Vietnam is becoming a top choice for travelers from the Gulf and the wider Middle East. It offers safety, diverse landscapes, and a rapidly growing infrastructure for Muslim guests.
If you are planning a trip, here is what you need to know about comfort, prayer, and food.
1. Why Vietnam Appeals to Middle Eastern Travelers
Safety & Respect: Vietnam is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Asia. The culture here values respect and hospitality. You will find that locals are welcoming to tourists of all backgrounds. Unlike some destinations, wearing traditional attire like an abaya or hijab is common in major cities and is met with respect, not stares.
Halal Accessibility is Growing Ten years ago, finding Halal food was difficult. Today, it is much easier.
- Hanoi: The capital has a small but tight-knit community centered around the Al-Noor Mosque on Hang Luoc Street. It is the only mosque in the city. Nearby, you have reliable restaurants like Dalcheeni (Indian) and Batavia (Indonesian).
- Ho Chi Minh City: This is the main hub. District 1 has several mosques, including the Jamia Al-Musulman on Dong Du Street. The surrounding area is full of Halal options, including Halal Amin and The Daun, which serve authentic Vietnamese and Malaysian dishes.
Nature and Climate For guests coming from desert climates, Vietnam offers a refreshing change.
- The North (Sapa/Hanoi): In winter (December to February), temperatures can drop to 10°C. Sapa is famous for its rolling green rice terraces hidden in the mist. It is lush, cool, and green.
- The Highlands (Da Lat): Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” it stays cool year-round. It features pine forests, lakes, and flower gardens that are vastly different from the arid landscapes of the GCC.
Value for Money Vietnam offers luxury for less. You can book 5-star private villas, luxury cruises, and private chauffeurs for a fraction of the cost of Europe or East Asia. Your budget goes further here, allowing for a higher standard of service and privacy.
2. Top Destinations for Muslim Travelers
A. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
This city has the most developed infrastructure for Muslim tourists. The area around Ben Thanh Market, specifically Nguyen An Ninh Street, is known as “Malaysia Street.” You can find everything here: Halal restaurants, prayer rooms, and shops selling hijabs and baju kurung. It creates a comfortable “home base” feeling where food is never a worry.
B. Da Lat
Da Lat is perfect for families and honeymooners who want to escape the heat. It is not about shopping; it is about relaxation. You can visit the Datanla Waterfall, walk through the Hydrangea Flower Garden, or enjoy a coffee by Tuyen Lam Lake. The pace is slow, the air is fresh, and the scenery is incredibly green.
C. Ha Long Bay
This is Vietnam’s most famous sight. You board a boat and cruise through thousands of limestone towers rising from the emerald water. It is quiet and peaceful. For Muslim guests, many luxury cruises (like Mon Cheri or Orchid) can prepare seafood-only or specific Halal meals if you request them during booking.
3. The Food: Understanding Halal in Vietnam
You need to know what to look for. Vietnam does not have a single government Halal body like Malaysia or Indonesia. Instead, certifications often come from the Halal Certification Agency (HCA) Vietnam.
- The Logo: Look for the green HCA logo on the restaurant sign or menu. It usually has a green circle with the word “HALAL” in English and Arabic.
- The Certificate: Legitimate restaurants will frame their paper certificate and hang it near the cashier. Check the expiration date.
- No Pork vs. Halal: Many local seafood restaurants serve no pork, but they sell alcohol and use standard meat suppliers. If a restaurant is not certified, stick to vegetarian (Chay) or seafood, and ask specifically if they use animal fats in cooking.
4. Visa and Logistics
E-Visa for All Vietnam now issues 90-day E-visas to citizens of all countries. This includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, and Oman. You apply online, pay the fee, and receive the visa by email in 3-5 working days. It is a straightforward process.
Getting Around Download the Grab app before you arrive. It works exactly like Uber or Careem. You can book cars or motorbikes, and the price is fixed upfront. This avoids language barriers and is safer than hailing random taxis on the street.
5. Sample Itinerary: 10 Days in The North & Central
This route covers culture, nature, and heritage without the intense heat of the south.
- Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi.
- Private transfer to hotel.
- Welcome dinner at a Halal-certified restaurant (e.g., Dalcheeni).
- Day 2: Hanoi City Tour.
- Visit the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Prayer stop at Al-Noor Mosque (Hang Luoc Street).
- Day 3: Hanoi to Sapa.
- Scenic drive to the mountains.
- Visit Cat Cat Village to see local H’mong culture.
- Day 4: Sapa – Fansipan Peak.
- Take the cable car to the “Roof of Indochina.”
- Enjoy the cool, misty weather and cloud hunting.
- Day 5: Sapa to Hanoi.
- Return drive. Free time for shopping in the Old Quarter.
- Day 6: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
- Board an overnight cruise.
- Seafood lunch on board while sailing through the limestone islands.
- Day 7: Ha Long to Da Nang.
- Morning Tai Chi on the deck.
- Transfer to airport, fly to Da Nang.
- Day 8: Ba Na Hills.
- Cable car ride to the famous Golden Bridge.
- Walk through the French Village.
- Day 9: Cam Thanh & Hoi An.
- Basket boat ride in the coconut forest.
- Evening walk in Hoi An Ancient Town (lanterns and night market).
- Day 10: Departure.
- Transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight home.
Conclusion
Vietnam is ready for you. With easy E-visas, growing Halal options, and stunning scenery, it offers the perfect family escape. You get safety, luxury, and nature—without the high price tag.
Don’t just read about it. Experience it.
Ready to start your journey? Contact Noor Travel Vietnam today.
- Head Office: No. 2, Alley 15/47 Goc De, Tuong Mai, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Website: noorvietnamtravel.com
- WhatsApp: +84 392 915 818 / +84 976 548 838
- Tax ID: 0111135926
