Vietnam might be a beautiful country, but it’s also a place where internet use is highly regulated. Websites critical of the government are routinely banned, along with those of international human rights organizations and expatriate political parties. Social media sites often have content removed, and complete blackouts of services like Facebook have previously occurred. So, if you want the freedom to access and post whatever you like online while visiting or living in Vietnam, you’ll need to use a VPN. In this article, we’ll list the best VPNs for Vietnam and explain how to use them.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic so your communications will be secure and masked from any prying eyes. It will obfuscate your digital footprint and allow you to access sites that state authorities try to block or censor. It can also protect you while using public wifi and help you bypass blocks on geo-restricted content. In short, a VPN is an excellent tool to have when in Vietnam.
In case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a brief summary of the VPNs we recommend for Vietnam. Scroll down for more in-depth reviews of each provider, plus the answers to some commonly asked VPN questions.
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Vietnam:
- NordVPN: Best overall VPN for Vietnam. Excellent online protection and access to geo-restricted sites. Has over 5,500 servers in 60+ countries, including Vietnam. Strong security, impressive speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Vietnam. - Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Vietnam. Servers in 100+ countries, including Vietnam. Very fast WireGuard protocol. Allows torrenting. Works to access Hulu, iPlayer, Netflix, and more.
- IPVanish: Ideal for Kodi users who need lightweight, remote-control-friendly solutions. Strong security and great speeds, works with a variety of streaming platforms around the world.
- ExpressVPN: Fast servers with top security, plus it can access most streaming sites. Great privacy features, easy-to-use apps, and servers in Vietnam.
- CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly provider with high-grade security, fast speeds, no logs, and a vast network of global servers. Easily unblocks restricted sites and services, ideal VPN to use in Vietnam.
- PrivateVPN: Fast speeds and excellent unblocking abilities, good for streaming Popcornflix and other popular platforms.
- Private Internet Access: A fast and secure VPN based in the US. Servers in Vietnam and countries across Asia. Strong AES encryption and a kill switch.
Many VPNs claim to work with Vietnam but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Vietnam and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN FOR VIETNAM RISK FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured, risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up on this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Vietnam without any restrictions for a month—great if you want to use the internet privately and securely.
There are no hidden terms to be aware of—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't suitable for you, and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
How we select the top Vietnam VPNs
There are plenty of VPNs on the market, but they don’t all provide the same level of service. When we compiled our list of the best VPNs for Vietnam, we looked for providers that met the following criteria:
- Speed and stability of service
- Large network of servers across the world – including Vietnam
- Strong encryption parameters to maintain privacy and anonymity
- Ease of use with customer support if needed
- Apps for Android and iOS
You can find out more about how we rank and test our VPNs by reading our VPN methodology, or keep scrolling for reviews of the VPNs that made our list.
Best VPNs for Vietnam: at a glance
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Vietnam.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN | Private Internet Access |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | PrivateInternetAccess.com | Ranking for Vietnam | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Streaming quality | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | Server countries | 111 | 100 | 75 | 105 | 100 | 63 | 91 | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 85% | 86% | 85% | 85% | 70% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 2 months free |
The best VPNs for Vietnam
At Comparitech, we aim to bring you the most helpful and accurate VPN Information possible. To do this, we use and test every VPN rigorously before we recommend them to you. Let’s take a closer look at the ones that impressed us.
Here are the best VPNs for accessing blocked and restricted sites in Vietnam:
1. NordVPN
Dec 2024 Works in VietnamTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top choice VPN for bypassing restrictions in Vietnam. It has been in the VPN business for over a decade and combines several powerful security and privacy features into an intuitive app. NordVPN operates 5,500+ servers in around 60+ countries, so it’s easy to find a stable, secure connection. 10+ servers are located in Vietnam, along with a wealth of options in Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.
Speeds are impressive, along with top-tier security protocols. All internet traffic is encrypted via the 256-bit AES protocol by default and uses 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled. It’s also an example of a completely logless service. There isn’t any data captured about user sessions, traffic, or timestamps. The company is headquartered in Panama – out of the jurisdiction of Western government agencies or mandatory data retention laws.
