Travel Checklist for Vietnam from Singapore: Everything You Need Before You Fly

Vietnam: One of the Most Rewarding Trips You Can Take from Singapore

Vietnam has earned its reputation as one of Southeast Asia's most captivating travel destinations. The country offers an almost overwhelming variety of experiences packed into a relatively long, narrow geography. From the French colonial architecture and street food culture of Hanoi in the north, to the lantern-lit ancient town of Hoi An, the dramatic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, the beach resorts of Da Nang, and the chaotic, delicious energy of Ho Chi Minh City in the south, Vietnam delivers at every stop.

It is also a country where good preparation makes a significant difference to how smoothly you travel. Language barriers, unfamiliar transport systems, and the occasional logistical challenge are all easier to navigate when you have done a little homework before you fly. This checklist covers everything a Singapore traveller needs to sort before a Vietnam trip.

Entry Requirements

E-Visa for Singapore Citizens

Singapore citizens can enter Vietnam on an e-visa. The Vietnam e-visa is available online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, costs USD 25 for a single entry, and is valid for up to 90 days. Processing typically takes three business days, so apply at least a week before your departure. Print a copy of your approved e-visa or save it to your phone to present at immigration.

Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Vietnam. Check this well before you book your flights.

Arrival Airports

Vietnam's main international airports are Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Da Nang International Airport also handles some direct international routes. Direct flights from Singapore to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are available from Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Scoot, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways.

Getting Around Vietnam

Domestic Flights

Vietnam is a long country and domestic flights are the most practical way to cover large distances. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways all operate frequent domestic routes between Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An (via Da Nang), Nha Trang, and HCMC. Book domestic flights in advance through the airlines directly or through booking platforms. Prices are generally very affordable.

Grab in Major Cities

Grab operates in Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, and other major Vietnamese cities and is the most reliable way to get around. Grabcar and GrabBike are both available. Having a working data connection is essential to use Grab, which makes sorting your Vietnam eSIM before departure a practical necessity rather than just a convenience.

Trains

The Reunification Express runs the length of Vietnam from Hanoi to HCMC. For scenic routes like Hanoi to Hue or Da Nang, the overnight train is a memorable experience. Book through the Vietnam Railways website or through platforms like Baolau.com. Book early for sleeper berths on popular routes.

Motorbike Taxis

xe om (traditional motorbike taxis) and the app-based Be and Grab motorbike services are common and useful for short distances in cities. In smaller towns and rural areas, motorbike taxis are often the main form of local transport.

Money in Vietnam

Vietnamese Dong

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and the large denominations can be confusing at first. A cup of local coffee might cost VND 20,000, a bowl of pho VND 60,000, and a cheap room VND 300,000. Always double-check the number of zeros when handling VND notes. USD is also widely accepted in tourist areas and for some hotel payments, but VND is the standard currency for daily life.

ATMs and Cash

ATMs are widely available in Vietnamese cities. Vietcombank, Techcombank, and BIDV ATMs are reliable for foreign cards. Withdraw VND in larger amounts to minimise ATM fees. Notify your Singapore bank before travel to avoid blocked transactions.

Bargaining at Markets

At local markets and street stalls, prices are often negotiable, especially for souvenirs, clothing, and items that do not have a marked price. Bargaining is expected and part of the culture. Start lower than you are willing to pay and negotiate from there. Always remain good-natured about it.

Connectivity: A Must-Have for Vietnam Travel

Get a Vietnam eSIM Before You Fly

Vietnam is a country where being connected genuinely transforms your experience. Grab rides, Google Maps, Google Translate's camera feature for reading menus and signs, booking confirmations, and staying in touch with tour operators all depend on data. Roaming from Singapore is expensive and eats into a travel budget that can stretch much further on Vietnamese prices.

Steady eSIM Vietnam plans start from just $4.99, making it one of the most affordable ways to stay connected throughout your trip. Whether you are in Hanoi for three days or doing a two-week south to north tour, there is a plan that fits your usage. Buy your plan at steadyesim.com, receive your QR code in under 2 minutes, and install it at home before you fly. Land in Hanoi or HCMC already online.

Apps to Download Before You Fly

• Grab: for car and motorbike rides in major cities
• Google Maps: download offline maps for Hanoi, HCMC, Hoi An, and Da Nang
• Google Translate: download the Vietnamese language pack for offline use
• Baolau or 12Go: for booking trains and buses across Vietnam
• Agoda or Booking.com: for last-minute accommodation bookings on the road

Health and Safety

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Vietnam. Medical facilities in major cities have improved significantly but are still limited compared to Singapore standards. Medical evacuation coverage is particularly important if you plan to travel to rural or remote areas.

Food and Water Safety

Drink bottled water at all times in Vietnam. Avoid ice in drinks at local eateries unless you are confident about the source. Street food is generally safe when cooked fresh and served hot, and eating where locals eat is usually a good guide to quality. Be more cautious with raw salads and unpeeled fruits at lower-end establishments.

Traffic in Vietnamese Cities

Traffic in Hanoi and HCMC is famously intense. Crossing the road requires patience and a steady pace. Look both ways, make eye contact with approaching riders, and walk at a consistent speed so motorbikes can predict your movement. Do not stop suddenly in the middle of the road.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito repellent is worth packing, particularly if you are visiting areas near water, rice paddies, or rural regions. Apply repellent in the evenings and consider long sleeves in heavily mosquito-prone areas.

What to Pack for Vietnam

• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• A packable rain jacket or travel umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• Modest clothing for temple and pagoda visits (covered shoulders and knees)
• Mosquito repellent
• Bottled water tablets as backup
• A small daypack for sightseeing
• Portable power bank
• Type A and Type C plug adaptor (Vietnam uses Type A, C, and F outlets)
• Your Steady eSIM already installed on your phone
• A printed or saved copy of your Vietnam e-visa

Cultural Tips for Vietnam

Remove Shoes at Temples and Pagodas

Most temples and pagodas in Vietnam require you to remove your shoes before entering. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.

Bargaining is Normal

At markets and with street vendors, bargaining is part of the culture. Approach it with a smile and good humour. Do not feel pressured to buy if you cannot agree on a price.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam but is appreciated in tourist-facing establishments. A small tip for tour guides, spa staff, and restaurant servers at sit-down restaurants is a kind gesture. At local eateries and street food stalls, tipping is generally not expected.