When I first needed a Vietnamese IP address, I figured it would be a simple case of firing up a VPN and picking “Vietnam” from the server list. I couldn’t have been more wrong. It turns out, getting a Vietnamese IP address that actually works – for banking, for streaming, for low-latency gaming — is a lot trickier than I expected.
I’ll walk you through how I made it work, what providers actually offer reliable access, and why it’s become increasingly important – especially if you’re living abroad and still rely on Vietnamese services.
Why Getting a Vietnamese IP Address Matters (More Than Ever)
There are a few major reasons someone outside Vietnam might need a local IP:
- Access to Vietnamese banking apps like Vietcombank or Techcombank, which block foreign IPs
- Using the national VNeID app for biometric verification (now mandatory for banking)
- Streaming geo-blocked content from VTV, FPT Play, or even Netflix Vietnam
- Gaming on local Vietnamese servers (League of Legends, Garena, etc.)
- Bypassing political censorship or maintaining privacy under Vietnam’s Cybersecurity Law
Since September 2025, banks have started aggressively locking out users logging in from abroad. If you’re overseas and try to access your account without a Vietnamese IP and especially without biometric confirmation via VNeID good luck.
This isn’t just about watching a football match on VTV. For many of us, it’s about basic digital survival.
The Technical Reality: Virtual vs. Physical Servers
I quickly realized there are two main ways VPN providers assign a Vietnamese IP address:
1. Virtual Servers (My Go-To for Banking and Streaming)
Most top VPNs don’t actually keep physical servers inside Vietnam anymore. Why? Because of strict local laws like Decree 53, which require data localization and could force VPN companies to store user data inside the country a nightmare for privacy.
So instead, companies like NordVPN and Surfshark use what’s called virtual Vietnamese servers. These are physically located in places like Singapore or Hong Kong but report an IP registered in Vietnam. For banks, apps, and streaming platforms that check IP geolocation via public databases (like WhoIs), this works flawlessly most of the time.
Bonus: These virtual servers avoid Vietnam’s firewall and offer better speed because Singapore’s internet infrastructure is top-notch.
2. Physical Servers (Great for Gaming, But Riskier)
Proton VPN, on the other hand, still operates physical servers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These are true bare-metal servers and offer the lowest latency if you’re gaming or need a 1:1 local connection.
But the trade-off? You’re technically routing your data through Vietnam’s legal jurisdiction, which comes with surveillance risks. Proton VPN counters this with RAM-only servers and full disk encryption — meaning no logs, no stored data — but it’s still a calculated risk.
If I’m just catching up on Vietnamese news or watching a movie, I stick with virtual servers. If I want to play a game with friends in Hanoi, Proton’s physical route is unbeatable.
Which VPNs Actually Work (And Why I Chose NordVPN)
Here’s a breakdown of the providers I’ve tested, and what each does best when it comes to Vietnam:
a) NordVPN – Best for Security and Stability
- Server Type: Virtual Vietnam (in Singapore/HK)
- Key Feature: NordLynx protocol – lightning fast and super efficient
- Best For: Banking apps, VNeID logins, stable streaming
- Bonus: Meshnet lets you route through your own Vietnam-based device if you want a truly residential IP
Nord is my main VPN. Their obfuscated servers work in restrictive networks and avoid VPN detection, which is critical for banking. Plus, they offer dedicated Vietnamese IPs for an extra fee handy if your bank flags shared IPs.
b) Surfshark – Best for Families or Multiple Devices
- Server Type: Virtual Vietnam (via Singapore)
- Key Feature: Nexus tech rotates your IP without disconnecting
- Best For: Streamers, households, and shared subscriptions
- Bonus: Unlimited device connections
I keep Surfshark on my tablet and my partner’s phone. The Camouflage Mode helps dodge VPN bans on streaming sites, and their Alternative ID tool is surprisingly useful when signing up for Vietnamese services that ask for phone numbers or IDs.
c) CyberGhost – Best for Streaming Vietnamese Content
- Server Type: Virtual Vietnam, with streaming-optimized servers
- Key Feature: App-specific Smart Rules for auto-connection
- Best For: FPT Play, VTV Go, Netflix Vietnam
- Bonus: 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost actually labels their Vietnamese servers by use case (e.g., “Streaming”), which makes it idiot-proof. Just click and go.
d) Proton VPN – Best for Low Ping and Secure Routing
- Server Type: Physical (bare-metal in Vietnam) + Secure Core (Switzerland > Vietnam)
- Key Feature: Direct access to Vietnamese servers with ultra-low latency
- Best For: Gamers and privacy purists
- Bonus: Secure Core for maximum anonymity
If you’re worried about government surveillance but still need a real Vietnamese IP, Proton’s Secure Core option is the most private setup out there.
e) IPVanish – Best for Customization and Control
- Server Type: Mixed (virtual and physical Vietnam)
- Key Feature: Owns its server network
- Best For: Tech-savvy users, DIY setups
- Bonus: Scramble (OpenVPN) helps evade deep packet inspection
IPVanish is more of a power-user’s tool, but it’s reliable and gives you deeper control of server load and routing.
