15 Helpful Travel Tips for Vietnam
In preparation for traveling to Vietnam, here’s a list of 15 travel tips to help you adjust to your new surroundings and prevent culture shock while traveling in Vietnam.
This list of travel tips will help you stress less and easily prepare for your dream trip to Vietnam. Vietnam can feel chaotic and appear a little rough around the edges, especially if it is your first time in Southeast Asia. To maximize your experience, you have to dive in and go with the flow. The chaos will dissipate and the jetlag will pass. During your trip to Vietnam you will experience different ways of living, that is the beauty of travel. Always keep an open mind to new experiences.
Travel Tips for Vietnam
1. The motorbike traffic is lawless (not literally, but it seems like it)
Vietnam streets are a spectacle of motorbikes. You will see motorbikes carrying large loads of goods and produce, families of five balancing with a baby held in a lap, and everything in between. The motorbikes bob and weave through traffic like a skilled boxer. The entire scene is impressive.
How to cross the street as a pedestrian
As a pedestrian crossing the street, you will need to summon a little bravery. Pedestrian right-of-way laws do not apply here. The key is to start walking assertively and the traffic will move around you. Don’t abruptly stop and keep your pace as you walk. It’s helpful to walk beside a local and let them lead the way. After a few crossings you will be a lot more comfortable with the synchronized dance of motorbikes and traffic.
2. Honking is normal (and nonstop)
The honking culture in Vietnam is totally different than in the United States where it can be perceived as abrasive. Honking is a courtesy in Vietnam to help with the flow of traffic and to let others know you are behind, beside, approaching, etc. Frequent honking is for safety, no need to get startled over it.
3. Vietnamese coffee is strong (very grateful for this)
Jet lag, what?! Traditional Vietnamese coffee is served via a dripper and with sweetened condensed milk, so good! Another option is the popular Vietnamese egg coffee, it has a really creamy foam top similar to a foamy cappuccino. You must try both while traveling to Vietnam!
4. Prepare for squat toilets and bidets (pack tissues and hand sanitizer)
Most tourist hotels and areas will have western style toilets. However, the toilet situation may occasionally be different than what you are used to. Different isn’t bad, it’s just a new experience. Squat style toilets are more likely to be found in areas that aren’t catered to tourists.
In public places toilet paper is not always guaranteed, so plan to keep a pack of tissues with you when you are out and about or try the “bum gun” (bidet). It’s also rare to find hand soap and paper towels in a public bathroom, so pack your own hand sanitizer!
5. Airport “paparazzi” (for lack of better words)
Never did I imagine that I would be swarmed by a small group of men asking to shake my hand, kiss my cheek, and to take photos with me while waiting in line to check into my flight, but it happened. After several selfies, handshakes, and complete loss of personal space I finally had to declare, “no more pictures, please.” That was my one and only 15 minutes of fame. 😂 This was a completely unexpected, confusing, and hilarious situation. I’m not sure how common this is, but you can expect some stares if you are a foreigner traveling in Vietnam and maybe even your own “paparazzi” moment.
6. You may encounter a street table or butcher selling dog meat (thit chó)
While aimlessly wandering around Hanoi I was startled to see dogs skinned and roasted with face and tail still intact laid out for sale. This was the biggest culture shock I encountered while in Vietnam. Regardless of what your beliefs are and how triggered you may feel, always be respectful because eating dog meat is a part of Vietnamese culture. I visited Vietnam in 2018, and since then it’s been reported in the news that authorities are attempting to ban the sale of dog meat and overall consumption is declining.
7. Don’t drink tap water (that includes ice)
Think before you drink or you may have to deal with unwanted stomach issues and diarrhea. Vietnam is considered a developing country. The water is not safe to drink. Check with your hotel to see if they offer filtered drinking water or buy a pack of bottled water to keep you hydrated. Another option is to plan ahead and buy a water bottle purifier, great to travel with and much better than buying plastic!
8. Try to plan your trip around Vietnam’s rainy season (avoid monsoons)
If you want to maximize your time for outdoor adventures it will be best to plan around Vietnam’s rainy season to avoid monsoons. Vietnam’s summer runs from May through October and you can expect it to be hot and humid with increased rain. The climate and weather patterns across the country vary due to the country’s long shape; but in general, the wettest months are July through September. The weather in Northern Vietnam is ideal November through April with lower temperatures and less rain.
I visited in January and although it was a little chilly, I was comfortable with layers and a jacket. I did not experience rain, but the sky was mostly gray and misty. If you are unable to travel to Vietnam during the dry season, it’s not a deal breaker…by all means, still go when you get the chance! Make sure to pack rain gear and have flexible plans for outdoor activities.
9. Slurping noodle noises are normal (and sometimes loud)
This was a weird one for me because I don’t enjoy the sound, but who am I to stop others from enjoying their food to the max? Besides assisting with cooling down the noodles, slurping indicates you enjoy the food and experience. Don’t hold back if you feel inclined to slurp.
