Your tailor-made tours specialist in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar & Laos

How can French travelers apply for Vietnam visa? When is the best time to visit the country? How to find the best flight to Vietnam? Where to visit? or which tour packages will suit you most? Everything can be found below.

Vietnam TRAVEL TIPS FOR "FRENCH TRAVELERS"

Best time to visit Vietnam

The best time of year to visit the whole Vietnam is spring (February to April) and autumn (September to November). The temperatures are more moderate, and rainfall is lighter. In spring, March and April have the lowest rainfall across all destinations and temperatures are pleasant, though still cool in the far north.

It is the fact that Vietnam is a year-round destination. Every time of year, you can always find the sun somewhere (more or less).

You can check the detailed guide to know exactly where and when to go in Vietnam throughout the year.

Vietnam Tourist Visa Policy for French travelers

French citizens travelling to Vietnam can enter without a visa and stay for up to 15 days within any 30-day period. If you would like to stay in Vietnam for over 15 days, you can get an e-visa prior to your trip that will grant you up to 30 days in Vietnam. For holidays of more than 30 days, you have to obtain a visa from the Vietnamese Embassy in the France.

To qualify for the 15-day visa waiver, your passport should have a minimum of 6 months validity from your date of entry into Vietnam. When applying for a visa, ensure that your passport has at least one month of validity from the date the visa expires.

If your international flight to Vietnam arrives in Phu Quoc, you can choose between a 30-day Phu Quoc visa waiver or the 15-day Vietnam-wide visa waiver. If you select the 30-day Phu Quoc visa waiver, you must apply for a visa to travel to other parts of Vietnam, as you are no longer eligible for the 15-day Vietnam-wide visa waiver.

That being said, with the visa exemption scheme, you can stay in Vietnam for max 15 days, which is sometimes a little short for a real exploration. In case you plan to stay longer in Vietnam, there are 3 different visa types for you to do so.

Visa online (e-Visa)

The e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization from the Vietnam Government for up to 30 consecutive days, SINGLE ENTRY, issued in PDF format. It is the equivalent to a visa, but no stamp or label is placed in the passport. The e-Visa is an entry requirement to travel to and within Vietnam.

The tourist e-Visa fee is $25/visa/time. You can apply via the official website of immigration office here.

Below are some notes for Vietnam e-Visa:

  • The e-Visa is a single-entry visa.
  • The e-Visa is valid for 30 days, from the proposed date of entry indicated during the application.
  • e-Visa holders may remain in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for a maximum of 30 consecutive days after the initial entry date.
  • Once the first 30 days have passed, and renewal be needed, e-Visa holders in Vietnam may be considered to grant new visa if being invited/guaranteed by authority/organization/individual in Vietnam in accordance with Law on foreigners' entry into, exit from, transit through, residence in Vietnam.
  • The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 01 month after arrival to Vietnam and it must have at least two blank pages for the immigration and border control officer.
  • Minors with their own passport must complete a full e-Visa application. Minors aged 14 and under included on their parent’s passport will have to be included on their parents e-Visa application.
  • Applicants are required to carry a copy of their e-Visa at all times during their stay.

Check more about Vietnam Visa Online (e-Visa) here.

Visa on arrival

French Citizens can also apply for Vietnam Visa on arrival, which is also very easy.

3 steps to apply for your Vietnam Visa on Arrival

  • Step 1: Apply online through a visa agent for an approval letter, which may take 3-5 working days for standard processing and 8 working hours for urgent processing.
  • Step 2: Receive the approval letter by email and print a hard copy. Prepare 2 passport sized photos, your passport and stamping fee of US $25 (for single entry visa) and US $50 (for multiple entry visa) in cash.
  • Step 3: Present all above mentioned documents to get your visa stamp upon arrival at an international airport in Vietnam. That’s it!

How much do you pay for your Vietnam Visa on arrival?

