Dubai to Vietnam in 2025: Complete Travel Guide

Vietnam is a land where emerald rice paddies stretch to the horizon, ancient temples whisper stories of the past, and street food tells tales with every bite. If you’re planning a trip from Dubai to Vietnam, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. From bustling cities to peaceful countryside, Vietnam is a destination that ticks all the boxes—history, culture, adventure, food, and natural beauty.

Be it cruising through Halong Bay, wandering the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or trekking through Sapa’s mountains, this detailed guide will help you discover Vietnam’s best places to see, how to plan your journey, how to get a Vietnam visa from Dubai, and what to expect once you are there.

Travelers from Dubai are increasingly seeking unique, immersive experiences—and Vietnam delivers exactly that. It’s the perfect escape from the high-rises and desert landscapes of Dubai, offering lush jungles, vibrant markets, rich history, and a culinary scene that’s nothing short of mouthwatering.

Besides, the Dubai to Vietnam travel time is around 6 to 8 hours by direct flight, making it a relatively short trip to a whole new world. Whether you are a solo explorer, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family looking for adventure, Vietnam welcomes you with open arms.

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Worried about paperwork? Don’t be. The process of getting a Vietnam visa from Dubai is straightforward:

1. e-Visa: Apply online for a single-entry visa (valid for 30 days). The process usually takes 3-5 working days.
   
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA): Get a pre-approval letter online, and collect your visa at one of Vietnam’s international airports.
   

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.

Read More: How to Apply for Vietnam Tourist Visa from Dubai

Several airlines, including Emirates, Vietnam Airlines, and Qatar Airways, offer Dubai to Vietnam flights with or without stopovers. The most common entry points are Hanoi (North), Da Nang (Central), and Ho Chi Minh City (South).

Direct flights usually land in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, taking roughly 6–8 hours.

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Now for the exciting part—where to go once you’re there! Here’s a curated list of the best places in Vietnam you can’t miss.

Best city for: History, culture, and food.

Hanoi, Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital, is a captivating mix of old and new. The city’s heart beats in the Old Quarter, where narrow lanes are packed with street vendors, scooters, and colonial architecture. Visit:

• Hoan Kiem Lake – Perfect for morning walks or people-watching.
  
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – A tribute to the nation’s founding father.
  
• Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university.
  
• Dong Xuan Market – For everything from souvenirs to local snacks.
  

Don’t forget to try a steaming bowl of Pho or Hanoi’s famous egg coffee—a creamy delight!

Best place to see in Vietnam for Natural wonders and cruising.

A short trip from Hanoi, Halong Bay is a surreal seascape of limestone karsts jutting out of emerald waters. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so!

• Take a luxury cruise for 1-2 nights—many include kayaking and cave visits.
  
• Explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and Ti Top Island.
  
• Go night squid fishing or relax with a cocktail on the deck.
  

For travelers from Dubai, this is the perfect escape into nature after city life.

Best city for: Trekking, scenery, and cultural immersion.

Nestled near the Chinese border, Sapa is home to Vietnam’s most stunning mountain vistas and vibrant hill tribes.

• Hike through Muong Hoa Valley and see cascading rice terraces.
  
• Visit local markets and stay in an ethnic homestay for an authentic experience.
  
• Take the cable car to Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.
  

This peaceful region offers a slower pace—ideal if you’re traveling for tranquility.

Best place to see in Vietnam for: Ancient architecture and romance.

Hoi An is hands-down one of the best cities of Vietnam for couples and culture lovers.

• Stroll through the lantern-lit Ancient Town.
  
• Get a custom outfit tailored within 24 hours.
  
• Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and local art galleries.
  
• Join a cooking class or cycle through nearby rice paddies.
  

Hoi An is as Instagrammable as it is soul-soothing. Best visited between February and April for ideal weather.

Best place for: Beaches and modern vibes.

Just 30 minutes from Hoi An, Da Nang offers a laid-back alternative with modern infrastructure and natural beauty.

• Visit the world-famous Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.
  
• Relax at My Khe Beach or Non Nuoc Beach.
  
• Explore the mystical Marble Mountains.
  

For Dubai residents looking for a city that blends beach luxury with cultural exploration, Da Nang is a must.

Best city for: History and royal heritage.

Hue was once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty and remains Vietnam’s most regal destination.

• Tour the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling complex of palaces and temples.
  
• Visit the Tombs of the Emperors scattered along the Perfume River.
  
• Take a sunset boat cruise or try Bun Bo Hue, the city’s signature spicy noodle dish.
  

History buffs will love the well-preserved legacy Hue offers.

Best city for: Urban adventures and nightlife.

Formerly known as Saigon, this city is energetic, ambitious, and alive 24/7.

• Visit the War Remnants Museum for powerful stories from the Vietnam War.
  
• Tour the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used during wartime.
  
• Shop and eat your way through Ben Thanh Market.
  
• Unwind at rooftop lounges like Chill Skybar.
  

This is the economic heart of Vietnam and a great place to wrap up your journey before flying back to Dubai.

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• Cruise Halong Bay
  
• Ride a scooter through the rice fields in Ninh Binh
  
• Trek the highlands of Sapa
  
• Shop in Hoi An’s night market
  
• Take a cooking class and learn to make Pho
  
• Explore Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City
  

Food is a journey in itself! Here are the must-try dishes:

• Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup)
  
• Banh Mi (French-inspired sandwich)
  
• Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls)
  
• Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles – Obama loved it!)
  
• Ca Phe Sua Da (iced coffee with condensed milk)
  

Trust us—you’ll want to eat everything.

From luxurious resorts to cozy homestays, Vietnam has it all:

• The Reverie Saigon – Ultimate luxury in Ho Chi Minh City
  
• Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – Elegant comfort in the capital
  
• Anantara Hoi An – Riverside bliss with style
  
• Topas Ecolodge in Sapa – Eco-luxury in the mountains
  

No matter your budget, you’ll find unforgettable stays in every region.

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 AED = approx. 6,700 VND
  
• Best Time to Travel:
  
  • North: March to May & September to November
    
  • South: December to April
    
  • Central: February to August
    

Each region has different weather, so plan accordingly!

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Planning your trip from Dubai to Vietnam means entering a world of adventure, flavor, and discovery. With a rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets. Pair these with must-do activities, local food adventures, and carefully chosen stays to make your Dubai to Vietnam trip unforgettable.

For assistance with Vietnam travel and visas, contact Travnook. We help you get vietnam visa from Dubai smoothly while you pack your bags!