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-   -   Ask us about Vietnam (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/1922601-ask-us-about-vietnam.html)

airoli Oct 24, 2025 7:55 am

We will require a few car transfers (Hanoi to/from Ninh Binh and Can Tho to downtown Saigon) during our trip. Any recommendations on a good booking place for them? I've found 12go.asia which I have used for other things in the past...

dinhoecotour Oct 24, 2025 8:02 pm


Originally Posted by airoli (Post 37389106)
We will require a few car transfers (Hanoi to/from Ninh Binh and Can Tho to downtown Saigon) during our trip. Any recommendations on a good booking place for them? I've found 12go.asia which I have used for other things in the past...

You can ask your accommodation in either place to arrange the car transfer for you.

flyertalker00181 Oct 26, 2025 1:59 am


Originally Posted by airoli (Post 37389106)
We will require a few car transfers (Hanoi to/from Ninh Binh and Can Tho to downtown Saigon) during our trip. Any recommendations on a good booking place for them? I've found 12go.asia which I have used for other things in the past...

trip.com

my family recently did that, they used to ask their hotels to arrange transfers or booked with local agencies, but finally they recently tried booking them on trip and everything went well and the prices were super competitive (transfers to Sapa, Halong, Ninh Binh and Vung Tau with different operators on trip)

flyertalker00181 Dec 9, 2025 3:49 am

quick question regarding observation decks: any recommendation in Saigon between Bitexco vs landmark 81 ? thanks

llngoc Dec 12, 2025 3:52 pm

My wife is planning a trip to Phu Quoc Island soon and we have a small/light drone (under 250g and it is the HoverAir) which she would like to bring along for some selfie video/photos. I would like to ask if anyone have experience to bring a drone into the country and if there is any paperwork from the authorities we need to prepare. Tried ChatGPT and the answer was all over the place. LOL

Holiday.with.Ken Dec 12, 2025 7:14 pm


Originally Posted by llngoc (Post 37478690)
My wife is planning a trip to Phu Quoc Island soon and we have a small/light drone (under 250g and it is the HoverAir) which she would like to bring along for some selfie video/photos. I would like to ask if anyone have experience to bring a drone into the country and if there is any paperwork from the authorities we need to prepare. Tried ChatGPT and the answer was all over the place. LOL

Perhaps email the hotel and ask them for relevant info?

plunet Dec 12, 2025 11:09 pm


Originally Posted by llngoc (Post 37478690)
My wife is planning a trip to Phu Quoc Island soon and we have a small/light drone (under 250g and it is the HoverAir) which she would like to bring along for some selfie video/photos. I would like to ask if anyone have experience to bring a drone into the country and if there is any paperwork from the authorities we need to prepare. Tried ChatGPT and the answer was all over the place. LOL


Originally Posted by Holiday.with.Ken (Post 37478974)
Perhaps email the hotel and ask them for relevant info?

I have no personal experience but I suspect you're getting answers that are all over the place because drones were not welcome in Vietnam. It does seem that they have relaxed this a little for drones less than 250g but it might be more hassle than it's worth, especially if not everyone you might have to deal with could not be fully up to date with the latest rules, and if they say no then there won't easy path to appeal to common sense.

I asked chat GPT for the official government websites that could advise a tourist regarding posting and using a drone when visiting Vietnam.



Yes — there *are* official Vietnam government sources that address drone (UAV) rules for tourists bringing drones into the country, though they are not always easy to find. Based on the latest available information, here are the **official Vietnamese government sites** that publish or reference relevant regulations:

---

# ✅ **Official Vietnam Government Sources on Drone Policy**

## **1. Ministry of National Defense – No‑Fly Zone Portal**
**Website:** https://cambay.mod.gov.vn
This site was launched by Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense on **June 15, 2025**, and provides the official interactive map for restricted airspace and no‑fly zones. It is a primary government source confirming where drones may *not* be flown.
[1](https://ts2.tech/en/vietnams-2025-dr...-no-fly-zones/)

While this site focuses mainly on *where* you can fly, it also demonstrates that drone regulation is under the direct authority of the **MoD Department of Operations**.

---

## **2. Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV)**
**Website:** https://caa.gov.vn (main CAAV site, though not always updated in English)

CAAV is officially responsible for civilian drone regulation and provides regulatory guidance.
According to CAAV information included in credible summaries of Vietnamese regulations:
- Drones **are allowed** in Vietnam but are *strictly regulated*.
- Each drone flight requires a **special flight license** from the Ministry of Defense.
- Applications must be submitted **14 days** before the planned flight.
[2](https://drone-laws.com/drone-laws-in-vietnam/)[3](https://sungetawaystravel.com/vietnam-drone-laws/)

Even though CAAV does not always provide tourist-specific drone pages, it is the authoritative aviation regulator.

---

## **3. Vietnam Ministry of National Defense – Permit Authority**
Although the MoD does not provide a simple public permit‑application website, the regulations confirm that:

- Drone permits for all tourists are issued by the **Ministry of Defense, Department of Operations**.
- Tourists often must apply *through a local sponsor/company*; foreigners cannot always apply independently.
[1](https://ts2.tech/en/vietnams-2025-dr...-no-fly-zones/)[4](https://vietnam-phototours.com/quick...-into-vietnam/)

This is consistent across multiple verified sources referencing official law.

