Comparisons
Best eSIM for Vietnam: choosing for a trip from north to south
A good network and a lot of transfers. How to square the days with a trip that almost always stretches, and what the classic route really uses.
Rubén Ortega 6 min Photo by Tron Le on Unsplash Vietnam is one of the easy destinations as far as connectivity goes: the network is wide and fast. What has to be got right here is the duration, because the typical trip is two or three weeks and it stretches easily.
The duration first
The classic route links Hanoi, Ha Long, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, and almost everyone ends up adding a day somewhere along the way. A plan that covers exactly the days you planned leaves you without data right at the end, which is when the journey home has to be organised.
The gigabytes of the route
| Use | Per day |
|---|---|
| Maps, transport and messaging | 200 to 400 MB |
| With social media | 500 MB to 1 GB |
| Posting video daily | 1.5 GB or more |
It is a destination where people take a lot of photos and a fair number of short videos, so the middle profile is the most common one.
What to check on the page
- That the duration covers the trip with room to spare.
- Whether the plan can be topped up, which is worth double here given how routes stretch.
- Which network it uses, especially if you are heading up into the northern mountains.
The coverage by area and the rest of the destination are in the guide to internet in Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best eSIM for Vietnam?
The one that covers the trip with room to spare and can be topped up, because routes around the country stretch easily.
How many gigabytes do I need for three weeks?
Between 6 and 12 GB with normal use, and rather more if you post video daily.
Is the coverage good?
Yes, among the best in Southeast Asia, with 4G across almost the whole country. The gaps are on the mountain routes in the north.
Does it work for Cambodia or Laos?
No, unless it is a regional plan that includes them. Each plan says on its page what it covers.
Do I need calls?
Almost never: transport and bookings are handled through apps and messaging.
