Vietnam Travel Guide for Australians

Vietnam is one of the most rewarding destinations for Australians — a direct flight from Sydney or Melbourne lands in Ho Chi Minh City in around 9 hours, the Australian dollar goes far (roughly 17,000 VND per AUD), and the country packs in an extraordinary range of landscapes, food, history, and coastline across its 1,650 km length. Whether you’re after two weeks or two months, Vietnam delivers.

Visas for Australians: What You Need to Know

As of 2026, Australians are eligible for a 90-day e-visa for Vietnam, covering both single and multiple entries. Apply via the official Vietnamese government immigration portal (xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) — it costs around USD $25 and takes approximately 3 business days to process. Skip the third-party visa agencies charging triple the price; they’re entirely unnecessary.

If you’re planning a longer stay or making multiple trips in a calendar year, a 1-year multiple-entry visa is also available at a higher fee but represents solid value for frequent visitors.

When to Go: Timing a Vietnam Trip from Australia

Vietnam’s climate varies significantly from north to south, so the “best time” depends entirely on where you’re heading.

• Hanoi & the North: September to November is ideal — cooler temperatures (20–28°C), low humidity, and minimal rain. Avoid July–August when typhoon season peaks.
• Hoi An & Da Nang (Central): February to May delivers sunny skies and calm seas. October–November brings heavy flooding — Hoi An’s Old Town genuinely goes underwater some years.
• Ho Chi Minh City & the South: November to April is dry season. Temperatures sit around 28–35°C year-round; the main variable is rain, not heat.

From Australia, flying into Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) gives you the most flight options — Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, and Singapore Airlines all serve the route. Hanoi (HAN) works better if you’re starting in the north and heading south.

The Regions Worth Your Time

Hanoi is the cultural capital — explore the Old Quarter’s 36 ancient trade streets, visit the Temple of Literature (entry around 30,000 VND, roughly $2 AUD), and eat bún chả at a street-side table for under $3. The city rewards slow walkers more than rushed itineraries.

Ha Long Bay is legitimately spectacular and worth an overnight cruise. Budget AUD $150–$250 for a reputable two-day trip; avoid the ultra-cheap day tours that rush you in and out. Pelican Cruises and Heritage Line hit the sweet spot on quality without the luxury price tag.

Hoi An remains the most photogenic town in Southeast Asia. The Ancient Town at night — lanterns reflecting off the Thu Bon River — is one of those genuinely unforgettable sights. Get a suit or dress made (AUD $100–$200 at a quality tailor like Yaly or A Dong Silk), eat white rose dumplings from the central market, and hire a bicycle to explore the surrounding rice paddies.

Ho Chi Minh City moves fast. The War Remnants Museum is essential viewing, the Reunification Palace is fascinating for its untouched 1970s interiors, and the rooftop bars in District 1 fill from sundown. The Mekong Delta day trip (around AUD $30–$50) is worth adding if you have the time.

Da Nang has emerged as a proper city destination — the Dragon Bridge, Marble Mountains, and easy access to both Hoi An and the Ba Na Hills resort make it an excellent base for central Vietnam.

Getting Around Vietnam

Budget airlines dominate domestic travel. VietJet and Bamboo Airways run frequent routes between Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City — flights regularly cost AUD $20–$40 when booked even a week ahead. The overnight train between Hanoi and Da Nang is a classic if you have 14 hours to spare; book a four-berth soft sleeper cabin directly on the Vietnam Railways website.

Within cities, Grab (the Southeast Asian ride-share equivalent of Uber) is reliable, cheap, and removes the need for price negotiation. A cross-city ride in Hanoi typically costs AUD $2–$4.

Money, SIM Cards & Practical Bits

The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the currency. Bring AUD $200–$300 worth of cash to exchange on arrival, or use a Vietcombank ATM — they charge minimal fees. Avoid exchanging at the airport; the rates are consistently worse.

For connectivity, pick up a Viettel or Mobifone SIM at the airport for around 150,000 VND (approximately AUD $9) — it covers 30 days of data with 3–5GB daily. Reliable 4G coverage extends even to rural areas.

Travel insurance is non-negotiable. World Nomads covers Vietnam comprehensively and is widely used by Australians; expect to pay AUD $60–$90 for two weeks of solid coverage. Register your trip with Smartraveller (smartraveller.gov.au) before departing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Australians need a visa for Vietnam in 2026?

Yes. Australians require an e-visa for Vietnam, available via the official government immigration portal for USD $25. Processing takes approximately 3 business days and covers stays of up to 90 days, with both single and multiple-entry options. Apply directly through the government site — third-party agencies add cost without adding value.

How much does a trip to Vietnam cost from Australia?

A comfortable two-week trip including return flights from Sydney or Melbourne, mid-range accommodation (AUD $30–$60 per night), food, transport, and activities typically comes to AUD $2,500–$3,500 per person. Budget travellers can do it for considerably less — hostels run $10–$20 per night and street food costs virtually nothing.

Is Vietnam safe for Australian travellers?

Vietnam is generally very safe for Australian tourists. The main risks are petty theft in crowded areas (particularly in Ho Chi Minh City), the intensity of motorbike traffic when crossing roads, and occasional food hygiene issues. Keep bags close in busy street markets, stick to bottled water, and register your itinerary with Smartraveller.gov.au before you leave.