Planning a trip to Vietnam from the Emerald Isle? You are in for the adventure of a lifetime. While the journey from Dublin to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City covers over 10,000 kilometers, the reward is a country of breathtaking landscapes, world-famous cuisine, and incredibly warm hospitality that rivals even the Irish craic.
Whether you are looking to escape the Irish rain for the best beaches in Vietnam ike those in Da Nang or Phu Quoc islands, or trade the Wicklow Mountains for the towering peaks of Sapa, this guide covers everything you need to know. For a quick overview of what awaits, check out our guide on the best places to visit in Vietnam..
Flights: How to Get to Vietnam from Dublin
There are currently no direct non-stop flights from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Vietnam. However, connectivity has improved significantly, making the journey smoother than ever.
The Best Routes for 2027: Instead of the old hassle of connecting through London Heathrow, most Irish travelers now prefer one-stop flights via the Middle East or major European hubs.
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Emirates (Highly Recommended): Flies from Dublin to Dubai (DXB), connecting seamlessly to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This is often the most popular choice for Irish travelers due to comfort and flight times.
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Qatar Airways: Flies from Dublin to Doha (DOH), with onward connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
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Turkish Airlines: Flies from Dublin to Istanbul (IST), then direct to Vietnam. This route often offers competitive pricing.
Flight Duration, Costs & Timing:
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Duration: Because there are currently no direct flights from Dublin, Ireland to Vietnam, your total travel time will be around 16 to 20 hours, depending on your layover. Hopefully, in the near future, there will be direct routes from Dublin to Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City.
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Cost: Airfares fluctuate by season.
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High Season (Dec-Jan & July-Aug): Expect to pay €1,200 - €1,800+ for a return ticket.
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Shoulder/Low Season (May-June & Sept-Oct): Prices can drop to €800 - €950.
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When to Go: To get the best weather and flight deals, it is crucial to know when is the best time to visit Vietnam.. Generally, the spring (January-April) and autumn (September-November) offer the most comfortable climate across the country.
Vietnam Visa Requirements for Irish Citizens (Updated 2027)
Crucial Update: Unlike UK citizens, Irish citizens DO NOT have a visa exemption for short stays. You must have a valid visa before entering Vietnam.
Option A: The E-Visa (Recommended) The easiest way for Irish passport holders to enter Vietnam is the official E-Visa.
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Validity: Up to 90 days.
- Price: The cost for a Vietnam e-visa is $25 USD for a single-entry visa and $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa
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Entry Type: Single or Multiple entry.
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How to Apply: Apply directly on the official Vietnam Immigration portal. You will need a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport data page.
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Processing Time: Typically 3-5 working days (allow extra time during holidays).
Option B: Visa at the Embassy There is no Embassy of Vietnam in Dublin. The nearest embassy is in London, UK. Applying by post is possible but takes longer and is more expensive than the E-Visa. We generally recommend the E-Visa for Irish tourists.
Note for Dual Citizens (Irish/UK): If you hold a UK passport, you are currently entitled to a 45-day visa exemption (visa-free entry). If you enter on your Irish passport, you must have a visa.
Recommended Tours to Vietnam from Ireland
Whether you have 10 days or 3 weeks, our itineraries are designed to maximize your time. You can browse our full range of Vietnam Tours or look at our best-selling tours to see what other travelers love most.
Northern Vietnam: History & Highlands (Starts in Hanoi)
Hanoi, the capital, is the perfect starting point. It blends French colonial architecture with ancient temples, imagine Dublin’s Georgian charm mixed with Asian bustling energy.
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Hanoi City: Explore the Old Quarter, taste world-famous Pho (noodle soup) and Banh Mi, and visit the Temple of Literature.
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Halong Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage site. Take an overnight cruise through thousands of limestone islands. It is the "Cliffs of Moher" of Southeast Asia, but on water!
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Sapa & The North: Ideal for hikers. Trek through terraced rice fields and meet ethnic minority hill tribes.
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Suggested Activities: There are endless things to do in Vietnam's north, from street food tours to kayaking in the bay.
Southern Vietnam: Modern Life & Mekong Delta (Starts in Ho Chi Minh City)
Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is the economic engine of Vietnam, dynamic, modern, and sleepless.
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The City Tour: Visit the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica (a touch of European history), and the historic Reunification Palace.
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Mekong Delta: A short drive away, explore the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam. Take a boat through the floating markets of Cai Rang, a stark contrast to the rivers of Ireland.
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Cu Chi Tunnels: Crawl through the historic underground tunnels used during the war.
- Mekong River Cruise: Sail along the scenic Mekong River, Cambodia & Vietnam, explore floating markets, and discover traditional villages along the way.
The Grand Vietnam Tour & Beyond (2 Weeks+)
If you have 2 weeks or more, combine both regions with a stop in central Vietnam (Hue, Danang, and Hoi An).
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Hoi An: Famous for its lantern-lit streets and custom tailoring. You can get a suit or dress made for a fraction of the price back in Dublin!
- Hue: Explore the historic Imperial City, royal tombs, and take a peaceful boat ride along the Perfume River.
- Da Nang: Enjoy the sandy beaches, visit the Marble Mountains, walk across the iconic Golden Hand Bridge, explore Ba Na Hills with its French Village and cable cars, and admire the modern Dragon Bridge lighting at night.
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Combine with Indochina: Coming all the way from Ireland? Make the most of your long-haul flight by extending your trip. Check out our Southeast Asia Tours to easily combine Vietnam with Cambodia (Angkor Wat), Laos, or Thailand.
Ready for Your Vietnamese Adventure?
From the misty mountains of the north to the vibrant waterways of the south, Vietnam offers a travel experience unlike any other. For Irish travelers, the combination of rich history, affordable luxury, and incredible food makes it a top destination for 2027.
Why Book with Us?
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Tailor-Made for You: Don't see exactly what you want? We specialize in customized tours. Tell us your budget and interests, and we will build the perfect itinerary for you.
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Local Expertise: We are based locally, ensuring you get authentic experiences and 24/7 support during your trip.
Ready to start planning? Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you plan your dream journey from Dublin to Vietnam!
