How To Visit Manufacturers In Vietnam – Sourcing Trips Guide

Are you considering sourcing from Vietnam? Visiting manufacturing factories in person can be invaluable for building relationships, ensuring quality, and understanding the manufacturing process firsthand. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about planning a factory visit to Vietnam. From obtaining visas and essential logistics to understanding what to expect during your visit, we’ve got you covered.

Where are the factories? 

Most factories are outside Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Danang. Most Manufacturing in Vietnam happens around Ho Chi Minh City, in the smaller surrounding cities. There isn’t much manufacturing within the Ho Chi Minh City limits, and the most popular cities are Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long Anh. All of these are 30 minutes to 2 hours from the center of Ho Chi Minh, and you can visit a factory in half a day.

How to get around?

Around Vietnam, local taxis and Grabs are plentiful and easy to come by. However, walking on foot can be challenging as the sidewalks are uneven and nonexistent. Also, crossing the street is a real-life game of Frogger.

If you want to go to factories, your best bet is to hire a car and driver. Here are some popular options for you for long ride to where you want to visit:

• Mazda 3 (or similar), which can hold four passengers, costs about 40-50 USD for 12 hours.
• Kia Sedona Minivan (or similar) for six passengers costs 60-80 USD for 12 hours.
• A large van for ten or so passengers costs about 100 USD for 12 hours

Mostly, you pay for the time and up to an agreed-upon distance, usually 100-200 KM, and you must pay extra for longer times or distances.

Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh?

Most clients stay in hotels, which are located in District 1, along the riverfront, and in the heart of downtown. These are good options if you want Western comforts in the middle of it all. There are several other major hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. Most importantly, it would help to look at hotels in District 1 or District 3, as those are the closest to downtown.

Marriott Renaissance Riverside

This and the Le Meridian are the most popular options for our clients visiting Ho Chi Minh City. These two hotels are located on the riverfront in the heart of downtown and offer standard, albeit nice, business amenities. This choice is great if you want some Western comforts.

Le-Meridian

Le Meridian is effectively the same in terms of quality and expectations. Modern rooms and a buffet-style breakfast are to be expected.

Caravelle Saigon

Caravelle Saigon Hotel is a leading 5-star international standard hotel located right in the bustling financial, commercial and entertainment center of Ho Chi Minh City, only about 8 km by road from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Airbnb

Many people, myself included, like to travel with a more home-like feel. Airbnb is very popular here, with apartments of all types throughout the city. As we stay longer, we typically try to book two-bedroom places in quiet neighborhoods.

How to get a Vietnam Visa

Customers can now apply for an eVisa for sourcing or business purposes to Vietnam. If approved, the eVisa allows for a stay of up to 90 days and is valid for multiple entries from 2024.You must have an appropriate visa online before travelling to Vietnam.

If you’re travelling with prescription medication, check the value and quantity restrictions on the import and export of prescription medication with the nearest embassy or consulate of Vietnam

This is the official guide from Vietnam’s Government: https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/ 

This section will summarize the above links. There are four steps to getting a tourist visa.

• Step 1: fill out the form on the website with all relevant information.
• Step 2: Pay

Please note that you have to pay TWICE. Once online, after filling out the form, which can be done with a credit card and a second stamping fee, to be paid in USD Cash. Also, Americans have to pay three times more than any other country.

• Step 3a: Print out the approval letter

After applying on the website, the approval letter will be sent as a PDF by Email. You must have a physical copy when you arrive.

• Step 3b: Bring two 4cm x 6 cm passport photos
• Step 4: Get your Visa at the airport.

Waiting to get your Visa can take anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour. Be prepared to head to the visa processing area before going through customs.

What to eat?

Many people find that Vietnamese food is a big highlight of their visit to Vietnam. It would be best if you planned to try some of the local dishes that are cheap, fresh, and flavorful. Some of our favorites include:

• Pho: The famous noodle soup the country is known for
• Banh Mi: Vietnamese-style sandwich–usually a combo of meats, pickled vegetables, chili, and pate on a fresh baguette.
• Bun Thit Nuong: Vermicelli noodles topped with a slice of smoky and well-marinated pork plus herbs and sauce.
• Com Tam: A simple, cheap rice dish with grilled meat, a fried egg, and veggies
• Banh Xeo: Savory Vietnamese pancake

Don’t forget to enjoy Vietnam after your sourcing tour!

Factories love it when you dip your toes into Vietnamese culture. If possible, I always encourage clients to add a few days to their trip to experience Ho Chi Minh and the rest of Vietnam. It’s a city with a unique feel and does take some getting used to.

If you’re forming an important business relationship, you owe yourself to try to experience and learn more about the culture. And don’t forget to buy yourself some unique souvenirs in Vietnam before ending your business trip.

AM Industries Vietnam – Your trust partner in steel fabrication

If you choose Vietnam as the next destination in your business trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us for useful advices and supports. As a professional metal fabricator and sourcing, we are able to sources the following categories of products:

• Steel components
• Steel structure
• Stainless steel components
• Kitting & assembly
• Steel water tanks / Steel silos
• Metal casting
• Residential & commercial building products
• Quality control services
• Partnering
• Sourcing

We believe in an industrial world made of trusted, passionate, and dedicated people. We work to achieve this with an open-minded, quick, and customer-centered approach.

Please feel free to get in touch with us for all your inquiries.