Best VPN for Vietnam
Protect your privacy and access blocked content in Vietnam's increasingly censored internet
Important Legal Information
VPNs are technically legal in Vietnam, but the government discourages their use and has passed cybersecurity laws requiring data localization. The 2018 Cybersecurity Law requires tech companies to store Vietnamese user data locally. Facebook and other platforms have been pressured to comply with content removal requests. Journalists and activists face surveillance and prosecution for online speech.
VPN Legal Status in Vietnam
Technically Legal
No specific law banning VPN use, but government discourages it
Cybersecurity Law
2018 law requires data localization and gives government broad surveillance powers
Growing Surveillance
Government monitors social media and targets journalists and activists
Content Removal Pressure
Tech companies face pressure to remove content critical of the government
VPNs That Work in Vietnam (2026)
These VPNs reliably bypass Vietnam's internet censorship and protect against government surveillance. They use advanced protocols to avoid detection on Vietnamese networks.
VPNs That Don't Work Well in Vietnam
These VPNs have reliability issues or poor performance on Vietnamese networks:
Essential Features for Vietnam
Strong Privacy Protection
No-logs policy with jurisdiction outside Vietnam's surveillance reach is critical for safety
Obfuscation Technology
Stealth protocols to avoid VPN detection on Vietnamese ISPs and mobile networks
Fast Asian Servers
Servers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan for low-latency connections from Vietnam
Kill Switch
Automatic connection kill switch to prevent exposure if the VPN connection drops
Commonly Blocked or Restricted Services in Vietnam
Tips for Using VPN in Vietnam
Install VPN before arriving in Vietnam - some VPN websites are blocked
Use obfuscation/stealth protocols to avoid detection on Vietnamese networks
Connect to Singapore or Hong Kong servers for the best speeds from Vietnam
Enable the kill switch to protect against accidental exposure
Use the VPN consistently on all devices, including mobile phones
Avoid discussing VPN use or sensitive political topics on social media
Vietnam VPN FAQ
Is VPN use legal in Vietnam?
There is no specific law banning VPN use in Vietnam. However, the government discourages VPN use and the 2018 Cybersecurity Law gives authorities broad powers to monitor online activity. While millions of Vietnamese use VPNs, particularly during Facebook outages, using a VPN for activities the government considers illegal (such as spreading anti-state content) could lead to prosecution.
Why does Vietnam block Facebook?
Vietnam has intermittently blocked or throttled Facebook, particularly during political events and protests. The government has also pressured Facebook to remove content critical of the Communist Party. Despite this, Facebook remains hugely popular in Vietnam, and many users rely on VPNs during outages.
Is Vietnam's internet heavily censored?
Vietnam has one of the most restrictive internet environments in Southeast Asia. The government employs thousands of cyber troops to monitor and influence online discourse. Bloggers and journalists have been imprisoned for online speech. Content critical of the government is systematically removed or blocked.
Which server should I connect to from Vietnam?
Singapore offers the best balance of speed and reliability from Vietnam. Hong Kong and Japan are good alternatives. For accessing Vietnamese content while abroad, look for a VPN with Vietnamese server options, though be aware of data localization requirements.
Sources
- Freedom House - Vietnam Internet Freedom Report 2024
- Reporters Without Borders - Vietnam
- Human Rights Watch - Vietnam
Last updated: February 2026