It can easily access most restricted websites and popular streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, plus it supports torrenting. There’s support for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. 24/7 Iive customer support is available should you need it.
Pros:
- Fast and reliable downloading and streaming speeds
- Wide network of 5,500+ servers in around 60+ countries, including Vietnam
- Strong encryption, security, and privacy protocols
- Strict no-logs policy
- Easy-to-use apps for most platforms
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons:
- Desktop app takes some getting used to
Our score:
#1 VPN FOR VIETNAM:NordVPN is an excellent choice for solid security and privacy and it works reliably in Vietnam. Use up to 6 devices at once with great connection speeds. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our in-depth review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
works in VietnamTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN provider based in the British Virgin Islands. This is a location that is superb in terms of privacy thanks to its distance from invasive jurisdictions like the UK, Canada, the EU, and the US. It also has a trustworthy no-logs policy, which means it never retains any records about what its users do while connected.
Apps are available for all popular platforms, and they come with a kill switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, AES encryption, split tunneling, malware filtering, and ad blocking. This makes it perfect for gaining privacy, whether at home or out and about. It also protects you against eavesdroppers and hackers when you use public wifi.
Servers are available in 100+ countries, including Vietnam, and those servers work to access restricted content and regional services such as iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more. A single account can be used on an unlimited number of devices. This makes it incredible value for money and means that you can share your account with friends and family. Finally, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee to let you try the service risk-free.
Pros:
- Servers in Vietnam and in 100+ other countries
- Super-fast WireGuard protocol
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
- 24/7 live chat support
- Strong security and privacy standards
Cons:
- Some servers are faster than others
Our score:
FAST AND SECURE:Surfshark is the best budget VPN to gain privacy in Vietnam. Servers in 100+ countries. Allows torrenting. Secure AES encryption. Many advanced privacy and security features. Works with BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and more. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our full Surfshark review for more info.
3. IPVanish
Works in VietnamTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish prioritizes speed, security, and privacy. Users will be pleased with the fact that it’s relatively inexpensive and delivers a premium product at the same time. There are over 2,000 servers spread across 75 worldwide locations to choose from, including a location in Hanoi, Vietnam.
IPVanish is completely logless, meaning there’s no retention of any data related to session history, choice of servers, or bandwidth utilized. Only a tiny bit of data is retained when an account is registered for the first time.
Encryption parameters are strong, too. The company uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048 key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. This feature makes it impossible for intrusive entities to decrypt past session data. An internet kill switch is included.
Many users find it an excellent option for Kodi because it allows them to download the Android APK directly to their device. Best of all, you can use it on an unlimited number of devices. There are apps for both iOS and Android, as well as desktop support for Windows and macOS.
Pros:
- Servers are fast for streaming and downloading
- Operates a network of more than 2,000 servers from 75 locations around the globe
- Keeps no logs whatsoever
- Allows unlimited number of connections
Cons:
- No way to pay anonymously
- Based in the US – a 5 Eyes Member
Our score:
UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish has a large network of uncongested servers that achieves super fast speeds. Strong security and privacy features. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of IPVanish.
4. ExpressVPN
Works in VietnamTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is a reliable provider that offers robust speeds with stringent encryption protocols. They boast an impressive 3,000+ server locations spread across a sprawling network of 100 countries. There’s also an option to connect to local servers in Vietnam – ideal for local residents trying to acquire an IP address from back home when abroad.
The internet in Vietnam is severely restricted, so users definitely wouldn’t want any sort of privacy invasion or data leakage. ExpressVPN has you covered on these fronts. Encryption protocols are considered to be top-tier. It deploys 256-bit AES-CBC with the utilization of both HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch, referred to by ExpressVPN as a ‘network lock’, is included with all packages. This feature temporarily halts all web traffic if the connection drops unexpectedly, keeping your connection secure.
It has a strict policy of not storing any traffic logs. The only tiny bit of metadata retention pertains to the date (not time) of connection, choice of server location, and total bandwidth used. The company says your individual IP address won’t be recorded under any circumstances. If that still makes you uneasy, you can sign up with a burner email account and pay via Bitcoin. This means your digital footprint will be largely restricted.
