Vietnam: Only Partially Open for Sailing

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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