How to prepare for your trip to Vietnam in 2026?
Souleymane Enok
Vietnam is one of the most alluring and comprehensive Southeast Asian destinations for French travelers. From the terraced rice fields of Sapa to the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc, passing through the effervescence of Hanoi, the colonial charm of Hoi An, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, Vietnam offers a diversity of landscapes, cultures, and experiences that rivals any destination in the world. And in 2026, the country continues to show growing appeal for travelers in search of authenticity, exceptional gastronomy, and a total change of scenery at still very affordable rates.
But preparing a trip to Vietnam requires serious and early planning. Between entry requirements, choosing the right season for your itinerary, the variety of internal transport, health and vaccination concerns, and budget management, there are many elements to consider before leaving. An ill-prepared trip to Vietnam can turn into an uphill struggle, while a well-organized one ensures an unforgettable and seamless experience from the first day to the last.
The first piece of good news for French travelers is that Vietnam has significantly simplified its entry requirements since 2023. French citizens now benefit from a visa exemption for stays of up to 45 days, compared to 15 days previously. This major change has paved the way for longer and more in-depth trips without complex prior administrative procedures, provided certain specific conditions are met, which we will detail in this article.
In this comprehensive guide, we provide all the keys to planning your trip to Vietnam in 2026, from entry requirements to budget, including the ideal itinerary, the best times to travel, and the essential practical advice for fully enjoying this extraordinary country.
Entry requirements for Vietnam for French citizens: visa, passport, and conditions
The good news for French travelers preparing for a trip to Vietnam in 2026 is that entry requirements have never been simpler. In 2026, French citizens continue to benefit from the visa exemption for Vietnam. This measure allows for a visa-free stay of up to 45 days, regardless of passport type, for short-term tourist or business trips. This exemption is a major breakthrough for French travelers who can now discover this exceptional country without any prior administrative steps for stays of less than six weeks.
The 45-day visa exemption: what you need to know
Since August 15, 2023, French citizens are exempt from a visa for stays not exceeding 45 days, including arrival and departure days, regardless of passport type and the purpose of the stay. This exemption is particularly advantageous because it applies without frequency restrictions. The rule is simple but strict: your stay must not exceed a maximum of 45 days, including the day of arrival and departure. The good news is that this counter resets with each new entry into the country, offering great flexibility.
In practice, if you wish to explore Vietnam for a month, take a quick trip to Cambodia or Laos for a few days, and then return to Vietnam for a second leg, you are granted a new 45-day period with each entry without any additional procedures. Under Law 51/2019/QH14, the 30-day minimum waiting period between a visa-free stay in Vietnam and a new entry into Vietnam under the same conditions is no longer required.
Conditions for benefiting from the exemption
Three conditions are essential to benefit from the visa exemption. To enter Vietnam with a visa exemption, travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of their return from Vietnam and contains at least 2 blank pages. Round-trip air tickets or tickets for onward travel to another country constitute the third condition. Properly booked round-trip air tickets are proof that you will leave the territory within the allotted time frame.
An important point of caution concerns the condition and validity of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned date of entry into Vietnam. This is a non-negotiable condition, exemption or not. Systematically check this date well before your departure, as passport renewal lead times can take several weeks at the town hall.
The new pre-arrival declaration since April 2026
An important new development came into effect in 2026 and warrants special attention. Vietnam has implemented an online registration system, active since April 15, 2026. For the time being, it only applies to people arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City from abroad. It concerns all foreign citizens entering Vietnam, with or without a visa. If your flight arrives in Ho Chi Minh City, inquire about this formality before your departure to avoid any complications upon arrival.
The e-visa for stays longer than 45 days
For travelers who wish to stay in Vietnam for more than 45 days, the e-visa is the most suitable solution. The visa application is made via the Vietnam National Immigration Portal, which issues an e-visa for stays of up to 90 days with multiple entries. For 2026, expect to pay 25 USD for a single-entry e-visa and 50 USD for a multiple-entry e-visa, both valid for 90 days. Official processing time generally fluctuates between 3 and 5 business days. As a precaution, it is advisable to start the process at least 2 weeks before departure. Only use the official Vietnamese government website for your e-visa application to avoid the numerous fraudulent sites that proliferate on the internet.
What is the best time to travel to Vietnam?
The question of the best time to travel to Vietnam is one of the most complex to answer universally, and for good reason. Vietnam stretches over more than 1,600 km from north to south; the climate varies greatly depending on the region. If you are traveling for several weeks, adapt your itinerary to the weather. This long, narrow country spans several distinct climatic zones that do not experience the same seasons at the same time. Understanding these differences is essential for planning a trip that takes advantage of the best weather conditions in each region visited.
