoon. The morning train give you a chance enjoining scenic scenery along the way, whereas, overnight trains will help you experience real Vietnam and save hotel costs.
With its advantages, the train should be put on the list for you to consider for journey to Nha Trang. Learn more information about train at our trains' services

By private car

It takes about 11 hours to travel from Da Nang to Nha Trang by car. It's pretty hard if you go straight within a day but it would be interesting if you have at least 2 days to travelling with a night stop in Quy Nhon. The coastal road in Vietnam is always worth for your discovering and the route is not the exception.
Pricelist for private car
  RouteTransferSedanSUVVan
Hoi An – Nha Trang
One way238250168
Da Nang – Nha Trang
One way248265275
Overnight253045

Notes:
  • Rate in US$ for per car, included driver, fuel, toll fees, mineral water & tissue on car.
  • The rates may be changed without notice.
  • Driver speaks mainly Vietnamese but on-phone assistance is available 24/7
  • English Speaking driver are available upon request with surcharge.

By Open bus

Open bus offers two type of ticket: soft seat with maximum 45 seats and bedding with maximum 40 people. There are two meeting points in Hoi An and Da Nang. So that, you can both departing by bus to Nha Trang in Hoi An or Da Nang with detail schedule as following:
Meeting points:
  • In Da Nang: Da Nang bus station, N0 201 Ton Duc Thang Street, Da Nang City.
  • In Hoi An: No 587 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An Town.
Ending point:
  • 2A Biet Thu Str, Nha Trang City
  • 54/I Nguyen Thien Thuat Str, Nha Trang City
Notes: If your hotel located in Da Nang or Nha Trang center, you will be free of charge to be picked up at your hotel.
Open bus schedule:
  • Depart: 7:00 PM – Arr: 6:00 AM
  • Depart: 7:30 AM – Arr: 6:30 PM
Open bus rates:
  • Soft seat bus: 13US$/pax
  • Sleeping bus: 19US$/pax
Notes: Soft seat are available for departing in morning only.

Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Halong Bay boasts to be a “must see” destination in Vietnam, especially those visits North of Vietnam. The World Natural Wonder located 170 km from the East of Hanoi with around 3,5 hours driving from Hanoi center and 4 hours from Noi Bai airport with 30 minutes short break on way. How to get HaLong Bay from Hanoi or Noi bai airport? There are multiple choices that can be suite any budget and traveling purpose.


Road map

By Shuttle Bus

This type of transfer is available for departing from Hanoi center only. The shuttle bus can be understood as “tourist bus”, leaving Hanoi around 08:00 and return at 12:00 from Halong Bay everyday. If your hotel located in Hanoi Old Quarter, you will be picking up from the hotel. Otherwise, you have to take a taxi to meeting point. There are maximum 14 people on shuttle bus – the Ford Transit minivan.


Meeting point in Hanoi: In front of Opera House, N0 1 Trang Tien Street, Hanoi

Ending point in Halong Bay: Bai Chay habour

Cost: 12US$/person/way.

By Public Bus

It is normally using by local people, departing from fix stations, which located outside Hanoi center. Traveling by public bus, you need to take taxi to the stations and buy the ticket. The buses depart hourly and arrival Halong station after more than 4hours driving.

Departing from Hanoi: Gia Lam or Luong Yen Stations

Arrival in Halong Bay: Halong Bus Station.


Cost: 100.000VND (5US$) per person/per way

Notes: Some years ago, there was a tourist express train from Hanoi to Halong Bay at rate 10US$/person/way. However, it was closed as ineffectiveness

By Private Car

Travelling by private car considers the best choice as its flexibility, safety, quality and valuable rates. It also seem be uniquely way to reach Halong Bay from Noi Bai airport despite the taxi collection as it is indeed unsafe enough because of old age, careless drivers and non-competitive price.

Almost the same taxi cost, you have your own quality car, be greeted by friendly & helpful driver, 24hours English Speaking assistance and useful consultancy… This means of transfer is really worth for your expense.

Private car pricelist
RouteTransferSedanSUVVanMercedes E SeriesBMW 7 Series
Noi Bai Airport – Halong Bay
One way98105120280475
Return115125135345685
Hanoi Center – Halong Bay
One way95110120190415
Return105120130248430
Overnight/night506070170135
Overtime/hours57103445

Notes:
  • Rate in US$ for per car, included driver, fuel, toll fees, mineral water & tissue on car.
  • Working time from 8.00 to 17.00 everyday
  • The rates may be changed without notice.
  • Driver speaks mainly Vietnamese but on-phone assistance is available 24/7
  • All luxury drivers can speak English

By Helicopter

What's the best way to see Halong Bay?! Surely, there is nothing greater than admire fabulous Halong Bay from helicopter!

In fact, there was “helicopter taxi” for route Hanoi to Halong Bay few years ago, however, due to inefficient operation, this service no longer remain. Thus, charter is the only way to be able to see Halong from above.

Because of not popular in Vietnam, the only way you can use this means of transportation is charter at rather expensive rate. So, this service is suitable for a group, big family or V.I.P. The helicopter takes off from Gia Lam airport – a domestic airport, flying about 1 hour from Hanoi and vice versa.

