5 Best VPNs for Vietnam in 2023 for Safety, Speed & Streaming

Your online privacy is at risk in Vietnam unless you use a VPN. The internet is heavily monitored and cybercrime is a growing issue. Access to social media is occasionally blocked too — Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have all been restricted in the past.

If you’re visiting the country, you can’t use international streaming platforms due to geo-restrictions, either. Vietnamese people might also find certain local content inaccessible from outside the country.

My team and I tested 80+ VPNs for Vietnam and found a few that work reliably. My shortlisted VPNs protect you from hackers and snoops with top-tier encryption and no-logs policies. You also get fast servers worldwide to use your international streaming accounts in Vietnam. They enable access to local sites like FPT Play from abroad, too.

My top pick for Vietnam is ExpressVPN. It offers the complete package: top-class encryption and security, a global network of servers (including Vietnam), and fast speeds. You can even try ExpressVPN without risk as it’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Important: Online censorship exists in Vietnam. The team at vpnMentor doesn’t condone using a VPN for any illegal activities. Please check the latest rules and regulations regarding VPN use in Vietnam so you don’t accidentally break any laws.

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The Best VPNs for Vietnam — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

All these VPNs provide secure connections for Vietnam without slowing you down. They also have vast server networks to help you unblock international content from Vietnam and abroad.

Each one is easy to install and offers multiple simultaneous connections — so you can protect your devices with one subscription. These VPNs also provide professional live chat support and a trusted money-back guarantee. So you can quickly get a refund if the service isn’t right for you.

1. ExpressVPN — Military-Grade Encryption to Safely Access the Internet in Vietnam

ExpressVPN keeps your online activity private from snoops and hackers. The AES 256-bit encryption with HMAC authentication helps you safely use your ACB online account. Perfect Forward Secrecy enhances your security further by changing your encryption key every time you disconnect or every 15 minutes. I didn’t detect any DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leaks while testing ExpressVPN, meaning my actual location wasn’t exposed.

The VPN has a zero-logs policy backed by TrustedServer technology. This clever tech uses RAM-only servers, meaning any data from your session is wiped with every server reboot. The kill switch function (Network Lock) prevents data exposure by automatically disconnecting you if the tunnel accidentally drops. However, that didn’t happen during my tests as my connection was always stable.

Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol — it provides strong security without compromising your speeds. You also have the option to choose other tried-and-tested protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2

ExpressVPN is also located in the British Virgin Islands, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (countries with intelligence-sharing pacts).

A global network of servers in 94 countries means you can stream international content from anywhere. While in Vietnam, I successfully accessed my Netflix US, Sky Go, and Disney+ accounts and streamed You Don’t Know Me on BBC iPlayer without issues. ExpressVPN also has virtual servers for Vietnam (physically located in Singapore) for safely accessing local content, like VTVcab.

My speeds were fast enough to watch in 4K without buffering. With my base speed of 87 Mbps, I tested the Vietnam server and got more than 80 Mbps on average (interruption-free UHD streaming only requires 25 Mbps). The VPN also has unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream, torrent, or game as much as you like. I downloaded a 1GB file in about 2 minutes when testing the VPN with BitTorrent.

The split tunneling feature even allowed me to access foreign and local internet services at the same time. It lets you choose which apps go through the VPN tunnel and which use your regular IP address. I used it to unblock my Netflix US account with the VPN while accessing eBanking with my usual IP (to avoid triggering alerts on my account).

All the apps I tried were easy to install and use, even on Amazon Fire and Android TVs. MediaStreamer (a Smart DNS feature) even allowed me to unblock content on devices that aren’t usually compatible with VPNs (like gaming consoles and smart TVs). You can also reach out to the VPN's 24/7 support via live chat or email if you need help with any of the features.

A minor drawback to the service is its expensive price tag — the most affordable subscription starts at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN’s regular discounts help you cut down the price. I got 49% off my annual subscription with 3 extra months of free service, making it an amazing deal.

There’s a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee too. So, getting a refund is hassle-free if you’re not 100% satisfied with the service. I canceled my subscription using the live chat. All I had to do was answer a few questions about my experience with the app. I was surprised by how easy it was — my money was back in my PayPal account 3 working days later.

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2. CyberGhost — High-Speed Connections to Watch International and Vietnamese Content Without Interruptions

Super-fast speeds mean you can stream in UHD without buffering. CyberGhost enabled very smooth streaming during testing. I had a seamless 73 Mbps connection (16% decrease) when I ran speed tests. You also get unlimited bandwidth. My WoW and Overwatch gaming experience was lag-free, and I downloaded large files without delays.

Optimized servers make streaming, torrenting, and gaming easy too. Using a dedicated server, I watched All American on my US Netflix account without buffering. There were no issues accessing my Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook either. Plus, I had access to virtual servers in Vietnam (Hanoi) to unblock local content like K+ or VTV overseas.

