I Tested NordVPN Vietnam on Real WiFi – Here’s the Truth

I’ve spent enough time working from hotels and coffee shops in Southeast Asia to know that public WiFi in Vietnam can be a mixed bag. Some networks are surprisingly fast, especially in bigger cities like Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City. Others? Let’s just say your email might load faster if you send it by pigeon.

But WiFi speed isn’t even the main issue. Whether you’re checking your balance in the Vietcombank app, binge-watching a drama on VTV Go, or just trying to stream Netflix without region blocks, one thing is clear: you need a solid VPN.

I’ve tested NordVPN extensively while living and traveling through Vietnam. I’m not talking about theoretical features. I mean actually using it in hotel rooms, on Grab rides, while checking in on banking apps, and even during peak hours at busy co-working cafés. And here’s everything you need to know before deciding if it’s right for you.

TLDR: NordVPN Vietnam – Is It Any Good?

• 🌍 Yes, it works both inside and outside Vietnam
• 📺 Unblocks VTV Go, FPT Play, VieON, Netflix, Disney+
• 🏦 Safe access to Vietcombank, Techcombank, BIDV, etc.
• 📶 No real speed loss – works even on 5G
• 🔒 Best VPN for hotel WiFi and public networks
• 📲 Works on phones, laptops, routers, TVs

Why You’ll Need a VPN in Vietnam (Even If You’re Not a Techie)

Let’s be clear. Vietnam doesn’t censor the internet like China. You can use Google, Facebook, YouTube, Netflix all freely accessible. But there are three very real, very common issues that make a VPN not just nice-to-have, but honestly essential:

1. Geo-blocked platforms: Services like VTV Go, VieON, or FPT Play often block access outside Vietnam.
2. Suspicious login locks: Logging into Vietcombank or Techcombank from a foreign IP? Get ready for a security alert or even temporary suspension.
3. Public WiFi risks: Whether you’re at a hotel, airport, or café, unsecured WiFi is a goldmine for data sniffers.

With NordVPN, I’ve been able to stream Vietnamese shows from Europe, safely log into mobile banking in Ho Chi Minh cafés, and even route my entire smart TV traffic through a Vietnamese server without slowing down my internet.

Let’s break it all down.

Can You Watch Vietnamese Streaming Platforms from Abroad?

If you’re outside Vietnam and want to watch local TV content, you’re probably familiar with this message:

“This content is not available in your region.”

I got it myself when trying to stream VTV1 live from Berlin. The same thing happened with FPT Play even with a paid account.

Vietnamese Streaming Platforms I Tested

NordVPN has dedicated servers in Vietnam, which is the key. You don’t just get access – you get it with full speed, no buffering, and no detection issues.

I ran tests on both NordLynx and OpenVPN protocols, and both worked seamlessly, but NordLynx gave me faster streaming across the board.

Can You Access Netflix, Disney+, and Global Platforms in Vietnam?

Vietnamese Netflix has its own catalog. Some US shows are missing, and you won’t find the full English-language library. With NordVPN, I was able to switch between Netflix US, UK, and Japan, all from a local hotel network.

Tested platforms:

• Netflix US – 100% working, even in 4K
• Disney+ – US, UK, and Singapore libraries unlocked
• Amazon Prime Video – No issues
• HBO Max / Hulu – Required US server, worked fine
• BBC iPlayer – Only accessible via UK server (NordVPN passed!)

This makes NordVPN a solid tool if you’re staying in Vietnam short-term and still want your home country’s content or vice versa, if you’re Vietnamese and want to watch local TV while living abroad.

Public WiFi in Vietnam: Fast, But Not Safe

Vietnam’s average mobile internet is surprisingly solid. Thanks to strong infrastructure in major cities, 5G speeds can reach 400+ Mbps, while fixed internet in homes and hotels often hits 150–180 Mbps. That’s great for streaming, Zoom, gaming — anything really.

But security? That’s another story.

I’ve stayed in 4-star hotels with open WiFi that didn’t even ask for a room number. I’ve connected to airport lounges, co-working spaces, and busy cafés with no encryption. At best, you’re exposed to basic snooping. At worst, someone with Wireshark could sniff your login session in real time.

