Nauryz in Vietnam is an unofficial but warm holiday among fellow countrymen at the resorts. In March, tourists from Almaty gather in Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An, Mui Ne and on Phu Quoc to welcome spring by the sea. The weather is hot and dry, the sea is calm, and the high season makes accommodation more expensive. The holiday is celebrated on their own: a shared table, get-togethers by the pool, walks.
How do Kazakhstanis celebrate Nauryz in Asia?
Vietnam is not among the countries where Nauryz is officially celebrated, but in March fellow countrymen from Kazakhstan gather at the resorts. The holiday here turns out warm and almost home-like.
Communities and joint celebrations at the resorts
The largest Russian-speaking diaspora in Vietnam has formed in Nha Trang, so finding fellow countrymen for a shared table is easiest there. In March the city fills with tourists from Kazakhstan, and acquaintances are made right on the beach or in a cafe. In Da Nang and Hoi An, expats from the CIS live in a compact area, they arrange get-togethers at villas and in small restaurants. Phu Quoc is chosen by those who want to celebrate Nauryz by the sea away from the city bustle. Mui Ne is a budget option for a large company that is ready to rent a house entirely. The Vietnamese side treats such gatherings calmly, as long as the neighbors are not disturbed.
Organizing the feast and leisure among compatriots
The festive table in Vietnam is put together from what was found locally, and this is the main difficulty. Familiar products are sought in Russian shops or at markets where expats bargain. Spicy local dishes are not suitable for Nauryz for everyone, so part of the treats are prepared themselves. Leisure at the resorts is simple: swimming, walks, evening get-togethers by the pool. In Nha Trang and Da Nang it is easy to rent a cafe for the evening, while in Mui Ne people more often gather at home. The atmosphere is created on their own, because the Vietnamese public does not know this holiday.
Visa, flight and first days: what do you need to know?
The journey from Almaty takes almost a day, and the first days are spent adapting to the heat and the change of time zones. It is better to think about this in advance.
Processing documents for the trip
The entry procedure to Vietnam for Kazakhstanis changes, so current requirements should be checked before buying tickets. We do not have official information on this matter, and we will not make it up. In practice, tourists resolve the issue before departure and keep documents at hand at the airport. Copies should be kept separately from the originals.
Routes from Almaty and transfer to the hotel
There are few direct flights from Almaty to Nha Trang and Phu Quoc; more often people fly with a connection in Seoul, Bangkok or Dubai. The total travel time with a layover reaches fifteen hours. It is more convenient to get from the airport to the hotel by a pre-ordered transfer. The counters in the terminal building offer inflated prices, so the app is more advantageous. In Nha Trang the drive from the airport takes about forty minutes, on Phu Quoc it depends on the hotel's location.
Where to stay for the holidays
March is high season at Vietnamese resorts, and accommodation is snapped up quickly. The choice depends on the size of the company and the budget.
Accommodation options for large companies
For a company of six or more people, it is more advantageous to rent a villa or an entire house. In Mui Ne and on the outskirts of Nha Trang such options are cheaper than hotel rooms per person. Guesthouses in Hoi An suit small groups that want to live in the old town. Phu Quoc offers villas by the sea, but prices there are above the national average. Hotels with breakfast are convenient for those who do not want to cook after a festive evening. When choosing, it is important to look at the distance to the beach and the availability of a kitchen.
Booking and payment in high season
It is better to book accommodation for Nauryz two to three months in advance, otherwise the only choices left are expensive options. In March prices rise at Vietnamese resorts, and available houses are the first to go. Cards from Kazakh banks are not accepted everywhere, so some bookings are paid in cash upon arrival. It is better to keep the confirmation on your phone and on paper. Each platform regulates cancellation and prepayment in its own way, and these terms are read before payment.
Budget and everyday expenses
Expenses on vacation are made up of little things that are unnoticeable individually. It is more convenient to calculate them in advance.
Cash, cards and currency exchange
Bank cards from Kazakh banks are not accepted everywhere in Vietnam; large hotels and chains are, small cafes and markets are not. Cash dollars are exchanged more favorably in jewelry shops than in banks and exchangers near the beach. Dong is spent quickly, so it is not worth carrying large sums with you. ATMs dispense limited amounts and charge a commission. Small bills will come in handy for taxis and tips, which are expected in tourist places, although formally they are not mandatory.
Communications, internet and movement around the country
A local SIM card is bought at the airport upon arrival; this is cheaper than roaming with Kazakh operators. The internet at the resorts works reliably; in remote areas the signal is weaker. It is more convenient to travel between cities by buses and domestic flights. It is cheaper to order a transfer between resorts through apps rather than at the hotel desk. Renting a motorbike is popular in Nha Trang and Mui Ne, but an international driving permit is required to drive. In Da Nang and Hoi An the distances are short, and people often walk there.
Health and safety on vacation
Acclimatization, unfamiliar food and heat require attention. A few simple measures will protect your vacation.
Insurance and medical care
Medical insurance is mandatory, because without it treatment in clinics in Vietnam will be expensive. The policy is issued before departure from Almaty and they check which cases it covers. Large clinics in Nha Trang and Da Nang accept foreigners and work around the clock. When applying, a passport and policy number are needed. Pharmacies at resorts are common, but it is better to bring usual medications with you. The sun in March is active, so hats and water are needed every day.
Features of local cuisine and products for the table
Vietnamese cuisine is spicy and unusual, and at first, in the first days it is better to eat familiar dishes. Street food is chosen where there are many local visitors. For the holiday table, products are sought in Russian stores or at markets, where the assortment is wider. Meat, greens, and grains at the markets of Nha Trang and Da Nang are fresh and inexpensive. Water is drunk only bottled, and ice in street cafes also requires caution. Home cooking in rented accommodation solves half the problems with food.
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 checked on 11.09.2026.
Briefly
- Vietnam celebrates Nauryz unofficially, through the efforts of fellow countrymen at resorts, without local traditions.
- Most compatriots gather in Nha Trang; it is quieter and more expensive in Phu Quoc.
- Accommodation for March is booked two to three months in advance; in high season prices rise.
- Cash dollars are exchanged in jewelry shops; cards from Kazakhstani banks are not accepted everywhere.
- Insurance is mandatory, and products for the holiday table are sought in Russian stores.