Visiting Vietnam for the first time? If yes, in this post, we provide you with the best travel tips for Vietnam. These are all essential things nobody tells you before visiting Vietnam.
There’s a country with towering limestone karsts, bustling cities, renowned beaches and, most importantly, incredible food. Can you guess what country I’m referring to? What’s not to love about Vietnam?!
Traveling to a new country can be overwhelming with the culture-shock, different language and customs, but with today’s technology connecting people worldwide, first-timers in Vietnam can pick up a thing or two from other travelers before they visit.
Learning the tricks of the trade in Vietnam will help you to completely immerse yourself in the culture resulting in the ultimate Vietnam experience. Follow this guide which includes the best travel tips for your first time in Vietnam.
Research your Visa Options
If a visa is required, you absolutely must have this sorted before you enter the country. Otherwise, your entry will be denied – no ifs, ands or buts!
Research whether you need a visa beforehand. Some countries will offer a free 15-day visa but, more often than not, you’ll probably need to purchase a 30-day visa (or longer).
Options include an eVisa which is completely done online, or a Visa on Arrival (VOA). The eVisa is an easier process, but only some countries have the ability to apply for this. For the VOA, you’ll have to obtain an online certificate before entering the country, then you’ll get a visa at your entry point into Vietnam.
Research the Required Vaccinations
Like your visa, vaccinations are something that you must research beforehand. If you’re from a first-world country, you may already have most of the required vaccinations. However, it is still likely you’ll need at least one vaccination. I personally did not need any to travel to Vietnam.
The most common vaccinations travelers need before their first time in Vietnam are Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Luckily, these come as a combined vaccine, Vivaxim. Bear in mind you’ll need to have this vaccine administered 14 days or more before your planned arrival to Vietnam.
If you’re traveling to more rural areas, you may also need Japanese Encephalitis and Malaria pills. Although I think this is still a personal choice, since I did not have any of those with me and traveled around extensively. But let your doctor be your guide. There may be other risk factors to be considered based on age and health.
Pick the places you would like to visit in advance
There’s a lot to see and do in Vietnam. I’ve seen many people trying to visit the whole country in a week or 10 days but, honestly, this is not possible. There are so many attractions in Vietnam that even I, who spent a month there (two weeks in the North and two weeks in the South), was unable to see it all.
My advice is that, if you only have two weeks, pick either the North or South. This way you get to explore the country and culture more thoroughly. If you only want to see the main cities and quick highlights, then you can do that in two weeks, but definitely take a flight from the South to the North, or viceversa.
I personally love traveling slowly from town to town, really immersing myself in the culture, but maybe that’s not for you. I do know that there are people who just want to quickly check places off of their bucket list, enjoying the main highlights and if that’s you, nothing wrong with that. It’s always best to just plan ahead.
RECOMMENDED: Off the beaten path places to visit in Vietnam
Exercise Caution with Petty Crime
Southeast Asia is notorious for petty crime, such as pickpocketing and other scams and, unfortunately, Vietnam is no exception. Pickpocketing is more of a problem in crowded areas such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but as long as you’re vigilant and exercise caution around others, you should be fine to avoid problems.
Use your common sense – putting your wallet in your back pocket isn’t a great idea, and neither is hanging your handbag on your shoulder. If you’re worried about pickpocketers, you should follow these simple tips:
- You can put a lock on your backpack
- Get a anti-theft crossbody bag
- Keep emergency money hidden somewhere else on your body or, what I do, I wear my favorite travel scarf which has a hidden pocket.
- You can also wear a travel wallet like this one under your clothes, and/or swap your handbag for a fanny pack worn across your body.
In addition, always remember to take the regular precautions you would take in any large city, anywhere else in the world, such as: Don’t get into a car with strangers and opt for busy areas, instead of dingy alleyways, especially when walking around at night.
In general, I had no problems traveling as a female in Vietnam, but it is always good to be more mindful and take care of ourselves wherever we go.
Learn to Barter or Get Ripped Off
Bartering is the culture in Vietnam. If you don’t barter, you’ll be guaranteed to be paying much higher prices on your purchases.
Bartering does take some getting used to. Start at around 20-30% of their original offer. If you pay less than 50% of their original offer, that is considered an acceptable price. If you’re able to get down to 40%, that should, in general, be considered a good deal.
This is one of the most popular things to do in Ho Chi Minh City‘s Ben Thanh Market. Put your haggling skills to the test here and try to enjoy yourself.
If you don’t get the price you’re after, just walk away. Either the vendor will lower their prices, or you’ll find the same (or very similar) product a few stalls down.
You might also like this: How you as a traveler can promote sustainable tourism in Vietnam!
Do not Miss visiting Hoi An and get Tailored Clothing
If you haven’t already heard, Hoi An is the tailoring capital of Vietnam. Even if you hadn’t intended on getting clothing tailored there, you’ll likely walk out with a tailored purchase.
