Tips for Traveling in Vietnam (What to Know Before You Go)

Vietnam is one of those places that grabs you from the moment you arrive — buzzing scooters, steaming bowls of pho on every corner, and landscapes that swing from misty mountains to palm-fringed beaches. I’ve been lucky enough to explore Vietnam a few times, and every trip taught me something new (often the hard way!). If you’re planning your first adventure, a few insider tips will save you money, stress, and maybe even a dodgy street crossing or two.

So, here’s my no-nonsense guide packed with practical Vietnam travel tips — the kind I wish someone had told me before my first trip.

Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Vietnam

Visa & Entry Requirements for Vietnam

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, the first thing to tick off your list is the visa. Most nationalities can’t just rock up at the airport and breeze through immigration, so it’s worth sorting this out before you travel.

The Easy Way: Vietnam’s e-Visa

The good news is that Vietnam has an official e-visa system that covers over 80 countries (including the UK, US, EU, Australia, and Canada). Here’s what you need to know:

• Validity: The e-visa is good for 90 days and can be single or multiple entry.
• Where to apply: Only apply through the official government portals — they’ll always end in .gov.vn.
• Cost: Around $25 USD for single entry or $50 USD for multiple entry, payable online by card.
• Processing time: Up to 3 working days, but give yourself a week in case of delays.
• Documents you’ll need: A passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport-style photo, and sometimes your travel itinerary.
• Ports of entry: The e-visa is accepted at major airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) and many land borders.

👉 Top tip: Print a copy of your e-visa and keep the PDF on your phone. Immigration officers sometimes want to see the hard copy.

Beware of Scam Sites ⚠️

Here’s where a lot of travellers get caught out. If you Google “Vietnam visa,” you’ll see a sea of websites offering “fast-track visas” and “VIP processing.” Many of these are not official and will:

• Charge you way more than the official $25–50 fee.
• Send you a fake visa PDF (which won’t work at the airport).
• Take your payment details and disappear.

How to spot a scam site:

• The URL doesn’t end in .gov.vn.
• It looks overly “salesy” with urgent pop-ups and promises of instant approval.
• It asks for weird payment methods like PayPal, bank transfer, or even crypto.
• They claim to be the “official partner” of the government (Vietnam doesn’t outsource visas).

If you’ve already applied on one of these sites, check your visa carefully. If it doesn’t have the official red approval stamp and barcode, it’s not valid.

Other Options

• Visa on arrival: This used to be a thing, but for most travellers it’s been phased out and replaced by the e-visa.
• Embassy or consulate: If you prefer to play it super safe, you can apply through your nearest Vietnamese embassy. It’s slower and sometimes pricier, but it eliminates any online risk.

Money & Safety Tips in Vietnam

Getting to Grips with the Dong

Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and the first shock is the number of zeros on the notes. Don’t panic if you find yourself holding a 100,000 note — it’s worth about £3–4 GBP / $4–5 USD.

• Top tip: Keep small notes handy for taxis, street food, and markets. Vendors rarely have change for big bills.
• ATMs: Widely available in cities, though many have withdrawal limits (often 3–5 million VND per transaction). Bring a fee-free card if you can.

Cash vs Card

Vietnam is still very much a cash society, especially at markets, food stalls, and smaller shops. Bigger hotels, restaurants, and malls will take cards, but expect a surcharge.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

Most travellers don’t run into serious trouble in Vietnam, but there are a few petty scams worth being aware of:

• Taxi tricks: Some drivers still “forget” to turn on the meter. Download Grab (the local Uber) for safer rides at fixed prices.
• Dodgy tours: Stick to reputable companies or book online before you arrive.
• Overcharging at markets: Haggling is normal, but if a price feels inflated tenfold, it probably is. Smile, counteroffer, or walk away.
• Motorbike rental scams: Check the bike thoroughly before renting — scratches or damage may be “discovered” later to charge you extra.

Street Safety

Crossing the road in Vietnam deserves its own mention. On my first visit, I froze on the pavement, completely overwhelmed by the endless stream of scooters. The traffic never seems to stop, and I honestly wondered how anyone ever made it across alive.

By the second trip, I’d learned the secret — my husband grabbed my hand, stepped confidently into the traffic, and we just walked slowly and steadily. Scooters flowed around us like water around rocks. Terrifying at first, but once you trust the rhythm, it works every time.

Top tip: don’t run, don’t stop suddenly, and don’t dart back. Pick your line, move at a steady pace, and the traffic will adjust around you.

