When talking about Dubai travel experiences, many people immediately think of a luxurious city with glittering skyscrapers and massive shopping malls. However, Dubai is not only about glamour. It also represents a remarkable development story that has amazed the entire world. Let’s join iVISA in exploring this country in detail so you can create the perfect plan for your trip.
Overview of Dubai – Location, Language & Key Facts
Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE (United Arab Emirates), located in the Middle East – a strategic position connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. This geographical advantage has transformed Dubai into a global hub for finance, commerce, and tourism.
Few people know that in the 18th century, Dubai was just a small fishing village. Over more than 200 years, particularly since the 1990s, the city has undergone a dramatic transformation, investing heavily in infrastructure, aviation, real estate, and tourism. Today, Dubai is dubbed “the city of records” thanks to its extraordinary man-made landmarks:
- Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world, symbolizing Dubai’s endless ambition.
- Palm Jumeirah – a unique palm-shaped artificial island, one of Dubai’s wonders.
- Dubai Mall – the ultimate shopping and entertainment paradise with over 1,200 stores, an aquarium, and high-tech play zones.
Beyond modernity, Dubai is also a cultural melting pot with more than 200 nationalities living and working together. Wondering what language Dubai uses? Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in services, so Vietnamese travelers can communicate with ease. This is similar to choosing Hong Kong as the destination when applying for a tourist visa.
Dubai Visa for Vietnamese Travelers 2025 – Rules & Procedures
Do you need a visa to enter Dubai? The answer is yes. If you’re planning to travel to the Middle East and seeking Dubai travel advice, the first step is visa preparation. Vietnamese citizens are not visa-exempt when entering Dubai, meaning you must apply in advance. The good news: the procedure is not complicated if you follow it correctly.
Ways to Apply for a Dubai Visa
Vietnamese travelers can choose one of two options:
- e-Visa (electronic visa): The most common option in 2025. Simply apply online through a trusted service provider or the electronic system. Once approved, the visa will be sent via email, which you print out to present at immigration. Advantages: quick, convenient, no embassy visit required.
- Traditional visa at the UAE Embassy in Hanoi: Less popular since it takes more paperwork and time. However, for specific cases (e.g., long-term business trips), this option is still necessary.
For short-term travel, e-Visa is highly recommended to save time and effort – a tip widely shared by experienced Dubai travelers.
Types & Duration of Dubai Visa
- Short-term tourist visa: Valid for 30–60 days, suitable for leisure trips or short business visits.
- Multi-entry visa: Valid for up to 5 years, allowing multiple entries during its period.
Required Documents
Prepare carefully to avoid rejection:
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months
- White background photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
- Return flight ticket or confirmed travel itinerary
- Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter if staying with relatives
- Proof of financial stability (bank statement, savings book, etc.)
If you intend to travel to other countries—for example, if you want to apply for a South Korea tourist visa—your application will need to include some additional documents. This shows that Dubai currently has “open-door” policies in place to attract more tourists.
Processing Time & Extension
- Processing time: 3–7 business days on average
- Extension: Can be renewed twice within the first 30 days, fee around 600 AED/time. Overstaying is fined 100 AED/day after 10 days.
Thus, as long as you clearly understand the requirements and prepare your documents properly, you can feel completely confident about your trip to Dubai with ease. Alternatively, you can check detailed information about applying for a Dubai tourist visa here, or contact the iVISA team through official communication channels to receive personalized guidance.
Flights to Dubai – Airlines & Ticket Prices
Booking a flight is one of the most crucial steps when planning a Dubai trip. Whether you choose direct or connecting flights will impact travel time, costs, and overall experience.
