Vietnam is one of the easiest big trips a Singaporean can take. It’s under four hours in the air, entry is visa free, and there are three different gateway cities to choose from depending on which side of the country calls the loudest. Whether the plan is misty mountains in the north, lantern lit streets in the centre, or beach days in the south, this guide walks through how to get there, whether a visa is needed, which city to fly into, and itineraries ranging from a long weekend to a full two week adventure. For a head start on planning, browse Vietnam tours built around exactly these routes.
How to Travel to Vietnam from Singapore
Flying is by far the most practical way to get from Singapore to Vietnam. There’s no realistic land or sea alternative given the distance, so direct flights connecting Changi Airport to all three of Vietnam’s major tourism gateways are the way to go.
| Arrival city | Best for | Typical direct flight time |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | Southern Vietnam, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc | ~2h 05m to 2h 30m |
| Da Nang (DAD) | Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue | ~2h 50m to 3h |
| Hanoi (HAN) | Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, northern Vietnam | ~3h 30m to 3h 45m |
The city flown into shouldn’t just come down to “whichever is cheapest.” It should match wherever most of the trip will actually happen. Heading north to Ha Long Bay and Sapa after landing in Ho Chi Minh City means hours of backtracking, while a Hoi An getaway doesn’t need Hanoi in the picture at all. Pick the region first, then let the airport follow.
Flights from Singapore to Vietnam
Direct flights from Singapore to Vietnam
Singapore Airlines operates direct flights from Changi to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, while Vietnam Airlines runs direct SIN to HAN and SIN to SGN services. Budget carriers including VietJet, Scoot, and Jetstar Asia also serve the route on various legs, so it’s worth comparing since fares and schedules shift with the season.
(Confirm the current carrier list and frequencies before publishing, since budget airline routes tend to change often.)
Frequency generally follows demand. Ho Chi Minh City tends to see the most daily flights, followed by Hanoi, while Da Nang typically runs fewer direct services per day.
Connecting flights to other Vietnamese destinations
For travellers heading straight to Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, or Da Lat, a connecting flight through one of the three main gateways can save a long domestic transfer later. It’s usually worth it when there’s no plan to spend time in the gateway city itself; otherwise, flying direct and adding a domestic leg afterward keeps things more flexible. Not sure which route fits best? Our team is happy to map it out.
How much is a flight from Singapore to Vietnam?
Fares vary by route, season, and how far ahead the booking is made, so treat these as indicative ranges rather than fixed prices:
- Budget economy: from around SGD 150 (flash sales, off peak)
- Regular economy: roughly SGD 200 to 350
- Peak season (December to February, June to July): roughly SGD 300 to 450
- Business class: roughly SGD 600 to 1,500 depending on route and demand
Airline fares are dynamic and change frequently, so check current listings on Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, or a fare aggregator closer to the travel dates. Or, for a fully packaged trip where flights, hotels, and transfers are handled from the start, take a look at our Indochina tours.
Do Singaporeans Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Singapore passport holders currently enjoy visa free entry to Vietnam for short stays. Key requirements typically include:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the stay
- At least two blank visa pages
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Sufficient funds for the stay
- A maximum stay of 30 days per entry (confirm the current limit before publishing)
For longer stays, multiple entries, or a stay that exceeds the visa free window, an e-visa may be required in advance. It’s worth checking Vietnam’s official immigration portal for current requirements, since visa policy has shifted more than once in recent years.
Before departure, it’s also worth registering the trip with Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the e-Register system (eregister.mfa.gov.sg), so help can reach you in an emergency.
Singapore diplomatic contacts in Vietnam:
Embassy of Singapore, Hanoi: 41 to 43 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District
- Emergency: +84-904-696-589
- General: +84-24-3848-9168
- Email: singemb_han@mfa.sg
Singapore Consulate, Ho Chi Minh City: Saigon Centre Tower 2, #11-05, 67 Le Loi Boulevard
- Emergency: +84-903-113-500
- General: +84-28-3822-5174
- Email: singcg_hcm@mfa.sg
Note: Visa rules and entry requirements can change without much notice. Confirm the latest policy on the official Vietnamese immigration website or with the Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore before travelling. Questions about how visa rules affect a specific itinerary can also be sent to info@indochinavoyages.com.
Which City Should You Fly Into?
Fly to Hanoi for Northern Vietnam
Best for Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ha Giang, and Cao Bang.
