Vietnam Tourism

In Europe, Vietnam is associated more with the Vietnam War, communism and poverty, and is not one of the classic holiday destinations. Until a few years ago, Vietnam was therefore almost exclusively attended by people who were interested in the culture, adventure or were with the country after the Vietnam War in one way or another and were therefore emotionally attached.

Since about 1999, however, Vietnam has experienced a boom in tourism. In addition, more and more travellers are coming to study and backpack. This is based partly on an “escape effect” that is, with the continuing violence and terrorist attacks in the Philippines and Indonesia, while Vietnam has the image of a peaceful country with low crime.

Cruise ships travel to some Vietnamese ports or anchor off the coast and offer day trips to Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Nang and Hue to. In recent years, in some fishing villages, they have hastily built some international hotels and resorts.

Restaurants have been opened to foreigners and they have taken to building a tourist infrastructure since the attacks. Several hundred thousand people are already employed in the tourism sector.

Travellers of all countries need a visa to enter Vietnam. This can either be purchased from a Vietnamese Embassy or upon entry of an international airport. The latter (Visa upon Arrival) entitles you to single entry and is only valid for four weeks, but may be extended in the country.

An embassy visa with longer validity up to 90 days for tourist visas, can be purchased, which also allows multiple entry. Forms are available on the website of the Embassy.