The VPN has a built-in ad blocker and automatic WiFi protection. I enabled both to guard myself against trackers and malware when connected to unsecured WiFi hotspots in Vietnam. Like ExpressVPN, additional safety comes in the form of 256-bit AES encryption with HMAC authentication, a kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. The app gives you the choice of several fast and secure protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard too.

The service is also based in Romania (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances) with a strict no-logs policy; your online activity isn’t recorded. Bitcoin payment options are available too, for additional privacy. You can even pay a little extra to use the NoSpy servers — special data centers that can only be accessed by the CyberGhost team (preventing third-party tampering).

All the VPN apps are easy-to-use and well-designed, so it’s a suitable option if you’re a VPN beginner. If you need help, the 24/7 live chat support is always ready to assist. You can also contact customer support via email or ticket system, and there’s a searchable support library. I asked a few questions about installing the VPN on my Linux laptop and router. All the answers I received were prompt and helpful.

Monthly subscriptions are expensive and only offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, you can sign up for just $2.19/month when opting for a long-term plan. I chose the 3-year plan because the longer subscriptions come with an extended refund period.

The generous 45-day money-back guarantee lets you try CyberGhost for free. Getting a refund is simple — I canceled my subscription via email. After a few customer feedback questions, I got confirmation of cancelation. My money was transferred back to my bank account within 4 days.

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3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Massive Server Network to Unblock International Content from Vietnam

Private Internet Access has a significant global network of servers in 84 countries. I had no problem accessing my streaming accounts and watched Sherlock on BBC iPlayer plus NBA games and Premier League football on ESPN+. The PIA tests proved it can unblock many international services. I also reliably unblocked local content like VTC and FPT Play using the Vietnam servers.

If you’re a fan of torrenting, it’s good to know that the VPN allows P2P traffic on all its servers as well. I got super-fast download speeds during testing thanks to port forwarding and no data or bandwidth caps — my connection on the Vietnamese servers averaged 66 Mbps (approx 24% drop).

I found the customer service to be fantastic. The VPN offers 24/7 live chat support, easy-to-follow guides, and a comprehensive knowledge base. If you have any problems, you should get a quick answer on how to solve them — I got mine immediately.

The MACE feature (an ad and malware blocking tool) stops potentially dangerous ads and warns you about risky websites. Plus, it prevents trackers from following you around the web. The other security settings are easily customizable. You can choose between AES 128-bit encryption (which is faster but still safe) and AES 256-bit (the most secure option). I opted for the OpenVPN protocol when accessing my banking app.

The only disappointment is that PIA is based in the US (part of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliances). However, the service doesn’t store any data. The audited no-logs policy means that the VPN doesn’t have any of your information to hand over to anyone — even US authorities. DNS/IP leak protection and a kill switch further prevent your information from falling into the wrong hands.

You can get PIA for just $2.03/month. All of the plans offer the same features, so I recommend getting the 2-year plan as it offers the best value for your money.

With the reliable money-back guarantee, you can also get a refund within 30 days. I canceled the auto-renew function and filled out the contact form to get a refund. The confirmation of receipt was almost instantaneous and my money was transferred back to my credit card after 5 days.

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4. PrivateVPN — Beginner-Friendly Apps That Are Great if You’re New to VPNs

PrivateVPN has a “Simple” app mode for beginners. It allows you to use the app straight away with zero configuration required. While testing PrivateVPN, I connected to my prefered locations within seconds. It was easy to get connected to a Vietnamese server. There’s also customer support available 24 hours a day direct from VPN developers. They can even remotely install the app for you if you need help setting it up.

If you’re used to VPNs, you can configure plenty of security settings in the advanced mode. The VPN uses AES-256 or 128-bit encryption and multiple security protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec). So, you can choose depending on what you need the VPN for (security, speed, bypassing firewalls). I recommend using OpenVPN for an overall balanced experience.

The amalgamation of a no-logs policy, kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection solidifies the safety of your data. In the course of my evaluation, there was no breach of personal data or activity. Moreover, the inclusion of Bitcoin as a payment option bolsters privacy even more.

One issue with the VPN is the slightly smaller network (it only has 200 servers). That said, I unblocked my accounts on Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video without problems. This is partly thanks to the Stealth mode that hides your VPN traffic so you can get around VPN blocks on streaming sites. There are even servers in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City), so you can access local content like Đón Tết cùng on VTV1 or K+ LIFE while abroad.

You can get PrivateVPN just for $2/month. Subscribing to the longest 3-year plan offers the best value in the long run.

There’s also a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. I requested a refund through the easy email ticket support system. The process was simple, and I got money back on my debit card within 7 days.

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5. IPVanish — P2P-Friendly Network for Reliable Torrenting in Vietnam and Abroad

IPVanish allows you to use all its servers for torrenting. Thanks to the SOCKS5 proxy support and unlimited bandwidth, I had no issues running uTorrent, Flud, or BitTorrent. I securely downloaded a 2 GB file in about 6 minutes while testing IPVanish.

