From Emerald bays to golden sands: Vietnam awaits
Located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a country rich in culture, blessed with stunning beaches, and famed for the warmth of its people. To the north it borders China, to the west Laos and Cambodia, while the east and south are washed by the South China Sea. Because Vietnam stretches in a long narrow strip from north to south, its climate varies by region. While one area may experience rain, another is ideal for sunbathing—making Vietnam a nearly year-round destination.
In recent years, Vietnam has become increasingly popular among Muslim travellers thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, the rise of halal-friendly resorts and private-pool villas, and the growing availability of halal dining options.
Two of the best destinations for a halal-friendly beach holiday are Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, both home to idyllic beaches and a wide choice of hotels with halal-friendly facilities.
Vietnam for Muslim travellers
Vietnam is a land of contrasts — ancient temples and bustling cities sit alongside rice terraces, rivers, and tropical shorelines. From the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An to the dramatic limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, the country offers countless experiences for every type of traveller.
For Muslim visitors, Vietnam is steadily becoming more accessible. While it is not a Muslim-majority country, the people are known for their kindness, and tourism providers are increasingly attentive to halal needs. In major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, travellers will find:
Halal restaurants & cafés - A growing number of certified halal eateries, especially Indian, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, and Turkish
Mosques & prayer facilities - Established mosques and Muslim communities in key cities, with hotels often providing prayer mats or temporary spaces
Halal-friendly hotels - More properties offer alcohol-free rooms, separate pork dishes, and halal meals prepared on request
Beyond food and prayer facilities, Vietnam’s history and landscapes enrich every journey. Travellers can explore Cham architecture, cruise the Mekong Delta, or shop in vibrant markets for silk, pearls, and coffee.
Together, these experiences make Vietnam a destination where Muslim travellers can feel both comfortable and inspired.
Halal-friendly beach holiday in Vietnam
Phu Quoc Island
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, 40 km west of Ha Tien (southern Vietnam) and just 15 km from Cambodia, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island. It is famous for its white-sand beaches, clear waters, and lush tropical scenery. Nearly half of the island is protected national parkland, making it a haven for those seeking relaxation and a close connection with nature.
Phu Quoc is now welcoming more Muslim visitors with prayer facilities, halal dining options, and comfortable hotels.
Top activities and attractions on Phu Quoc Island
Long Beach - Stretching over 20 km along the west coast, this is one of the island’s most popular beaches, ideal for swimming, water sports, or simply relaxing on the soft sand
VinWonders Phu Quoc & Vinpearl Safari - A massive entertainment complex with a waterpark, rides, aquarium, and safari zoo—often called Vietnam’s Disneyland and perfect for families
Hon Thom Cable Car - The world’s longest over-water cable car, linking Phu Quoc and Hon Thom islands, with spectacular sea and island views
Suoi Tranh Waterfall & Park - A nature park with waterfalls, hiking trails, and picnic spots to enjoy the tropical landscape
Dinh Cau Temple - Built in honour of the sea deity, this small temple on a rocky outcrop offers beautiful ocean and sunset views
Ham Ninh Fishing Village - A traditional village where you can sample fresh seafood, learn about local life, and enjoy mountain and coastal views
Phu Quoc Night Market - Explore local cuisine, handicrafts, and pearl jewellery
Phu Quoc Prison Museum - A somber reminder of the island’s wartime past
An Thoi Archipelago - Over 15 small islands with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life—perfect for snorkelling, fishing, and secluded relaxation
Mosques and prayer facilities on Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc has no large mosques, but some hotels offer prayer areas or can arrange temporary spaces for salah. A few international restaurants also provide prayer corners upon request.
Halal food on Phu Quoc Island
Vietnamese hosts are increasingly catering to Muslim guests by offering halal alternatives. The island is a paradise for seafood and tropical fruits, and the number of halal restaurants is growing.
Some favourites include:
Ganesh Indian Restaurant – serving dishes made entirely with halal ingredients
Pakka Indian Restaurant (at Salinda Resort) – a fine dining venue with tandoori dishes, biryanis, curries, and fresh naan in a luxurious setting
Halal Phu Quoc Restaurant – centrally located in Duong Dong, offering Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Middle Eastern dishes, all halal-certified
Sri Mutiara Phu Quoc – Malaysian-owned, combining Vietnamese and Malaysian flavours, with strict halal standards
Where to stay on Phu Quoc Island
Many hotels in Vietnam accommodate Muslim guests by removing alcohol from rooms, providing halal dishes, and offering prayer facilities.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s best-known seaside resorts, often called the “Riviera of the South China Sea.” Located on the country’s southern coast, it combines beautiful beaches with a lively atmosphere, cultural sites, and family-friendly attractions. Increasingly, halal restaurants and halal-friendly hotels are opening here, making it a rising destination for Muslim travellers.