I would suggest for you to stay in Hoi An for at least two days, so that you can go in that afternoon for your first fitting, and the next day for the second fitting. This will ensure that your purchases fit perfectly. The tailors work fast – I had one fitting two hours after settling on a design!
While tailored clothing is considered cheaper in Vietnam than other countries, prices greatly vary between tailors. A full suit could cost anything from two to five million VND and an evening dress could vary from one to three million VND.
If you’re looking for a casual outfit, shop around to get the best price. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a full suit or evening gown, go to a reputable tailor with great Tripadvisor reviews.
Eat the Street Food (but be Cautious of Food Hygiene)
One of my favorite things about Vietnam is the food – it’s amazing! In fact, I’m returning to Vietnam tomorrow to spend the next couple of months there, and the thing I’m most excited about is the food!
Vietnamese cuisine makes use of herbs and broths, so the food tastes so fresh, aromatic, and flavorful. I know that there’s a general stigma against street food, but there’s no reason to be scared, as long as you keep a look out for the ones which exercise good hygiene. Some of the best food I’ve ever eaten were from street stalls.
My five favorite dishes (and ones you absolutely must try) are:
- Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls)
- Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette)
- Pho Bo (beef noodle soup)
- Goi Du Du (papaya salad)
- Banh Khot (savoury mini pancakes)
These dishes are easily found all over Vietnam but some of my favourite places to eat include: Banh Mi Phuong in Hoi An and Mountain Retreat Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City.
Of course, there are plenty more dishes to try, I could go on and on, but a lot depends on your personal preference. I always recommend that you try to be a little more adventurous when traveling and try new things.
Crossing the Street is Difficult at first
The driving rules and traffic in Vietnam will not be anything like back home. The best way to see what it’s like to cross the street is to search on Youtube, before your visit, so that you can be prepared.
Since there are no traffic lights, drivers drive slower and learn to anticipate movements of pedestrians to ensure there aren’t any collisions. It’s honestly not too difficult once you get the hang of it.
Start to cross the road when you see an opening and keep a constant pace as you cross the street, so drivers can avoid you. For your first few times out in Vietnam, wait for a local to cross the street (or another group), then cross with them.
Only Use Reputable Taxi Companies
Vietnam is known for its ‘faulty meter’ scam when it comes to taxis. Drivers will claim that their taxi meter is broken, then charge you an exorbitant price. If you ever come across a taxi with a broken meter, just walk away. You’ll find another taxi nearby.
There are two reputable taxis companies to stick to: Mai Linh and Vinasun. Avoid the other companies, including companies posing as reputable companies, with similar spelling, like “Mai Lin.”
Make Use of Ride-Sharing Apps
You might find it easier to avoid taxi companies completely. Ride-sharing apps such as Grab and Gojek are amazing. They’re so easy to use, especially if there’s a communication barrier, and they’re always cheaper than a regular taxi.
Grab also has options to hire a driver for the day for two to eight hours. This can be very convenient if you are trying to see several attractions in on city. The drivers can also make recommendations for where to eat or shop.
Having these apps on your phone prior to your trip to Vietnam will make your life a whole lot easier. You can even order a Grab at the airport right at the start of your trip.
Watch Where you are Walking, even on the Sidewalk
Motorbikes sometimes park on the sidewalk and some drivers even use the sidewalk as a shortcut in traffic. For these reasons, you’ll likely have to share the sidewalk with a motorbike at some point during your trip.
As you would when crossing the road, keep your eyes peeled. Don’t be too scared. Vietnamese drivers are great at looking out for pedestrians, so you don’t have to worry too much over every step you take.
Halong Bay is Beautiful (but Polluted)
Halong Bay offers one of the most beautiful views in all of the country. But this comes at a cost. Halong Bay is very heavily touristic, so it’s also very polluted. You’ll be able to see rubbish floating in the water and a mass of junk boats pumping out black smoke.
Seeing the pollution in Halong Bay was a bit upsetting, but regardless, Halong Bay is a sight to be seen. If Halong Bay is something that interests you, it’s a good idea to see it now, as it may be closed to tourism in the future. Hopefully, soon, visiting numbers will become restricted, similar y Machu Picchu and Mt. Everest.
Nha Trang is Overrated
Nha Trang is a popular coastal city known for its beaches and resorts. It is located on the Southeastern coast of Vietnam. Don’t get me wrong, the beach is great and so is the diving, but it is overcrowded with tourists. And, as anywhere else, with over-tourism comes inflated prices for food, drinks, and resorts. Not to mention, the beaches are quite busy during the peak season which definitely takes something away from your experience.
If you’re looking to escape to a beach paradise, check out Phu Quoc instead, or even Da Nang and Hoi An for beaches which are just as nice as Nha Trang but less overrun.
