Guide for Urban Travelers to Visit Vietnam with Tourist Visa

Visited by more than 17 million foreign tourists in 2024, Vietnam is definitely one of the most visited places on earth. Vietnam successfully draws in tourists through its lush greenery, stunning views, and rich artistry. But there’s more on offer. 

The biggest reason why urban travelers from countries like the USA or the UK visit this country is due to its modern cityscapes, nightlife, and urban culture. Well, are you also an urban traveler traveling from a country like the UK? 

Then, you should start planning for your trip and get a Vietnam visa for UK citizens promptly. However, there is a lot more than you will be required to plan for and understand for a successful trip. So, let us just walk through the whole process to be more confident about the trip. 

How to Visit Vietnam From the UK?

Well, visiting Vietnam from the UK isn’t an intimidating process. This just involves you arranging for a few simple things. Some of these things are: 

Book Your Flight 

The first thing you need to do for this trip is book the tickets for your flight. You will be required to book both inward and outward flights, as that will be necessary for a few other things.November to April is the dry season, and a great time to visit. The rainfall is quite less during that time of the year. 

However, if you want to explore during the winter, then travel to Northern Vietnam during December and January, the place is beautiful during that time of the year. On the other hand, from September to December is ideal for visiting Central Vietnam to explore its wet season.

As for the airport, you’ll likely depart from London Heathrow (LHR) and arrive at one of Vietnam’s major international airports:

• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City
• Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi
• Da Nang International Airport (DAD) in Da Nang

Apply for Your Visa 

Well, as a UK citizen, you can travel visa-free if you are visiting the country for 45 days. But you will have to get the tourist visa, more specifically a Vietnam tourist visa, if you are planning to stay longer than that. This visa is used for tourism purposes and helps you explore the city and its urban areas without any hassle. The visa stays valid for 90 days and offers you multiple entries to the country. Here we are focusing on the online visa as it comes with added convenience, and its application process is pretty swift. Some of the steps that you will have to follow in this process are: 

Fill out the form: Visit the online portal for the Vietnam tourist visa and check your eligibility. Fill in the application form with accurate details related to your trip.

Upload your documents: Add scanned copies of all the necessary documents for getting a Vietnam visa for UK citizens. This includes copies of your valid passport (one with at least two blank pages and a minimum of 6 months’ validity beyond your travel date), recent passport-sized photograph, bank statements, travel itinerary, flight tickets (both inward and outward), and other things required by the authority. 

Wait for Approval: Pay the visa application fee. Then wait for around 1 to 3 days for the processing period. The approval will come on the email address you gave in your application form. After that, you will just have to get a few copies of it and bring them with you to the airport. If the letter doesn’t arrive within that timeline, then you should contact the Helpdesk. 

What to expect in major cities 

Different cities in Vietnam have something unique to add to your trip. Some of these cities are: 

Hanoi

This one is famous for the blend of tradition and modernity. This comes with the charm of the Old Quarter, its street food, history, and shopping destinations. Plus, if you take our word for it, then you must visit Hoan Kiem Lake to experience its vibrant surroundings in the evening. The city also boasts amazing rooftop bars and luxury hotels in the city center. Some of the best places for coffee culture and egg coffee experiences are the Cafe Giang, which is the birthplace of egg coffee. Moreover, you should also visit The Note Coffee and Dinh Coffee for their unique ambiance and delicious egg coffee. 

Ho Chi Minh City

This is Vietnam’s bustling metropolis. The Ben Thanh market of this city is famous for shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, and is one of the biggest reasons why people get a Vietnam visa for UK citizens. This place stays top of the list of urban travelers as the nightlife scene is liked by all. From craft beer to high-end rooftop lounges, this truly has a lot to offer to all. Some of the urban café culture and digital nomad-friendly spaces that you must visit are CirCO and The Sentry, as well as cafes like Soo Kafe and Trung Nguyen. 

Da Nang

Da Nang is known as the perfect coastal city for urban travelers. This city is a fusion of city life and beach relaxation. When visiting this place with a Vietnam tourist visa then you must go to the Dragon Bridge for its weekend fire-breathing show. Other than that, Da Nang is also famous for its seafood. Some of the best seafood restaurants are Ca Chuon Co Restaurant, Ba Ro Seafood Restaurant, Nam Danh Seafood Restaurant, and Be Man Seafood Restaurant. On the other hand, the popular beach clubs in Da Nang are Nautica Beach Club and Esco Beach Bar Lounge & Restaurant. 

Pro Tip: Try to plan a day trip to Hoi An for a mix of urban and historical experiences. 

Urban Adventures

Vietnam has a unique vibe. This is the biggest reason why people travel to this country with a Vietnam tourist visa. For instance, if you are a UK citizen who loves to indulge in street food, then you must try Bun Cha, Pho, and Banh Mi, the much-loved Vietnamese street foods. The first one comes with grilled pork and delicious rice noodles, which are always a hit. Pho is an extremely flavourful soup, whereas Banh Mi is a sandwich that has delicious fillings. 

Other than that, you should also go for a ride on motorbikes through bustling city streets to experience its urban beauty. The city is an emerging tech hub, but also has some hidden speakeasies and secret cocktail bars like Speakeasy Bar in Hanoi and Can You Keep a Secret? in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Shopping and Fashion

Well, no Vietnam trip is complete without diving into its fashion scene. The city is filled with stylish places where anyone can find the best outfits. If you are looking for luxury shopping, then visit Takashimaya Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon Centre in the same area. However, for a budget buy, you can explore the local markets of the city, just remember to bargain to get the best deal. Plus, there are also places like Metiseko or OLV Boutique, which is one of the trendiest fashion boutiques in Ho Chi Minh City. Lastly, for souvenirs, you should try shopping from The Craft House Original and Saigon Eco Craft. 

Public Transport and Getting Around

Well, the best ways to travel around the city are to use taxis, motorbike rentals, and public transport. These are convenient and much more affordable than booking a rental car service. Other than that, you should also try using the metro (equivalent of the tube) in Ho Chi Minh City. Note that it can get crowded there though.   

Feeling confident to explore Vietnam as an Urban Traveler?

With bustling nightlife and numerous cafes, Vietnam remains one of the most visited places by urban travelers from countries like the UK. This helps them get a fun experience, all while exploring the delicious delicacies from the country. So, just get a Vietnam visa for UK citizens in time and pack your bag to properly explore the country. We are guaranteed that this will help you create memories that will last forever.