Northern Vietnam rewards travellers chasing dramatic scenery: limestone karsts, terraced rice fields, and misty mountain passes, all alongside a capital city thick with history and French colonial architecture. It’s the pick for anyone who wants landscapes as much as culture.
Fly to Da Nang for Central Vietnam
Best for Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, My Son, and beach holidays.
Central Vietnam is the easiest region to pack into a short trip, since Da Nang and Hoi An sit roughly 30km apart and Hue is a manageable day trip or overnight away. It’s also where the cuisine turns noticeably spicier and more distinct, shaped by centuries as the imperial seat.
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City for Southern Vietnam
Best for Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels, Can Tho, and Phu Quoc.
The south moves at a different pace: modern, fast, and tropical. Ho Chi Minh City makes a strong base for a short getaway, with the Mekong Delta’s floating markets and Phu Quoc’s beaches both reachable without much backtracking.
Curious what a route through this region could look like? Check out our website to get a better idea
Suggested Vietnam Itineraries from Singapore
Vietnam stretches over 1,600km from north to south, so trying to cover the whole country in under a week usually means more time in transit than in any one place. Matching the trip length to the right region works far better, and it’s the logic behind every route below:
- 3 to 4 days: A quick North escape works well here, like the Ninh Binh and Ha Long route or the quieter Pu Luong to Ninh Binh trip.
- 5 to 6 days: Choose one region. Central Vietnam (Da Nang to Hoi An), Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta), or Northern Vietnam (Hanoi to Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay) all work well on their own.
- 7 to 8 days: Combine two destinations, such as Hanoi plus Ha Long Bay plus Ninh Binh, Da Nang plus Hoi An plus Hue, or Ho Chi Minh City plus Mekong Delta plus Phu Quoc. The Tonkin Elegance route covers exactly this ground in the north.
- 9 to 12 days: Link a north to central or central to south route without feeling rushed between stops, similar to the Classic Adventure Vietnam route.
- 14 days or more: Go the full north to south, Hanoi, then Ninh Binh, then Ha Long Bay, then Hoi An, then Hue, then Ho Chi Minh City, then the Mekong Delta, for anyone who wants to see the country’s full range in one trip.
These four ready-made itineraries put that guidance into practice. Each is easy to shorten, extend, or swap around, and Indochina Voyages can also build a route from scratch around any of these combinations.
How to Travel Around Vietnam
| Route | Recommended transport | Approx. travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi to Ninh Binh | Private car or limousine bus | ~2 to 2.5h |
| Hanoi to Ha Long Bay | Shuttle or private car | ~2.5 to 3h |
| Hanoi to Da Nang | Flight | ~1.5h |
| Da Nang to Hoi An | Private car or taxi | ~45m |
| Hoi An to Hue | Private car or bus | ~2.5 to 3.5h |
| Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City | Flight | ~1h 20m |
| Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta | Private car or tour | ~2h+ depending on destination |
The general rule is simple: fly when the distance is long, such as Hanoi to Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, and go by road when destinations sit close together, like Da Nang to Hoi An. For families or groups juggling luggage and young kids, a private transfer is often worth the extra cost over public options, since it removes a lot of friction from multi city itineraries. This page has transfer options already built into each route.
How Much Does a Vietnam Trip from Singapore Cost?
Costs vary widely by travel style. Here’s a rough breakdown in SGD:
Accommodation (per night):
- Budget: 30 to 50
- Mid range: 80 to 150
- Luxury: 200+
Daily meals:
- Street food: 3 to 5 per meal
- Mid range restaurants: 10 to 20 per meal
- High end dining: 30 to 100 per meal
Transportation:
- City taxi: from 5
- Grab bike: 2 to 5 per trip
- Domestic flights: 50 to 120
- Private car hire: 80 to 150 per day
Activities:
- Museums: 2 to 10
- Ha Long Bay overnight cruise: 150 to 300
- Cooking classes: 40 to 80
- Day tours: 50 to 100
Estimated daily budget (SGD):
- Budget traveller: 70 to 100 per day
- Comfortable traveller: 150 to 250 per day
- Premium or private traveller: 350+ per day
Full trip cost also depends heavily on flights and any domestic legs, and a 7 to 10 day trip combining a couple of regions typically lands somewhere between SGD 800 and 2,500 all in, though luxury stays or extensive private touring can push that well higher. Treat all of the above as planning estimates rather than fixed prices, and check current rates closer to the travel dates. For an exact quote tailored to specific dates and destinations, read more or reach out directly.