Ninh Binh is Underrated
Ninh Binh is the small town everyone has been raving about, the hidden gem of Vietnam and an oasis for nature lovers. It’s nicknamed the “Halong Bay on land” for its similarities with towering limestone karsts.
Ninh Binh is very close to Hanoi – only a two-and-a-half-hour train ride away. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi for a few nights too.
Avoid Tap Water
Like other Southeast Asian countries, you should avoid their tap water. Tap water may contain pathogens that could make you sick – even the locals drink bottled water. This also goes with brushing your teeth as you will be ingesting the water.
Factoring bottled water into your budget is a smart idea – $1 USD per day is reasonable.
Many hotels and hostels provide a water filter, so you can just fill up your drinking bottle as you go. If you’re traveling long-term or extensively through Southeast Asia, some travelers recommend investing in a bottle with a charcoal water filter. Of course, the upfront cost is large and unsettling – it could be as much as $60 USD, but it could save you lots of money over time, and thus pay for itself. It also more green since you’re not buying and disposing of countless plastic bottles. I also love to carry with me a reusable straw. It’s always important to help the environment and to be a responsible traveler whenever possible.
Dress Appropriately
Modest dress is expected when visiting some of the more popular attractions in Vietnam. When visiting pagodas and temples, females should cover both their shoulders and knees. Males should cover their shoulders and at least wear shorts touching the knee.
Instead of worrying about putting together a suitable outfit each day, bring along a cover-up. Elephant pants are very common as temple wear – they’re cheap, breezy, and make for a quirky souvenir when you return back home. Also, I always pack maxi dresses and long skirts. You can easily mix and match them so as to create many different looks. You can also shop for those in Vietnam if you are traveling light.
Try the Vietnamese Coffee
Fun fact: Vietnam is the second-largest producer of coffee worldwide. The vast majority of coffee beans produced in Vietnam is Robusta, differing from Arabica beans.
The Vietnamese have found the perfect solution to combatting the bitterness in their Robusta bean coffee – adding sweetened condensed milk. It’s delicious! An iced coffee also makes for a refreshing start to your day. Find them at many streetside stalls for about 25,000 VND.
Prepare for the Weather
Don’t underestimate the size of Vietnam – it has a population of 90+ million people and an area of over 300,000+ square kilometres. The sheer size of Vietnam means the weather does differ from the north to the south.
Central and Southern Vietnam tend to have a tropical climate, with dry winters and hot, wet summers. The northern part of Vietnam is more temperate and is generally a lower temperature than the rest of the country.
May to October are both the wettest and hottest months, with heavy but brief downpours. If you are travelling during those months, a waterproof rain jacket will come in handy. If you are traveling to Northern Vietnam, bring some long pants and thermal underwear, as it can get quite cold.
Be Careful when Riding Motorbikes
The Vietnamese are skilled drivers, weaving through traffic and avoiding pedestrians. If you think crossing the road in Vietnam is overwhelming (which it is), then driving in Vietnam will be even more difficult.
If you choose to hire a motorbike, be sure you’re 100% confident in doing driving one. Grab and Gojek are very cheap, so they’re great alternatives otherwise.
You won’t need to show your license when actually hiring the bike – they’ll usually just make a copy of your passport. Regardless, you should seek an international driver’s license for it to be legal for you to drive in Vietnam. Whether or not you follow these rules is up to you, but your insurance may not cover, should you need it.
Another reason to keep your international driver’s license on you at all times is that the police routinely pull foreigners over to check. You could incur a hefty fine if you are caught driving a car or motorbike without it.
Learn Some Helpful Vietnamese Phrases
Learning new languages isn’t easy. But a little really does go a long way. I might move countries every two to four weeks, but I always try to learn a few words so that I can communicate with the locals when buying food and/or making purchases.
Here are a few words in Vietnamese that may be helpful on your next trip to Vietnam:
- Hello – Xin chao (sin chow)
- Thank you – cam on (gahm uhn)
- Delicious – thom ngon (thuhm non)
Always Carry Cash
Vietnam isn’t a first-world country yet, though they’re definitely on their way up! Instead of heading to the supermarket or department store, you’re going to be spending time in the markets, especially when buying food and souvenirs. Markets are usually cash-only, so always have some cash on you. Otherwise, you may struggle to purchase anything!
Overall, Vietnam is a great place to visit. Always keep in mind that it is not a small country and there’s so much to see so, if you have limited time, it’s best to focus on either the North or South in order to maximize your time. Just make sure to do your research first and pick the places you would like to visit for a better and deeper cultural experience. Enjoy!
This is a guest post by Delilah from the blog Ourtravelmix.com
Author’s Bio: Delilah Hart is a travel-obsessed digital nomad. She spends her days working on her travel blog as she explores the world.
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