THE WEDDING PLAN

Entry visas

With the exception of ASEAN and certain other exempt countries (noted below), visitors from all other countries will require a visa before arriving in Vietnam.  Notably, Australians are ineligible for the E-Visa procedure and will need to apply either for a stamped visa or a pre-arranged visa.

Please allow at least one week for processing and contact us immediately if there are any complications. 

There are three ways to arrange for a visa to Vietnam:

1.  Stamped Visa

Apply through your local Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The visa fee ranges from US$80-135.

2.  Pre-arranged Visa-on-Arrival

Holders of an officially stamped visa letter can obtain a visa for a maximum stay of 1 or 3 months at Vietnam’s international airports. The visa letter can be obtained via e-mail prior to travel with the assistance of Vietnamese travel agencies.  You will need this letter in order to check-in to your flight as proof that you have access to entering Vietnam legally.

The process is pretty simple:

3.  E-Visa

Citizens of the following 40 countries may apply for a visa electronically:

To obtain an e-visa, visit the following website and following the instructions: link.

You will pay a flat US$25 fee for a single entry, 30-day visa.

Exempt Visitors

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa for short visits (max. 14-30 days, depending on country):

How to get here

Flights from the US

Kayak.com and Google's ITA matrix are great tools to look for air tickets.  Theflightdeal.com also has good scoops from time to time.  Tickets typically range from US$750 to US$1300, and travel time is usually between 22-30 hours depending on layover times.

China/Korean/Japan Airlines usually have the most reasonable routes from New York (stopping in Taipei, Seoul and Tokyo, respectively), but the best route might be different and might involve more than one layover if you're coming from a different U.S. city.  

Flights from SG

Singapore/Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Tiger Airways offer direct flights from US$150 return.  

Flights from AU

The cheapest route to Hanoi from Australia is through AirAsia, but it involves an overnight stopover in Kuala Lumpur.  Prices frequently drop well below US$1,000.

A more convenient option is flying on Vietnam Airlines with stopover in Ho Chi Minh city for a little over US$1,000 return.

Getting around

Airport transfer

Noi Bai International Airport is ca. 30 km from Hanoi's Old Quarter (ca. 30-45 min. by car).  We recommend taking a taxi, which will cost around US$15-18 (VND350,000-400,000), or pre-arranged hotel shuttle (if available).  Public transportation is generally not super reliable.

Wedding day buses

We're working on these for people staying with the wedding party. Please watch this space. 

Taxi

Local taxis are ubiquitous and a great option for getting around. They are very cheap, but do watch out for scams. Always use the meter instead of agreeing on a quoted price with the driver.  Hops around the city, with most sights in a conveniently compact area, are unlikely to cost more than US$3-4 (VND 60,000-80,000).  Trust the green "Mailinh" taxis or the white and pink "ABC" taxis over any. Alternatively, Uber works too.

Do not assume taxi drivers can speak English. Bring a clear map, written address and hotel business card with you.  

Motorbikes

We do not support anyone renting motorbikes for the time you are here. We need people happy and healthy, and motorbikes are absolutely not an option for those unfamiliar with Vietnamese roads.

Domestic flights

Vietjet Air is a low-cost budget airline which offers flights within Vietnam and to some Asian destinations. The flights are generally cheaper than Vietnam Airlines but more frequently delayed. Also bear in mind you would have to pay for check-in luggage and any in-plane service.

Practical tips

Connectivity

We recommend that you purchase a SIM card for your phone with a data plan for the duration of your visit, typically available for US$10-15.  Wifi is also offered at many locations in Hanoi, fast and free.

Packing list

For Hanoi, bring warm clothes and scarf if you are not acquainted with the cold. If you plan to travel further up in the northern highlands, it is strongly recommended to do so.

Currency

Ensure you carry small notes of Vietnam Dong at all times. Currently, the exchange rate is ca. US$1 = VND22,700. Foreign cash can be exchanged on arrival in the city and help avoid international transaction fees on bank cards.

Health and safety

Pay attention to your belongings in public places as thieves focus on tourists. Motorbikes coming from behind are also quick to snatch your belongings.

It is recommended that you get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination. Visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get any vaccines or medicines you may need.   Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's website for more information.