Sightseeing tours to Vietnam from Almaty are trips for 7–14 nights with a flight to Cam Ranh and accommodation in Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Da Nang, Hoi An or Phu Quoc. The dry season in the south lasts from December to April, in the center — from February to August. A tour for two with bed and breakfast costs approximately from 900 to 1800 dollars. Excursions, meals and transport within the country are paid separately.
Visa, flight and the first days after arrival: what do you need to know?
The first section gathers what a tourist from Almaty decides before departure and in the first hours after landing. Here too — preparation for the trip without unnecessary fuss.
Documents before buying tickets
Entry rules and document requirements change, so before buying tickets check with official sources. Tours to Vietnam are popular among Kazakhstanis, but it is precisely the papers that most often become the reason for refusal at the check-in desk. The passport validity period is checked by both the airline and the border service upon arrival. Many countries require that it be valid for several more months after the end of the trip. It is better to check your passport in advance and replace it if necessary. Make copies of the pages and keep them separately from the original. This simple action saves you in a disputed situation.
Direct flight from Almaty to Cam Ranh and connections through Seoul, Dubai and Bangkok
From Almaty it is most convenient to fly direct to Cam Ranh — this is the closest airport to Nha Trang. The return flight departs from there as well, and the travel time depends on the season and load. If there is no direct flight, tourists fly with a connection through Seoul, Dubai or Bangkok. The minimum connection time in each hub is different, and for a self-transfer allow a margin. Sightseeing tours to Vietnam with a connection are often cheaper, but the journey takes almost a day. Take a change of clothes in your hand luggage. Then the long flight is easier to endure.
Time zone difference and adaptation in the first day
The difference with Almaty is noticeable, and it is better not to plan the first day as busy. The body gets used to the new time in a couple of days, not in one evening. In the first hours after arrival, drink more water and do not go to sleep during the day for long. Start sightseeing tours in Nha Trang or Da Nang with a short walk around the neighborhood. This way you will adjust faster and see where the cafes and exchange offices are. In the evening, go to bed by local time, even if you do not feel like sleeping. The morning of the second day will already pass without fog in your head.
Money, communication and movement on site: how is everything arranged?
The second section is about the everyday side of the trip: what to pay with, how to stay in touch and what to move around between resorts on.
Dong to tenge exchange rate: where it is more profitable to exchange
The dong to tenge exchange rate changes daily, and check the exact figure before the trip. It is more profitable to exchange money in banks and jewelry stores than in a hotel or airport. The rate in the tourist areas of Nha Trang and Mui Ne is usually worse than in the city. Do not exchange the whole amount at once — the difference at different points can be noticeable. Large banknotes give a better rate than small ones. Keep part of the money in tenge or dollars as a reserve. This way you will not be left without funds if the exchange office is closed.
Visa and Mastercard cards in the provinces and a reserve of cash dollars
Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted in hotels, large restaurants and shops in Da Nang and Hoi An. In the provinces and at markets, they more often work only with cash. It is worth bringing cash dollars with you — they are exchanged almost everywhere, while tenge is rarely accepted. Keep a small amount in small banknotes for taxis and street food. Large purchases in Phu Quoc are more convenient to pay by card. Before the trip, notify the bank about your departure, otherwise the transaction may be blocked. Always have a reserve for a day or two ahead.
Local SIM cards with internet and registration upon arrival
A local SIM card with internet is arranged right at the airport or in communication stores in the city. The cost depends on the operator and the amount of traffic, so check the tariff on site. To register, you need a passport, and sometimes confirmation of your address of stay. Communication in Nha Trang, Da Nang and Phu Quoc is stable, in the mountains and on the islands the signal is weaker. Take a tariff with extra traffic if you plan to use maps and messengers. Roaming of Kazakhstani operators is expensive and unprofitable. A local SIM card pays for itself already in the first days.
Transport between resorts and motorbike rental
Buses, trains and domestic flights run between resorts. A motorbike is rented for a day or for a week, the price depends on the model and season. In Nha Trang and Mui Ne, a motorbike is the most convenient way to get to the beaches and markets. Buses between Da Nang and Hoi An run frequently and cost little. In Phu Quoc, public transport is less developed, there people more often take a motorbike or taxi. Before renting, inspect the vehicle and photograph the damage. Draw up the contract in writing, not verbally.
International driving permit and traffic rules for a scooter
To rent a scooter, you need an international driving permit — without it, they may refuse to issue one. Traffic rules in Vietnam differ from the usual ones, and it is better to ride the first kilometers along quiet streets. A helmet is mandatory for the driver and passenger. Speed in the city is limited, and honking is a common thing, not aggression. Do not get behind the wheel after alcohol, even if the ride is short. Check whether insurance is included in the rental price. This will save money in case of a minor accident.
Accommodation and weather by region
The third section is about choosing a place to stay overnight and about the climate, which behaves differently in different parts of the country.