TYPE OF VISA SERVICE FEES STAMPING FEE
Single entry - 1 month 18 USD 25 USD
Multiple entry - 1 month 23 USD 50 USD
Single entry - 3 month 28 USD 25 USD
Multiple entry - 3 month 43 USD 50 USD
Multiple entry - 12 month (US passports) 60 USD 135 USD

* The stamping fee is payable by cash at Vietnam airport in Vietnamese Dongs and US dollars (credit cards are not accepted).
* The service fee is based on 3 working days, and may differ from different suppliers

Check more detail about Vietnam Visa on Arrival

Visa applied via Vietnam embassy or consulate abroad.

Last but not least, French citizens can apply for Vietnam tourist visa via a Vietnam embassy and consulate at the below address:

Embassy of Vietnam in Paris
Add: 62-66 Rue Boileau, 75016 Paris, FRANCE
Tel: (+33 01) 44 146 400
Fax: (+33 01) 45 243 948

Moreover, you can also visit one of the Vietnamese embassies along the way to Vietnam. For example, in case you visit Thailand, you can spend time visiting Vietnamese embassy in Bangkok to get your visa done before continuing your journey to Vietnam.

Vietnam visa requirements

Whichever visa type you are going to apply, below is the standard requirements:

  • 1 valid passport with at least 6-month validity (1 month for e-Visa) on the date of arrival and having at least 2 blank pages.
  • 2 recent passport-sized color photos (electronic copy in case you apply for e-Visa)
  • Visa fee: $30/passport.

There may be some extra requirements depending on the port you enter or the embassy you visit. Please check it directly before proceeding.

 

In short, French passport holders can enjoy the visa exemption scheme for the journey within 2 weeks. For the longer the trip, you can choose to apply Visa on arrival, Visa online (e-Visa), or via a Vietnamese Embassy abroad.

For more information, you can check our guide for Vietnam Tourist Visa Policy here.

How much does it cost to travel to Vietnam from France?

For the flight cost, check the information below in this article (Getting to Vietnam from France)

Our recommended spending for your journey in Vietnam is about $120-150/person/day (group of 2 people). Of course, you can either spend less at about $90-100/person/day (even $30/day - backpacker style) or you can spend much higher depending on the services you expect on spot.

Here is our detailed guide for Budget & Currency for travelling in Vietnam

Getting flight to Vietnam from France

The best way to get to Vietnam from France is by taking a flight. You can find the flight to Vietnam at the airport in Paris (CDG). The cheapest flight from France to Vietnam is from Paris to Ho Chi Minh city, with airfares starting at USD350

All flights from France to Vietnam will terminate at one of three international airports: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), otherwise known as Hanoi Airport in the north; Da Nang International Airport (DAD) in the center of the country and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), otherwise known as Ho Chi Minh City Airport, in the south.

The capital city of Hanoi is the largest in northern Vietnam and is the principal airport in the country. There are only two other regional airports in the area: Dien Bien Phu Airport (DIN) in the west and Cat Bi Airport (HPH) in the city of Hai Phong in the east, so you should take care with your travel plans in this area.

Vietnam has several towns and cities that dominate its central coast along the South China Sea stretching from Vinh in the north down to Nha Trang and Da Lat in the south. On arrival at Da Nang Airport, you can take a connecting flight to any of the airports along the coast, or Pleiku Airport (PXU) and Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV) to explore the central interior.

Flight FAQs

Q. When is the best time to book flights to Vietnam?

Aim to have your flight tickets secured at least four months in advance to give yourself a chance of finding the cheapest flights to Vietnam. If you can then book them even further ahead, especially if your dates coincide with a major event or the peak season. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your destination by choosing a city, usually either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city, you’ll be able to figure out what dates offer the cheapest flights to Vietnam and go from there. 
Flexibility is the key to securing discounted flight tickets so if you’re not governed by a particular set of weeks or to a specific location then you’ll give yourself the best chances of finding the cheapest flights to Vietnam. 