Food & Water Safety

Vietnamese street food is legendary, but if you’ve got a sensitive stomach:

• Look for stalls that are busy with locals (fresh turnover means fresh food).
• Stick to bottled or filtered water — never drink from the tap.
• Ice is usually safe in cities, but avoid it if you’re worried.

Tipping in Vietnam

Tipping isn’t a huge part of Vietnamese culture, but it’s increasingly expected in tourist areas.

• Restaurants & cafés: Locals don’t usually tip, but leaving 5–10% in touristy spots is appreciated. If there’s already a “service charge” on the bill, you don’t need to add more.
• Street food stalls: No tips expected — just pay the price and enjoy.
• Guides & drivers: A small tip (50,000–100,000 VND, about £1.50–3/$2–4) goes a long way. For multi-day tours, you can be a bit more generous.
• Hotels: A small note for the porter or housekeeping is always welcome, but not compulsory.

Haggling Etiquette

Haggling is part of the fun at markets, but it’s meant to be light-hearted, not a battle.

• Start with a smile: Bargaining is social here, not aggressive.
• Rule of thumb: Expect the first price to be higher than the “real” one, often double or triple. Aim for around 30–50% less and settle somewhere in the middle.
• Know when to stop: If the price feels fair and you want the item, go for it. Don’t sweat over a few extra thousand Dong — it’s pennies to you but might matter to the vendor.
• Walk away gracefully: If you’re not interested, a polite “no thank you” and a smile does the trick.

Getting Around Vietnam

Domestic Flights

Vietnam is long and skinny — over 1,600 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City — so domestic flights can save you a ton of time.

I usually fly because it’s quick and easy. On my last trip, I used Vietnam Airlines, and while the service was good, we had delays. That’s pretty common across most carriers, so build a bit of wiggle room into your schedule if you’ve got tours or connections lined up.

• Airlines to look for: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways all cover major routes.
• Top routes: Hanoi ↔ Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Hue, and Hanoi ↔ Ho Chi Minh City (a two-hour flight vs a 30+ hour train).

When to Fly vs When to Take the Train

• Fly: If you’re covering big distances like Hanoi ↔ Ho Chi Minh City, flying saves you 30+ hours on the train. It’s also the better choice if you’re on a tight itinerary.
• Train: For shorter legs, especially the Hue ↔ Da Nang stretch, the train wins every time. The views of the Hai Van Pass — jungle-covered mountains rolling down to the sea — are spectacular and something you’d miss from a plane window.
• Mix it up: Many travellers fly the long north–south route, then take the train for the scenic central section. That way, you get the best of both worlds.

Food & Drink Tips in Vietnam

One of the best things about travelling in Vietnam is that you can eat like royalty for just a couple of dollars. Street food is part of daily life here, and it’s where you’ll find some of the country’s most memorable dishes.

Street Food Etiquette

• Follow the locals: If you see a stall packed with Vietnamese families or office workers, that’s your sign it’s good and fresh.
• Tiny stools, big flavours: Don’t be put off by those plastic chairs and tables barely a foot off the ground — that’s where the magic happens.
• Cash only: Street vendors won’t take cards, so keep small notes handy.

Must-Try Dishes

• Phở: The national comfort food — steaming broth with rice noodles, herbs, and either beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà).
• Bánh mì: A French-Vietnamese baguette stuffed with everything from pork and pate to eggs and pickled veg.
• Bún chả: Grilled pork patties served with noodles and herbs, made famous when Anthony Bourdain ate it with Barack Obama in Hanoi.
• Egg coffee (cà phê trứng): A Hanoi specialty — strong coffee topped with a frothy, sweet egg yolk and condensed milk mixture, although I prefer coconut coffee.
• Bia hơi: Fresh, light draft beer brewed daily and served in plastic cups for pocket change.

Condiments 101

On every table, you’ll find the Vietnamese flavour arsenal:

• Nước chấm: A fish sauce-based dip with lime, chilli, and garlic — the soul of Vietnamese cuisine.
• Chilli paste: Adds fire to any dish.
• Lime wedges & fresh herbs: Always squeeze and sprinkle liberally.

But a word of warning: Not all herbs are the same. Some are minty and refreshing, others taste like fish (literally). Locals love them, but if you’re not used to strong flavours, sniff before you throw a handful in your soup — otherwise you might get an unexpected hit that overwhelms your pho. I really don’t like it at all!

Food Safety Tips

• Eat where it’s busy — high turnover means fresher food.
• If you’ve got a sensitive stomach, start with cooked dishes like phở or cơm tấm (broken rice) before diving into salads or raw herbs.
• Stick to bottled or filtered water — or bring a refillable bottle for water stations.

