15 Vietnam Travel Tips To Make Your Trip Great

The one place where everyone seems to be planning a vacation seems to be Vietnam. According to the National Statistics Office, 2.05 million tourists visited Vietnam in March 2025, which was 29% more compared to the same period last year. It’s no surprise (not just because of great flight connectivity and feasible visa policies); but also because Vietnam is just the right mix of ancient culture, natural beauty and fast-paced modern life. To make the most of this Southeast Asian marvel, you’ll need more than just a good itinerary – and that is why we have an exhaustive and comprehensive list of Vietnam travel tips to help you have the time of your life!

When I first landed in Vietnam, I had no idea what I was in for, but some Vietnam travel tips would’ve saved me a lot of rookie mistakes! If I could describe Vietnam as a dish, I would call it a ‘bowl of pho’; it’s spicy, layered and unforgettable! It doesn’t matter if you’re a solo traveler exploring Da Hang or if you’re out in Hanoi sipping on egg coffee with your friends, Vietnam has a little something for everyone.

15 Useful Tips When Traveling To Vietnam

If visiting Vietnam is on your to-do-list, then apart from a valid visa you also need some advice and recommendations to ensure you enjoy the trip and come back with a host of memories. I feel the worst thing to feel after a vacation is the regret of missing out on important things to do or inability to comprehend and blend in the local culture and activities brimming with adventure. To navigate your vacation to Vietnam with ease and confidence, read on.

1. First, the Vietnam Visa

2. Plan your itinerary wisely

Vietnam is deceptively big and so, you need to plan your itinerary accordingly. The country stretches over 1,650 km (1,025 miles) from the Chinese border in the north all the way down to the Mekong Delta in the south. And here’s the catch—transport can be slow. Whether you’re taking a scenic train or a long-haul bus, getting from one end of the country to the other takes time.

So, don’t try to do it all! Try to cover one region:

• North: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long/Bai Tu Long Bay, and Sapa or Ha Giang.
• South: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, and nearby beach escapes like Vung Tau or Phu Quoc.
• Central: Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, and a quick trip to the Marble Mountains.

3. Pack the right clothes for Vietnam

Vietnam’s weather is a mix of tropical and subtropical climates and owing to country’s long, narrow shape the weather varies considerably between north and south regions. You will need to pack your clothes depending on the time of the year when you are visiting the country and the places you are visiting.

This is one of the best dressing tips not just for women but for men also! If you go to a temple, make sure you cover your knees and shoulders. In these cases, a lightweight scarf/sarong can be a lifesaver —it works as a cover-up, blanket, and even a beach wrap.

Things not to do in Vietnam? Well, don’t wear a mini-skirt, tank top or shorts to a temple. Also, avoid excessive PDA and loud behavior. Lastly, remove your shoes when entering temples. 

If you’re planning to trek in the northwest (Sapa, Ha Giang) or a boat trip in HaLong Bay, be prepared for the rains in July and August. Pack a light raincoat or umbrella (you don’t have much to worry as it doesn’t rain all day). During these rainy months, avoid beach getaways in the North and South. However, central Vietnam’s beaches like Da Nang and Nha Trang are perfect for sunbathing at this time. 

Vietnam has water, a warm temperature and lush greenery, making it an ideal host for insects and mosquitoes as well. It is wise to carry bug sprays, mosquito repellants and some medicines to deal with any unwarranted situations.

4. Master the art of Bia Hoi 

Did you know that Vietnam ranks among the top 10 beer-consuming countries in the world¹? Yes, Bia Hoi (fresh beer) is quite integral to Vietnamese culture and can be your perfect ice-breaker to interact with locals! Expect to pay around 5,000 to 10,000 VND (yep, less than $0.50!).

A solo travel trip for you would be, “Don’t be shy!” Locals LOVE it when foreigners join in. A smile and a “Một, hai, ba, dzô!” (One, two, three, cheers!) goes a long way. Also, you can find Bia Hoi on busy Hanoi street corners. Don’t expect something fancy but definitely expect something fun! 