Don’t worry too much about which side of the plane to sit on as each has their benefits and offer equally impressive view through your flight.

Q. How long is the flight to Vietnam?

An average nonstop flight from France to Vietnam takes about 12 hours, covering a distance of about 6,310 miles or 10 ,156 kilometers. If you depart from other cities in France, you can add up 3-4 hours depending on the route you choose and the number of stops you make along the way.

Q. Are there any nonstop flights to Vietnam?

You can find the direct flights from France to Vietnam from Paris (CDG) which has flights landing in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city.

Q. What are the most popular airlines that fly from France to Vietnam?

The most popular airlines flying from Italy to Vietnam are Vietnam Airlines, AirFrance, Qatar Airways, or Thai Airways International.

Q. What are the most popular routes from France to Vietnam?

Below are the 2 most popular routes from France to Vietnam

  • Paris to Ho Chi Minh city
  • Paris to Hanoi

Q. Which Vietnamese airport is closest to Hue?

If you want to visit historic sites like Khai Dinh’s tomb and Đại Nội Citadel in Vietnam’s former capital, then you should fly to Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), which is to the south of Hue. Alternatively, Da Nang International Airport is a 92.6 km drive away and is centrally located within Vietnam.

Q. How much does it cost to fly to Vietnam?

The price ticket ranges from $350 to $550 depending on your flight route and date. The cheapest route may be found on the way from Paris to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). 

We recommend using some online ticket booking platform (Kayak, Cheapflights, or SkyScanner) to look for the cheapest flight possible according to your travel plan. They do have alert system when there is the price change on your travel date

Here is how to get the cheapest flight possible to Vietnam

Getting around in Vietnam

Vietnam is well served by a good network of internal flights. Given the long and thin nature of the country, if travelling north to south or vice versa, then internal Vietnam flights are a convenient and affordable option.
There is also a sleeper train that links Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh in the south. You should try and book tickets for this early as it can sell out, especially during the Tet holiday.

Buses are the main ground transport option, with sleeper coaches covering much of the country. Tickets are cheap due to competition from various companies, but the beds on board are seldom as comfortable as you might wish them to be.

Check How to get around in Vietnam here

Other FAQs

1. Do I need vaccines for Vietnam?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Vietnam. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Vietnam: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza

Here is the article for recommended vaccinations for Vietnam.

2. How safe is Vietnam?

All in all, Vietnam is an extremely safe country to travel in. 

  • The police keep a pretty tight grip on social order and there are rarely reports of muggings, robberies or sexual assaults. 
  • Scams and hassles do exist, particularly in Hanoi, HCMC and Nha Trang (and to a lesser degree in Hoi An).
  • Be extra careful if you’re travelling on two wheels on Vietnam’s anarchic roads; traffic accident rates are woeful and driving standards are pretty appalling.

Here is our guide for Safety and Precautions in Vietnam

3. Do I need a travel insurance for Vietnam?
Insurance is not compulsory but a must for Vietnam, as the cost of major medical treatment is prohibitive. A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is the best bet.

Some insurance policies specifically exclude such ‘dangerous activities’ as riding motorbikes, diving and even trekking. Check that your policy covers an emergency evacuation in the event of serious injury.
If you're driving a vehicle, you need a Vietnamese insurance policy.

Check the detailed article for Vietnam travel insurance here

4. What should I take to Vietnam?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Thailand:

  • Money Belt – These are a great way to avoid pickpocketing while in Vietnam.
  • Mosquito Repellent – Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases are common in many parts of Vietnam. Make sure you’re protected from these bugs while traveling.
  • Walking Shoes – Visitors can walk the streets to explore the street vendors or beautiful wildlife, making good shoes a must.

Here is the detailed guide for what to pack for Vietnam

5. Are you supposed to tip in Vietnam?

Generally, tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but is very much appreciated. Many Vietnam workers do not earn much money and always appreciate the extra money to be made in tips.

