Travel in Russia

Russia — the land of birches, where the poetic Neva flows past gilded palaces, where autumn blazes gold and winter lies under white snow — has long held a special place in Vietnamese hearts.

With its depth of culture, magnificent architecture, vast unspoilt nature and the close diplomatic relations between the two countries, Russia is one of the most appealing European destinations for Vietnamese travellers in 2026 — particularly now thatRussia is considering visa-free entry for Vietnamese tour groups, promising to open the door more easily for tens of thousands of visitors.

The ideal time to travel in Russia

Russia’s climate changes markedly with the seasons, and choosing the right time will largely determine the quality of the trip.

Summer (June–August) is the peak tourist season. Temperatures range from 18–25°C, the sky is clear and the days are long — in Saint Petersburg in particular, the White Nights phenomenon runs from late May to mid-July, when it never fully gets dark. This is the ideal time for Vietnamese travellers, with pleasant weather and every attraction open. June is rated the most perfect month of the year.

Autumn (September–October) brings the famous “golden autumn” — when the birch, maple and oak woods turn brilliant yellow, orange and red. Temperatures are 8–15°C, cool and with less rain. This is a wonderful choice for anyone who loves photography and natural landscapes.

Winter (December–February) is extremely cold (down to -15 to -25°C in Moscow), but offers a unique experience: Russia blanketed in white snow, traditional Christmas markets, ice skating on Red Square, and impressive winter festivals. It suits travellers who want a true winter experience.

Spring (March–May) is a transitional season; there is still snow in early spring but from mid-April to May flowers bloom everywhere. There are fewer tourists, so tour prices are usually softer.

Russian visas for Vietnamese citizens

Vietnamese citizens have been able to obtain an e-visa (electronic visa) to enter Russia since 01/08/2023. The registration process is online, the decision is quick and the approval rate is high — rated considerably “easier” than a Schengen, United States or Canadian visa.

For those travelling on a tour, most travel companies handle the visa formalities as a package — including the invitation letter, completing the form and guiding the submission. The basic visa file comprises: the original passport valid for more than 6 months with blank pages, 2 photographs 3.5 × 4.5 cm on a white background, and personal details (occupation, address, telephone number). The visa file must be submitted at least 40 days before departure.

In March 2026, the Russian Minister of Economic Development announced that visa-free entry for Vietnamese tour groups was under consideration — where this policy is adopted, travellers joining a tour will not need a visa in advance, considerably shortening preparation time and cost.

The notable destinations

Moscow — the heart of Russia

The capital Moscow is the first and unmissable destination. Red Square — Russia’s most emblematic historic square, where the historic military parades are held.

The Kremlin — a 15th-16th century architectural complex comprising churches, watchtowers, museums and the working seat of the Russian President, holding the famous 190-carat diamond. Saint Basil’s Cathedral — the many-coloured onion-domed building, the unmistakable emblem of Russia.

The Moscow metro — famous worldwide not only for its efficiency but for the magnificent architecture of its stations, like underground palaces, with marble, crystal chandeliers and mosaics. The old Arbat street — Moscow’s oldest pedestrian street with cafés, souvenir shops and street artists.

Saint Petersburg — the cultural capital

Russia’s most magnificent city, dubbed the “Venice of the North” for its dense network of canals. The Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum — one of the world’s 5 largest museums with more than 3 million works of art displayed in nearly 1,000 magnificent rooms.

The Peterhof Summer Palace — the “Versailles of Russia” with its stately residence, imperial gardens and gilded fountains looking out on the Gulf of Finland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Catherine Palace at Pushkin — famous for the Amber Room, fully restored in natural amber.

Saint Isaac’s Cathedral — one of the largest domes in the world; climbing to the top gives a panorama of the whole city. The Peter and Paul Fortress on the Neva — marking the history of Saint Petersburg’s founding by Peter the Great in 1703.

The Sapsan high-speed train links Moscow and Saint Petersburg in around 4 hours, letting travellers watch the Russian countryside along the way.

Sergiev Posad — sacred ground

Around 70 km from Moscow, Sergiev Posad is the most important religious centre of Russian Orthodoxy. The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius — a UNESCO site — is Russia’s greatest place of pilgrimage, with its distinctive blue-domed church architecture. It is a popular stop on a 1-day tour itinerary from Moscow.

Lake Baikal — the pearl of Siberia

For travellers with more time, Lake Baikal in Siberia is an experience without equal. The deepest lake in the world (1,642 metres), it holds around 20% of the planet’s surface fresh water, and is 25 million years old — the oldest lake on Earth. In winter, the surface freezes into a magically transparent sheet of ice. In summer, the water is clear and blue and majestic mountain scenery surrounds it.

Indicative costs

A 7-8 day package tour of Russia (Moscow – Saint Petersburg) from Vietnam costs from around VND 55-65 million, including return flights, Sapsan train tickets, 4-star hotels, meals, entrance tickets and a Vietnamese-speaking guide. Longer 9-10 day tours (adding Sergiev Posad or extended destinations) cost from VND 70-85 million.

For independent travellers, the cost is estimated at around USD 2,000-2,500 for a 10-day trip, including flights, hotels, food and domestic travel. Food costs in Russia are reasonable — an ordinary meal is around 250-300 roubles (about VND 60,000-70,000), and budget hotels from USD 30-50 a night.

Direct flights from Hanoi to Moscow are operated by Vietnam Airlines and Aeroflot, with a flying time of around 9-10 hours. From Ho Chi Minh City there is usually 1 connection (in Hanoi or through a third country).

Practical tips for Vietnamese travellers

Currency: the Russian rouble (RUB). It is best to change USD or EUR into roubles at the airport or a bank in Russia — the rate is better than changing in Vietnam. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in the major cities.

Language: Russian is the main language and English is not widespread — particularly outside the tourist areas. It is worth downloading Google Translate in advance (offline mode) and learning a few basic Russian phrases. On a tour with a Vietnamese-speaking guide, language is not a worry.

Clothing: bring comfortable shoes because there is a great deal of walking. Even in summer a light jacket is needed because evening temperatures can drop to 10-15°C. In winter a thick coat, hat, gloves, scarf and non-slip shoes are essential.

Shopping: the Matryoshka doll (nesting doll) is the most distinctive souvenir. Russian chocolate, vodka, caviar, Orenburg woollen shawls and Palekh lacquerware are also popular gifts with Vietnamese travellers.

Safety: Russia is generally safe for travellers, particularly in the major cities and tourist areas. However, take care with pickpockets in crowded places (metro stations, markets) and do not walk alone in deserted areas at night — a principle that applies in every major city in the world.

2026 is a favourable time for Vietnamese travellers to discover Russia — the visa is straightforward, there are direct flights, costs are reasonable compared with other European destinations, and there is the prospect of visa-free group travel in the near future. Whether it is a first trip to recover memories of the land of birches, or a new journey to see the White Nights of Saint Petersburg or the golden autumn of Moscow — Russia always offers an unforgettable experience.

Find out more about travel in Russia on the government website athere.