Travel Tips for Vietnam: Everything Nobody Tells You

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.
Why work with a travel advisor?
Skip the endless hours of research and second-guessing. As your travel advisor, we transform the overwhelming planning process into a seamless experience, drawing from years of firsthand exploration and cultivated relationships with premier properties and local experts. We are your north star to discover the hidden gems and unique experiences that truly make a journey memorable.
Got Your Own Travel Game Plan?
I get it—sometimes you want to handle the bookings yourself. While you won’t score those exclusive perks, here are my tried-and-tested booking platforms I personally recommend. Just Want the Hotel Perks? I‘ll book your hotel with all those juicy extras (hello, free breakfast and spa credits)—and you handle the rest of your itinerary. Zero pressure, maximum benefits. Simple as that. Contact us now
This site contains product affiliate links, and I may get a commission, which costs you nothing extra. see more resources here

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.

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.
Join the newsletter
Don’t miss out on the latest travel intel & guides

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):
- 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
- Gold Shops
- Typical rate: 25.5k-25.63k VND
- Pro tip: Shop around within the same street
- Negotiate rates for $100 bills
- 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

Communication & Connectivity travel tips in Vietnam
Essential phone Apps for vietnam
- Grab (Transportation)
- Translation Apps
- Google Translate (download Vietnamese offline)
- Photo translation for menus
- Currency exchange app
- XE currency (was my go to)
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

Other Transport travel guide for vietnam
- Overnight Buses
- 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

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
- Good travel insurance
- Quality rain gear
- Decent walking shoes
- Local SIM card
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:
Unlock my secret weapon for exploring Vietnam—
My meticulously curated Google Maps Location Pins was born from countless hours wandering these ancient streets. I’ve mapped every must-visit spot from this guide (plus dozens of hidden gems I couldn’t squeeze into the article), pinpointing precise locations of those easy-to-miss temple entrances and local-favorite restaurants. After testing this across multiple trips, I swear by this digital companion—simply tap any pin and let Google Maps guide you seamlessly between Vietnam layers. Skip the typical first-timer frustrations and navigate like an insider, with all my hard-won research right in your pocket.
[ READY TO dIVE DEEPER ?]
Vietnam travel
Travel guide & articles
Click to open the tab see more resources here