Cruising Vietnam: 37 Important Visa, Port & Travel Tips
Updated 06/07/2025
This post is part of a series on what to do when you have one day in port on a Cruise. You can find more posts from this series on my page,
How To Spend One Day In Port.
Vietnam is a knockout from every angle—and cruising Vietnam is a front-row seat to the country’s greatest hits: dramatic coastlines, historic cities, street food magic, and that signature buzz of organized chaos. After visiting Halong Bay, Hue, and Saigon on a recent voyage, here’s everything we wish we’d known before setting sail.
This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you use these links to buy products or services. Please see our disclosure policy for full details. Thanks.
Visa & Entry Requirements for Cruising Vietnam
If you’re a U.S. citizen—or traveling from most countries—you’ll need a visa to enter Vietnam, even for cruise port stops.
Your Visa Options
- E-Visa (Single Entry & Multiple Entry) – Easy and online. Apply before you travel.
Either of these visas can be obtained by visiting the Vietnam National Electronic Visa website, completing the application for the required type of visa, and paying the corresponding fee.
You can receive updates on your visa by e-mail or in your account on the e-Visa Vietnam homepage.
- Apply through a Vietnamese consulate.
- Loose-leaf Visa on Arrival – Occasionally available, but not guaranteed. Best to plan ahead.
Note: Cruise lines typically don’t handle visa processing. Confirm visa rules with the Vietnamese Embassy or U.S. State Department before your trip.
Currency, Payments & Tipping in Vietnam
The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist zones and near cruise ports.
Money Tips:
- Bring small USD bills in good condition for convenience.
- Expect to receive any change in VND, even if you pay in dollars.
- Use ATMs near the port for dong withdrawals—ships rarely carry local currency.
- Credit cards are accepted in cities, but not everywhere.
- Contactless (or touchless) payments are becoming increasingly common, with over 75% of in-person transactions using credit cards through mobile wallets.
Pro Tip: Download a currency converter app to make on-the-go spending easier. I use this one, available in the App Store and on Google Play
Also, if you have a newer iPhone and iOS, you can use the native calculator as a currency converter in a few simple steps. There may be a similar function on an Android phone. If you’re aware of this, please let me know in the comments.
Should You Tip When You Cruise Vietnam?
Tipping is not as common in Vietnam as it is in the United States, but it is still appreciated. Here are some guidelines:
Restaurants: Leave a small tip for your server between 5 & 10%
Taxis and Grab Drivers: Rounding the fare up is common for a good ride.
Hotel Staff: For housekeeping, we recommend a daily rate of $2. If you use a concierge service for booking tours, restaurants, or other entertainment, 5% of the cost of the service will be appreciated. For valet car service, $1-$2.
Tour Guides: Generally $10-$20 per day per couple, more if your group is larger. If your private tour also includes a driver, their tip would be 50% of what you tip your guide.
Vietnam Cruise Ports & Transportation Guide
Vietnam’s major cruise ports are well-equipped, but they’re often far from the main attractions. Plan your shore days accordingly.
Common Cruise Ports In Vietnam & Distances From Cities:
- Halong Bay → Hanoi: 3.5–4 hours each way
- Chan May → Hue: Around 1 hour
- Phu My → Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): About 2 hours
- Phu My → Vung Tau: ~45 minutes
- Nha Trang: Near the city center
- Phu Quoc: Island port; typically visa-free for cruise passengers
Getting Around Vietnam
- Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) is available in the App Store, Google Play, and Huawei’s AppGallery
- Pre-booked tours
- Taxi services
- Cruise shuttle buses, depending on your ship
Cruise Excursions: Should You Go Independent?
We skipped the cruise line excursions and opted for local guides at every stop, with no regrets. However, many cruisers like the guarantee that comes along with ship excursions that the ship will not leave without you.
If you go out on your own, you are taking the responsibility of returning to the ship at or before the last call time. In your daily ship schedule, the all-aboard time will be listed for each port. This time is in “Ship-Time”; make sure your watch is also on “Ship-Time.”
Independent Tour Operators We Loved:
- Halong Bay or Hanoi: Alex with nom nom travel
- Hue or Danang: Peter Pham with Hue Private Excursions
- Saigon: Charming Tourism
Why we chose to go private:
- We like to personalize the pace
- Cultural depth: You have more time to speak with the local people, including your tour guide.
- Most independent guides have the leeway to allow you the freedom to linger, explore, and improvise as you go along.
Just ensure your guide is port-savvy and punctual—missing the ship is not a vibe.
What to Pack for a Vietnam Cruise
Vietnam’s coastal weather is humid, the terrain can be uneven, and port days are active. In addition to what to pack for a cruise, here are things you’ll want for your day trips and excursions.
Lightweight, breathable clothing, good walking shoes, and a good sun hat are the minimum requirements. You may also want a compact umbrella for sudden downpours and walking sticks to help you navigate the steep climbs in the caves. And don’t forget a small day pack with essentials like water, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
It’s easy to provision your needs with a few quick clicks at Amazon or any other online shop.
Weather & Best Time For Cruising Vietnam
The best season is December through April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and ideal for sightseeing.
Shoulder Season: November is drier but still humid.
Avoid: May to October brings monsoon rains and rougher seas.
Check local weather before sailing—storms can impact port access or excursion plans.
Health, Safety & Travel Insurance
Stay healthy, stay covered, and stay smart.
Before You Go:
- Check for recommended vaccines (e.g., Hepatitis A, Typhoid)
- Pack prescription meds in your carry-on
- Bring bug spray if you’re heading inland
Onboard your Cruise Ship and In Country:
- Drink bottled water. The water on cruise ships is safe to drink, but it is often high in sodium.
- Follow local laws and traffic rules (crosswalks mean nothing in Saigon)
- Keep valuables in your cabin safe
Insurance Tip: Buy comprehensive travel insurance—medical coverage, delays, and cancellations included.
Highlights From Every Vietnam Port
Each stop on your Vietnam cruise has its own flavor. Here’s what not to miss:
Halong Bay & Gateway to Hanoi
- Limestone karsts, jade-green water
- Boat tours, cave climbs, and kayaking
Phu My (Ho Chi Minh/Saigon Gateway)
- Mekong Delta day trips
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Saigon street eats and colonial architecture
Chan May (Hue, Da Nang & Hoi An)
- Day trips to Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An
- Ideal for history lovers and photographers
Nha Trang
- Chill beach day
- Seafood and snorkeling
Phu Quoc
- Island vibes
- Resorts and beaches
- Often visa-free for cruise passengers (double-check itinerary)
Smart Tips for a Smooth Cruise
- Sort out your visa early
- Plan for long drives from the port to the city
- Go private if you want more immersive experiences
- Download essential apps: Google Translate, Grab, Currency Converter
- Expect the unexpected—and embrace it
Final Thoughts: Vietnam Will Get Under Your Skin
From navigating Saigon’s scooter rivers to drifting in the stillness of Halong Bay, Vietnam doesn’t just impress—it imprints. It’s not always smooth, but it’s always unforgettable.
So pack your curiosity, prep your passport, and bring your adventurous spirit—Vietnam is ready for you.
First stop for us is Halong Bay! Come along and see what’s there!
