Jump to Section 

Visa Information
Weather
General Info
Travel Tips
Festivals
Country Map

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To visit Vietnam for tourism or business, travellers are required to obtain a visa. South Africans can apply online for a Vietnam e-Visa.

VISA INFORMATION

Basic Requirements

e-Visa:

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date.
  • Passport must have 2 blank pages.

e-Visa:

  • Passport valid for 6 months from entry date.
  • Passport-sized photo required in a jpeg or png format.
  • Completed online application form.

e-Visa:

  • Passport valid for 6 months from entry date.
  • Passport-sized photo required in a jpeg or png format.
  • Completed online application form.
  • A sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese company may also be needed.

e-Visa:

  • 3 working days

e-Visa:

  • Single-entry visa: USD $25.
  • Multiple-entry visa: USD $50.

e-Visa:

  • Valid for a maximum 0f 90 days. For both single and multiple- entry.

Embassy

Embassy of Vietnam in Pretoria:

WEATHER

Vietnam’s long shape leads to varied climates north has four seasons, central region experiences a dry and wet season and south has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons. Weather conditions can vary by region.

  • Spring (March to April): Northern Vietnam begins warming up after its cool winter, with pleasant temperatures between 20°C and 25°C. Central and southern regions are warm and dry, making this an excellent time to travel across the country.
  • Summer (May to October): Northern Vietnam gets hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 30°C and occasional typhoons. Central Vietnam is shielded from the southwest monsoon and remains pleasant until August. Southern Vietnam experiences its wet season with heavy but short-lived downpours.
  • Autumn (September to November): Northern Vietnam cools down, becoming more comfortable. Central Vietnam, however, sees its rainy season with heavy rainfall and potential typhoons. Southern Vietnam transitions into its dry season.
  • Winter (December to February): Northern Vietnam can be cool, especially in Hanoi, with temperatures between 10°C and 15°C. Central Vietnam becomes warm and dry, while the south enjoys sunny, dry weather with average highs of 28°C.
  • Best Time to Travel: March to April and December to February are the best months to visit Vietnam as the weather is pleasant across most regions. For beach destinations in the south, November to April is ideal.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: The Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Capital City: Hanoi
International Airports: – Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
– Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh)
– Da Nang International Airport (Danang)
– Cam Ranh International Airport
– Can Tho International Airport
– Chu Lai International Airport
– Vinh International Airport
– Van Don International Airport
Area: 331,211 km²
Population: 99,497,680 (2024 est.)
Time Zone: (UTC)+7:00
Religion: Buddhism (including Taoism and Confucianism)
Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism)
Islam
Caodaism
Hoa Hao sect
Language: Official language: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: French and English
Currency: Dong (VN Dong)
US Dollars are commonly used in major cities.
Exchange Rate: Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate.
Credit Card Payment Availability: Accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres in major cities.
cash is important for markets.
ATM Accessibility: ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas.
Dialling Code: +84

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: Voltage: 220V AC/DC
Socket types vary; carrying adapters is recommended.
Water: Drink only bottled or distilled water.
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:00 – 17:00 (one-hour lunch break)
Shops: 08:00/08:30 – 21:00/22:00
Banking Hours: Mon-Fri: 07:30/08:00 – 16:30
Sat: 08:00 – 11:30
Photography Restrictions: No major restrictions, but asking permission is polite.
Tipping: Not generally expected but appreciated.
Restaurants may add a service fee of 5-10%, which may not go to staff; tipping is discretionary.
Vaccination Requirements: No mandatory vaccinations but consult a medical practitioner or travel clinic.
Dress Code Restrictions: No specific restrictions noted.
Peculiar Customs to Observe: – Avoid public displays of affection with the opposite sex
– Do not touch someone’s head
– Pass items with both hands
– Avoid pointing with your finger; use your hand instead
– Do not stand with hands on hips or cross arms on chest
– Avoid passing anything over someone’s head or touching shoulders
– Shorts should be worn only at the beach
– If invited to a Vietnamese home, bring a gift such as fruit or incense, wrapped in colourful paper
– Wait to be seated and let the elderly sit first
– Be punctual
– For handshakes, wait for women to extend their hand first; a two-handed shake with the left hand on top of the right wrist is sometimes used.

FESTIVALS

  • Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) – January/February
  • Lim Festival – Mid February
  • Founding Day of the Communist Party of Vietnam – 3 February
  • Perfume Pagoda Festival – February/March
  • Phu Giay Festival – Late March/April
  • Hue Festival – Biannual: April/May/June
  • Hung King Temple Festival – April
  • Liberation Day of South Vietnam and Saigon – 30 April
  • Buddha’s Birthday – Early May
  • Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday – 19 May
  • Hoi An Lantern Festival – 14 of every month
  • Mid-Autumn Festival – Mid September
  • Wandering Souls Day – Early September

MAP

“A day full of travelling will bring a basketful of learning”

– Vietnamese Proverb