---

# 🔍 Do tourists *need* official government permission to bring/use drones?

**Yes.**
Vietnam treats drones as sensitive equipment tied closely to national security. Key points from official‑source summaries:

### **✔ Bringing a drone into Vietnam**
- Drones may be detained at customs if you **arrive without MoD authorization**.
[1](https://ts2.tech/en/vietnams-2025-dr...-no-fly-zones/)
- Foreign travelers must work with a **local representative** for permit submission.
[4](https://vietnam-phototours.com/quick...-into-vietnam/)

### **✔ Flying a drone in Vietnam**
- Nearly all drones **over 250 g** require a flight permit issued by the **Ministry of Defense**.
[1](https://ts2.tech/en/vietnams-2025-dr...-no-fly-zones/)[5](https://www.2bigproduction.com/post/...date-july-2025)
- Drones **under 250 g** (e.g., DJI Mini series) can be flown without a permit *if* operated outside restricted zones.
[5](https://www.2bigproduction.com/post/...date-july-2025)
- The no‑fly map from the official MoD portal must be followed.
[1](https://ts2.tech/en/vietnams-2025-dr...-no-fly-zones/)

---

# 🧭 Summary of Official Sources

| Purpose | Official Site | Authority |
|--------|-------------------------|------------|
| No‑fly zones | **https://cambay.mod.gov.vn** | Ministry of National Defense (MoD) |
| Drone regulation / aviation rules | **https://caa.gov.vn** | Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) |
| Permit issuing (no public portal; handled by MoD) | N/A (applied via sponsor or via MoD Operations Dept.) | Ministry of National Defense |

whenzuc Jan 1, 2026 6:51 pm

Looking to fly with Ambien
 
Since Ambien is considered a controlled substance can you tell me specifically what I need to do to bring in 8 Ambien pills to Vietnam? Do I need to file on a specific websites prior to coming?

TWA884 Jan 1, 2026 8:29 pm


Originally Posted by whenzuc (Post 37511609)
Since Ambien is considered a controlled substance can you tell me specifically what I need to do to bring in 8 Ambien pills to Vietnam? Do I need to file on a specific websites prior to coming?

According to the Bring medication into Viet Nam web page of the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia, you can bring Zolpidem - better known by its brand name Ambien - to Vietnam for up to ten days of your own personal use. Zolpidem is listed in the linked list of Psychotropic medication drugs on that web page. The medicine must have a label that clearly states the names of the drug and active ingredients, concentration, content and expiration date, and you must have a prescription from a physician.

whenzuc Jan 1, 2026 8:44 pm


Originally Posted by TWA884 (Post 37511736)
According to the Bring medication into Viet Nam web page of the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia, you can bring Zolpidem - better known by its brand name Ambien - to Vietnam for up to ten days of your own personal use. Zolpidem is listed in the linked list of Psychotropic medication drugs on that web page. The medicine must have a label that clearly states the names of the drug and active ingredients, concentration, content and expiration date, and you must have a prescription from a physician.

Would you be able the same information for Cambodia. I’d be grateful for this information as well. Thanks in advance.

TWA884 Jan 1, 2026 8:58 pm


Originally Posted by whenzuc (Post 37511762)
Would you be able the same information for Cambodia. I’d be grateful for this information as well. Thanks in advance.

Google is your friend. A search using the terms " Bring zolpidem Cambodia" found this FlyerTalk thread:

flyertalker00181 Jan 2, 2026 3:49 am

I really wanted to buy a drone too for my upcoming trip to Vietnam and Thailand, especially for Halong bay and temples in Thailand (Ayuttaya) but the paperwork is quite a process, you need to provide a flight plan for each location and buy a drone insurance.

Both Thai and Vietnamese authorities are very strict due to national security reasons.

bwiadca Jan 2, 2026 6:06 am


Originally Posted by jamestkirk (Post 37512186)
I really wanted to buy a drone too for my upcoming trip to Vietnam and Thailand, especially for Halong bay and temples in Thailand (Ayuttaya) but the paperwork is quite a process, you need to provide a flight plan for each location and buy a drone insurance.

Both Thai and Vietnamese authorities are very strict due to national security reasons.

The drone paperwork in Thailand got so bad that pretty much only long term visitors or residents can apply for it.
I think it takes bare minimum of 7 days to get your permit, and then you have to fill up applications with your flight plans and times etc. 3 days before you fly the drone.
All of this discouraged me from bringing the drone to Thailand. I survived and had great time without it :)

Nhan Thanh Nguyen Jan 4, 2026 9:24 pm

Any recommendation for a private driver from Hanoi to Ninh Binh for a day trip?

I am looking for a private Ha Long bay tour (private boat). I found a couple quote around $600(included private transport from Hanoi) from Agoda, Tripadvisor. I wonder if anyone has done one has has recommendation.

TWA884 Jan 4, 2026 10:44 pm


Originally Posted by Nhan Thanh Nguyen (Post 37517675)
Any recommendation for a private driver from Hanoi to Ninh Binh for a day trip?

Check your private messages.


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