Vietnam travel guide: visa, best time to go and what to see

Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing destinations among Bulgarian travellers – and no wonder. The country offers everything in one place: the dramatic limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, rice terraces in the mountains, ancient towns lit by lanterns, delicious street food and tropical beaches. And since 2025 travelling there has become even easier for Bulgarians – a visa is no longer needed for a short stay. Here is what you need to know before you go.

Visa and entry requirements for Bulgarian citizens

The information below is based on the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the official Vietnamese portals as of November 2026. Citizens of other countries should check the rules for their own passport.

• Visa-free for up to 45 days: Bulgarian citizens with an ordinary passport can stay in Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days, but for tourism only. The exemption was introduced by the Vietnamese government for the period until August 2028.
• Electronic visa (e-Visa): if you stay longer than 45 days or travel for another purpose (work, business), you need a visa. The easiest option is an e-visa – valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry – applied for only on the official portal evisa.gov.vn.
• Passport: a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, with blank pages for stamps. You cannot travel to Vietnam with an ID card.
• Health insurance: strongly recommended. The EHIC is not valid outside Europe, and treatment in good private hospitals is expensive. If you plan to ride a scooter, check that your policy covers it.
• Vaccinations and health: no vaccinations are required when arriving from Bulgaria. Ask your doctor about recommended ones (such as hepatitis A and typhoid) and protect yourself from mosquitoes – dengue fever occurs in Vietnam.
• Customs: large amounts of cash must be declared. Keep your medicines in their original packaging and, for less common medication, carry a prescription in English.
• Driving: a Bulgarian licence on its own is not valid. To ride a scooter or motorbike you need an international driving permit with category A – without it, insurance usually will not cover an accident.

Important: apply for an e-Visa only through the official website evisa.gov.vn – many intermediary sites look official but charge extra fees. Always check the current requirements before you travel.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam

Vietnam stretches more than 1,600 km from north to south, and the climate varies from region to region. The good news is that at almost any time of year some part of the country is at its best:

• North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa, Ninh Binh): most pleasant in spring (March – April) and autumn (October – November). Winter is cool and often misty, while summer is hot, humid and rainy.
• Centre (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang): the dry season runs from February to August. September to December is the season of heavy rain and typhoons.
• South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): warm all year round, with the dry season from December to April – perfect beach time.

If you want to travel the whole country in one trip, March – April and October – November work best, but be ready for rain in Central Vietnam in autumn.

How to get to Vietnam

There are no direct flights from Sofia, so the trip involves a connection at a major hub such as Istanbul, Doha or Dubai. The main international airports are Noi Bai in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City. A convenient option is to fly into one city and out of the other, travelling between them by domestic flight, night train or bus.

Vietnam is 5 hours ahead of Bulgaria in winter and 4 hours ahead in summer.

What to see

Hanoi and Ha Long Bay

The capital charms with its Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and busy streets full of scooters and food stalls. From here you head to Ha Long Bay – hundreds of limestone islands rising from emerald water, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best way to experience it is an overnight cruise.

Ninh Binh and Sapa

Ninh Binh is often called "Ha Long Bay on land" – a boat trip through the caves and cliffs of Trang An is one of the most beautiful experiences in the country. In the northern mountains around Sapa you will find rice terraces and villages of local ethnic communities.

Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang

Hue is the former imperial capital with an impressive citadel. Hoi An may be the most romantic town in Vietnam – its old town of yellow houses and thousands of lanterns is a UNESCO site, and local tailors can make made-to-measure clothes in a day. Nearby Da Nang offers long beaches and the Golden Bridge, "held" by giant stone hands.

Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta

Dynamic Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the gateway to the Cu Chi tunnels and the Mekong Delta with its floating markets, boats and orchards.

The beaches: Phu Quoc and Nha Trang

Phu Quoc island is the most popular beach resort – white sand, sunsets and peace, ideal for the end of your tour. Nha Trang is livelier, with a long city beach and plenty of diving.

Practical tips

• Money: the local currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Hotels and larger restaurants accept cards, but you will need cash for markets, street food and small places. Euros and dollars are easy to exchange.
• Bargaining: haggling is normal at markets. For taxis, use apps such as Grab – the price is clear in advance.
• Food: try pho, banh mi, spring rolls and Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. Street food is delicious and usually safe where there are lots of locals.
• Water: drink only bottled water.
• Crossing the street: walk slowly and steadily – the scooters will go around you. Don't stop or run suddenly.
• Clothing: cover your shoulders and knees in temples and pagodas. Pack a rain jacket – showers happen in almost every season.
• Power: the voltage is 220 V and most sockets take European plugs, but a small universal adapter is useful.
• Animals: in some places you will be offered elephant or ostrich rides and animal shows. We recommend avoiding them – animal welfare organisations consider them cruel, and some Vietnamese provinces have already banned elephant rides.

Frequently asked questions

Do Bulgarian citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Not for tourism of up to 45 days. For longer stays or other purposes, apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn.

How much time do you need to tour Vietnam?

To see the main places from north to south we recommend at least 12–14 days. With about a week, pick one region – for example Hanoi, Ha Long and Ninh Binh.

Is Vietnam safe for tourists?

Yes, Vietnam is considered a safe country. Mainly watch out for pickpockets in crowds and be careful on the roads.

When is the best beach time in Vietnam?

For Phu Quoc and the south – December to April. For Da Nang and Hoi An – February to August.

Need help planning?

Vietnam is a long country, and a well-planned itinerary makes a huge difference – when to be in the north and when in the south, which domestic flights to take and how many nights to leave for the beach. The Clio Travel team will help you put together a tour that suits your interests and budget, remind you about the documents and arrange your flights, hotels, Ha Long cruise and transfers.