Cultural Etiquette & Customs in Vietnam

Vietnamese people are generally warm, friendly, and welcoming, but there are a few cultural do’s and don’ts worth knowing. They’ll make your trip smoother — and earn you a few extra smiles along the way.

Dress Modestly at Temples

• Shoulders and knees covered is the respectful norm.
• Light scarves or shawls work well if you’re visiting in hot weather.

Shoes Off Indoors

When entering someone’s home, small guesthouses, and even some shops, you’ll notice a pile of shoes outside the door. Slip yours off and follow suit.

Hands & Gestures

• Always pass things with both hands — whether it’s money, business cards, or even your passport at a hotel.
• Avoid pointing directly at people. It’s considered rude.

Respectful Phrases

Learning a few basics goes a long way:

• Xin chào (hello) — “sin chow”
• Cảm ơn (thank you) — “gahm uhn” (short “uh” sound, not “on”)
• Xin lỗi (sorry/excuse me) — “sin loy”

Don’t worry about getting the tones perfect — locals will usually understand what you mean and appreciate the effort.

Don’t Lose Your Cool

Things don’t always run on time in Vietnam (buses, flights, even restaurant orders). Shouting or showing frustration won’t help — staying calm and polite is far more effective.

What Not to Do in Vietnam 🚫

• Don’t touch someone’s head: It’s considered the most sacred part of the body.
• Don’t point your feet at people or religious objects: Feet are seen as the lowest and least clean part of the body.
• Don’t put chopsticks upright in rice: It resembles incense sticks at funerals and is linked with death.
• Don’t show too much PDA: Hand-holding is fine, but kissing and cuddling in public can make locals uncomfortable.

First-Time in Vietnam: Extra Advice

These are the little things that don’t always make it into guidebooks, but they can save you hassle on your first trip.

Stay Connected

• SIM card vs eSIM: Local SIMs are cheap and easy to buy at airports or phone shops. Viettel and Mobifone have the best coverage. If you’ve got an eSIM-compatible phone, you can even set it up before you land.
• Top tip: If you buy at the airport, double-check your data allowance. Shops in town often sell bigger packages for less.

Travel Insurance is a Must

Vietnam’s cities are safe, but motorbike accidents are common, and healthcare is expensive if you need private treatment. Make sure your insurance covers:

• Motorbike use (even as a passenger).
• Hospital stays abroad.
• Emergency evacuation (worst case).

Pack Light

Those charming narrow staircases in Hanoi guesthouses or the overnight train cabins don’t love giant suitcases. A lightweight backpack or small roller bag makes life a lot easier.

• Extra tip: Quick-dry clothes are your best friend in Vietnam’s humid climate.

Expect the Unexpected

Buses run late, flights get delayed, street markets suddenly close for festivals. Build some wiggle room into your itinerary and you’ll enjoy the chaos much more.

Power & Plugs

• Voltage: 220V.
• Plugs: Mostly Type A, C, and F — two-pin round or flat plugs.
• Best solution: Bring a universal adapter so you’re covered.

FAQs About Traveling in Vietnam

Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, most travellers do. The easiest option is the official e-visa, which you should apply for online before you travel. Always use the official government portal (ending in .gov.vn) to avoid scams.

Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Generally, yes. Vietnam is welcoming and safe for solo travellers too. The main issues are petty scams (like taxi tricks) and chaotic traffic — nothing a bit of common sense can’t handle.

What’s the best time to visit Vietnam?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are usually best for weather across the whole country. But remember: north, central, and south Vietnam all have their own climates.

➡️ Want to plan your trip around sunshine or festivals? Don’t miss my guide to the Best Time to Visit Vietnam.

Can you drink the tap water in Vietnam?
No — stick to bottled or filtered water. Refill stations are common in hostels and cafés if you want to avoid plastic waste.

What about street food — is it safe?
Absolutely, and it’s a highlight of any trip. Choose busy stalls with lots of locals, and your food will almost always be fresh.

How do I get around Vietnam?
For long distances, flying is quickest. For scenic routes like Hue to Da Nang, the train is unbeatable. In cities, Grab (the local Uber) is your safest bet.

Final Thoughts on Traveling in Vietnam

Vietnam is one of those places that rewards you for slowing down, eating well, and embracing the chaos. From steaming bowls of phở on tiny plastic stools to the thrill of crossing a scooter-packed street, it’s a country that’s endlessly exciting — and occasionally overwhelming. But with a few insider tips under your belt, you’ll navigate it like a pro.