Global · Maldives

Maldives Travel Guide

Flights, places to stay, and the best things to do in Maldives for travelers flying from Vietnam.

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Maldives Travel Guide
Currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) / US Dollar (USD)
Language
Dhivehi, English
Timezone
UTC+5 (2 hours behind Vietnam)
Flight Time
6–8 hours from HCM / Hanoi (via Singapore, KL, or Bangkok)

Overview

The Maldives is the quintessential Indian Ocean paradise, a nation of 26 natural atolls and nearly 1,200 coral islands surrounded by luminous turquoise lagoons. From budget-friendly guesthouse stays on local inhabited islands to world-famous overwater villas with glass floors and private reef drop-offs, the Maldives is a bucket-list dream for honeymooners and marine enthusiasts from Vietnam.

Where to stay

Budget$40–90/night

Local Islands (Maafushi)

Popular inhabited island with budget beachfront boutique hotels, local cafes, water sports centers, and excursion operators.

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Mid-range$200–500/night

4-Star Atoll Resorts

Private island resorts accessible via speedboat from Velana Airport, offering beach villas, buffet dining, and dive centers.

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Luxury$600–2500/night

Luxury Atolls

Ultra-exclusive private islands with iconic overwater bungalows, private infinity plunge pools, underwater dining, and seaplane transfers.

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Things to do

Coral Reef Snorkeling & Whale Shark Safari

Snorkel in South Ari Atoll alongside wild whale sharks, manta rays, and hawksbill sea turtles in crystal-clear lagoons.

Sandbank Picnic & Sunset Dolphin Cruise

Spend an afternoon marooned on a pristine white sandbank surrounded by 50 shades of blue, followed by watching spinner dolphins.

Scuba Diving in Atoll Channels

Drift dive through world-famous channels (kandus) encountering reef sharks, eagle rays, and vibrant soft coral gardens.

Best time to visit

November – April

Dry northeast monsoon season (Iruvai). Crystal-clear underwater visibility, calm turquoise waters, and abundant sunshine.

December – February

Peak holiday season with postcard-perfect tropical weather, ideal for romantic getaways and marine wildlife encounters.

Travel tips

  • 1

    US Dollars (USD) are universally accepted across all resorts, liveaboards, and excursion centers; local currency (MVR) is only needed for small shops on local islands.

  • 2

    On inhabited local islands, swim only at designated 'Bikini Beaches' to respect local Islamic cultural customs.

  • 3

    Speedboat transfers run directly from Male Airport to North and South Male atolls; distant atolls require breathtaking seaplane transfers.

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