Getting to Hanoi for dental treatment

E-visa (AU, NZ, US, UK, CA)

Apply at xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn or approved third-party portals. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow buffer. Take a printout of your approved e-visa to show at Noi Bai arrival.

For multi-trip patients (e.g. All-on-4): each 90-day e-visa covers one trip. You will need a new application for trip 2. Start the second application 2 weeks before your return visit.

Visa-on-arrival option

Visa-on-arrival (VOA) is available at Noi Bai International Airport. You will need a pre-approval letter from an authorised Vietnam visa service before you board. The letter typically costs US$10–25 and is issued in 1–2 business days.

The e-visa is simpler and recommended for most patients. VOA is an option if you need to travel urgently and cannot wait for e-visa processing.

Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem)

Heritage, cafes, street food

Closest to Hanoi Smile Dental and Up Dental. Walkable from Hoan Kiem Lake. Ideal recovery environment — low traffic in side streets, abundant soft food options.

Best for: First-time Hanoi visitors, culture-seekers, single-implant patients

Budget: US$30–60/night. Mid: US$70–120/night. Boutique: US$130–250/night.

Ba Dinh

Diplomatic quarter, quieter streets

Walking distance from Westcoast International, Lotus Dental, and Hanoi French Hospital. Wider roads, more international restaurants, lower noise levels.

Best for: All-on-4 and multi-implant patients wanting quieter recovery

Mid: US$70–130/night. Luxury: US$150–300/night.

Tay Ho (West Lake)

Expat hub, lakeside calm

Quietest recovery setting. Saigon Smile Hanoi is in Tay Ho. The lakeside road and Truc Bach Lake are perfect for gentle post-op walks. More international food options.

Best for: Nervous patients, longer stays, couples trips

Mid: US$80–150/night. Serviced apt: US$1,200–2,500/month.

Taxi options from Noi Bai

Pre-booked transfer via your hotel or SmileJet's Hanoi partner logistics is the most stress-free option — a fixed price agreed before you land, a driver with your name on a board at arrivals. If you arrive without a pre-book, use the official taxi counters inside the terminal (G7, Taxi Group, or Noi Bai Taxi) rather than drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall. Metered trip to the Old Quarter or Tay Ho: VND 280,000–400,000 (approximately A$18–A$26). Journey time: 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Grab: the reliable app-based option

Download Grab before you fly — it is available on iOS and Android and uses your home country payment method (Visa/Mastercard) without needing a Vietnamese SIM card linked to payment. Grab GrabCar (private car) from Noi Bai to the Old Quarter runs approximately VND 200,000–320,000 and shows you a fixed price before you confirm. Available from the Grab pickup zone on the departures level of the terminal.

Vietnam SIM card on arrival

Purchase a Viettel, Mobifone, or Vietnamobile SIM card from the airport telecom counters in the arrivals hall. A 7-day or 10-day tourist SIM with 4G data costs approximately VND 70,000–200,000 (A$4.50–A$13). This gives you data for Grab, Google Maps, and communication with your Hanoi clinic throughout your trip. Passport required for SIM registration.

Currency on arrival

ATMs are available in the Noi Bai arrivals hall (both Vietcombank and BIDV machines). Withdraw VND 1,000,000–2,000,000 (approximately A$65–A$130) for your first day of local expenses — transport, food, incidentals. Major hotels and dental clinics accept Visa and Mastercard directly. Notify your bank of your travel dates before departure to prevent card blocks triggered by international transactions.