The good news for travelers wishing to cross Vietnam from north to south is that two climate windows offer the best conditions for the entire country simultaneously. Two periods are ideal for traversing Vietnam from one end to the other: from September to November and from mid-March to May. Outside of these prime windows, it is entirely possible to travel to Vietnam at any time of the year, provided you adapt your itinerary to the climatic conditions of each region.
Northern Vietnam experiences four distinct seasons that directly influence the best time to visit Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, and the mountainous regions. The best times to visit northern Vietnam are spring from March to April and autumn from September to October, when the climate is both mild and dry. Winter, from December to February, is cold and often foggy in the northern mountains, with temperatures that can drop below 10 degrees at high altitudes. Summer, from May to August, is hot and humid with significant rainfall that can disrupt cruises in Halong Bay.
Central Vietnam, which includes gems such as Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang, has a climatic rhythm offset from the rest of the country. The best time is mainly from February to April. During these months, the climate is pleasantly dry, temperatures are mild, and the ideal weather favors cultural exploration such as the old town of Hoi An or the Imperial Citadel of Hue. The rainy season in the center is particularly intense because it is shifted from the rest of the country; the rainy season begins in August and intensifies until November, with high risks of typhoons and flooding, particularly in October and November.
Southern Vietnam, which includes Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and the island of Phu Quoc, enjoys a more stable tropical climate with only two distinct seasons. The best time to discover southern Vietnam is between December and April, when the weather is dry, warm but bearable, ideal for cruises in the Mekong Delta or urban escapades in Saigon. The rainy season in the south, from May to October, is characterized by generally brief and intense late-afternoon downpours that do not prevent visits for the rest of the day.
What budget should you plan for a trip to Vietnam in 2026?
Vietnam is one of the most financially accessible destinations in Southeast Asia, and this is one of the reasons for its success among French travelers. On average, the cost of living for a trip to Vietnam in 2026 is 64% lower than in France. This difference in standard of living allows you to travel comfortably with a daily budget much lower than what you would spend in France for the same level of service. The only expense that remains high is the international flight, given the distance between Paris and Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
International flight from France
The airline ticket represents the largest and most fixed expense of your Vietnam budget. Expect to pay between 600 and 900 euros per person for a Paris-Hanoi or Paris-Ho Chi Minh City flight in economy class, depending on the booking period and the chosen airline. The best rates are obtained by booking four to six months in advance and avoiding French school holiday periods. Flights with layovers are generally cheaper than direct flights but significantly increase the journey time.
Local expenses
Once in Vietnam, the daily budget varies considerably depending on your travel style. An economy budget ranges between 25 and 30 euros per person per day. This approach is suitable for travelers prioritizing authenticity and meeting people. Hostels and guesthouses dominate the accommodation offerings, while street food and local markets provide meals. The mid-range budget varies from 45 to 60 euros per person per day. This option is a balance between comfort and authenticity. 3-star hotels and boutique hotels replace hostels, and traditional restaurants complement street food.
When it comes to food, Vietnam is particularly generous. Food is affordable. A dish in a local restaurant costs between 30,000 and 100,000 VND, i.e., 1.5 to 5 euros. A full meal in a mid-range establishment costs 200,000 to 500,000 VND, i.e., 10 to 25 euros.
Calculating the total budget for 2 weeks in Vietnam
For a 14-day trip in mid-range mode, here is the detailed calculation per person:
International flight: 750 euros; Daily budget on site at 50 euros x 14 days: 700 euros; Domestic flights: 150 euros; Activities and sightseeing: 100 euros; Estimated total: 1,700 euros per person
Comparative table of the 2026 Vietnam travel budget by profile
| Expense item | Economy budget | Mid-range budget | Comfort budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris-Vietnam Flight | 600 euros | 750 euros | 900 euros |
| Accommodation per night | 8 to 15 euros | 25 to 50 euros | 60 to 120 euros |
| Meals per day | 5 to 8 euros | 15 to 25 euros | 30 to 60 euros |
| Local transport per day | 3 to 5 euros | 8 to 15 euros | 20 to 40 euros |
| Activities per day | 5 to 8 euros | 10 to 20 euros | 25 to 50 euros |
| Total daily budget | 25 to 30 euros | 45 to 60 euros | 100 to 150 euros |
| Total 14 days on site | 350 to 420 euros | 630 to 840 euros | 1,400 to 2,100 euros |
| Total 14-day trip | 950 to 1,020 euros | 1,380 to 1,590 euros | 2,300 to 3,000 euros |
If you organize your trip yourself, expect to spend between 1,630 euros and 2,370 euros per person for a 14-day stay, including flights. These estimates may vary depending on the season, activities chosen, and fluctuations in the exchange rate between the euro and the Vietnamese dong. Vietnam remains an exceptionally accessible destination for French travelers wishing to combine a complete change of scenery, cultural richness, and remarkable gastronomy without breaking the bank.
