Stay Connected in Northern Vietnam: Your Easy Guide to Internet While Traveling

You just got off the plane at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. You’re excited to explore northern Vietnam – maybe cruise through Ha Long Bay, hike in Sapa, or see the amazing Ban Gioc Waterfall. But first, you need the internet on your phone. Without it, how will you find your hotel? How will you tell your family you arrived safely? How will you share those beautiful photos from Ha Long Bay?

Don’t worry! Getting the internet in northern Vietnam is easier than you think. I’ve helped thousands of travelers stay connected while exploring places like Hanoi, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, and Cat Ba Island. Let me share the best ways to get the internet for your phone, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

Why You Need Internet in Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is amazing, but it’s different from home. Street signs are in Vietnamese. Menus are in Vietnamese. When you’re lost in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or trying to find that perfect viewpoint in Ha Giang, your phone becomes your best friend.

Here’s what you’ll use internet for:

• Finding your way around Hanoi city
• Booking tours to Ha Long Bay
• Calling a taxi from Noi Bai Airport to your hotel
• Translating Vietnamese menus
• Sharing photos of Ban Gioc Waterfall with friends
• Video calling family from your hotel in Sapa
• Finding good restaurants in Lao Cai
• Booking boats to Cat Ba Island

Your Three Options for Internet in Northern Vietnam

You have three main choices to get internet on your phone:

• Buy eSIM online before you travel (I recommend this)
• Buy a SIM card at Noi Bai Airport when you arrive
• Buy a SIM card at local shops in Hanoi or other cities

Let me explain each option so you can pick the best one for you.

1: Buy eSIM Online

What is eSIM?

Think of eSIM like a digital SIM card. Instead of putting a small plastic card in your phone, you just scan a special code with your camera. It’s like magic – suddenly your phone works in Vietnam!

Why I Love eSIM for Northern Vietnam Travel

You can buy it from home; Imagine sitting in your living room, drinking coffee, and buying internet for your Vietnam trip. No stress, no rushing around Noi Bai Airport looking for SIM card shops. Just click, buy, and you’re ready to go.

It works right away The moment you land at Noi Bai Airport, you can turn on your eSIM. While other people wait in line to buy SIM cards, you’re already connected. You can call your taxi, check your hotel location, and post your first Vietnam photo on Instagram.

Perfect for northern Vietnam adventures Northern Vietnam has mountains, remote areas, and small towns. Our eSIM uses the Viettel network – the best network in Vietnam. Whether you’re in busy Hanoi or remote Ha Giang mountains, you’ll have the internet.

Great for Ha Long Bay and beyond; When you take that Ha Long Bay cruise, you’ll have the internet to share those amazing sunset photos. When you drive the Ha Giang Loop, you can use GPS to find the best viewpoints. When you visit Ban Gioc Waterfall near the Chinese border, you can still call home.

Which Phones Work with eSIM?

Most new phones work with eSIM:

• iPhone XS and newer (iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
• Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25
• Google Pixel phones (Pixel 3 and newer)
• Many other Android phones

Important: Chinese phones and older phones might not work with eSIM. Check your phone before buying.

How Much Does eSIM Cost?

Here’s what you’ll pay for our Vietnam eSIM:

• Small package (5GB for 15 days): $15 – Perfect for basic use in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay
• Medium package (20GB for 30 days): $28 – Great for posting photos from Sapa and Ha Giang
• Large package (50GB for 30 days): $42 – Best for video calls and sharing lots of content

The Only Problem with eSIM

Not all phones support eSIM. If you have an older phone or a Chinese phone, you’ll need to choose a different option. Also, you need to scan the code correctly – you only get one chance!

2: Buy SIM Card at Noi Bai Airport

The Good Things About Airport SIM Cards

Someone help you When you land at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll see SIM card shops. The staff speak some English and will put the SIM card in your phone for you. They’ll test it to make sure it works. This feels safe and easy.

Works with any phone; Old phone? Chinese phone? No problem! Physical SIM cards work with every phone. The staff will even cut the SIM card to fit your phone perfectly.