Charter helicopter pricelist
Type of helicopterMax capacity(N0 of seats)Charter rates (US$/helicopter)
One wayReturn
Mi-17247.1507.330
Mi-172248.0508.250
EC 155 B11211.94012,250

Notes:
  • The rates above included TAX, Insurance, Fuel
  • The rates above excluded ground transfers. Ex: Car for transfer from hotel in Hanoi to Gia Lam airport….
  • Overnight fees: 500US$/Heli/1st night & 1000US$/Heli/2ndnight
  • The rates may be changed without notice.
  • The booking will be confirmed by first come – first serve 

Shore excursion recommendation

There are multiple shore excursions from the ports, depending on your ship’s anchor schedule and your interest; you can take the best suitable one from our recommendation listing below. They are the highlights and samples, but any special request

From Cai Lan port, Ha  Long City
  • 5hours Ha Long Bay cruise exploring
  • 7hours Ha Long Bay kayaking adventure
  • Ha Long historical & dinning cruise (8hours)
  • Full day Hanoi city tour (9-10hours)
From Hai Phong port,  Ha Long City
  • Half day Hai Phong City tour (4-5hours)
  • Peaceful countryside tour (7hours)
  • Charming Hanoi day trip (9hours)
From Chan May port,  Hue City
  • Historical Hue city tour (8hours)
  • Highlight Da Nang city tour (7hours)
  • Hoi An culture and cooking class (9hours)
  • Hoi An shopping and exploring (8hours)
From Tien Sa port, Da  Nang City
  • Historical Hue city tour (9hours)
  • Highlight Da Nang city tour (5hours)
  • Hoi An culture and cooking class (8hours)
  • Hoi An shopping and exploring (7hours)
From Cau Da port, Nha  Trang City
  • Half day Nha Trang city tour (4hours)
  • Nha Trang countryside tour (5,5hours)
  • The best Nha Trang Beauty and culture (7hours)
From Phu My port, Vung  Tau City
  • Vung Tau City tour (8hours)
  • Ho Chi Minh City tour (9hours)
  • Mekong Delta river tour (10 hours)
From Saigon port, Ho  Chi Minh City
  • Ho Chi Minh City Tour (half day & full day)
  • Colorful Mekong Delta tour (7hours)
  • Incredible Cu Chi Tunnel tour (6hours)
  • Ho Chi Minh food & life style tour
From Ben Dam port, Con  Dao Island
  • Gentle  Life Con Dao Discovery (5hours)
  • Beauty & Historical Con Dao island  (4,5hours)
From An Thoi port, Phu  Quoc island
  • The Best Phu Quoc Discovery (5hours)
  • Specialties Phu Quoc Exploring (6hours)
From Quy Nhon port,  Binh Dinh province
  • Quy Nhon Culture & Food (4,5hours)

Vietnam seaport transfer

There are totally 166 ports in Vietnam, stretching from north to south, in which, 10 ports serving tourist ships. All tourist seaports located in the most famous destinations, convenient for sightseeing and doing shore excursion. 

Tourist Vietnam ports listing

Vietnam port in the North:
  • Cai Lan port in Quang Ninh province, it located 15’ driving to Ha Long Bay World Heritage and about 175km to Hanoi capital.
  • Dinh Vu port in Hai Phong city: 20km from Hai Phong City and 125km from Hanoi.
Vietnam port in the Middle:
  • Chan May port in Hue City: 75km from Hue City, 65km from Da Nang City and 96km from Hoi An Ancient Town
  • Tien Sa port in Da Nang City: 130km from Hue, 15km from Da Nang and 50km from Hoi An.
Vietnam port in the South:
  • Cau Da port in Nha Trang City: It located just around 5km from the city center.
  • Quy Nhon port in Binh Dinh province: It is about 10km from Quy Nhon city center.
  • Phu My port, Vung Tau province: This is the most popular port in Vietnam, it is about 55km from Vung Tau city and 90km from Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Lotus port, Ho Chi Minh City: It located nearby the city, just about 5km from city center.
Vietnam port in islands:
  • Cai Dam port, Con Dao island: It’s about 10km from Con Dao town center
  • An Thoi port, Phu Quoc island: Located in North of Phu Quoc, it is about 17km from Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc island.

Ports authorization fees

Port fees, similar as airport tax applying for all cruise passengers who take shore excursion and services. If you process shore excursion package from your cruise lines or appointed travel agents at the ports, the fee included in price. Of course, the rate is more expensive than booking with local operator.
Port fee are required all ports in Vietnam, but some are compulsory and others optional if your meeting point outside the terminal gate. However, if you want to be picked up at your ship, you have to definitely paying port fees (25US$/pax)

Car rental price List

PortsRoutesCar rental price (US$)Port fees
SedanSUVMini van
Cai LanHai Phong airport657595Optional
Hanoi airport99105115
Hanoi City tour115130145
Ha Long Bay tour354560
Chan MayHue City tour125140165$25
Da Nang City tour95110130
Hoi An Town tour115125145
Tien SaHue City tour135150175$25
Da Nang City tour607080
Hoi An Town tour688095
Phu My portVung Tau City tour125135145Optional
Ho Chi Minh City tour185195220
Saigon airport99110120

Price Included: Private AC car or minivan, fuel, parking fees, toll fees, driver, mineral water & tissue

Price excluded: Guide, entrance fees, personal expenses, tips.

Notes:
  • The drivers speak Vietnamese mainly & just fewer English.
  • English speaking drivers are availability upon request with surcharge
  • Price quoted in US$ for per car, included service charge and VAT
  • Port fee price bases on per person.
  • The rate may be changed without notice.
  • Cancelation policy:
    • No charge for cancellation/amendment made 24hours prior to the request time (local time)
    • Cancellation/amendment made 12hours in advance, 50% of total will be charged
    • Late cancellation/amendment within 12hours to be charged full amount
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