Your Ultimate Guide to Vietnam: 20 Essential Travel Tips for First-Timers 🇻🇳
So, you’re toying with the idea of a trip to Vietnam? Brilliant choice. Honestly, it’s one of those places that just sticks with you. I still remember my first visit like it was yesterday, the glorious madness of Hanoi’s traffic (crossing the street felt like an extreme sport 😅), sailing through the misty waters of Ha Long Bay, and the food… don’t even get me started on the food. Every bite was like a party for the tastebuds. Let’s get you prepped for a trip you’ll be talking about for years. 🇻🇳
When to Go Vietnam: Timing is Everything ✈️
Deciding when to visit Vietnam can feel a bit like a puzzle, but don’t you worry, I’ve got the cheat codes right here. Vietnam is a long, narrow country, which means the weather can be doing completely different things from one end to the other (Honestly it’s bonkers). While the south is generally warm all year round, the north can get surprisingly chilly.
The short answer? The best overall time to visit is during the spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November). During these months, you’ll generally find pleasant temperatures and less rain across most of the country.
Let’s break it down by region:
North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): The north has four distinct seasons. It’s best to visit in the spring or autumn for warm, sunny days. Winters (December to February) can be cold and dry, with temperatures sometimes dropping to 4°C. I learned this the hard way and ended up buying a last-minute jacket in Hanoi!
Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang): This region has a long dry season, making it a great beach destination from February to August. Be mindful of typhoon season from about August to November, which can bring heavy rain.
South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): The south has two main seasons: wet and dry. The dry season runs from November to April and is the ideal time to visit. The wet season, from May to October, sees frequent, but usually short, afternoon downpours.
🗺️ Guide to Vietnam: Best Time to Visit Vietnam: Climate Guide
✨ Good to Know: Don’t let the wet season completely deter you. The landscapes are incredibly lush and green, and you’ll often find fewer tourists. 😉
Flights from Trip.com (Great for Asia)
Getting Around Vietnam: Navigating Like a Pro 🚆
Vietnam offers a whole host of transport options, and I’ve tried my fair share of them! From overnight trains to the iconic motorbikes, getting around can be an adventure in itself.
Planes: For long distances, domestic flights are a real time-saver. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air offer frequent and affordable flights between major cities.
Trains: I absolutely love the overnight trains in Vietnam. 🚂 They’re a fantastic way to travel between cities like Hanoi, Hue, and Da Nang while you sleep, saving on accommodation costs. They are comfortable enough and offer a unique glimpse into the country’s landscapes.
Buses: Buses are the most common and cheapest way to travel. You’ll find a mix of local buses and more comfortable tourist-oriented “sleeper” buses for longer journeys. They are a great way to meet other travellers.
Motorbikes: For the truly adventurous, renting or even buying a motorbike offers the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace. However, I can’t stress this enough: only do this if you are an experienced and confident rider with the proper licenses and insurance. The traffic in Vietnam’s cities is seriously no joke!
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps: In the cities, taxis are readily available. To avoid any confusion with fares, I recommend using ride-hailing apps like Grab (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber). It’s super convenient and you’ll know the price upfront.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: If you’re planning on taking an overnight train, I’d recommend booking your soft-sleeper tickets a few days in advance, especially during peak season or public holidays. The best berths sell out quickly, and you’ll thank yourself later when you’re tucked in and comfy.
🗺️ Vietnam Related: 8 of the best places to visit in Vietnam
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Money Matters in Vietnam: Let's Talk Dong 💶
First things first, let’s talk about the local currency. In Vietnam, you’ll be dealing with the Vietnamese Dong (VND). And you’ll feel like a millionaire with all those zeros! 🤑 It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the notes before you go to avoid any mix-ups.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is your best bet. Major hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas will accept credit cards, but you’ll definitely need cash for smaller local eateries, street food stalls, and markets. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, but it’s wise to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any blocked cards.