Check out the Vietnam tipping guide & other local etiquettes here

6. Do I need to buy a Vietnam SIM Card? And where can I buy it?

It is recommended to buy a local SIM card why travelling in Vietnam as it surely has a stable connection and also the cheaper price for calling & data usage.

You can buy the SIM Card almost everywhere in Vietnam, especially inside the big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, or Da Nang.

Check out the detailed guide for Internet & phone in Vietnam here

7. Do I need to bargain while shopping in Vietnam?

Yes, unfortunately, you will have to bargain most of the time to get the price right. Unless you plan to go to shopping mall or supermarket where price is printed on the product. It is not an intimidating task like it seems, and once you will get used to it, you will miss the bargaining scene found in Vietnam and in most of Asia. 

Tips: Look around and check with your guide to have the idea of what you are going to buy. 

Here is our guide for Buying and bargaining in Vietnam

French Embassy in Vietnam

When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where your country embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.

French Embassy Hanoi

Vietnam TOUR PACKAGES FOR "FRENCH TRAVELERS"

20-Day Classic Indochina Honeymoon Vacation: Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam Holiday 20-Day Classic Indochina Honeymoon Vacation: Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam Holiday

- Asia -

20-Day Classic Indochina Honeymoon Vacation: Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam Holiday
Honeymoon Vacation / 20 days / fr. $5,986

Embark on an oriental adventure to discover the hotspots of sleepy Laos, explore the rich culture of Cambodia and enjoy the contrast of Vietnam’s bustling cities and tranquil coastline. Stay... More

2-Week Active Vietnam Honeymoon Holiday 2-Week Active Vietnam Honeymoon Holiday

- Vietnam -

2-Week Active Vietnam Honeymoon Holiday
Honeymoon Vacation / 15 days / fr. $3,750

For newlyweds who want to experience a combo of culture and adventure, Vietnam is the ideal honeymoon destination. Plus, with fantastic food and some beautiful white sandy beaches the usual honeymo... More

Classic Vietnam Tour & Beyond in 18-day Itinerary Classic Vietnam Tour & Beyond in 18-day Itinerary

- Vietnam -

Classic Vietnam Tour & Beyond in 18-day Itinerary
Must-see / 18 days / fr. $1,960

Discover a more authentic, more unique side of Vietnam. Travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, taking insightful tours that shine a different light on local culture. Venture through Hoi An’s... More

Vietnam Adventure Travel: 3-Week Trek the Northwestern Vietnam in Style Vietnam Adventure Travel: 3-Week Trek the Northwestern Vietnam in Style

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Adventure Travel: 3-Week Trek the Northwestern Vietnam in Style
Trek & Hike / 24 days / fr. $2,590

Venture into Vietnam’s north, escaping the modern world and delving into a land rich in culture and natural beauty. Spend the night in the middle of nowhere, trek through vibrant rice terrace... More

Vietnam Adventure Holiday: The Unseen Northern Vietnam in 4 Weeks Vietnam Adventure Holiday: The Unseen Northern Vietnam in 4 Weeks

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Adventure Holiday: The Unseen Northern Vietnam in 4 Weeks
Unseen / 27 days / fr. $2,549

Explore Vietnam’s most remote and rugged region with an unforgettable scenic road trip. The journey rewards with visits to colorful hill-tribe villages and a chance to summit Vietnam’s... More

Absolute Vietnam Itinerary in about 3 weeks Absolute Vietnam Itinerary in about 3 weeks

- Vietnam -

Absolute Vietnam Itinerary in about 3 weeks
Must-see / 25 days / fr. $2,950

From ancient cities, beachside towns to Vietnam’s natural landscapes, go on this absolute Vietnam trip that will cover all things essential for an in-depth understanding of the country. From... More

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Check below our detailed tips & guide for every places to visit in Vietnam, recommendation regarding the inclusion in each theme you prefer, and what you can do based on the time frame you have.