10. You need a visa to enter Vietnam (not the credit card)
This process initially seems confusing, but let me help to make it simple. A standard visa is valid for a single entry into the country for 30 days. Other options for an increased fee include a 3 month single entry or a multiple entry visa for 1 or 3 months. I did the Visa on arrival process so I will speak from my experience, but I believe it’s possible to apply for the full visa in advance but you will need to do your own research on that process.
How to get your travel visa for Vietnam
The first step to apply online for a visa on arrival is to pay a service fee and complete an online application for a pre-approved visa letter before your trip. It usually takes between 3-5 business days to receive your approval letter via email. The pre-approval letter looks a little confusing because it will have the names of other people who also applied, very weird, but as long as your name is on it you are good. Some sites will allow you to pay a small fee for a “private” approval letter, this may be a good option if you value your privacy, but it’s not necessary. I recommend doing this well in advance in case processing takes longer than expected. Print the approval letter and bring it with you.
You will complete the next step at the airport upon arriving in Vietnam. Before going through immigration you must stop at the Visa counter, look for signs to direct you to the counter. Here you will provide your approval letter, 2 passport photos, your passport, and pay the stamping fee. You must bring cash to pay the stamping fee, the price is $25 USD (they accept VND and USD). Depending on how long the line is, the process should take about 15-30 minutes.
There are lots of different sites for the visa process and some state that visa on arrival is not currently available due to the pandemic, so please read all current guidelines.
- Vietnam Visa Online Application Form
- Vietnam evisa – National portal on Immigration
- Vietnam Visa On Arrival 2022 [UPDATED] – Can I Apply for a Visa on Arrival to Vietnam Now?
- Vietnam Visa Online Application FormiVisa.com
11. You may see animal slaughter and food preparation happening in the streets (brace yourself)
Vietnam is a developing country and food preparation often happens in the street, “farm to table” if you will. In the United States, most of us are separated from where our food comes from and the preparation and handling process that takes place in order to get meat to grocery stores and on plates.
In Vietnam, the people appear to be very connected to their food source, and I think that’s positive. Because they aren’t shipping animals off to a slaughter house, it’s normal to butcher a pig in your backyard or have a dead chicken hanging upside down right outside your door…I witnessed both in the rural areas.
I also watched a group of people cleaning out animal intestines in a lake. It was quite a sight, but then again, it’s all perspective. At the end of the day, people gotta eat, no judgment. If this bothers you, I suggest skipping the meat and opting for vegetarian dishes. After seeing dog meat for sale and the handling of intestines, meat was not appealing to me and I made the switch.
12. A smile is universal language
Vietnamese people are known to smile to express positive and negative emotions and to aid with non-verbal communication. This is helpful if you cannot speak Vietnamese; smile to greet others and smile as a thank you. A smile is multifaceted and can be used in almost every situation.
13. Pho for breakfast (noodles all day)
Traditional Vietnamese breakfast dishes are savory, but don’t expect any cheese. A bowl of hot soup is common, which is really comforting in the colder months. Pho is the national dish of Vietnam and is not only popular for breakfast, it’s available to eat anytime of the day. Prepare to have noodles or rice with all meals.
If you love eggs for breakfast, try to find banh mi with fried eggs. Hotels generally cater to tourists and offer things you might find at a western continental breakfast such as fruit, yogurt, and breads as well as traditional Vietnamese breakfast dishes.
14. Pack a bandana or mask to help with pollution inhalation
It’s easy to say that smog checks aren’t a thing in Vietnam. You will be subjected to exhaust fumes anytime you’re around traffic and motorbikes. Take a hint from the locals and protect your lungs and skin. They’ve been rocking masks and face bandanas long before the pandemic. Also, don’t forget to wash your face after spending a day out in traffic or heavily congested areas…your skin will thank you.
15. Vietnamese street food is an experience (top notch)
Vietnam is widely known for its street food culture. You will see people coming together to enjoy meals sitting on miniature plastic chairs on sidewalks around the city. You cannot travel all the way to Vietnam and skip out on the street food experience. Give it a try!
As I sat roadside on a little plastic chair, I was not exactly sure what I ordered. Hygiene concerns briefly crossed my mind as I watched soup ladled into my bowl. I was unsure how well the bowls were cleaned between uses and I was likely inhaling exhaust fumes with the food. In that moment I decided I did not care, I was fully living…and the food was amazing.
This type of experience, a feeling that is slightly outside of my comfort zone, is the type of travel experience I seek. It is how you make memories and experience culture.
Hopefully a few of these travel tips will stick with you during your Vietnam adventures. Feel free to reach out if you have additional questions or if you’ve traveled to Vietnam before, comment below any additional travel tips you would like to add!
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