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In recent years, Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination among Irish travelers. With its rich cultural heritage, breath-taking natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and affordability, there is no surprise that many Irish tourists are drawn to this hidden gem. However, to many Irish travels, the Southeast Asian country somehow still be a puzzle, of which safety is a top concern.
So, is Vietnam safe for Irish tourists? This full-guide article will provide you with updated safety advice, recommended destinations, how to apply for a Vietnam eVisa, a suggested two-week itinerary and travel tips for Irish while exploring Vietnam.
Is Vietnam safe for Irish?
YES. Vietnam is generally considered a very safe country to visit, with millions of international tourists choosing to visit each year.
When it comes to personal safety, Vietnam rates well for tourists with rare violent crime rate, and tourists are warmly welcomed by locals anywhere, anytime. Irish travelers typically report feeling safe walking during the day and even after dark in both cities and rural areas. That said, pickpocketing and bag snatching, can happen anywhere in crowded places like markets, night buses, or busy tourist attractions that you should pay attention to. Therefore, it’s better to use anti-theft bags, avoid wearing valuables, and stay alert in busy areas. Scams aimed at tourists such as inflated taxi fares or rigged currency exchanges exits but not common, and we also have the solutions to avoid by using ride-hailing apps like Grab, Xanh SM or Be instead of flagging taxis, and exchanging money at official counters, etc.
Another concern for tourists when visiting Vietnam, including the Irish, undoubtedly is traffic. Vietnam’s roads can be chaotic, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City where motorbikes are everywhere and they often even ignore traffic signals and rules. This can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, but to those who have get used to it, it comes to an interesting point of their Vietnam trip. To Irish who first come to Vietnam, be cautious when crossing streets. If you want to rent a motorbike and drive around, make sure you have a valid driving license and all documents of the motorbike such as vehicle registration certificate or insurance, and remember to wear the helmet when driving.
Ireland Embassy in Vietnam
At the moment, Vietnam does host Irish embassy, so, if there are any problems or in case of consular assistance, Irish citizens can contact the Irish embassy in Hanoi with details below.
Address: 2nd floor, 41A Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Tel: +84 24 3974 3291
Working hours: 9:00am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday (Break time: 12pm to 1pm)
Do Ireland citizens (Irish) need Vietnam visa?
Irish citizens traveling to Vietnam are required to obtain a valid Vietnam visa. Besides 2 common ways which are Vietnam visa on arrival and Vietnam visa at Embassy, now Irish citizen can apply for another convenient Vietnam visa type which is Vietnam eVisa. From its first issue in 2023, Ireland passport citizens are eligible for the Vietnam eVisa, which allows a stay of up to 90 days and can be used for either single or multiple entries.
For preparation of application, you’ll need a valid Irish passport with at least 06 months of validity from your planned date of entry, a recently taken passport photo, a scan of your passport’s data page, and a valid credit or debit card for payment.
Once all are available, please follow these steps to apply for a Vietnam eVisa.
- Go to to apply directly to the Vietnam Immigration Department, complete your personal information, upload the required documents
- Pay the visa fee. As of now, the standard Vietnam eVisa fee is $25 USD for single entry or $50 USD for multiple entry.
- After submission, it typically takes 3 to 5 working days to get your application processed and receive your approved Vietnam eVisa via email.
- Print the Vietnam eVisa (the PDF file attached in the email) and bring it with you to get on the plane and present upon arrival in Vietnam.
Special notes: The processing time can be longer than the standard time. Check out 8 common mistakes when applying for Vietnam eVisa which can lead to the delay in visa approval or even visa refusal here.
Where can Irish visit in Vietnam?
When it comes to places that Irish tourists love in Vietnam, there is no shortage of highlights.
For Irish travelers planning a two-week trip to Vietnam, the itinerary could begin with 03 days in Hanoi to explore the capital with must-visits destinations like Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and sample local cuisine.
From there, a two-day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay which offers stunning scenery with emerald waters and limestone islands and relaxation. Next, fly or take the train to gem of central Vietnam like Hue for two days to explore the former imperial capital with ancient palaces and tombs, then followed by 03 days 02 nights in Hoi An, where you can shop, eat, and unwind at lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and riverside cafes. If you have enough time, consider Da Nang, a coastal city nearby which is great for beach lovers.
After that, head South to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) which is well known as Vietnam’s bustling commercial hub for 03 nights to experience its energy and historical attractions like the War Remnants Museum, or Ben Thanh Market. If time allows, add a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the rural area Mekong Delta where you can explore floating markets, rice paddies, and traditional villages by boat.
Vietnam travel tips for Irish
No matter you come to Vietnam for the first time or not, when traveling in Vietnam, these few extra tips can help Irish visitors make the most of your Vietnam trip. Firstly, please remember that the local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and while many hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, cash is preferred in smaller towns and markets. So, if you want to shop at local markets, it’s better to exchange for VND at reputable banks or ATMs rather than on the street. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Vietnamese phrases can go a long way, and sometimes it’s more fascinating when you can communicate with lovely local Vietnamese, right? For staying connected, instead of picking up a local SIM card at the airport, now you can use eSIM which you just need to buy online, receive the QR code vie email and then scan to install on your phone to use the Internet without interrupted.
Irish travelers may also enjoy a taste of home while abroad, so if you miss Irish cuisine, there are several Irish pubs and restaurants here in Vietnam which are The Snug Irish Pub (No. 19, Dang Thai Mai, Hanoi), Finnegan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant (No. 32, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi), The Shamrock Irish Pub (No. 139, Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), or The Dublin Gate Irish Pub Saigon, etc.
Irish travellers now can have no concern connecting Internet while traveling in Vietnam, even in remote or mountainous areas with Vietnam eSIM. Users just buy it online, get the QR code, scan to install on the phone and get connnect right away. To check if your phone is compattible with eSIM, click https://vietnamvisaservice.net/vietnam-esim/.
In conclusion, Vietnam is not only a safe destination for Irish tourists but also one of the most rewarding. When in Vietnam, Irish travelers can enjoy an incredible blend of ancient culture, natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and modern lifestyle. Whether you’re sipping coffee in Hanoi, cruising through Halong Bay, shopping an “Ao dai” in Hoi An, or watching the sunset from a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam will surely offer a travel experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
If you’re planning your Vietnam adventure, be sure to use trusted services for your Vietnam visa application and consider Vietnam VIP fast track at the airport to save time, avoid stress, and enjoy happy travels.
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