You can also use the Scramble feature to help bypass streaming geo-restrictions. It makes your VPN traffic look like regular traffic, so VPN blockers can’t detect you. Thanks to this option, I had no problem using the UK server to watch The Split on BBC iPlayer from Vietnam.

The VPN offers advanced security features, such as AES 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN, to ensure your protection. Furthermore, the VPN passed all of my leak tests, indicating that my actual location and online activity remained undisclosed. As a result, I was able to utilize my eBanking services without any concerns.

An audited no-logs policy means your data isn’t stored, shared, or sold either. IPVanish even owns and operates its full server network. Since it doesn’t outsource its infrastructure, no third parties can access the servers (or your information).

I appreciate the user-friendliness of the applications. In addition, round-the-clock customer support is available through live chat or email should you need help. Alternatively, you can refer to the VPN’s comprehensive repository of information and the FAQ sections.

A small downside is that there are no Vietnam servers. Despite this, I could access Vietnamese content using nearby servers in Malaysia.

Plans start from $2.49/month, making the service super affordable. I recommend getting the yearly subscription as it offers the best value.

If you’re still hesitant, you can test IPVanish free for 30 days using its money-back guarantee. I requested a refund via my dashboard on the website — the process was quick and I got the money back in my bank account within 6 days.

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Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Vietnam

All my VPNs offer great security, easy unblocking, and fast speeds. However, if you want to run a few tests yourself, here are the criteria I used to test and rank these VPNs:

• Strong security and privacy features — To stop your data from getting into the wrong hands, your VPN should have AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Also look for IP/DNS leak protection and secure protocols like OpenVPN.
• Global server network — Get a VPN with a global network to unblock your accounts like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and ESPN+ from Vietnam.
• Fast speeds — Try to pick a VPN that doesn’t slow your speeds by more than 50% if you want to stream buffer-free.
• Easy-to-use apps — Get a VPN that is suitable both for beginners and advanced users. Plus, ensure the service offers apps that run on Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Firestick devices, and routers.
• Reliable customer support — Look for round-the-clock support (preferably via live chat) so you can get help promptly if you need it.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — Only choose a service that provides a reliable money-back guarantee. That way you know you can get a refund if the service isn’t for you.

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FAQs on Using a VPN for Vietnam

What is the best VPN for streaming Netflix in Vietnam?

All of the recommended VPNs on this page can help you access Netflix from Vietnam. Each one has a global network and fast speeds for smooth streaming. Just choose a VPN with servers in your home country to access your Netflix account. That said, ExpressVPN has the best track record when it comes to unblocking Netflix.

How can I watch Vietnamese TV abroad?

You can watch Vietnamese TV abroad using a VPN. VPNs hide your IP address and mask it with one from your chosen location to make it look like you’re actually there. So all you need is a VPN with servers in (or near) Vietnam to watch Vietnamese TV.

It’s also a good idea to look for a VPN with fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. That way you can stream as much as you like in the best quality.

Are VPNs legal in Vietnam?

At the time of writing it’s legal to use a VPN in Vietnam. It’s recommended to keep you safe from rising cybercrime in the country. Simply connect to a VPN server to get a secure browsing experience.

However, it’s important to remember that the internet in Vietnam is heavily regulated. You need to stay up-to-date with local laws before using a VPN to access sites. But generally, it’s OK to use a VPN to protect yourself for many online activities (even torrenting is allowed in Vietnam).

Some countries (like China and Russia) also restrict or ban VPNs. So always check the laws regarding VPN use where you are before getting started.

Why do I need a VPN for Vietnam?

A VPN can keep you safe online when you’re in Vietnam. Cybercrime and online regulations are on the rise, but a VPN protects your identity from hackers and snoops using high-grade security.

VPNs can also help you unblock your international streaming accounts from anywhere. If you're Vietnamese and traveling abroad, you can even use them to unblock local content while you're away.

Can I use a free VPN for Vietnam?

You can, but free VPNs put your privacy at risk. The majority of free VPNs lack important security features. The worst ones can even sell your data or infect you with malware. A reliable VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee is a safer choice.

In the rare event that you find a secure free VPN, you can face plenty of other restrictions instead. Free services often limit your speeds, bandwidth, usage, and server access (which means difficulty accessing Vietnamese or international sites). So they’re not ideal for unblocking and streaming content in Vietnam.

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The Bottom Line

The best VPNs for Vietnam help you stay safe online and access the sites and services you need. They’re also fast enough to let you stream and download without restrictions.

My top choice for Vietnam is ExpressVPN. It offers excellent security and privacy features, plus a worldwide server network to help unblock international content. It can even get you a Vietnamese IP address to access local content. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free, as it’s backed by a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is hassle-free if it’s not right for you.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Vietnam