Vietnam Travel Guide for Filipinos 2027: Da Nang & Hanoi

Vietnam is one of the best-value trips in Asia for Filipinos: it is a short flight away, visa-free for a stay of up to 21 days, and full of beaches, old towns and food that is easy to love. This Vietnam travel guide for Filipinos covers what to know before your 2027 trip, from entry rules and the best time to go to where to stay, what to eat and a sample itinerary.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?

Vietnam stretches a long way from north to south, so the weather depends on where you go.

• Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue (central): The driest months are roughly February to May, with sunny beach weather. Heavy rain and storms are most likely from about September to December.
• Hanoi and the north: October to December is cool and dry, and March to April is mild. Winter (December to February) can be properly cold, and summer is hot and humid.
• Ho Chi Minh City and the south: The dry season runs from about December to April. It is hot all year, with rain in the afternoons from May to November.

Tet, the Vietnamese New Year (in January or February), is a big holiday. Many shops close and transport gets busy, so plan early or avoid it.

Do Filipinos Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Not for short trips. As of October 2026, Philippine passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 21 days for tourism, business or visiting family, and you usually need to show a return or onward ticket.

• Longer stays: If you plan to stay more than 21 days, you can apply for an e-visa. Use the official government site, evisa.gov.vn, to avoid paying extra fees to middlemen.
• Passport: Bring a passport that is valid for at least six months after your arrival date, which is the safe rule, and keep a blank page free for the entry stamp.

Rules can change, so confirm them with the embassy or your airline before you fly.

How to Get to Vietnam from Manila

Direct flights from Manila (NAIA) take about three hours to Da Nang and Hanoi, and about two and a half hours to Ho Chi Minh City. Da Nang is the easiest gateway to Hoi An (about 45 minutes by road) and Hue (about two to three hours). Between cities, domestic flights, sleeper trains and buses are all affordable.

Where to Stay in Vietnam

Da Nang: Best for beaches and first-timers

My Khe Beach has good hotels, seafood restaurants and a short drive to the Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills.

Hoi An: Best for old-town charm

Stay in or near the old town for the lanterns, tailors and cafes. Many travelers base themselves in Da Nang and visit Hoi An for the evening.

Hanoi: Best for culture and food

The Old Quarter and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake put you within walking distance of most of the sights and street food.

Ho Chi Minh City: Best for nightlife and day trips

District 1 is central, with the markets, museums and restaurants within easy reach.

What to Eat in Vietnam

• Pho: Beef or chicken noodle soup, a breakfast classic. Hanoi's version is the original.
• Banh mi: Crispy baguette sandwiches with pork, pate and fresh herbs. Cheap and filling.
• Bun cha: Grilled pork with noodles and herbs, a Hanoi favorite.
• Mi quang and cao lau: Noodle dishes from Da Nang and Hoi An.
• Vietnamese coffee: Try ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) and egg coffee in Hanoi.
• Fresh seafood: Grilled squid, prawns and clams along the Da Nang coast.

Top Things to Do in Vietnam

• Da Nang: The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, the Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach and the Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire and water on weekend nights.
• Hoi An: The lantern-lit Ancient Town, a cooking class and a tailor fitting.
• Hue: The Imperial City and the river temples.
• Hanoi: The Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature and a water puppet show.
• Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh: Day trips or overnight cruises from Hanoi among the limestone islands and rice fields.
• Ho Chi Minh City: The War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Getting Around and Money Tips

• Money: The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Use ATMs and carry some cash for markets and small shops. Larger places take cards.
• Rides: Grab (the ride-hailing app) works well and avoids haggling with taxis.
• Crossing the street: Traffic never stops. Walk at a slow, steady pace and the motorbikes will go around you.
• Power plugs: Vietnam uses 220 volts, with two-pin plugs that usually fit Philippine plugs. Check your chargers.
• Scams: Agree on the price before you ride or buy, and use the meter or the app.

Sample 4-Day Vietnam Itinerary (Da Nang and Hoi An)

Day 1

Arrive in Da Nang, check in, walk along My Khe Beach and have seafood for dinner.

Day 2

Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge in the morning, then the Dragon Bridge and a night market in the evening.

Day 3

Marble Mountains in the morning, then Hoi An Ancient Town for lunch, a lantern boat ride and dinner.

Day 4

Breakfast with a cup of Vietnamese coffee, last-minute shopping and your flight home.

Book Your Vietnam Trip with CieloAmor Travel & Tours

A package makes Vietnam easier because the hotel, transfers and tours are arranged for you. CieloAmor Travel & Tours offers Vietnam tour packages that can include:

• Hotel stays in Da Nang, Hoi An, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
• Airport and hotel transfers
• Guided sightseeing and activities as listed in each package

Our current Vietnam trips cover Da Nang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. See what is open for your dates on our Vietnam trips page, and compare joining a group with going private in private van tours vs. joiner tours. We also arrange hotels and flights on their own through our travel services. Message us for a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Filipinos need a visa for Vietnam?

Not for stays of up to 21 days. As of October 2026, Philippine passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for tourism, and you usually need a return or onward ticket. For a longer stay, apply for an e-visa on the official government site.

How many days do I need in Vietnam?

Four days is enough for Da Nang and Hoi An. Allow six to eight days if you want to add Hanoi, Ha Long Bay or Ho Chi Minh City.

Is Vietnam cheap?

Yes. Food, local transport and many hotels cost less than in most of the region. Prices are higher in the peak season and for beachfront resorts.

When is typhoon season in central Vietnam?

Storms are most likely from about September to December in the central coast, including Da Nang and Hoi An. Check the forecast and keep your dates flexible if you travel in that period.

Is Vietnam safe for tourists?

Yes, it is generally safe. Watch your phone and bag in crowded areas, and use official taxis or the Grab app.