5. Visit Hanoi’s train street

This is not your average rail attraction! The 100-metre alley is filled with houses that have been converted into quaint little cafes (like Railway Cafe and 1977 Station Cafe). If you want to watch trains pass by, here’s the train schedule:

• From Monday to Friday: 8.50 AM; 9.20 AM; 11.45 AM; 3.20 PM; 9.20 PM; 10 PM
• On Weekends: Similar to the above schedule but more trains at 5.30 – 6.20 PM

Here’s an important Vietnam travel tip for first timers: Don’t sit and take pictures on railway tracks. Also, if you want to get the perfect view, go to one of the following spots:

• Along Phung Hung Street (most recommended)
• 05 Tran Phu Street, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• 224 Le Duan Street, Kham Thien, Dong Da, Hanoi

6. Avoid drinking tap water

When traveling around in Vietnam, you might be tempted to drink directly from the tap but please don’t! It’s a monsoon country and so, even the locals here boil water before drinking it. In fact, when I lived at my relative’s, I noticed that they have a machine to filter water to remove the smell and control the calcium content in it. 

So, here’s a useful tip for foreign visitors while traveling in Vietnam – Get large 20-liter water jugs from brands like Nestlé or Coca-Cola’s Dasani. These cost around 60,000 VND (~2.46 USD) for a 20-liter bottle. Smaller local companies provide similar jugs for about 17,000–25,000 VND (~$0.70–$1 USD). Otherwise, just google the words “Nước uống“(drinking water) or “Nước khoáng” (mineral water) and get it delivered at your doorstep.

7. Learn a few Vietnamese phrases

One of the smartest tips for traveling in Vietnam? Learn a few local words—it’s more fun than you think! Did you know that Vietnamese is a tonal language? For instance, the word “ma” can mean anything from ghost, mother, rice seedling, to horse—just depending on the tone. Wild, right? 

We aren’t asking you to learn full-fledged B2 level Vietnamese or carry around flashcards but learning a few basic greetings can go a long way. Locals truly appreciate it when travelers show respect for the language and culture—plus, it makes you stand out in the best way. Here are a few go-to phrases to keep in your back pocket:

• “Xin chào” (Hello)
• “Cảm ơn” (Thank you)
• “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much?)
• “Không” (No)
• “Tạm biệt” (Goodbye)

8. Use Grab app to avoid taxi scams

One of the smartest things to do in Vietnam is to avoid traditional taxis and use apps like Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber) for cars and motorbikes. Grab taxis are not only cost-effective but also cashless and safer. You can also use the app for food delivery (GrabFood) and package delivery (GrabExpress). 

Here are some additional tips to avoid taxi scams in Vietnam:

• Stick to reputable brands only: Use only Mai Linh or Vinasun taxis. Check the full logo + brand name—not just a similar-looking symbol.
• Verify taxi phone numbers: Mai Linh (08 38 38 38 38) and Vinasun (08 38 27 27 27); Scammers tweak these slightly (e.g. changing 27 to 77 or 38 to 54). Double-check the digits before hopping in.
• Look for driver ID and uniform: Legit taxis display a driver photo ID, name, license number, and uniform (usually a button-up shirt + tie).
• Check the car type and features: Real taxis are newer Toyota sedans, often with 4–7 seats. No meter? No go. Always ask the driver to start it.

9. Travel in overnight buses

If you want to save money, travel in an overnight train or sleeper bus. Book a fully horizontal berth for a restful night. For a scenic view, a train is a great option. Use sites like 12Go Asia to compare schedules, prices, and seat types—and book ahead during busy seasons. Just pack earplugs, an eye mask, and some snacks for a smooth ride.

Finally, the most important Vietnam travel tip would be: Say more “Yes” instead of “No”. Vietnam is the place where more magic happens when you go off script! So, come to this country with your most curious, respectful and fearless self. And it will surprise you with its delicious meals and cute chaos…So pack light, travel slow, laugh loud! Ready to ride the scooter of life?

10. Don’t travel on national holidays

The best time to visit Vietnam is from November to April, perfect for exploring everything from the rice terraces in the north to the beaches in the south. This is when the temperatures are most pleasant and the rainfall is minimal. Months like July are too hot, humid and rainy. So, if you love crisp mornings and clear skies, the winter months (December to February) are ideal.

However, one important thing to keep in mind—avoid traveling during Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Tết follows the lunar calendar, so the dates shift every year, typically falling between late January and mid-February. In 2026, Tết lands on Tuesday, February 17, and the holiday period can stretch for a week or more. While it’s a fascinating cultural event, it also brings transport chaos, inflated accommodation prices, and many restaurants and shops closing down.