It’s also able to access geo-restricted content on a bunch of streaming sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. It supports torrenting, and there are apps for Android and iOS as well as desktop support for Windows and macOS.
Pros:
- Fast speeds for downloading and streaming
- Operates a network of more than 3,000 servers spanning 100 countries, including Vietnam
- High-grade encryption, security, and privacy
- Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux are easy to use
- 24/7 customer support via live chat
Cons:
- Not as cheap as some other services
- Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Our score:
GREAT ALL ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is fast and reliable. Great at accessing all major geo-restricted streaming services in good HD quality. Top privacy features and keeps no logs. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of ExpressVPN.
5. CyberGhost
Works in VietnamTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly service with a vast network of over 10,000 servers in over 100 countries, including 45+ in Vietnam. It boasts fast speeds for streaming and downloading and doesn’t struggle to access blocked or restricted websites.
It’s a secure and reliable provider with excellent privacy protocols. CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication. An internet kill switch is included. The company is registered in Romania and isn’t subjected to any mandatory data retention laws. It also has a policy of not logging any user behavior, which should ease concerns.
Apps are available for both Android and iOS, as well as desktop support for Windows and macOS. It allows 7 devices to be connected at once and offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Fast, streaming-optimized servers
- Operates a network of more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries
- Beginners find their apps easy to set up and use
- Strong privacy and security features enabled by default
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- No apps for routers
- Doesn’t work reliably from China or the UAE
Our score:
BEGINNERS' CHOICE:CyberGhost has a simple set up, great privacy and security. Over 45 servers in Vietnam and 10,000 worldwide. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our full review of CyberGhost.
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is a small Swedish provider with a small network of just over 200 servers, but they’re strategically located across 60+ countries, including Vietnam. It’s particularly good for streaming thanks to its lightning-quick speeds and impressive unblocking abilities. Our test of PrivateVPN was impressive, with no interruptions to the stream. There’s unlimited bandwidth and usage too, so you can stream as much as you like.
The interface of PrivateVPN is very simple to use, although there is a tab for advanced options should you need it. You can use PrivateVPN to connect up to 10 different devices simultaneously. Using PrivateVPN provides plenty of protection with encryption, lPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch feature. Customer support is also offered in the form of a live chat service.
PrivateVPN can be used on Windows, MacOS, IOS and Android. It can also be used on Linux and certain routers via manual installation.
Pros:
- Has excellent unblocking capabilities
- Offers a secure and fast service
- Accepts Bitcoin
Cons:
- Small number of servers
- Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat
Our score:
EXCELLENT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN easily unblocks most popular streaming services and has excellent speeds. Although it only has access to a small number of servers, PrivateVPN can still give you access to BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, and more. Also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PrivateVPN.
7. Private Internet Access
works in vietnamTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Private Internet Access is a VPN that has long been complimented by consumers and privacy advocates on platforms like Reddit. The VPN is fast thanks to its WireGuard implementation, and it has servers in over 80 countries, including Vietnam – and servers in all 50 US states. In fact, PIA has over 10,000 servers which eclipse any other provider on this list and effectively removes congestion issues.
The VPN might be based in the US, but it has a no-logs policy that has been proven in court on numerous occasions. It also features strong encryption, a killswitch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation.
When it comes to streaming, the VPN works to access US services like Netflix and Hulu. However, it is not quite as good at unlocking streams as some of our other recommendations. So we recommend testing it with yours using its money-back guarantee.
Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and you can connect unlimited simultaneous devices.
Pros:
- Speeds are fast and stable
- Apps are easy to use and have excellent privacy features
- Over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries
Cons:
- Based in the US
- Doesn’t work with some major streaming services
Our score:
SECURE US-BASED VPN:PIA is a fast and secure VPN with a lot of customization options. Can be used on unlimited devices. Has a huge number of servers, including servers in Vietnam. Lots of excellent security features, including AES encryption and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PIA.
How do I use a VPN in Vietnam?
Even if you’ve never used a VPN before, you’ll find it’s surprisingly easy to do. Just follow the steps below for a seamless experience.
Here’s how to use a VPN to access blocked and restricted sites in Vietnam:
- Browse through our recommended list of VPN services and decide on a plan that works for you. We recommend (NordVPN).
