How to Connect: Tips for Internet Access in Vietnam

Stepping off the plane in Vietnam can feel like a million miles away from home. But no matter how far you travel, connecting to the world outside still isn't that difficult, even in places like Vietnam. With just a few tips, you’ll be navigating through the local network and easily reaching out to everyone back home in no time.

Whether you’re hoping to stay connected with friends and family during your travels or need reliable Wi-Fi for work purposes, we have all the answers for unlocking even the toughest Vietnamese internet access networks. Here’s what you need to know about getting connected in Vietnam.

Wi-Fi Options in Vietnam

Are you ready to go online while in Vietnam? Here's what you need to know about connecting.

The most straightforward way to get Wi-Fi service in Vietnam is through a mobile data plan, usually provided by telecom companies. You can get a SIM card, top up the account, and then use your mobile phone for data. This will give you access to 3G, 4G, or even 5G networks, depending on the coverage available.

Vietnam is one of the most well-connected countries in the world. The connection speeds may vary according to location but you can find Internet access almost everywhere for free or at a very low cost.

Mobile Data Plans for Tourists

Vietnam is an increasingly connected country, and mobile data plans are widely available to tourists and travelers.

If you’re in Vietnam for just a few weeks, you may want to consider a prepaid SIM card—available at service providers like Vinaphone or Mobiphone. These SIM cards come with data plans that you can use for limited amounts of time. Depending on the service provider, the data plan is usually good for 24 hours, seven days, or a month of use.

For long-term visitors or people who need more data, there are plenty of postpaid options as well. You’ll need your passport and a local phone number to sign up for these plans. After that’s taken care of, you can select from different packages with varying amounts of data (typically ranging between 2GB to 30GB) and talk-time minutes.

Prepaid plans are strongly recommended. It's easy to top up your account, and you'll never receive a surprise bill.

Without going into too much detail, we recommend Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone. While Vietnamobile tends to be less expensive, it has weaker coverage in some areas, which can be problematic when traveling. We recommend Viettel since it has the best coverage, especially in rural areas. It should be noted that Viettel is owned by the military. In our opinion, there is not much difference when it comes to privacy and security concerns as all operators in Vietnam have to comply with Vietnam's laws anyway.

Here are the main points to consider when getting a local SIM card:

Make sure your device is unlocked and compatible with Vietnamese networks
Buy your SIM card from a store that sells authorized phone SIM cards (this will usually be found in major cities)
Purchase a pay-as-you-go SIM card that can be topped up with credit (some stores also offer monthly plans)
When entering your details, expect to show your passport or other identification document
Check the coverage in areas you plan to travel – there may be better service in certain provinces and cities than in others
Keep your SIM card active by topping up credit regularly or risk deactivation – if this happens, you may need to buy a new one
After purchasing, make sure you reset or power cycle the device before connecting back online
Lastly, make sure that you know how to access customer service if needed – this should be provided by the store when you purchase the SIM card but it's important to double check

Connecting Through Coffee Shops, Airbnbs, and Hotels

Finding an internet connection in Vietnam is super easy, whether it's through coffee shops, Airbnbs, or hotels. Tip number one is to ask—just get the locals talking, and you'll be surprised at how many people are willing to help out a traveler.

Airbnbs

Another option for those staying in an Airbnb is to ask your host if there's Wi-Fi available—more often than not, their place will have an internet connection and you can use that for free. It may not be lightning fast, but it's usually good enough for checking emails or browsing social media.

Hotels

If you're staying in a hotel or guesthouse, then, of course, check with them to see if they offer Wi-Fi. Many hotels these days offer free Wi-Fi as a standard amenity—but if not, then you should definitely ask if they provide it by paying an extra fee. This way you can avoid having to go out just to find an internet connection.

Trains/Buses

Did you know that trains and (long-distance) buses in Vietnam also offer free Internet access as well? Look around your seat for Wifi instructions. If you don't find one, just ask the attendant for help.

Setting Up a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

For many travelers, setting up a virtual private network (VPN) is the best way to stay connected when visiting Vietnam. A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and the Internet so that your data and activities are kept secure and private.

But don’t just take our word for it—here’s how setting up a VPN can help you access the internet while in Vietnam.

Faster Connections

The most immediate benefit of a VPN is that it can make your internet connection much faster by routing your traffic through servers located in countries with fewer restrictions. It also helps you avoid any throttling of speeds by ISPs that are trying to get you to upgrade to faster connections.

Increased Security

A VPN also provides increased security for your data and activities since it encrypts all the data passing through its server using strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPSec. This means that anybody trying to snoop on what you're doing will be unable to see what you're up to—as long as you have a reliable VPN provider, of course!

Access Blocked Content

Finally, having a VPN set up for your travels in Vietnam will give you access to content that may be blocked by local ISPs or government censorships, like social media websites or streaming services. That way, you'll be able to keep up with your friends back home while enjoying all the sites and sounds of Vietnam!

Internet Regulations in Vietnam

When it comes to internet access in Vietnam, there are some things to keep in mind. The government has fairly strict regulations in place when it comes to the use of the Internet.

Government Regulations

The Vietnamese government monitors and regulates internet use, and also blocks certain sites and services. Most websites including Facebook, YouTube, Google, and Twitter are NOT blocked. However, some sites such as medium.com or behance.net are blocked. Most websites with adult content are also blocked. These restrictions can make it difficult for travelers to access the internet while in Vietnam.

Internet Censorship

For those looking for a way around Vietnam's internet regulations, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Conclusion

Connecting to the internet in Vietnam doesn't have to be a challenge. By arming yourself with a few tips and tricks, you can ensure that you have quick and reliable access to the internet during your travels.

Whether you choose to buy a local sim card or access public wifi hotspots, there are plenty of options available to keep you connected. With a little bit of planning and the right tools, you can stay connected and make the most of your travels in Vietnam.