Travel Tips for Vietnam: Everything Nobody Tells You

hanoi best area to stay

After spending three weeks zigzagging through every corner of Vietnam—from the chaotic streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay—I’ve got some intel for you. Not just the usual tourist tips, but the nitty-gritty details that can make or break your trip. This guide combines my personal experiences with insights from other long-term travelers to give you the most comprehensive travel tips for the Vietnam playbook possible.

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 First-Timer’s Travel Tips for Vietnam: Everything Nobody Tells You

Part 1: Essential Pre-Trip vietnam travel tips & Intel

What do I need to do before traveling to Vietnam? if you’re visiting Vietnam for the first time you need to know the Vietnam travel requirements (they do change so make sure your all good before assuming you are)

Vietnam Visa Requirements (Start 4-6 Weeks Out)

Here’s the thing about Vietnamese visas — they’re particular. Like, really particular.

Timeline You Actually Need:

  • 6 weeks out: Start research
  • 5 weeks out: Gather documents
  • 4 weeks out: Submit application
  • 2-3 weeks out: Follow up

Insider Tip: They rejected my husband’s e-visa over a hotel address typo. Every. Single. Detail. Matters.

hanoi weather best time to visit hanoi

Part 2: Money tips for traveling to vietnam 

when things don’t go according to plan. Stay flexible, stay curious, and let Vietnam surprise you.

Do you tip in Vietnam?

For hotel bell boys, tour guides, and services in Vietnam 10k 50K VND is usually standard. For food, tip is not expected.

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Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/travel-tips-for-vietnam/

Using Credit Card in Vietnam

  • 3-5% credit card fee in most places
  • Always ask about fees before handing over your card
  • Some high-end restaurants waive fees for large bills
  • Many places advertise card acceptance but machines “broken”

ATM in Vietnam

  • Avoid small ATMs in tourist areas (lower limits, higher fees)
  • Stick to major banks: Vietcombank, BIDV, VietinBank
  • Maximum withdrawal usually 2-3M VND per transaction
  • Some ATMs charge 50-100k VND per withdrawal

Security Insights

  • Bag snatching more common than pickpocketing
  • Keep phone secure when using street-side
  • Use indoor ATMs when possible
  • Photo ID copy separate from original

Daily Budget in Vietnam Examples:

Budget ($30-50/day)

  • Hostel: 200k VND
  • Street food: 100k VND
  • Local transport: 100k VND
  • Activities: 200k VND

Mid-range ($50-100/day)

  • Hotel: 600k VND
  • Mix of street/restaurant food: 300k VND
  • Transport: 200k VND
  • Activities: 400k VND

Haggling in Vietnam 

Remember: 10,000 VND means more to locals than to you. Real examples:

  • Fair price for market t-shirt: 80-120k VND
  • Reasonable souvenir price range: 50-150k VND
  • When to stop: If the difference is less than 50k VND

Best Exchange rates in Vietnam Options + where to exchange money in vietnam (In Order):

  1. Casinos
    • Example: Crown Casino, Da Nang
    • Rate observed: 25.8k VND per USD
    • Requirements: Pristine bills only (they rejected my $100 for a tiny mark)
    • Must bring passport
  2. Gold Shops
    • Typical rate: 25.5k-25.63k VND
    • Pro tip: Shop around within the same street
    • Negotiate rates for $100 bills
  3. Banks
    • Usually worst rates but safest option
    • Typically 2-3% below market rate

Should I carry cash in Vietnam?

Yes, absolutely cash is still king at all street vendors and markets. Here are the best areas to exchange money in Vietnam

hanoi coffee shops vieetnam

Communication & Connectivity travel tips in Vietnam

Essential phone Apps for vietnam

  1. Grab (Transportation)
    • Install before arrival
    • Works in all major cities
    • Example prices:
      • Airport to HCMC District 1: 200k VND
      • Da Nang to Hoi An: 350k VND
      • Short city ride: 30k-50k VND
  2. Translation Apps
  3. Currency exchange app

Internet Access and wifi in Vietnam 

  • Free WiFi everywhere (even in Ba Na Hills!)
  • Phone Carrier coverage in VIetnam:
    • T-Mobile Magenta plans Free data/texting. But in my experience, it is very spotty and not reliable.
    • Other carriers: Check international plans
  • Options for Local SIM card in Vietnam:
    • Viettel: Best coverage
    • Vinaphone: Good city coverage
    • Typical cost: 200k VND for 30 days
    • Esim from Airalo or Ubigi or a pocket wifi is best

tips for traveling in vietnam On-the-Ground Navigation in Vietnam

Transportation in Vietnam Deep Dive

Using Grab in vietnam:

