Vietnam, Da Nang and Hoi An are drawing growing attention from international travellers seeking longer stays in Asia, with Vietnam combining a 90-day electronic visa system, competitive travel costs and a wide range of urban, coastal and cultural destinations. The country has become increasingly accessible to visitors through expanded visa policies, while its major tourism centres provide options ranging from beach-based stays and heritage experiences to city breaks, food tourism and remote-work-friendly accommodation. Vietnam’s e-visa is available to citizens of countries and territories worldwide for stays of up to 90 days, with single- and multiple-entry options.
Vietnam expands its long-stay travel appeal
For travellers planning more than a conventional holiday, Vietnam offers a way to spend several weeks or months exploring different regions rather than limiting a trip to one resort or city. The current e-visa allows stays of up to 90 days, giving eligible international visitors substantially more time to move between destinations. The official e-visa system lists fees of US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entry.
The country also maintains visa exemptions for citizens of numerous countries. In 2025, Vietnam expanded 45-day visa-free tourism access to additional European nationalities, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland. The measure is scheduled to remain in effect through August 14, 2028.
These policies give travellers more flexibility when planning extended holidays, multi-city itineraries and repeat visits.
Da Nang combines beaches and city living
Da Nang has become one of Vietnam’s most practical bases for travellers seeking a combination of coastline, restaurants, accommodation and urban infrastructure. The city provides direct access to beaches while also placing visitors within reach of central Vietnam’s major cultural attractions.
Travellers staying in Da Nang can explore the Marble Mountains, visit the Son Tra Peninsula, spend time along My Khe Beach and use the city as a starting point for trips to Hoi An and the ancient imperial city of Hue. Its position on Vietnam’s central coast also makes it suitable for visitors who want to combine leisure with longer stays.
Hoi An adds heritage and slower travel
Hoi An offers a different experience, centred on its historic architecture, lantern-lit streets, riverside setting and traditional food culture. The UNESCO-listed Ancient Town remains one of Vietnam’s most recognisable tourism destinations, while nearby beaches provide an additional reason to extend a stay.
For long-stay visitors, Hoi An can form part of a broader central Vietnam itinerary alongside Da Nang, Hue and coastal areas. Travellers can move between heritage sites, local markets, beaches and countryside experiences without needing to cover large distances.
Ho Chi Minh City attracts urban travellers
Ho Chi Minh City provides Vietnam’s most extensive metropolitan experience, with international restaurants, cafés, shopping districts, cultural attractions and a large accommodation market. Visitors can explore landmarks including the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market and the city’s historic central districts.
The city also serves as an important gateway to southern Vietnam. Longer stays can include excursions to the Mekong Delta, coastal destinations and nearby cultural attractions.
Hanoi offers culture, food and northern routes
Hanoi gives long-stay travellers access to Vietnam’s northern landscapes and cultural heritage. The Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature and the city’s extensive street-food culture provide a concentrated introduction to northern Vietnamese life.
From Hanoi, travellers can extend their trips to destinations including Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa. This makes the capital particularly useful for visitors building a multi-stop itinerary across northern Vietnam.
Vietnam differs from dedicated nomad visa destinations
One important distinction remains: Vietnam does not currently operate a dedicated digital nomad visa. International remote workers commonly use the country’s standard e-visa arrangements for stays of up to 90 days, but that visa is a visitor status rather than a purpose-built remote-work programme.
Thailand, by comparison, has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa, specifically covering workcation and Thai soft-power activities, alongside other long-term visa categories.
Vietnam’s attraction for longer-stay travellers therefore comes primarily from the combination of accessible e-visas, travel variety and the ability to experience several destinations within one trip.
A broader Asia itinerary
Vietnam can also be incorporated into wider Southeast Asian journeys. Travellers may combine Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with Thailand, Malaysia or Indonesia, creating multi-country itineraries across the region.
For visitors prioritising beach time, culture and food, destinations such as Da Nang, Hoi An and Phu Quoc offer different experiences within Vietnam. Urban travellers can focus on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while those seeking nature can add Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh or the northern mountains.
The result is a tourism landscape increasingly suited to travellers who want more than a short holiday. Vietnam’s 90-day e-visa framework, extensive domestic destinations and expanding visa-free access are giving international visitors more ways to plan longer journeys across the country, from northern heritage cities to central beaches and southern urban centres.
