Vietnam is a value destination for data
Vietnam has cheap, fast, and surprisingly widespread mobile coverage, and the eSIM prices reflect it. At the time of writing, a 5 GB plan runs about $2.85 for 30 days, and 20 GB is around $7.34, roughly $0.37 per GB. There are even short-validity high-data deals, like 30 GB for about $4.93 over 5 days, if you are a heavy user on a short trip. Compare current options on the Vietnam eSIM page.
That puts Vietnam in the same value tier as Thailand. If you are deciding between the two, or doing both, our Thailand eSIM guide uses the same approach.
Network and coverage
Vietnam's main carriers are Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. Viettel has the widest reach, including rural areas, the Mekong Delta, and the northern mountains around Sapa and Ha Giang. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Ha Long all have strong 4G and growing 5G. Most travel eSIMs route through Viettel or Vinaphone, so coverage on the standard tourist circuit is reliable.
Remote spots, deep in the Ha Giang loop, on boats in Ha Long Bay, or in the far highlands, will drop signal, so download offline maps for those legs.
How much data to buy
Vietnam travel is navigation-heavy: Grab for transport, maps for the chaotic streets of the Old Quarter, and constant messaging and photo uploads. Expect around 1 GB per day for active exploring. A one-week trip is comfortable on 10 GB; two weeks or heavy social posting points to 20 GB. Given how cheap data is here, buying extra costs almost nothing, so do not cut it close. The data calculator can size it for your apps.
eSIM vs a local SIM
Local Vietnamese SIMs are famously cheap if you buy them in-country, but they require finding a shop and sometimes showing your passport. For trips under two weeks, or if you want to land already connected, an eSIM at around $0.37 per GB is well worth the small premium for the convenience. For very long stays, a local physical SIM can still edge it out on raw price.
What to check before buying
Validity that covers your trip, hotspot support if you tether, and whether the plan throttles after a daily cap. For multi-country Southeast Asia trips, check the Asia region page for plans spanning Vietnam, Thailand, and neighbors.
Bottom line
Vietnam is one of the best-value eSIM destinations anywhere: fast, cheap, and well-covered on the tourist circuit. Compare current plans on the Vietnam eSIM page.