Top activities and attractions in Nha Trang
Nha Trang Beaches - Enjoy long sandy stretches such as Chong Beach and Doc Let Beach
Po Nagar Cham Towers - Historic Hindu temple towers built between the 8th–13th centuries, showcasing Cham culture
VinWonders Nha Trang - A large amusement park on Hon Tre Island with rides, a waterpark, an aquarium, and beaches
Institute of Oceanography - A fascinating marine museum with diverse sea life displays
Hon Tre Cable Car - One of the world’s longest over-water cable cars with stunning bay views
Dien Khanh Citadel - An 18th-century military fortress
Hon Lao Monkey Island - A tourist attraction with monkeys roaming freely, plus shows and entertainment
Yang Bay Eco Park - A mountain park with waterfalls, hot springs, lush greenery, and cultural shows
Mosques and prayer facilities in Nha Trang
Nha Trang has one small mosque, located centrally on Tran Phu Street. It’s simple but welcoming. Some hotels and restaurants may also provide prayer facilities upon request.
Halal food in Nha Trang
Finding halal food in Vietnam can be challenging, but options are expanding. In Nha Trang, several restaurants cater to Muslim guests:
Omar’s Indian Restaurant – popular among Muslims for its wide halal menu
Grill Garden Halal Restaurant – offers halal Vietnamese and international dishes
Ganesh Indian Restaurant – serves vegetarian and meat halal dishes
Regina Halal Food – fully halal, serving Malaysian, Indian, and Vietnamese favourites
Where to stay in Nha Trang
Nha Trang hotels are increasingly halal-friendly, with options like alcohol removal from rooms and halal dishes available. Always confirm menus in advance.
Culture and experiences beyond the beach
Vietnam offers far more than just its stunning coastlines. The country’s cultural and historical treasures add depth to any trip, especially for travellers seeking meaningful experiences.
One of the most fascinating legacies is that of the Cham civilisation, which thrived between the 4th and 13th centuries in central Vietnam. Many Cham people later embraced Islam, and their descendants still preserve parts of this heritage today. Travellers can visit sites such as the Po Nagar Cham Towers in Nha Trang or the My Son Sanctuary near Hoi An, where red-brick temple towers stand as reminders of a once-flourishing Muslim-influenced culture.
To the south, the Mekong Delta invites exploration by boat. Known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl,” this labyrinth of rivers and canals is home to floating markets, stilt houses, and fruit orchards. A river cruise here offers a glimpse of everyday village life, along with the chance to taste tropical fruits straight from the source.
Shopping is another essential part of the Vietnamese experience. Bustling markets and night bazaars across the country are filled with silk, pearls, silver jewellery, bamboo crafts, ceramics, and rich local coffee and tea. Each item carries a piece of Vietnam’s character and makes for a thoughtful souvenir or gift.
These cultural discoveries pair beautifully with a halal-friendly beach holiday in Phu Quoc or Nha Trang, allowing Muslim travellers to enjoy both the soul of Vietnam and its sun-soaked shores.
Best time to visit Vietnam
Vietnam’s unique geography means that weather patterns differ significantly between regions. This works in travellers’ favour, as there is almost always a part of the country enjoying perfect holiday weather.
Phu Quoc - The best months are November to March, with dry skies, pleasant temperatures, and calm seas — perfect for beach holidays. April to June is hotter and more humid, but with fewer crowds and only short bursts of rain
Nha Trang - The best months are June to September, with July and August being peak beach months. April and May are also great shoulder months, while the rainy season usually arrives only in October and lasts through December
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa) - Best from October to April, when it is cooler and drier
Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) - Best weather from March to August
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) - Warm year-round, with a dry season from December to April
This means travellers can plan their trip with flexibility — whether for a winter sun getaway on Phu Quoc, a summer holiday in Nha Trang, or a cultural journey through Vietnam’s cities and highlands.
Halal food in Vietnam
Despite the popularity of non-halal meat, halal food is available—especially in big cities. Coastal regions are rich in fresh seafood, and vegetarian or vegan dishes are common. Restaurants serving Turkish, Indian, and Malaysian cuisine are increasing. Always request halal options in advance.
Popular dishes to try include:
Pho with shrimp – rice noodle soup in a fish broth with herbs and spices
Spring rolls – rice paper rolls filled with fish, vegetables, or shrimp
Banh Trang Tron – salad of rice paper, shrimp, chilli, egg, peanuts, mango, and spices
Grilled fish and seafood
Banh Cam – sesame rice balls with orange zest and coconut
Fresh fruit smoothies
Getting around Vietnam
Getting around Vietnam is easy and affordable thanks to a range of transport options. App-based services such as Grab and Gojek are popular for booking taxis or motorbike rides at fair prices without the need to negotiate. For longer journeys, intercity buses and trains connect major destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hue. Travellers seeking more comfort can arrange car hire with a driver through hotels or agencies, while domestic flights with carriers such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways make it quick and convenient to cover larger distances across the country.
Getting to Vietnam
Vietnam is well connected to Europe with both direct and one-stop flights.
Direct Flights - Carriers such as Vietnam Airlines offer non-stop services from major European cities including London, Paris, and Frankfurt to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Seasonal routes may also operate to coastal destinations
One-Stop Connections - Many European travellers reach Vietnam via Middle Eastern hubs such as Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), and Abu Dhabi (Etihad Airways) or via major Asian hubs like Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur
To the Resorts - For Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, most European travellers connect through Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Hanoi, with frequent domestic flights onwards. Some charter and seasonal flights also operate directly from European cities to Phu Quoc
Travel times range from 11 to 15 hours depending on your departure city and connection.