PLACES TO VISIT IN Vietnam
Hanoi
bee-white Hanoi

Ha Long Bay
bee-white Ha Long Bay

Sapa
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Hoi An
bee-white Hoi An

Hue
bee-white Hue

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
bee-white Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Vietnam PLANS BY TRAVEL THEME
Must-see
bee-white Must-see

Check out all the must-see places and things to do & see

Luxury Holiday
bee-white Luxury Holiday

Unique experience combined with top-notch services

Honeymoon Vacation
bee-white Honeymoon Vacation

Easy excursions combined with unique experience making the long-lasting romantic memories

Wellness & Leisure
bee-white Wellness & Leisure

Easy excursion combined with week-long beach break

Cruise
bee-white Cruise

The combination of some must-see experience and the cruise tour along the mighty rivers

Family Vacation
bee-white Family Vacation

The combination of fun and educational activities

Unseen
bee-white Unseen

Reveal off-the-beatentrack routes, least explored destinations, and unknown tribe groups

Cycling & Biking
bee-white Cycling & Biking

Explore every corners of the destination on two wheels

Trek & Hike
bee-white Trek & Hike

Explore the least visited destinations and unknown experience on foot

Vietnam PLANS BY TIME FRAME
white-icon About 1 week
yellow-icon About 1 week
white-icon About 2 weeks
yellow-icon About 2 weeks
white-icon About 3 weeks
yellow-icon About 3 weeks
white-icon About 4 weeks
yellow-icon About 4 weeks
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Vietnam BLOG ARTICLES

Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River. 

...more

Before being awarded a one-star rating by Michelin Guide for the first time, four Vietnamese restaurants - one in HCMC and three in Hanoi - were honored by international media and received applause from foreign diners.

...more

"Should I visit Thailand or Vietnam?" is some of the most frequently asked questions that we have from our travelers

Well, Vietnam and Thailand are the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. They are similar in climate and food, though obviously different in culture, lifestyle and travel experience.

Below we list 13 major differences between the two countries, to give you a quick overview and help you decide which to visit first. These are based on our own travel experiences, investigations, and partnerships with local operators.

...more

How long to spend in Vietnam may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out.

You can find here and there that you should spend 10 days, 2 weeks, 20 days, or 1 month to best explore Vietnam. So what is the best Vietnam tour duration for you?

Well, as long as you like! From 10 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Vietnam and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Vietnam is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Vietnam with its neighbor countries. 

Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Vietnam.

...more

Vietnam would scrap the Covid-19 testing requirement for all arrivals starting Sunday, May 15th 2022, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed.

In a document issued Friday, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Health to closely follow the coronavirus situation and provide proper guidance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should direct Vietnamese authorities outside the country to inform people who wish to enter Vietnam to follow appropriate disease prevention measures, he said.

The latest decision has been made as the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths drops both in Vietnam and around the world. Several countries have been taking steps to relax coronavirus restrictions, including scrapping testing before entry.

Current policies issued by the health ministry require entrants to have negative results from PCR tests done within the previous 72 hours, or a negative result from a rapid test done within the last 24 hours.

Those who don’t have a negative test result must refrain from making contact with others during the first 24 hours after entry. They will be able to move freely once they test negative after arrival.

Children under two don’t need to be tested.

Vietnam stopped requiring medical declarations from those arriving from abroad starting April 27, and for domestic travel starting April 30.

...more

The “Colorful Hanoi” hot air balloon festival is one of the attractive activities within the framework of the program “Hanoi tourism welcomes 2022” taking place from March 25-27, 2022.

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Thailand
bee-white Thailand
Friendly and food-obsessed, hedonistic and historic, cultured and curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering temples and tropical beaches.
Cambodia
bee-white Cambodia
There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.
Myanmar
bee-white Myanmar
It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure.
Laos
bee-white Laos
Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous.
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