Here’s what NordVPN adds on top

• AES-256 encryption: Military-grade protection on any connection
• Auto-connect on public WiFi: The app kicks in the moment you join an unknown network
• Kill Switch: If the VPN drops, your internet connection is cut instantly, preventing leaks
• Threat Protection: Blocks shady domains, ads, and trackers (especially helpful on mobile)

From checking your emails on the go to uploading sensitive documents, NordVPN ensures that your data stays yours — not something floating around in a hotel network.

📍Real-World Example

At a co-working space in Da Nang, I connected to an open network, forgot to turn on the VPN and my Google login triggered a device verification email. Since enabling NordVPN’s “Trusted WiFi” setting, that hasn’t happened once. It connects automatically now.

Is It Safe to Use Banking Apps in Vietnam with a VPN?

Yes and in many cases, it’s safer and more stable when you use NordVPN. I’ve tested online banking in Vietnam with apps from Vietcombank, Techcombank, BIDV, and MBBank. All worked without hiccups.

What’s the issue without a VPN?

Vietnamese banks have pretty aggressive fraud prevention. If you’re logging in from a foreign IP or even a mobile network outside your regular location your login might get blocked. I once had Vietinbank freeze my session for 24 hours just for trying to pay a bill from a different province.

NordVPN solves this by giving you a consistent Vietnamese IP address, no matter where you are. So even if you’re traveling through Thailand or flying back to Europe, you can use your bank apps as if you were still in Hanoi.

Top 5 Vietnamese Banking Apps I Personally Tested with NordVPN:

If you’re doing remote work, managing money from abroad, or juggling multiple accounts, NordVPN helps avoid unnecessary alerts, verifications, and lockouts.

Speed Test: Does NordVPN Slow Down Vietnam’s Fast Internet?

Here’s where I was pleasantly surprised. I expected a drop it’s a VPN after all. But NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol(built on WireGuard) is fast. Sometimes faster than the base connection, especially when ISPs throttle certain apps.

My Speed Tests from 3 Cities in Vietnam (with NordVPN ON)

Latency stayed low, and streaming in full HD even 4K on Netflix worked smoothly. File uploads and video calls were unaffected.

If you’re worried that a VPN will ruin your connection, don’t be. NordVPN barely touches performance, and in some cases, you might actually get better routing on overloaded networks.

What Devices Can You Use NordVPN On in Vietnam?

You’re not limited to just your laptop or phone. Here’s what I tested it on while in Vietnam:

If you’re living long-term in Vietnam, it’s worth configuring NordVPN on your home router. That way, all your devices including smart speakers, TVs, and tablets are protected automatically.

Final Verdict: Is NordVPN Worth It in Vietnam?

If you live in Vietnam or travel there often, NordVPN is more than just “nice to have.” It’s essential.

Whether you’re trying to:

• Watch VTV Go or FPT Play from abroad
• Safely log in to your Vietnamese bank account
• Avoid weird login errors when traveling
• Protect your data on hotel or café WiFi
• Unblock global streaming content while in Vietnam

NordVPN works and it works well.

• Fast servers inside Vietnam
• Unblocks local + global streaming
• Safe banking access without flags
• Works on all devices
• No slowdown on 5G or fiber

I’ve used other VPNs in the region (including ExpressVPN and Surfshark), and NordVPN consistently gave me the most stable performance, especially for switching between Vietnamese and US/UK content.

Bonus Tips for Using NordVPN in Vietnam

• Use the “Auto-connect on WiFi” feature it’s a lifesaver when you forget to turn it on manually in cafés or airports
• Enable “Obfuscated Servers” if you’re on a corporate or university network that blocks VPNs
• Split tunnel your banking app if you need to access other services outside the tunnel
• Set it up on your hotel room’s mini router if you’re traveling as a family and want secure access for everyone

Questions About Using NordVPN in Vietnam? I’ve Got You Covered

Petr

I'm Petr, and the online world has been my playground for more than 25 years. I've been working in IT since 2005, moving through development, project management, and eventually building my own services and online businesses. I create websites, launch projects, test new tools, figure out what actually works and what doesn’t, and share practical tips that save people time, money, and stress. I’ve also been actively investing since 2016. I enjoy digging into the markets, trying different platforms, and looking for long term opportunities that make real sense. For me, investing naturally fits into everything I already do online: analyzing, testing, learning, and optimizing. On this site, you’ll find straightforward articles, honest insights, and a bit of humor or irony here and there. When I’m not at the keyboard, I’m usually out on a bike trail or checking out a new golf course. And when I’m not doing that, I’m somewhere on the road with my wife and our two sons.

See Full Bio