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. This means that 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.

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 geo-restricted content. In short, a VPN is an excellent tool to have when in Vietnam.

In this article, we discuss the best VPNs to use in Vietnam – and a couple to avoid. We also talk you through how to use them and answer a few commonly asked VPN questions. However, if you don’t have time to read the whole article, here’s a quick summary of the VPNs that made our list.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Vietnam:

  • NordVPN: Best overall VPN for Vietnam. provide excellent online protection and access to geo-restricted sites. Has over 5400 servers in 60+ countries, including Vietnam. Strong security, impressive speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • 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.
  • ExpressVPN: Speedy 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.
  • IPVanish: Ideal for Kodi users who need lightweight, remote-control-friendly solutions. Strong security and good speeds, but won’t work reliably with Netflix.
  • 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.

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. 

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.

The best VPNs for Vietnam

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
  • Apps for Android and iOS

You can find out more about how we rank and test our VPNs by reading our VPN methodology. But for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the list.

Here are the best VPNs for accessing blocked and restricted sites in Vietnam:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Works in VietnamTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • 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 5,400+ servers in around 60+ countries, so it’s easy to find a stable, secure connection. 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.

#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.

Pros:

  • Fast and reliable downloading and streaming speeds
  • Wide network of 5,400+ 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:

Here’s our in-depth review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

works in VietnamTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

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.

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.

  • 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

  • Some servers are faster than others

Check out our full Surfshark review for more info.

3. ExpressVPN

Works in VietnamTested Jan 2023

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

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 94 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.

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.

  • Fast speeds for downloading and streaming

  • Operates a network of more than 3,000 servers spanning 94 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

  • Not as cheap as some other services

  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly service with a vast network of over 9000 servers in over 90 countries, including 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.

BEGINNERS’ CHOICE:CyberGhost has a simple set up, great privacy and security. Reliable in Vietnam but can struggle with some popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast, streaming-optimized servers

  • Operates a network of more than 9000 servers in 90+ countries

  • Beginners find their apps easy to set up and use

  • Strong privacy and security features enabled by default

  • No apps for routers

  • Doesn’t work reliably from China or the UAE

Here’s our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

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.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish has a large network of uncongested servers that achieves good speeds. Strong security and privacy features. allows unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • 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

  • Doesn’t reliably unblock Hulu

  • Customer support can sometimes be slow to respond

Read our review of IPVanish.

6. Private Internet Access

works in vietnamTested Jan 2023

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

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.

SECURE US-BASED VPN:PIA is a fast and secure VPN with a lot of customization options. Can be used on up to 10 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.

  • Speeds are fast and stable

  • Apps are easy to use and have excellent privacy features

  • Over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries

  • Based in the US

  • Doesn’t work with some major streaming services

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.