Planning your first trip to Vietnam? These are the common mistakes tourists make in Vietnam and the simple travel tips that will help you avoid them.
Vietnam has an ever-growing tourism industry, with people travelling from all over the world to experience its culture, food, landscapes and way of life. However, compared to many Western countries, Vietnam has very different systems and ways of doing things. If you are not prepared, a few small mistakes can quickly make your trip more stressful than it needs to be.
As two people who have lived in Ho Chi Minh City for more than a year, and with advice from others who have lived here even longer, these are our best tips to help make your trip to Vietnam as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
In Vietnam, getting around with Grab, the Southeast Asian alternative to Uber, is very easy. Before you leave home, make sure you download the app and connect your bank card so you can use it as soon as you land.
This will help you get out of the airport and start your trip quickly, without the stress of negotiating with taxi drivers outside arrivals. In most cases, Grab is easier, more trustworthy and cheaper than taking a random taxi from the airport.
For more information on transport in Vietnam, you can read our full guide here: Getting Around Vietnam: Complete Travel Guide.
2. Exchanging Money at the Airport
You will definitely need cash in Vietnam. Bigger stores and most sit-down restaurants usually accept card payments without any problems, but street vendors, local markets, small restaurants and smaller shops will often only accept cash.
Most ATMs in Vietnam charge a small fee, but this is usually much better than exchanging money at the airport. The best ATM we have found is VPBank, which usually charges between 0 and 10,000 VND, which is less than $1.
It is a good idea to have some cash on you at all times, especially if you plan on eating street food, shopping at markets or travelling outside the main tourist areas.
3. Underestimating Travel Times in Vietnam
Google Maps works well for directions in Vietnam, but the estimated travel times are not always reliable. Travel time can change a lot depending on whether you are travelling by car or motorbike, as well as traffic, weather, events, roadworks or even how fast your driver goes.
If you have a relaxed schedule, this usually is not a big problem. However, if you have a strict booking, tour, flight, train or bus to catch, make sure you give yourself plenty of extra time.
4. Drinking Tap Water in Vietnam
You should not drink tap water in Vietnam. This is not usually because it will make you instantly sick, but because of concerns about water quality, including heavy metals. Even locals do not usually drink water directly from the tap.
The good news is that bottled water is cheap and easy to find. You can usually buy a bottle for less than $1 from convenience stores, supermarkets, cafes and street vendors.
You also do not need to be too worried about drinks or ice in most tourist areas, as local businesses are used to serving tourists and usually use safe drinking water and ice for customers.
5. Trying to Cross Roads Like You Would at Home
If you have seen anything online about Vietnam, you have probably seen the traffic. The roads can look like complete chaos at first, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
When crossing the road, wait until your first few steps are clear, then walk slowly and steadily. Do not suddenly stop, run or change direction, as drivers are usually watching your pace and moving around you.
It also helps to make eye contact with drivers in the lane closest to you. The easiest trick, especially when you are new to Vietnam, is to cross alongside a local person and follow their lead.
6. Booking Too Much Into Your Vietnam Itinerary
Planning a Vietnam itinerary can quickly turn into a wild goose chase because there is so much to see and do. It is tempting to pack every day full of activities, but this can make your trip feel rushed and stressful.
If you are short on time, try to plan your days around one area instead of travelling back and forth across the city. Give yourself some spare time in the day in case you are slowed down by traffic, rain, heat or simply needing a break.
Vietnam is much more enjoyable when you have time to slow down, explore properly and enjoy the little moments along the way.
7. Not Checking Vietnam Visa Requirements Early Enough
Before travelling to Vietnam, make sure you check the visa requirements for your passport. The rules can be different depending on your nationality, how long you are staying and how you are entering the country.
You should leave yourself plenty of time to apply for your visa if you need one. Be especially careful if you are travelling around Lunar New Year, known as Tet, as visa processing can be delayed during this period.
Do not leave your visa until the last minute, as this is one of the easiest ways to create unnecessary stress before your trip.
8. Expecting Vietnam to Work Like Western Countries
Vietnam works in its own unique way, and that is part of what makes it such an interesting place to visit. You might see hot bowls of pho being delivered by motorbike, haircuts happening in trailers or entire families travelling together on one scooter.
The best thing you can do is be open-minded and go with the flow. Not everything will work exactly how you are used to, but that does not mean it is wrong.
If you are worried about being scammed or unsure about the quality of a place, look around and see how many locals are there. A busy local spot is often a good sign.
9. Not Having Mobile Data or an eSIM Ready
10. Only Visiting One or Two Places in Vietnam
Vietnam is an amazing country for so many reasons, but understanding how things work before you arrive can make your trip so much smoother.
If you are planning a longer trip around Vietnam, you can read our full guide here: Want to Make a Trip Out of It? Vietnam Travel Ideas.
Download Grab, carry cash, give yourself extra travel time, avoid drinking tap water and try not to overpack your itinerary. Most importantly, listen to locals, be patient, stay organised and get ready to enjoy one of our favourite countries in the world.
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