How to Book Vietnam: Visa on Arrival, Train Tickets, and the Tailor Situation in Hoi An

Vietnam is one of the easiest Southeast Asian countries to visit once you have your visa. The visa process is the first hurdle. Here's how to navigate it, then move seamlessly through the country by train and bus.

Visa Options

Option 1: E-Visa (simplest)

Apply online at the Vietnam government website (evisa.gov.vn). You need:

Passport photo (digital, 4x6cm)

Passport information

Intended entry date

Intended exit date

Cost: $25. Process time: 1–3 business days. You get a PDF that you print and show at immigration.

Pros: Fast, no travel to embassy, simple.

Cons: Only valid for single entry; if you leave and re-enter, you need a new visa.

Timeline: Apply 2 weeks before you travel to be safe.

Option 2: Visa on Arrival

Arrive at the airport without a visa. Pay $25–30 at immigration and get a visa stamped in your passport immediately.

Pros: No advance planning. Works if you arrive without e-visa.

Cons: Slightly more expensive; immigration lines can be long; requires cash.

Timeline: No planning needed, but bring USD.

Option 3: Travel Agent Visa

Use an online agency to arrange a visa. You upload documents, they handle it. Costs $30–40 but takes slightly longer.

Pros: Handles everything for you. Available even last-minute.

Cons: Most expensive option; unnecessary if you use e-visa.

Recommendation: Use e-visa. It's cheapest, fastest, and requires zero travel.

Train Booking (The $12 Hanoi-Hoi An Ticket)

Where to book:

Best practice: Book 1–2 days in advance. Popular overnight routes fill up. Booking the morning you travel is risky but doable if routes aren't packed.

Cost: $25–45 depending on class and distance. The Hanoi–Da Nang overnight is $30 for a soft sleeper berth. Higher-end tourist trains (Violette Express, Livitrans) cost more ($40–60).

Class options:

Hard sleeper (basic bunks): $25–30

Soft sleeper (more comfortable): $30–45

Sitting (just a seat): $15–20 for short distances

Bus Booking (Alternative to Train)

Buses are comparable (Hanoi to Hoi An is ~18 hours overnight by bus vs. 17 hours by train) but less comfortable.

Where to book:

Futa Bus (major operator): futabus.vn

Mekong Express: mekongexpress.vn

Through guesthouses

Cost: $15–25 overnight. Similar price to train but faster.

Trade-off: Buses are faster but you can't move around like on a train. Trains are slower but the experience is better.

Accommodation Booking

Hanoi: Book a hostel or guesthouse in the Old Quarter. Stay 2–3 nights before taking the train.

Budget: $10–18/night (dorms or cheap privates)

Mid-range: $25–50/night (nicer guesthouses)

Hoi An: Book a room in the ancient town (closer to the river and lanterns) or in the new town (cheaper, 10-minute walk to the ancient part).

Budget: $12–25/night (guesthouses)

Mid-range: $40–70/night (small hotels with character)

Book on Booking.com or Agoda. For budget hostels, hostelworld.com is standard.

The Tailor Situation in Hoi An

Hoi An is famous for tailors. You can get clothes custom-made in 2–3 days for cheap ($20–50 per garment). Here's what to know:

Quality varies drastically:

Tourist-facing tailors (main street): Expensive ($30–60) but more reliable. Can be rushed and sloppy.

Local tailors (side streets): Cheaper ($15–35) but quality is less guaranteed. Can be excellent or problematic.

The process:

1. Find a tailor

2. Browse sample fabrics

3. Show a photo of what you want

4. Get measured

5. Pay deposit (usually 50%)

6. Return in 2–3 days for fitting

7. Final fitting the next day

8. Pay balance and take home

Money-saving tips:

Ask your guesthouse which tailor they recommend

Go with locals if possible (they'll take you to actually good ones)

Avoid the famous touristy tailors on the main street

Negotiate price, but not aggressively

Ask for multiple fittings (one isn't enough to ensure fit)

Honest reality: You'll get a garment that's usually acceptable. It won't fit perfectly. Tailors in Hoi An are factory-like. Expect imperfections. But the price is incredible ($20 for a custom button-up shirt).

Full Vietnam Trip Booking Timeline

Money Reality

A 10-day Vietnam trip costs:

Flights: $300–600 (varies by origin)

Accommodation: $10–30/night (budget to mid-range)

Food: $5–15/day

Transport: $12–30 for major train/bus journeys

This is among the cheapest countries you can visit while eating well and staying comfortably.

Ready to book Vietnam?

Book Your Vietnam Flights → | Book Your Train Tickets → | Book Your Accommodation → | Read the Full Vietnam Guide →