Hi! I’m Anna — full-time digital nomad, part-time coconut coffee addict, and someone who’s spent the past few years working remotely across Southeast Asia. Of all the places I’ve lived, Vietnam has a special spot in my heart. The chaos of Hanoi’s traffic, the magic of Hội An lanterns, the iced cà phê sữa đá in every corner café… it’s addictive. But when it comes to staying connected and protected online here, it’s not exactly plug and play.
One of the questions I get the most from other nomads landing in Vietnam is: “Should I use a VPN while I’m here?”
The short answer? Absolutely yes. And not just for watching Netflix from home.
Whether you’re a freelance designer, a startup founder running client meetings from Đà Nẵng, or just a travel blogger uploading reels from the rice paddies — having a solid VPN is essential. I’ll walk you through the ten most important reasons why, and then I’ll share the five VPN services I’ve personally tested and still use depending on what I need.
10 Reasons Why a VPN is Your Best Digital Partner in Vietnam
1. Secure Remote Access to Work Accounts
Most of us rely on cloud-based tools, shared drives, and client portals. When I’m connecting to a company’s backend system, it’s not something I take lightly — especially on public Wi-Fi.
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between my laptop and those systems, so nobody can snoop on sensitive credentials or internal files. If your work involves handling contracts, databases, or confidential documents, this is non-negotiable.
2. Public Wi-Fi is Everywhere — and Risky
From street cafés in Saigon to hostels in Sapa, Wi-Fi is usually fast and free — but rarely secure. I’ve seen networks with no passwords and hotel routers that haven’t been updated since 2015.
That’s an open invitation for man-in-the-middle attacks. I always switch on my VPN before logging into anything important, including email and banking apps.
3. Say Goodbye to Bandwidth Throttling
Have you ever been in the middle of a Zoom call and suddenly your video freezes, even though your connection speed seems fine? Some Vietnamese ISPs throttle bandwidth when they detect video traffic or large downloads.
A VPN hides the type of data you’re using, so it prevents throttling and keeps my calls, uploads, and edits running smoothly.
4. Stay Compliant with Global Privacy Regulations
As someone working with European clients, I can’t afford to mess around with data compliance.
If you’re dealing with GDPR, HIPAA, or similar regulations, a VPN helps maintain that extra layer of encryption to keep client data secure. It’s not just about privacy — it’s about protecting your contracts and professional reputation.
5. Protect Financial Transactions
Whether I’m transferring money through Wise, checking my Revolut balance, or paying for a co-working pass, I never do it without a VPN.
Payment gateways and banking apps are prime targets for cybercrime, especially on open Wi-Fi. I’ve personally experienced suspicious logins while in Vietnam — and since then, I don’t take chances.
6. Access Content from Home (or Anywhere)
Living abroad is amazing, but sometimes you just want to binge-watch your local Netflix library or stream live news from home.
Vietnamese Netflix has a decent catalog, but it doesn’t include a lot of what I usually watch. A VPN lets me set my virtual location back to the US or UK and access all the content I’m used to.
Same goes for Spotify, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and even some YouTube content that’s restricted outside specific regions.
7. Bypass Government Censorship
This one surprised me at first. While Vietnam isn’t China-level restrictive, certain news sites and international media outlets are blocked.
Even some Facebook features or Messenger calls have been patchy in the past. I use a VPN to access blocked websites, stay informed, and avoid these interruptions altogether.
8. Some VPN Sites Are Blocked in Vietnam
Yes, really. A few of the big VPN providers — especially those that promote privacy strongly have their websites blocked or partially throttled in Vietnam.
That means if you forget to install your VPN before arriving, you might not be able to download it later without already having another VPN active. It’s a weird loop, but it’s real. I always recommend downloading and setting up your VPN before you board the plane.
9. Private Messaging & VoIP Calls
Voice and video apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or even FaceTime can be unstable or monitored in some parts of Vietnam. I’ve had group calls cut off mid-way or messaging delays on WhatsApp.
Using a VPN makes those connections more stable and keeps my conversations private.
10. Beat Digital Price Discrimination
Here’s a sneaky trick I’ve used many times. Flight booking sites, software providers, and even Airbnb often show different prices depending on where they think you’re browsing from.
With a VPN, I compare the same deal from multiple countries and pick the cheapest one. It’s saved me hundreds of dollars on flights from Hà Nội and domestic routes.
My Top 5 VPN Services That Actually Work in Vietnam
After testing dozens of VPNs while traveling in Southeast Asia, these five have consistently delivered in Vietnam — from cities to rural areas.
| VPN Service | Why I Recommend It |
|---|---|
| NordVPN | Excellent performance and privacy. Double VPN mode is fantastic when I need extra encryption. Works with every platform I use. |
| ExpressVPN | Best for streaming and fast connections. I’ve never had trouble unblocking Netflix, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer. Simple UI and great support. |
| Surfshark | I use this on all my devices — unlimited connections is a dream for nomads. It’s also super affordable and surprisingly fast. |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | If you’re more technical, PIA lets you customize encryption levels. I love the transparency in their policies. Huge server list, too. |
| Proton VPN | Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws. The free version is okay, but the paid one is much better in Vietnam. Great kill switch and secure core features. |
All five come with strong no-logs policies and obfuscated servers — that’s important, because it hides the fact you’re using a VPN, which can be handy in places where the internet is monitored or filtered.
| Best VPN for Vietnam | Offer + Discount | URL |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 77% off + 3 months free | Try NordVPN |
| ExpressVPN | 73% off + 4 months free | Try ExpressVPN |
| SurfShark | 87% off + 2 months free | Try SurfShark |
| ProtonVPN | 75% off | Try ProtonVPN |
| PIA VPN | 82% off + 2 months free | Try PIA VPN |
Quick Nomad Tip Before You Go
Using a VPN in Vietnam is perfectly legal but using it to do anything considered illegal under local law (especially political or anti-state content) is still risky. The goal here isn’t to break laws. It’s to stay safe, connected, and productive without sacrificing your digital freedom or privacy.
For me, a VPN is like my passport in the online world. I wouldn’t leave home without it and I definitely don’t open my laptop without one running.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam is a dream destination for digital nomads — low cost of living, amazing food, lively coworking communities, and endless places to explore. But the digital landscape has its quirks, and navigating them with a good VPN gives me peace of mind.
Whether you’re uploading designs from a hammock in Phú Quốc, joining Zoom calls from a coworking loft in Hồ Chí Minh City, or just catching up on your favorite show after a long scooter ride — a VPN is your secret weapon.
Stay curious, stay protected, and enjoy every chaotic, beautiful moment in Vietnam.
Safe travels,
Anna 🌍
Frequently Asked Questions about Using a VPN in Vietnam
Is it legal to use a VPN in Vietnam as a traveler or remote worker?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in Vietnam for personal and professional use. Just avoid accessing or distributing content considered illegal under Vietnamese law.
Why do I need a VPN if I’m just using hotel or café Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi in Vietnam is often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data. A VPN encrypts your connection and keeps your logins, emails, and finances safe.
Can I still watch my country’s Netflix library from Vietnam?
Absolutely. With the right VPN, you can switch your virtual location and access your home Netflix catalog, plus other geo-restricted services like BBC iPlayer or Disney+.
Are VPN websites blocked in Vietnam?
Yes, some VPN provider websites are blocked or limited. It’s smart to download and install your VPN before arriving in Vietnam to avoid access issues.