Ideal itinerary to discover Vietnam in 2026
Vietnam is best traversed from north to south or south to north, following its elongated geography which concentrates the country's main wonders along a 1,600-kilometer axis. Whether you have two weeks or a month, here is a complete and balanced itinerary that allows you to discover the country's must-see attractions without exhausting yourself with excessive travel.
Step 1: Hanoi, the northern capital (3 days)
Start your trip to Vietnam in Hanoi, the country's historic and cultural capital. The Old Quarter with its 36 streets is a maze of lively alleys where each street is named after the trade that was once practiced there. Lose yourself in this colorful labyrinth, admire Hoan Kiem Lake and Turtle Island, and visit one of the oldest universities in Asia.
Step 2: Ha Long Bay (2 nights)
Four hours by road from Hanoi, Ha Long Bay is one of the most photographed natural wonders in Asia. Its 1,600 karst islets emerging from the emerald sea create a landscape of supernatural beauty, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is essential to book a two-night cruise on a traditional junk boat to make the most of this exceptional panorama, explore the caves, and kayak between the rock formations at sunrise. Avoid one-day cruises, which do not allow you to appreciate the magic of the morning and evening light on the bay.
Step 3: Hoi An, the city of lanterns (3 days)
Reach Hoi An by plane from Hanoi via Da Nang to save time. Hoi An is one of the most endearing cities in Southeast Asia, perfectly preserved with its 17th-century Sino-Japanese architecture and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its half-timbered houses, covered bridges, colorful silk lanterns that light up at sunset, and renowned local gastronomy make it an unforgettable stop. Enjoy a Vietnamese cooking class, have custom clothing made by the old town's tailors, and take a bike to explore the surrounding rice paddies and fishing villages.
Step 4: Hue, the former imperial capital (2 days)
Two hours by bus or train from Da Nang, Hue is the former imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty and one of the most historically rich cities in Vietnam. Hue's cuisine is also considered the most refined in the country, with specialties like bánh khoái or bún bò Hué, whose complex flavors reflect the culinary heritage of the imperial court.
Step 5: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta (3 days)
End your trip to Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, a bustling metropolis of ten million inhabitants that pulses at a frenetic and fascinating pace. The War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, and the historic city center are must-see stops. Then, spend a day on an excursion to the Mekong Delta, a network of canals and river branches that irrigates one of the most fertile agricultural regions in Southeast Asia. Floating markets, tropical fruit orchards, and stilt villages offer an immersion into a rural and authentic Vietnam that contrasts beautifully with the vibrancy of Saigon.
Offer ⚡: Take advantage of promotions on our selection of cabin luggage with code TRAVEL10. Free delivery and satisfaction guaranteed!
Essential practical tips before leaving for Vietnam
Before packing your bags for Vietnam, a few essential practical tips will help you approach your trip in the best conditions and avoid the most common inconveniences encountered by travelers.
Health and vaccinations are the first thing to address several weeks before departure. Consult your doctor or an international vaccination center at least six weeks before you leave. Recommended vaccinations for Vietnam include typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis, depending on the regions visited and the length of stay. Anti-malarial treatment may be prescribed for certain rural and border areas. Also, bring a complete first-aid kit with antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication, high-protection sunscreen, and DEET-based insect repellent.
The local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong. The exchange rate is approximately 25,000 to 26,000 dong to 1 euro in 2026. ATMs are available in all major cities, and card payments are accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist shops. Street food and local markets operate exclusively in cash. Withdraw enough dong upon arrival for the first few days and use the Grab app for taxis rather than unidentified taxis, which sometimes charge tourists excessive fares.
Connectivity is excellent in Vietnam. Buy a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport from operators like Viettel or Vietnamobile for about 5 euros, with several gigabytes of data included. The 4G network covers almost all tourist areas, and the internet connection in accommodations is generally very decent, even in modest establishments.
COMMENTAIRES