I’m going on the trip of a lifetime! Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam for a month. I’ve heard the governments in Laos and Vietnam block sites like Facebook and Google and that I should get a VPN beforehand. Anyone have some experience there? is it really necessary?

I had issues connecting with Google Earth in Laos, but that was several years ago. A VPN may help, it certainly did last year in Sri Lanka when they placed temporary restrictions on social media.

Kevin good to know thanks

I didn't have any issues in Vietnam last year.

Elaine thanks

Elaine I was there 2 years ago and had no issues. There was free wifi everywhere, even on buses

Thailand nothing gets blocked

Daniel Thanks, I was told Thailand was more open.

Facebook is now fine however you need to be very mindful of what you post.

Benita ,I hadn’t thought of that, but I’m pretty conservative.

No issues with FB in any of those countries

I had no issues with Facebook or Google on my phone in Vietnam but I did also get a Vietnamese sim about a week into my month long trip.

You should still get a VPN if you plan on making hotel or flight reservations online and need to input your credit card number over wifi. You need a secure network with your banking and personal information, including your passport number.

I have a friend in Vietnam now and he's posting daily on FB.

My sister just got back from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. She purchased a SIM card for her phone in each country and posted pics of her holiday on Facebook, no problem.

Only china blocks those sites, not Cambodia and Vietnam

We posted daily on FB in Oct 2017

Vietnam has the best wifi I have ever experienced- even street food stalls have wifi access. No problem with Facebook there.

Sounds amazing.. This is a trip I want to do myself!!

We are going to Vietnam for the month of March. Doing whole country. Start in Hanoi and end there. First time can't wait. Going because of the deal I saw here at YVR deals

I’m in Vietnam reading this

Fantastic, where are you? Have fun!

China blocks Google and facebook. Personal experience. Get a vpn.

Just came back from Thailand today! It was an exhausting trip but such an amazing experience! Let me know if you need any advice on either Bangkok or the Islands

I have been thinking of going to Vietnam, but hubby won't go.

He’s missing one of best places and most friendly people

Ruth so go on a GAdventure tour. They are super small groups and so fun. We did Vietnam a few years ago and absolutely loved it!!! There were lots of singles in our group too. I think we had 13 people. Check it out!

I was just in Vietnam. My Facebook and google worked perfectly fine.

They're right. You're fine in these countries.
On a side note, Canadians need a visa in Vietnam. You can either apply here in Vancouver or when you arrive there. I think it's $100

You need a letter before you leave the country. If you hold Canadian passport you need to apply online or at the embassy. The Evisa has the letter attached

Thanks everyone for all the great information.

go through Psiphon get your vpn and youll have no issues

Not a problem for us Last year..

It’s always a good idea to use VPN anywhere there’s public wifi irregardless if it’s filtered or not, even on home soil. You don’t want the potential of someone capturing confidential information. These days it’s not super difficult to do with the right tools.

We were just there in October. No problem

I was in Vietnam in December I did not have issues with anything being blocked. I used all my google apps, Facebook, instagram with no issue. They have cheaper/faster internet/4G network than in Canada