11. Say “Yes” to street food

One of the tastiest tips for traveling in Vietnam? Follow your nose to the nearest food street stall! It’s time to forget fancy restaurants and enjoy the bites served from smoky grills on the sidewalks or from pushcarts tucked into alleyways. If you like to taste new things and have a thing or two for experimenting, tell the hawker to suggest you what to eat when in Vietnam and be blown away. This foody-tip can be tried anywhere in the world and people will be just too happy to not simply dole the usuals for you. Here are some must-try street foods in Vietnam:

• Bún chả – Grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce. A smoky, savory Hanoi legend (Price: 35,000–60,000 VND)
• Bánh mì – A crispy baguette loaded with pickled veggies, pâté, egg, or grilled meats (Price: 15,000–25,000 VND)
• Cà phê sữa đá – Iced Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. Strong, sweet, and shockingly addictive (Price: 20,000–35,000 VND)

Fun Fact: The late, great Anthony Bourdain once shared a table in Hanoi with Barack Obama, bonding over bún chả and beers. The cost of that iconic meal? Just 120,000 VND (around $6). Proof that some of the best dining experiences in the world come with plastic chairs and no reservation.

And if you are wondering whether you need to use chopsticks in Vietnam, the answer is YES. Practice the art at home, we’d suggest. In fact, this list of ‘Dos and Don’ts in Vietnam’ is incomplete without the basics of chopsticks etiquette. So, for starters, never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice (it’s a sign of bad luck). When sharing dishes (which is common), use the reverse ends of your chopsticks or ask for a separate serving pair to pass food to others.

12. Bargain like a pro

One of the most important tip for you as a tourist in Vietnam is to master the skill of bargaining. You will be shopping in the local markets in Vietnam, and bargaining is somewhat of a cultural experience. When shopping in Vietnam, don’t be afraid to negotiate!

But don’t forget to smile; it’s more like a game and less like a fight. Maintain a polite yet firm demeanor, and interact with the shopkeepers asking questions and in friendly banter. You can start by offering half the price and then meet the vendor somewhere in the middle. Walk away if the price doesn’t feel right; they might call you back. Nevertheless, your whole shopping experience will be thrilling if you bargain right, plus if you do get great deals, it is a skill learnt for life.

 13. Carry enough cash

One most important tip that we’d give to anyone traveling to Vietnam is to carry cash, in VND. Not to suggest that there are not enough ATMs or card swiping machines, but the remote, serene villages and the off-beat places to visit surely lack these facilities. Plus, bargaining and eating in street markets is best when you have cash in hand. Foreign currencies are only accepted at the high-end showrooms so having enough local currency in your wallet will enable you to enjoy the country with ease.

 14. Explore off-the-beaten-path spots

Sure, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are bursting with life, but some of the most unforgettable experiences in Vietnam happen far off the beaten path. In fact, one of the best Vietnam travel tips is this: leave the tourist trail behind once in a while. You’ll find more authentic food, jaw-dropping landscapes, and genuine connections with locals.

Here are a few things not to miss in Vietnam—especially if you’re craving adventure and a little peace and quiet:

• The Ha Giang Loop: Rent a motorbike or book a guided tour in this motorbike loop. Try the local “thắng cố” (a traditional H’mong stew) if you’re feeling brave!
• Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park: This UNESCO-listed wonderland is home to Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world. Not up for a multi-day cave trek? Explore Paradise Cave or Phong Nha Cave by boat.
• Bai Tu Long Bay: Ideal for peaceful kayaking, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the deck.

15. A note on safety when in Vietnam

Vietnam is largely a safe country despite its history of war, but then it is also your responsibility to not create situations that may warrant unpleasant experiences. Violent crimes are rare, but do not go around fanning your bills or fancy jewelry or expensive phones in lonely, deserted areas in the dead of the night.

Additionally, make sure you keep your essentials like wallet, passports, currency safely tucked in a bag. You can also make use of the lockers in your hotel.

Even though you might be offered drugs in bars/hostels, think twice; it’s not worth the risk! Vietnam has extremely strict drug laws. Even small amounts for personal use can land you in serious legal trouble, including jail time (and in some cases, even the death penalty). Consider saving the “green tourism” for Thailand, where marijuana has been decriminalized in certain forms.

Frequently Asked Questions On Traveling To Vietnam