If you love SE Asia but are into slightly more off-the-beaten-path destinations, Vietnam definitely doesn’t disappoint.
It is one gorgeous country to explore – there’s bustling cities, there’s rural countryside, there’s coastal gems and everything in between. And it only gets 10 around million tourists each year which, in comparison to places like Thailand (which receives triple that), means it’s a killer destination.
On my trip to Vietnam, I like to think I learned a lot about the colorful, beautiful culture and country. Here are some essential things I think are worth knowing before any trip there.
1. Don’t Forget to Sort Out Your Visa
Many countries in Asia require visas for entry, but many of these visas can be sorted upon landing. However, it’s worth reading up on Vietnam’s rules, because they vary A LOT. In other words, whether you’re arriving by land or by air, and where you’re flying in from makes all the difference.
For example, Americans can apply for e-Visas, but Canadians can’t. Visas on arrival are for air arrivals, not overland arrivals. Google, and embassies, really are your best friends in figuring it all out. (For more deets, Americans can check out this website, and Canadians can browse this one.)
2. Prices are Negotiable
I usually come back from trips to places like Vietnam wishing I were able to barter for the things I buy in Canada. However, it can be tough for travelers to get used to not just paying whatever the price is a shop owner says. Remember that most things in Vietnam are cheaper than what you’re used to in somewhere like Europe or North America. And there is no reason you should be paying 10 times the price a local does.
So, practice your negotiating skills for when you shop in Vietnam. If a salesperson doesn’t like what you’re offering, you can go so far as to walk away! If they don’t chase after you, it wasn’t meant to be.
That being said, remember that a few extra dollars may mean an extra latte to you, but it could be half a day’s wages for the person you’re bargaining with.
3. The Cuisine is Delicious
It’s worth visiting Vietnam for the food alone. I’m drooling just writing this. To be honest, I had no idea what Vietnamese cuisine even consisted of before I arrived. I had obviously heard of pho back home (but never tried it), and that was the extent of my knowledge.
I quickly learned what this tasty cuisine entails and I was SO glad I did. Common ingredients include fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, rice, fresh herbs, and a ton of fruit and vegetables. Cooking and eating is a massive part of the Vietnamese culture and you’ll often see families on the side of the road on small stools sharing a big pot of deliciousness in the evenings.
When visiting you definitely have to try a big, warm bowl of pho (noodle soup), banh mi (baguettes), any and all rice dishes, and whatever the locals recommend. The first night I was in Hanoi, I got recommended a restaurant called Bun Bo Nam Bo which was known for their bun bo nam bo (coincidence, right?). The stirred beef vermicelli dish with raw veggies and peanuts was so delicious we came back the next day to have it again!
Something you seriously have to try in Vietnam: Vietnamese coffee!
4. Count Your Change
The Vietnamese Dong can be kinda confusing. It’s one of those currencies that can make you feel like a millionaire pretty quickly – around $45 USD gets you one million Dong.
One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is accidentally handing over too much money because of the confusing amount of zeros on each bill (the 50,000 Dong bill looks a lot like a 500,000 one). So, make sure you have a good understanding of the currency exchange and double or triple check your bills before paying.
It may be helpful to download an app like XE Currency Converter or have a print-out of conversions to make it easy for you to take a glance at. Trust me, I’m terrible at doing conversions in my head so having these things on hand make it super easy!
5. Vietnam is Huge
Vietnam might not look big on a map, but the country is deceptively big. For example it takes more than 36 hours travelling straight fromHo Chi Minh to Hanoi (over 1800km in distance)! Before departing make sure you have a rough idea of where you want to go and also a rough itinerary. There are though lots of ways to get around from buses, trains, plane or via organised tour.
6. Embrace the Fresh Air of the Countryside
I’ll admit, when I visited Hanoi I experienced a bit of a culture shock. It was very different from the other Southeast Asian cities I had been in before and, initially, I was overwhelmed. But this is one of the most beautiful parts about travel. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and instead of being quick to judge, opening your mind and embracing it is such an amazing thing.
If you do find the bustle of the biggest Vietnamese cities a little too much, you’ll find many laid-back spots in more rural regions. Some of these include the beachy town of Nha Trang (here’s why you should visit), the countryside around Hoi An, and the historic sights of Hue. You could also venture north to experience the beautiful rice paddies of Sapa.
7. Vietnam Has Islands
Everyone has heard about the beautiful islsands in Thailand right? Even the Cambodian islands are now starting to get attention, but many people don’t realise that Vietnam also has amazing islands getaways perfect for beaches, rest and relaxation.
Some of the best islands to consider adding to your itinerary include Phú Quốc, Nam Du, Cat Ba, Hang Rai, Con Dao, Ly Son, Cu Lao Cham, Binh Ba, Quan Lan, Co To Island, Tuan Chau Island, Binh Ba Island, Cham Islands, Con Dao, Ly Son and Nam Du Island.
If I had to recommend just one, I would go for Phú Quốc which is located off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand and has really beautiful white-sand beaches and resorts.
8. Know How to Cross the Street
Here’s an official guide to crossing the road in Vietnam!
The cities are hectic in Vietnam. So hectic that on day one I asked my sister if we could stay in this city for two days without having to cross the road once! The roads are busy, filled with motorbikes and cars, and the rules of the road are definitely fewer than what I’m used to.
But it didn’t take us long to figure out the tricks of the trade. When you cross a road you need to cross at a steady pace and not slow down, speed up or stop while crossing (even though it’ll be tempting). By walking at a steady pace, motorbikes can easily swerve around you. But when you are stopping, speeding up or slowing down, they don’t know what your next move is and you’re making it harder for them to avoid you.
Sounds intimidating, I know, but once you get the knack of it you’ll be fine. Following locals across the road can help you get the hang of things too!
9. Visit All Year Round
Vietnam really is a year-round destination to visit and there really is no best month to visit. Popular period to go include March to April when temperatures are not too hot and rainfall is light. Don’t be put off visiting south East Asia in rainy season
10. Exchange Dong Before Departing
Before leaving Vietnam I also recommend trying to exchange your Dong, it can be difficult to change once outside of the country.
View my Vietnam travel tips for more recommendations.
