Vietnam: Only Partially Open for Sailing
Dutch cruiser Eddie Smit flew into Vietnam to pick up his new boat, using an e-visa, which was pretty straightforward. However, once there discovered that cruising in the country is not possible at this time and yachts are treated just like commercial craft.
Published 2 years ago, updated 1 year ago
Vietnam (March 2023) is only partially open for sailing. It’s possible to enter the country via the few seaports that are ports of entry (Da Nang, Ho Chi Min City and Nha Trang), but slow cruising and anchoring in Vietnamese waters is still not allowed.
The system does not recognize pleasure/recreational vessels, so everybody is treated with rules designed for cargo ships, seaman crew etc.
Every region is an independent authority and going to multiple ports means multiple check ins and out. The clearance process is complicated and you are not allowed to handle it yourself. So a shipping agent must be hired.
We used Van Pong Logistics, Mr. Le Duc Hung.
Ph: +85935369038
E-mail: hungld@vietvenus.com.vn
He is authorized to take care of the whole procedure and visit the marine authority, customs, immigration, quarantine and get all the paperwork done.
We were picking up a Seawind1260 Catamaran and so we flew into Ho Chi Ming city. In general obtaining a e-visa is quite easy, 30 day valid and not expensive. This is the portal to access all the info. as well as the online form: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt
There is a list of land, air and seaports which allow this e-visa.
We departed from Nha Trang, from Ana Marina, a private marina just north of Nha Trang.
Location: 12 17’40″N / 109 13’23″E
E-mail: info@anamarina.com or gm@anamarina.com.
The marina has a reef in front of its entrance, and must be entered from the right side when coming in. See photo.
The marina reopened in January 2023. It has great docks, water and electricity. Diesel is available via assistance of the Marina and carry on in Jerrycans. All other advertised facilities were closed.
Ana Beach is the closest place to have lunch or dinner. Taxies are generally cheap and at the corner of the street. 25 minute ride to the center of the town. Multiple big shops available for provisioning and fresh food.
Eddie Smit
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Related to following destinations: Da Nang, Ho Chi Min City, Nha Trang, Vietnam
I lived in Vietnam for a couple of Years and worked with the government on improving the private yachting Industry and tourism sector. We worked on the legal side as well as took out authorities oversea to show them the yachting business. However, up to now it is sadly to say that it was a waste of time. Even boat manufacturer like Seawind or Maxx Cats are not allowed to sail freely around and have to apply for any see trial.
There is no law covering private yachting and according to my experience ( I trained Vietnam government in how to make laws) there will be none in the next 10 Years. Even you have marinas ( Ana i.e.) newly build but dont get an official license to operate.