Best Time to Travel from Singapore to Vietnam
Vietnam’s weather varies enough by region that the “best time to visit” really depends on where the trip is headed, not the country as a whole.
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): October to December tends to be most comfortable, July to August brings intense heat, and January to February can be cold and drizzly.
Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue): February to July is generally the peak and dry season, while October to January is the rainy season.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): December to April is dry season, with December to February typically the most pleasant.
>>>>Read this one to get more information about Vietnam’s weather and plan your trip: When is the best time to travel to Vietnam?
For short trips especially, picking the destination first and letting weather follow makes more sense than waiting for a “perfect” month across the whole country at once, since the regions simply don’t share a calendar.
What to Know Before You Go
- Currency and payments
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is still widely used, especially for street food and smaller vendors, though credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants in cities. ATMs are widely available. (Confirm the current SGD to VND exchange rate before publishing, since it shifts regularly.)
- SIM card and internet
Local SIM cards from Viettel or Vinaphone are available at the airport, and eSIMs are increasingly convenient for phones that support them. Free WiFi is common in cafes and hotels, alongside solid 4G and 5G coverage in most cities.
- Getting around cities
Grab is the easiest option for solo travellers and couples. For families or groups, a private transfer or driver can be more comfortable and often not much more expensive once the cost is split.
- Electricity and plugs
Vietnam runs on 220V/50Hz, similar to Singapore, with common plug types A, C, and F.
- Time difference
Vietnam is one hour behind Singapore.
- Travel insurance
Worth having regardless of trip length, but especially useful for multi city itineraries that rely on domestic flights and transfers staying on schedule.
Vietnam Travel Tips for Singaporeans
- It’s a short flight. Even Hanoi is well under four hours from Changi.
- Singapore dollars aren’t used for everyday purchases, so plan to convert some cash or rely on cards and ATMs.
- Grab is convenient, but private transfers are often easier with kids or luggage in tow.
- Domestic flights save real time on longer routes, such as Hanoi to Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City.
- Don’t overpack the itinerary. Vietnam’s regions are further apart than they look on a map.
- Build buffer time into city schedules for traffic.
- Book Ha Long Bay cruises in advance during busy periods.
For a first trip, 2 to 3 destinations is usually more enjoyable than trying to cover the whole country. If narrowing it down feels tricky, our Indochina tours group the best combinations by trip length.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Singapore to Vietnam?
Direct flights range from around 2 hours to Ho Chi Minh City up to roughly 3.5 to 3.75 hours to Hanoi, depending on the city flown into.
Which Vietnamese city is closest to Singapore?
Ho Chi Minh City has the shortest direct flight time from Singapore, at roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.
Can Singaporeans travel to Vietnam without a visa?
Yes. Singapore passport holders currently have visa free entry for short stays, though it’s worth confirming the current stay limit and conditions before travelling.
What is the best Vietnam itinerary from Singapore?
It depends on trip length and interests. A 5-day trip suits Central Vietnam (Da Nang plus Hoi An), while a 10-day trip can combine Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Central Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Is 5 days enough for Vietnam from Singapore?
Yes, as long as the trip focuses on one region. Trying to cover the whole country in 5 days usually means too much time in transit.
Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City better for a first trip from Singapore?
Neither is objectively better. Hanoi suits travellers drawn to northern landscapes and history, while Ho Chi Minh City suits those wanting a faster paced, southern focused trip.
Can I fly directly from Singapore to Da Nang?
Yes, Singapore Airlines operates direct flights from Changi to Da Nang.
How much does a Vietnam trip from Singapore cost?
A 7 to 10 day trip typically runs SGD 800 to 2,500 all in for a mid range traveller, though this varies with flight costs, accommodation choices, and how much touring gets added.
What is the best month to visit Vietnam from Singapore?
It depends on the region. Northern Vietnam is best October to December, central Vietnam February to July, and southern Vietnam December to April.
Ready to Plan the Trip?
From a quick Central Vietnam getaway to the full north-to-south journey, Indochina Voyages can build a custom itinerary around exactly the destinations, pace, and budget that fit best. Browse Vietnam tours for ready made routes, or get in touch with our team directly at info@indochinavoyages.com to start building something more personal.
Thuy Dang – From Indochina Voyages Team