Real-Life Use Cases (And What Works Best)
Banking Apps (Vietcombank, BIDV, etc.)
If you need to log into your bank account, use a VPN with a dedicated IP address. Shared IPs often get blacklisted. NordVPN and Surfshark both offer this option.
Also, use split tunneling to route only the banking app through Vietnam, while everything else (like YouTube or Gmail) goes through your normal connection. This prevents triggering fraud alerts when your browser shows you’re in Prague but your bank app thinks you’re in Ho Chi Minh City.
Streaming VTV, FPT Play, Netflix Vietnam
Use CyberGhost or Surfshark. These services offer dedicated servers optimized for Vietnamese platforms. Just avoid physical servers during Vietnamese holidays — they often get overloaded.
Also, clear your cookies or use incognito mode after connecting to avoid location mismatches from cached data.
Gaming (League of Legends Vietnam Server)
Latency matters. Proton VPN’s physical servers gave me the best ping (~175 ms from Europe). Use WireGuard or NordLynx protocols to reduce packet loss and jitter. Avoid OpenVPN unless your network blocks UDP traffic.
Step-by-Step: How I Set Up My VPN for a Vietnamese IP
- Pick your provider – I started with NordVPN’s 2-year plan ($2.99/month). Surfshark’s even cheaper if you want more devices.
- Download the app – Works on desktop, iPhone, Android, etc.
- Choose your protocol – I stick to NordLynx (or WireGuard). If your VPN keeps dropping, switch to OpenVPN (TCP).
- Manually select the Vietnam server – Avoid “Quick Connect.” Choose Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi depending on your app.
- Check your IP – Visit iplocation.net to make sure your IP shows Vietnam.
- Enable DNS leak protection – Especially important if your DNS shows your real location.
- Enable Obfuscation if needed – Helps bypass VPN bans on banking sites or public Wi-Fi.
Final Thoughts (And My Best Tip)
Vietnam’s digital ecosystem has become a fortress — from banking to streaming, everything is geo-fenced and locked down tight. But with the right VPN, the right server, and a bit of fine-tuning, you can get a Vietnamese IP address that actually works.
My best advice? Pay for a quality VPN. Free ones just don’t cut it here — they’re slow, unreliable, and get blocked left and right. I’ve tested the top five, and honestly, if you care about speed and security, NordVPN or Surfshark is the way to go. If you care more about privacy or latency, Proton is hard to beat.
Bottom line: whether you’re managing your Vietnamese bank account, catching up on local TV, or just trying to stay digitally connected to home — it’s doable. You just need the right tools.
FAQ
Is it legal to use a VPN for a Vietnamese IP?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Vietnam and also legal to use from abroad. Just avoid using them for anything illegal. Most people use them for banking, streaming, or privacy which is fine.
Why do I need a Vietnamese IP address abroad?
Without it, many apps like Vietcombank or VNeID won’t work properly. They often block logins from foreign IPs or show errors. A Vietnamese IP helps you look like you’re back home.
Which VPN works best for Vietnam?
NordVPN and Surfshark are the top picks for most users — fast, secure, and reliable Vietnamese IPs. For gaming or lowest ping, Proton VPN is great thanks to its physical servers in Vietnam.
Do free VPNs offer Vietnamese IP addresses?
Very rarely. And if they do, the quality is poor. Free VPNs are often blacklisted by banks and streaming apps. Paid VPNs give you real working IPs, better speed, and actual support.
You might also be interested in
- VPNs in Vietnam Are Legal… Unless You Do This One Thing
What’s actually allowed under Vietnamese law, where the limits are, and the one mistake that can really get you into trouble. - How to Watch VieON Outside Vietnam (Even If You See That Block Screen)
A real-world guide to bypassing VieON geo-blocks with a working Vietnamese IP. - Free VPNs vs Paid VPNs: Real-World Risks Explained (Tested in Vietnam)
I tested free and paid VPNs on Vietnamese networks. The results were eye-opening. - I Tested NordVPN Vietnam on Real Wi‑Fi – Here’s the Truth
Speed, stability, banking access, and streaming performance on actual Vietnamese connections. - How to Watch VTV Go, VTC Now, and FPT Play from Anywhere
Step-by-step setup for Vietnamese TV platforms when you’re outside the country.