You get the internet immediately; As soon as you leave the SIM card shop, your phone works. You can call your taxi to Hanoi city center, check your hotel address, or call your family to say you arrived safely.

The Problems with Airport SIM Cards

More expensive Airport shops know you need the internet right now. They charge higher prices because you don’t have other choices. You might pay $25-40 for the same service that costs $15 online.

Long waiting lines; Noi Bai Airport gets very busy, especially during holiday times. You might wait 30-60 minutes in line. This is time you could spend getting to your hotel in Hanoi or starting your adventure.

Limited choices Airport shops have basic packages. They might not have the perfect size package for your trip to northern Vietnam.

Might be closed If your flight arrives very late at night or very early in the morning, the SIM card shops might be closed. Then you’re stuck without the internet.

Airport SIM Card Prices

Here’s what you’ll typically pay at Noi Bai Airport:

• Basic package (3GB for 7 days): $20-25
• Standard package (10GB for 15 days): $30-35
• Large package (20GB for 30 days): $45-55

3: Buy SIM Card in Hanoi or Other Cities

Why Local Shops Can Be Great

Cheapest prices Local mobile shops in Hanoi have the best prices. Vietnamese people buy SIM cards here, so prices are fair. You might get a great package for just $10-15.

Many locations: You’ll find mobile shops everywhere in Hanoi – in the Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake, and in shopping centers. There are also shops in other northern cities like Lao Cai and Ha Long City.

Local experience: Buying from a local shop in Hanoi is a real Vietnamese experience. You might learn some Vietnamese words or get recommendations for good restaurants.

The Challenges of Local Shops

Language problems: Most local shop staff in Hanoi don’t speak English well. Explaining what you need can be difficult. You might end up with the wrong package or not understand the terms.

Take time from your trip: Your first day in Hanoi is exciting. Do you really want to spend 2-3 hours finding a mobile shop, choosing a package, and setting up your phone? You could be exploring the Old Quarter or eating pho instead.

Quality varies: Some local shops are excellent. Others might sell poor quality SIM cards that don’t work well in remote areas like Ha Giang or Sapa. It’s hard to know which shops are trustworthy.

Local Shop Prices in Northern Vietnam

Here’s what locals pay in Hanoi and other northern cities:

• Basic package (3GB for 15 days): $8-12
• Good package (15GB for 30 days): $12-18
• Large package (30GB for 30 days): $18-25

Dangerous Cheap SIM Cards: What to Avoid

I need to warn you about very cheap SIM cards that some people sell on the street or at tourist areas in Hanoi. These seem like good deals, but they can ruin your northern Vietnam trip.

What Goes Wrong with Cheap SIM Cards

They stop working: I’ve met travelers whose cheap SIM cards worked fine in Hanoi but stopped working when they got to Ha Long Bay. Imagine being on a boat in Ha Long Bay with no internet to share those amazing photos!

Very slow internet: Some cheap SIM cards give you internet that’s so slow you can’t even load a map. This is dangerous when you’re driving the Ha Giang Loop or hiking in Sapa mountains.

Hidden costs The seller says it’s $5 for unlimited internet, but after one day you get messages saying you need to pay more money. Suddenly your cheap SIM card costs more than a good one.

No help when problems happen: When your cheap SIM card stops working in Cat Ba Island or Lao Cai, who will help you? The street seller is gone, and you’re stuck without the internet.

Risks to Avoid;

• Prices that seem too good to be true (like $3 for 30 days unlimited)
• Sellers who approach you on the street in Hanoi
• No official shop or receipt
• Pressure to buy immediately
• Can’t test the SIM card before buying

Internet Coverage in Northern Vietnam

Let me tell you about internet coverage in the places you’ll probably visit:

Hanoi City Excellent coverage everywhere. All networks work well in the Old Quarter, around Hoan Kiem Lake, and in modern districts.

Ha Long Bay Area Good coverage in Ha Long City and on most boats. Some small islands might have weak signals, but the main tourist areas are fine.

Sapa and Lao Cai Good coverage in Sapa town and Lao Cai city. Mountain hiking trails might have weak spots, but popular viewpoints usually have internet.