Flight Duration from Vietnam to Dubai
Departure | Popular Airlines | Type | Estimated Duration |
Hanoi (HAN) | Emirates (direct) | Direct | ~6h35 |
Thai Airways (via Bangkok) | Transit | ~12h10 | |
China Southern Airlines (via Guangzhou) | Transit | ~18h10 | |
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) | Transit | ~34h | |
Da Nang (DAD) | Vietnam Airlines + Emirates (via Hanoi) | Transit | ~10h40 |
Cathay Dragon + Emirates (via Hong Kong) | Transit | ~11h45 | |
Bangkok Airways + Emirates | Transit | ~12h50 | |
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | Emirates (direct) | Direct | ~7h15 |
Vietnam Airlines + Emirates (via Bangkok) | Transit | ~10h35 | |
Sichuan Airlines | Transit | ~19h50 | |
Thai Airways | Transit | ~17h50 |
Dubai Airfare 2025
Flight Type | Sample Airlines | Return Fare (VND) |
Direct | Emirates | 12–18 million |
Transit | Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay… | 9–14 million |
*Ticket prices may vary depending on the time when the customer purchases the flight.
Tips to Get Cheap Dubai Flights
- Book 2–3 months in advance (save up to 30%)
- Avoid peak season (Dec–Feb) when fares are higher
- Watch for promotions on Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, etc.
- Choose smart days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday are often cheaper
- Compare multiple channels (official websites, Traveloka, Booking…)
Must-See Attractions & Experiences in Dubai
Dubai is like a miniature world – where modern luxury meets traditional Arabian culture. If it’s your first trip, don’t miss these highlights:
Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest tower (828m). From the 148th floor, enjoy sweeping views of the city, sea, and desert. Best time: 4:30–6:00 PM, for both sunset and night views.
Palm Jumeirah
Known as the “8th wonder of the world,” home to luxury resorts like Atlantis The Palm. Try the monorail or even skydiving for a full palm-shaped view.
Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain
Beyond shopping, the mall offers an aquarium, ice rink, and entertainment. At night, the Dubai Fountain showcases dazzling water and light shows from 6:00–11:30 PM.
Gold Souk
Located in Deira, this market is famous for gold and gemstone jewelry. Even browsing the glittering shops is unforgettable. Bargaining is a must if buying.
Museum of the Future
Công trình kiến trúc mang hình vòng cung khắc chữ Ả Rập phát sáng là một trong những tòa nhà đẹp nhất thế giới. Bên trong trưng bày các công nghệ tiên tiến, robot, trí tuệ nhân tạo và ý tưởng về cuộc sống trong 50 năm tới. Vé tham quan thường cháy sớm, bạn nên đặt online từ trước.
Desert Safari
An essential Dubai experience – camel rides, dune bashing, sunset views, BBQ dinners, and traditional dance shows.
Best Time to Visit Dubai
- November–March: Pleasant weather, festivals, perfect for sightseeing.
- April–October: Hot desert summer, but cheaper flights and hotels.
During this time, if you don’t have plans to travel to Dubai, you can consider and start planning to apply for a Japan tourist visa, as the weather may be cooler.
Cultural Rules & Safety in Dubai
Dubai is one of the world’s safest cities with advanced security and very low crime. Still, to avoid trouble, travelers should follow local cultural norms:
Note | Rule |
Dress code | Modest and respectful clothing |
Ramadan | No eating or drinking in public during daytime |
Alcohol | Only in licensed venues |
Behavior | Avoid hugging/kissing in public, don’t photograph strangers without permission |
Safety | Keep belongings secure in crowded markets |
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Dubai
Do I need lots of cash?
Not really. International cards are accepted in malls, restaurants, and hotels. Carry some cash for souks, souvenirs, or taxis.*
Is taxi the best transport?
Taxis are clean and safe, but the metro is faster and cheaper if you want to save money.
Should I tip in Dubai?
Not mandatory, but 5–10% is appreciated if you’re satisfied.
Any must-see festivals?
Yes! The Dubai Shopping Festival at year-end is a shopping paradise. Ramadan is also a unique time to experience Islamic culture.
Is Dubai food suitable for Vietnamese taste?
Absolutely. Dubai is multicultural, offering Arabic dishes as well as Asian, European, and even Vietnamese options. If you want to visit a country with a rich culinary culture, consider learning about applying for a China tourist visa so you can experience it in the best way possible.
With this Dubai Travel Guide 2025, you now have all the essentials – from visa, flights, and costs to attractions and safety tips. With careful preparation, your Dubai journey will be not only memorable but also truly fulfilling.
And if you’d like to save time on paperwork, let iVISA assist you with your Dubai visa application – fast, convenient, and reliable.
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