🗺️ More Guides to Vietnam: 6 Ho Chi Minh City Experiences You Can’t Miss
💡 Good to Know: Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the colours of the different banknotes. The 20,000 VND note and the 500,000 VND note are both blue, and the 10,000 VND and 200,000 VND are both reddish. I’ve heard a few stories of people mixing them up in a hurry – a costly mistake! Double-checking your notes before paying will save you a headache.
Tipping Etiquette: Clearing Up the Confusion
Tipping is not a common practice in Vietnam and is generally not expected. However, it is always appreciated for good service. For tour guides, a tip of a few dollars per day is a nice gesture. In restaurants, you can round up the bill or leave a small amount if you were happy with the service.
🗺️ Recommended Read: Travel Cards vs Cash: Which One Should You Carry?
💡 Good to know: Some higher-end restaurants may add a service charge to the bill automatically, so it’s worth checking before you decide to leave an extra tip. For street food vendors or small local cafes, a sincere “Cảm ơn, ngon quá!” (“Thank you, it was delicious!”) is often the best tip you can give. 😊
Finding Your Perfect Vietnamese Stay: Accommodation Tips 🏡
Vietnam has a fantastic range of accommodation to suit every budget and style. I’ve slept in everything from a £5 a night dorm bed to a luxurious boutique hotel, and have rarely been disappointed.
Hostels: For budget travellers and those looking to socialise, Vietnam’s hostels are top-notch. They are clean, modern, and a great way to meet fellow adventurers. I always use Hostelworld for Hostels, never let me down!
Guesthouses (Nha Nghi): These are small, often family-run, guesthouses that offer a more local experience. They are a great value-for-money option.
Hotels: From mid-range to luxury, you’ll find an abundance of hotels in all major cities and tourist spots. I always recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season. I recommend Trip Advisor for the best hotels and bookings!
Homestays: For a truly immersive experience, consider a homestay, particularly in rural areas like the Mekong Delta or the mountains around Sapa. You’ll get a real insight into local life and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals.
💡 Good to know: Many accommodations offer complimentary breakfast, which often includes a delicious bowl of pho! How good is that?
Use Booking.com for your perfect Vietnam stay!
Savouring Vietnam: A Foodie's Paradise 😋
If you’re anything like me, food is a huge part of the travel experience, and let me tell you, Vietnam will not disappoint. The food culture here is simply incredible. Be brave and try as much as you can!
Here are a few must-try dishes to get you started:
| Dish | Description |
| Pho 🍜 | The iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. You’ll find it everywhere, and it’s delicious for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. |
| Banh Mi🥖 | A legacy of the French colonial period, this is a delicious Vietnamese baguette filled with various savoury ingredients. |
| Goi Cuon | Fresh spring rolls packed with prawns, herbs, and rice vermicelli. A light and healthy option. |
| Bun Cha | A Hanoi specialty of grilled pork and noodles, famously enjoyed by Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain. |
| Ca Phe ☕ | Vietnamese coffee is strong and flavourful. Try it with sweetened condensed milk (ca phe sua da). |
Street food is an essential part of the Vietnamese experience. Don’t be afraid to pull up a small plastic stool at a street-side stall and dive in. Look for places that are busy with locals – it’s always a good sign!
🔹 Pro Tip: I highly recommend booking a street food tour on one of your first nights, especially in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. A local guide will lead you through a maze of alleyways to the best-kept secrets that you’d never find on your own. It’s a fantastic crash course in what’s what, how to order, and it sets you up to be a confident foodie for the rest of your trip! 🛵
✨ Further guides to this gorgeous country: Ho Chi Minh City vs. Hanoi: Which City is Right For You?
Recommended Tours and Tickets across Vietnam
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Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Speaking the Lingo in Vietnam: Your Secret Superpower 💬
While you can certainly get by with English in tourist areas, learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases will go a long way. The locals will really appreciate your effort, and it will open up opportunities for more meaningful interactions.
Hello: Xin chào (sin chow)
Thank you: Cảm ơn (gam uhn)
How much?: Bao nhiêu? (bow nyew)
Delicious: Ngon quá (ngon wa)
💡 Good to know: Vietnamese is a tonal language, which means the meaning of a word can change completely depending on your pitch. Don’t worry about getting it perfect – your attempts will almost certainly be met with a warm smile. The effort to speak even a little of the language is hugely appreciated and is a great icebreaker! 😉
Cultural Know-How: The Little Things ❤️
Respecting local customs is key to a positive travel experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Dress respectfully: When visiting temples and pagodas, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees. It’s a good idea to carry a sarong or light scarf with you for this purpose.