  • Payment options:
    • Cash (preferred, often cheaper)
    • Card (sometimes 4 USD surcharge)
    • Airport surcharge exists
    • save the driver’s number in Whatsapp and text them for rides this gives them business without the grab fees and in return they give you a discount. 
    • Real prices:
    • Airport to HCMC D1: 200k vs 400k VND (traditional taxi)
    • Da Nang to Hoi An: 350k vs 500k VND
hanoi old quarter

Other Transport travel guide for vietnam

  1. Overnight Buses
    • Example route: Hanoi to Sapa
    • Cost: 200k-400k VND
    • Pro tip: Book in front of the bottom deck, from my experience avoid overnight busses, trains are far more superior and comfortable!
  2. Trains
    • Example: Hanoi to HCMC
    • Duration: 30-40 hours
    • Cost: 1.2M-2M VND
    • Sleeper cabins available

Domestic Flight Hacks

  • Water bottles allowed through security (unlike most countries)
  • Don’t put batteries/power banks in checked luggage
  • Vietnam Airlines lounges often accept Priority Pass
  • Book early morning flights (fewer delays)

Bus & Train Intel

  • Sleeper buses: Book front of upper deck
  • Train soft seats often better value than sleeper for day trips
  • Download offline maps before mountain routes
  • Motion sickness common – bring medication

Part 3: Dining Culture in Vietnam

Vietnam Street Food Safety Guide

  • Is ice in Vietnam ok?
  • Ice is commercial and safe
  • Ice is generally safe in VIetnam (commercial production)
  • Look for busy stalls with high turnover
  • Peak hours: 6-8am, 11am-1pm, 6-8pm

Restaurant Tips for Vietnam

  • Wet wipes often charged (15k VND)
  • “Free” appetizers might be charged
  • Waters is not free
    • Bottle water cost: 15k-30k VND
    • Iced tea often cheaper
    • Order trà đá (iced tea) instead of water

Real Food Prices in Vietnam:

  • Banh mi: 15k-35k VND
  • Phở: 35k-70k VND
  • Street coffee: 15k-25k VND
  • Restaurant coffee: 30k-60k VND

Restaurant Hacks in Vietnam

  • Wet wipes often charged (15k VND)
  • Can you drink tap water in Vietnam
    • No, there isn’t free tap water at restaurants and if there is it isn’t recommended you drink it. 
  • Water isn’t free
  • Better option: Order trà đá (iced tea)
  • Credit card fees: 7-10% common
  • Always ask about card fees before ordering
  • Should I bring a water bottle to Vietnam?
    • yes, we did and it made keeping cold water easier. i’d recommend bringing a smaller bottle and not a 42 oz as you’ll have to hold it around and it’s heavy

Travel in Vietnam tips: How to avoid getting sick in Vietnam

  • Bring basic remedies
  • Pharmacy backup is available everywhere
  • recommendations:
    • Charcoal tablets
    • motion sickness meds
    • Imoodium
    • Travelen
    • Increase spicy food intake (really works!)
  • Can I brush my teeth with water in Vietnam?
    • yes, it’s safe. I had no issues on my three week trip

Hidden Restaurant Costs

  • Wet wipes: 15k VND each
  • Water: 15-30k VND per bottle
  • “Free” appetizers might be charged
  • Tea often free (but ask first)

Part 4: Cultural Navigation in Vietnam

Essential Vietnamese Phrases:

Hello: Xin chào (sin chow)

Thank you: Cảm ơn (cam un)

How much?: Bao nhiêu? (bow nyew)

No: Không (khom)

Yes: Có (caw)

Excuse me: Xin lỗi (sin loy)

Things to avoid in vietnam: Cultural Do’s & Don’ts in Vietnam

  • Remove shoes entering homes/some businesses
  • Dress modestly for temples
  • Use both hands to pass objects
  • Don’t touch people’s heads
  • Point with whole hand, not finger
hanoi train street photos , hanoi train street schedule

Cultural Navigation Pro Tips Do and don’ts in Vietnam

Temple Etiquette

  • Cover shoulders AND knees
  • Remove hats as well as shoes
  • Walk clockwise around Buddhist shrines
  • Point feet away from Buddha images/altars

