Traveling to Vietnam for the first time? Get ready for amazing food, chaotic traffic, beautiful scenery, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. It’s an unforgettable country, but it can feel a little overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. These practical tips are very useful to help you prepare for traveling in Vietnam, especially for the first time. Expect delicious Vietnamese food and some of the best coffee in the world, but don’t forget to prepare the things you will need in Vietnam.
10 Travel Tips for Your Vietnam Trip
1. Learn to Cross the Street
Traffic looks terrifying at first, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Trick: walk slowly and steadily, don’t run or stop suddenly. Motorbikes will flow around you.
2. Always Bring Cash (Small Bills Matter)
Vietnam uses Vietnamese Dong (VND) and you’ll often deal with large numbers.
• Carry small bills for taxis, street food, and markets
• Many local places don’t accept cards
• ATMs are easy to find in cities
3. Use Grab Instead of Random Taxis
Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) is the safest and easiest way to get around.
- Clear prices (no bargaining)
- Avoid taxi scams
- Works for cars and motorbikes
4. Don’t Overpack Your Luggage
You’ll move around a lot, and sidewalks, stairs, and older buildings aren’t suitcase-friendly. Pack light, breathable clothes, comfy walking shoes, and leave space for souvenirs.
5. Don’t Overpack Your Schedule
Travel between cities can take longer than you expect. Vietnam looks small on the map but distances add up. Pick fewer places and enjoy them properly.
6. Street Food Is Safe (With One Rule)
Vietnamese street food is incredible and usually safe.
Look for: busy stalls with high turnover and locals eating there.
7. Check the Weather by Region
Vietnam’s weather changes from north to south:
• North (Hanoi, Sapa): cooler winters, misty mountains
• Central (Da Nang, Hoi An): typhoon season around Sep–Nov
• South (HCMC, Phu Quoc): hot year-round, heavy tropical rain
Pack light clothes + a rain jacket.
8. Always Bargain But Politely
At markets, bargaining is normal.
• Smile
• Offer lower than the first price
• Don’t be aggressive, keep it friendly
9. Watch Out for Common Tourist Scams
Vietnam is safe, but be aware of:
• Taxi meters running “too fast”
• Shoe shining scams in big cities
• Overpriced souvenirs in tourist markets
If something feels off, just walk away.
10. Respect Local Culture
• Dress modestly at temples (covered shoulders & knees)
• Remove shoes when entering homes or some shops
• Don’t touch someone’s head (culturally sensitive)
Must-Try Vietnamese Food and Coffee
Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and full of herbs.
Pho – Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, usually with beef or chicken
Banh Mi – A French-influenced sandwich with meats, pâté, pickles, and herbs
Bun Cha – Grilled pork with rice noodles and dipping sauce (a Hanoi specialty)
Goi Cuon – Fresh spring rolls with shrimp, herbs, and rice paper
Com Tam – Broken rice served with grilled pork, egg, and pickles (popular in the south)
Bun Bo Hue – Spicy beef noodle soup from Central Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee producers, and its coffee culture is unique.
Ca Phe Sua Da – Strong iced coffee with sweet condensed milk
Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung) – A Hanoi specialty made with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk
Coconut Coffee – Blended coffee with coconut cream, perfect for hot days
Black Vietnamese Coffee – Strong, bold, and served drip-style using a metal filter
What to Prepare Before Visiting Vietnam
1. Visa & Entry Requirements
Many travelers need a visa to enter Vietnam, while some nationalities qualify for visa exemptions. Always check the latest visa rules before your trip. E-visas are available for many countries and are easy to apply for online.
2. Mobile Data Setup
Having internet access is extremely important in Vietnam for booking rides, checking maps, and translating menus. Instead of relying on expensive roaming, install an eSIM before you leave so you’re connected the moment you land. Eskimo eSIM is now offering a free 500MB global data trial, which you can use in Vietnam.
3. Currency & Payments
Vietnam uses Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is still widely used, especially for street food, taxis, and local markets. ATMs are easy to find in cities, but carry small bills because many vendors don’t have change for large notes.
4. Travel Insurance
Medical care in major cities is good, but accidents can happen, especially with motorbike traffic and outdoor activities. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
5. Pack for the Climate
Vietnam’s weather varies by region:
- North can be cool in winter
- Central Vietnam has rainy and typhoon seasons
- South is hot and humid year-round
Light, breathable clothing is best for most of the country. Sunscreen is a MUST because the tropical sun can be extremely strong, even on cloudy days. Mosquito repellent is also essential, especially in the evenings, near water, or in rural and mountainous areas where mosquitoes are common. Don’t forget a light rain jacket or poncho for sudden tropical downpours.
FAQs
Is Vietnam safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Vietnam is generally very safe, including for solo travelers. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft like pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas, so stay aware of your belongings.
Can you drink tap water in Vietnam?
No, tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water, which is cheap and widely available.
Are public toilets easy to find?
Public toilets are not always available on the street, but you can usually use restrooms in cafés, shopping malls, or restaurants. Carry small tissues just in case.
What kind of transportation is used between cities?
Travelers often use domestic flights, trains, or sleeper buses to move between major cities. Flights save time, while trains offer scenic views, especially in central Vietnam.