Use both hands: When giving or receiving something, it’s polite to use both hands.
Public displays of affection: These are generally frowned upon, so it’s best to be discreet.
✋🏼 Be a culture master: Travel Etiquette: Your Guide to Being a Charming Globe-Trotter
Beyond the Obvious: Discovering Vietnam's Hidden Gems ✨
While the popular spots are popular for a reason, Vietnam has so many incredible places that are off the beaten track. If you have the time, I highly recommend venturing beyond the usual tourist trail. We don’t gatekeep around here!
Ha Giang Loop: For the adventurous, this motorbike loop in the far north offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Southeast Asia.
Quy Nhon: A laid-back coastal city with beautiful beaches and fewer tourists than its more famous counterparts.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Home to some of the world’s largest caves, this is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Con Dao Islands: These remote islands offer pristine beaches, great diving, and a fascinating history.
⛰️ Fact: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to Son Doong, the largest cave in the world. 🤯 It’s so massive it could fit a 40-story skyscraper inside and has its own internal jungle and weather system. While visiting Son Doong requires a very expensive, multi-day expedition, you can still explore many other gigantic and awe-inspiring caves in the park!
Safety First: Stay Smart & Secure
Vietnam is a very safe country to travel in, but it’s always wise to take precautions. Petty crime like pickpocketing can happen, especially in crowded areas. Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. The biggest safety concern for many is the traffic, so be extra cautious when crossing the street!
🔹 Peace of Mind: One of the best things you can do is download an offline map (like Google Maps or Maps.me) and the Grab app on your phone. If you ever feel lost or need to get back to your hotel, you can call a reputable ride with a fixed price in just a few taps. It’s a simple safety net that gives you the confidence to explore freely, knowing you always have a reliable way to get where you need to go. 😌
🚨 We like to help out at The Travel Tinker: Don’t Get Done! 20 Crafty Travel Scams and How to Dodge Them
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
And that’s a wrap on my top Vietnam travel tips! Honestly, Vietnam is one of those places that just stays with you, the kind of trip that leaves you full of stories, a little more adventurous, and probably craving bánh mì for weeks afterwards.
It’s a country bursting with contrasts, hectic cities, peaceful rice paddies, chaotic markets, and quiet temples, and the people? Some of the kindest I’ve ever met. I’m genuinely excited for you! 🇻🇳🌍
Now, over to you…
Have you been to Vietnam? What are your top tips? Share your experiences and any questions you have in the comments below.👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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FAQs about Travel to Vietnam
What is the best way to get a visa for Vietnam?
Most nationalities will need a visa to enter Vietnam. The easiest way to get one is through the official e-visa website. It’s a straightforward online process, but make sure to apply in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute stress.
Is Vietnam expensive to travel in?
Vietnam is a very affordable travel destination. You can easily travel on a budget of around £30-£40 per day, or more if you prefer a little more luxury. Street food is incredibly cheap and delicious, and accommodation is very reasonably priced.
What should I pack for a trip to Vietnam?
Pack light, breathable clothing, especially for the south and central regions. If you’re heading to the north in the winter, you’ll need some warmer layers. A good pair of walking shoes is essential, as is a raincoat, regardless of the season. And don’t forget your swimwear! 👙
Is it safe for solo female travellers?
Vietnam is generally a very safe country for solo female travellers. As with anywhere, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions, but you’re likely to find the Vietnamese people to be incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Can I drink the tap water in Vietnam?
It is not recommended to drink the tap water in Vietnam. Stick to bottled water, which is widely available and very cheap. It’s also a good idea to use bottled water for brushing your teeth.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Sam Fisher
I go by the name Sam, and I'm a 24-year-old digital creator and photographer. I'm passionate about embracing simpler, budget-friendly adventures.
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