Local Interaction

  • Learn basic phrases with correct tones
  • “Hello” (Xin chào) goes a long way
  • Download a photo translation app
  • Smile – it’s universal

Part 6: Accommodation in Vietnam Deep Dive 

Hotel & Homestay Reality Check

Let’s talk real prices and what you actually get:

Budget Options (200k-500k VND/night)

  • Hostels in Hanoi Old Quarter: 200-300k VND
  • Guesthouses in HCMC District 1: 300-400k VND
  • What you get:
    • Clean room
    • Usually AC
    • Often includes breakfast
    • Free WiFi (everywhere has it)

Mid-Range (500k-1.5M VND/night)

  • Da Nang beachfront: 800k-1.2M VND
  • Hoi An Ancient Town: 600k-1M VND
  • Includes:
    • Full amenities
    • Pool access
    • Breakfast buffet
    • Better location

Advanced Accommodation Tips

Booking Strategy

  • Book first night only
  • Negotiate discounts for 3+ nights
  • Ask to see room before commitment
  • Check air con during room viewing

Location Intel

  • Main road = noise in all cities
  • Back alleys often better value
  • Check flood risk in Hoi An
  • Higher floors = less street noise/better views

Pro Tip: Don’t get your room cleaned daily unless needed. When you do, leave a tip with this exact Vietnamese note: “Cảm ơn bạn đã dọn phòng cho tôi” (Thank you for cleaning my room) Typical tip: 50,000 VND

Smart Shopping & Packing in Vietnam

The “Pack Light” Reality

Here’s exactly what you need vs. what to buy there:

Bring Only:

  • 5 days of basics
  • Good walking shoes
  • Essential medications
  • Basic toiletries

Buy There (With Real Prices):

  • Dry-fit shirts: 100-150k VND each
  • Shorts: 80-120k VND
  • Casual dresses: 150-200k VND
  • Real examples from markets:
    • 2 sets in Saigon: 500k VND total
    • 2 sets in Da Nang’s Con Market: 400k VND total

Laundry Services in Vietnam

  • Average cost: 30k VND/kg
  • Turnaround time: 24 hours
  • Quality: Excellent, returned folded
  • Available: Literally everywhere

Regional-Specific Intel

North Vietnam (Hanoi/Sapa)

  • Old Quarter navigation:
    • Get lost intentionally
    • Use landmarks, not street names
    • Google Maps works offline
  • Expect 15-20°C temperature swings
  • Rain can last days in mountains
  • Book Sapa trains/buses 2-3 days ahead
  • Haggle more in Hanoi than HCMC

Sapa Tips:

  • Book homestays directly or far advance online on booking.com
  • Hiking gear rentals available
  • Weather changes rapidly

Central Vietnam (Hoi An/Da Nang)

  • Floods can last days – book flexible
  • Tailor scams common – get recommendations
  • Beach best early morning/late afternoon
  • Food prices higher in Ancient Town

South Vietnam (HCMC/Mekong)

  • Prepare for sudden rain May-Oct
  • Higher prices than north generally
  • More English spoken than north
  • Mekong tours better private than group

Vietnam Airport & Travel Hacks

Domestic Flights

  • Water allowed through security
  • No batteries in checked bags
  • Priority Pass lounge access even with economy tickets
  • Vietnam Airlines lounge access possible with PP

Transportation Options in Vietnam

Grab vs. Traditional Taxis:

  • Airport to HCMC D1: 200k vs 400k VND
  • Da Nang to Hoi An: 350k vs 500k VND
  • Always choose Grab for reliability and not to get scammed

Last-Minute Vietnam travel Tips That Matter

Time-Saving Hacks

  • Pre-download offline translation
  • Screenshot hotel address in Vietnamese
  • Save emergency numbers in phone
  • Keep small bills for taxis/street food

Things Worth Paying For

Remember: These aren’t just tips—they’re hard-won lessons from actual experience. Each one represents something I either learned the hard way or was infinitely grateful someone told me about.

Last Words: The Real Truth

Vietnam isn’t just about following tips and tricks – it’s about understanding you’re a guest in someone’s home. Be kind, be patient, and remember that every interaction is a chance to learn something new about this incredible country.

The Ultimate Pro Tip: Vietnam rewards those who come prepared but stay flexible. The best experiences often happen when you least expect them, so keep these tips in your back pocket but don’t let them stop you from saying yes to unexpected adventures.

Before diving in:

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