Ha Giang Province This is where network quality matters! Ha Giang Loop is remote and mountainous. Viettel has the best coverage here. Other networks might not work in some areas.

Cat Ba Island Good coverage in Cat Ba town and main beaches. Some hiking trails might have no signal.

Ban Gioc Waterfall Being near the Chinese border, coverage can be spotty. Viettel works best here.

Northwest Mountains (Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai) Remote areas with limited coverage. Viettel is your best bet for any internet at all.

This is why I recommend Viettel network (which our eSIM uses). Other networks work fine in cities but struggle in remote areas that make northern Vietnam so special.

Highly Recommendations

Best for Most People: eSIM

If you have a compatible phone and feel comfortable with basic technology, buy eSIM online before your trip. It’s convenient, reasonably priced, and works great throughout northern Vietnam. You’ll be connected from the moment you land at Noi Bai Airport.

Best for Nervous Travelers: Airport SIM Card

If this is your first trip to Vietnam or you don’t like dealing with technology, buy a SIM card at Noi Bai Airport. Yes, it costs more, but you’ll have help setting it up and peace of mind.

Best for Budget Travelers: Research Local Shops

If saving money is most important and you don’t mind spending time shopping around, find a good local shop in Hanoi. Ask your hotel to recommend a trustworthy mobile shop nearby.

Best for Long Trips: Start with eSIM, Then Explore

If you’re spending months in northern Vietnam, start with eSIM for immediate connectivity. Once you’re settled in Hanoi and have time, you can research local options for long-term savings.

Where to Buy	Daily 5GB for 10 – 30 Days	Good Points	Bad Points
Online eSIM	$10 – $22	Easy, works immediately	Need compatible phone
Airport Shop	$15 – $30	Help available, works with any phone	Expensive, long lines
Local Shop	$8 – $20	Cheapest, local experience	Language barrier, takes time

Simple Steps to Get Connected

If You Choose eSIM (Recommended)

1. Check if your phone supports eSIM
2. Buy eSIM online before traveling
3. Don’t scan the code until you arrive in Vietnam
4. At Noi Bai Airport, turn on WiFi
5. Scan the code and follow instructions
6. Turn on your eSIM when you’re ready to use it

If You Choose Airport SIM Card

1. After immigration at Noi Bai Airport, look for SIM card shops
2. Compare prices from 2-3 shops
3. Ask them to install and test the SIM card
4. Keep your original SIM card safe
5. Make sure you understand the package details

If You Choose Local Shop

1. Ask your hotel to recommend a good mobile shop
2. Bring your passport (required for SIM card purchase)
3. Use translation app if needed
4. Test the SIM card before leaving the shop
5. Get a receipt and shop contact information

What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Sometimes the internet doesn’t work perfectly. Here’s what to do:

No internet signal:

• Turn airplane mode on, wait 10 seconds, turn it off
• Restart your phone
• Check if mobile data is turned on

Very slow internet:

• Try a different location
• Check if you’ve used all your data
• Peak hours (lunch and dinner) are always slower

Can’t make calls:

• Check if you bought a data-only package
• Some packages only include internet, not phone calls

Need help:

• eSIM customers: Contact our support team
• Airport SIM: Go back to the shop where you bought it
• Local SIM: Return to the shop with your receipt

Your Northern Vietnam Adventure Starts Now

Northern Vietnam will amaze you. The busy streets of Hanoi, the magical limestone islands of Ha Long Bay, the colorful markets of Sapa, the dramatic mountains of Ha Giang – every place has something special to offer.

Good internet connection means you can enjoy your trip without worrying about getting lost or missing important calls. You can share your adventure with friends, find great restaurants, and stay safe while exploring remote areas.

Whether you choose eSIM, airport SIM card, or local shop, the most important thing is to choose based on what makes you feel comfortable. Don’t let anyone pressure you into buying something that doesn’t feel right.

Ready to explore northern Vietnam? Pick the internet option that suits you best, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. From the moment you land at Noi Bai Airport to your last sunset in Ha Long Bay, you’ll be connected and ready for anything Vietnam throws your way.

Safe travels, and enjoy every moment of your northern Vietnam journey!