Resort area, city center or guesthouse by the sea
Rainy and typhoon season: months with maximum precipitation
The rainy season in different regions of Vietnam arrives at different times, and this determines the choice of resort. In Nha Trang and Mui Ne, the rainy period falls in autumn, while in Da Nang and Hoi An it comes at the end of the year. Phu Quoc is flooded from May to October, but in winter it is dry and sunny there. Typhoons more often hit the central coast, while the south suffers less often. Plan your trip so that you get into the dry season of the chosen region. Then sightseeing tours will not be disrupted by bad weather. Take a raincoat and waterproof shoes.
Food, temples and local customs
The fourth section is about what a tourist tastes and sees: street food, markets, pagodas and the rules of behavior in them.
Street food and markets: average bill for lunch
Street food and markets are the cheapest way to try local cuisine. The average bill for lunch in a cafe for locals is lower than in tourist restaurants. In Nha Trang and Hoi An there are many spots with noodles, rice and seafood. Portions are usually small, so people order two dishes. Buy drinking water in bottles, not from the tap. Buy fruit at the market from trusted sellers and wash it at home. Dinner on the embankment will cost more than in an alley.
Vegetarian and halal food spots in tourist cities
Vegetarian and halal food spots exist in tourist cities, but it is better to look for them in advance. In Nha Trang and Da Nang there are cafes marked with a plant-based menu. Halal establishments are more often found in areas where a Muslim community lives. In Mui Ne the choice is more modest, but there are many fish dishes without meat. Ask the waiter about the composition of the dish — sauces sometimes contain fish broth. In Hoi An it is easy to find a cafe for your request. This saves you from long searches on an empty stomach.
Dress code when visiting pagodas and temples
When visiting pagodas and temples, cover your shoulders and knees — this is a basic rule. Shorts and tank tops with straps are inappropriate, even if it is hot outside. Shoes are taken off at the entrance, so take socks or sandals without laces. Women should avoid overly tight clothing. Hats are removed inside the temple hall. Keep a light scarf or pareo with you. Then entry to any pagoda will not become a problem.
Photography rules in temple complexes and the ban on drones
Photography in temple complexes is often restricted, and in some halls it is completely prohibited. Drones in Vietnam cannot be launched without special permission, and this rule is strictly enforced. Ask permission before photographing people, especially monks. Tripods and flashes inside temples are also prohibited. In Hoi An and Da Nang, signs with the rules are at the entrance. Shoot quietly and do not disturb worshippers. Violation of the rules may result in confiscation of equipment.
Health, safety and souvenirs
The fifth section is about insurance, pharmacies, mosquito protection and what you can take home.
Medical insurance, round-the-clock pharmacies and vaccinations
Medical insurance with hospitalization coverage is mandatory for a calm trip. Round-the-clock pharmacies are available in Nha Trang, Da Nang and on Phu Quoc, but in small towns they close early. Vaccinations against common infections should be discussed with a doctor in advance. Take your usual medications with you with a supply for the whole trip. Keep a copy of the insurance policy on your phone and on paper. When visiting a clinic, keep all receipts. Without them, it is harder to get reimbursement.
Mosquito prevention in the southern provinces
Mosquitoes in the southern provinces are active all year round, especially during the rainy season. Use repellent in the evening and sleep under a mosquito net. Covered clothing at sunset reduces the risk of bites. In hotels in Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, fumigators are often provided, but check that they work. Standing water in the yard is a breeding ground for larvae, so do not leave open containers. If you have a fever and rash after a bite, consult a doctor immediately. This is not a reason for panic, but a reason for a check.
What is allowed to be exported and restrictions on corals and shells
From Vietnam, it is allowed to export souvenirs, textiles, coffee and spices in reasonable quantities. Corals and shells cannot be exported — this restriction applies to the export of natural materials. Items made of ivory and rare wood species are also prohibited. Replicas of famous brands may be confiscated at the border. Keep receipts for expensive purchases. Check the rules before departure so as not to lose your purchases at the airport. Fill out the declaration honestly.
Booking and payment terms for the tour
Clarify them before making a prepayment. This concerns deadlines, payment methods and the refund procedure. The manager will suggest current options for your dates. Keep the booking confirmation at hand during the trip. This way you will avoid confusion at check-in. Check the details in advance, not on the day of departure.
Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the Immigration Department of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/. The information on this page was verified on 11.09.2026.
Briefly
- Sightseeing tours to Vietnam require checking documents and passport validity periods.
- A direct flight from Almaty goes to Cam Ranh, connections are via Seoul, Dubai and Bangkok.
- The time zone difference is noticeable, it is better to keep the first day light.
- Dong are exchanged in banks and jewelry stores, dollars are brought as a reserve.
- Cards are accepted in large cities, while cash is needed in the provinces.