- Download the apps for your chosen device and install them.
- Select a server in the country where you’re trying to obtain an IP address, such as the US or UK, or a local IP address in Vietnam if you’re traveling outside the country and want to access your home services.
- You should not be able to access the internet freely in Vietnam without any restrictions.
- If you’re facing issues, clear your cookies and cache in all web browsers to remove old location identifiers.
What about a free VPN?
You could opt not to fork over your credit card details and settle for a free VPN instead, but bear in mind that it’ll most likely come with weak encryption and poor speeds.
Free VPNs don’t invest in building the product at the same level as paid options. Furthermore, these companies (yes, they’re registered businesses and need to make money!) will monetize by bombarding you with advertisements and sending spammy affiliate links.
Some free VPNs have also been caught inserting tracking cookies in browsers, mining user data, and selling it to advertisers. In 2013, Israel-based Hola, unethically and probably illegally, leveraged its massive base of almost 50 million users into a massive botnet. What this meant was that a part of each user’s bandwidth was put aside to engage in nefarious DDoS attacks, distributing copyrighted content and pornography. And that’s without any consent whatsoever.
So, we think it’s best if you avoid them. if you’re concerned about the cost, consider trying out a paid VPN that offers a free trial instead.
Using a VPN in Vietnam: FAQs
Is internet use restricted in Vietnam?
According to the advocacy group Freedom House, Vietnam has a highly regulated and manipulated internet where freedom of speech is controlled and self-censorship is common. The country has over 700 media outlets – including television, radio, print, and online media. However, all those institutions are tightly regulated and subject to restrictions under the absolutist control of the Communist Party. Websites critical of the government are routinely banned, along with those of international human rights organizations and expatriate political parties. Takedowns of material that “harms national security” on social media sites are also common.
In 2022, Vietnam scored just 3 out of 40 for political rights and freedoms. This makes it one of the least democratic countries in the world. In the last 6 years, law enforcement has detained a large number of bloggers and online activists, with some sentenced to jail terms of up to 13 years. Due to this crackdown, and new cybersecurity laws that compel global technology companies to store all personal data of Vietnamese users, it is extremely dangerous for citizens to access or post content critical of the government.
According to Amnesty International, the newly introduced surveillance laws are a “devastating blow” to freedom of expression. They grant the government sweeping powers to force tech companies to hand over personal data – as well as to censor posts that contradict or criticize the government. Social media companies operating in Vietnam will be required to remove posts within one day of receiving a request from state authorities.
How do I bypass the internet restriction in Vietnam?
Using a VPN will greatly obfuscate your digital footprint and allow you to access sites that state authorities try to block or censor. In addition to this, it’ll encrypt all internet traffic so your communications will be secure. This is increasingly important due to the increased surveillance and censorship in Vietnam, and we recommend that you use always use a VPN while accessing the web.
A VPN will also help you to access region-locked content, protect your privacy on public wifi, and conceal your web browsing habits from your ISP and the government.
How do I blog anonymously in Vietnam?
We’ve mentioned earlier in this article that bloggers in Vietnam have been subjected to intense government scrutiny and even incarceration in some cases. We understand the importance of trying to get your message across, but it shouldn’t come at the risk of your personal safety. It’s best to remain anonymous and hidden when attempting to reach a wider audience – this ensures your tracks are covered.
Read our extensive guide for activists, whistleblowers, and journalists to mask your identity while continuing to blog at the same time. It should ensure that you remain away from the clutches of law enforcement apparatus.
How do I access porn in Vietnam?
Vietnamese law makes it illegal to import pornographic content into the country or be involved in its production, distribution, and possession. That’s because authorities think said material runs contrary to traditional Vietnamese values.
We can’t find any instances where people have been arrested for downloading pornographic content from the internet, but it’s best to stay on the safe side and always use a VPN while accessing porn sites.
Use the steps outlined in the “How do I use a VPN in Vietnam?” section to mask your identity on the web. Once that’s done, you can login and access these sites normally and without being tracked by your ISP or the government.
Finally, please remember that nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice. We recommend that you always do your own research regarding the laws of Vietnam and that you consider those laws carefully before using a VPN to do anything that might lead to prosecution.