This article details my 10 insider tips for an amazing Vietnam adventure. Whether you’re visiting the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City or relaxing on the beaches of Phu Quoc, it’s essential to know the do’s and don’ts to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Having spent months traveling around Vietnam including six weeks house sitting in Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc, Hannah and I gathered some firsthand insights to help you navigate your way through this beautiful country. Here are 10 Insider Tips you need to know to make the most of your Vietnam adventure.
Insider Tips for Your Vietnam Adventure
When traveling to Vietnam, being prepared with the right knowledge can make all the difference. The country’s megacities, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage offer something for every traveler.
Whether it’s learning how to navigate the chaotic roads or embracing Vietnamese customs, these insider tips for Vietnam will ensure that your experience is smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.
Prepare for the Chaotic Traffic
The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi is the chaos on the roads. Motorbikes dominate the streets, and crossing the road can seem like a daunting task. At first, I thought there was a motorbike rally going on!
The key is to stay calm, walk slowly but with assertion, and let the motorbikes move around you. We learned this quickly during our first few days and became pros at crossing busy intersections. Always cross with vigilance and remember that just because the traffic light is red it doesn’t mean traffic will stop.
Driving in Vietnam is another thing altogether and as I never drove or even hopped on a moped in Vietnam, I’m afraid I’ve no advice to offer. Click here to read a helpful article that helps understand the rules, procedures, and ways to stay safe on Vietnam’s crazy roads.
Respect the Chopstick Etiquette
In Vietnam, chopsticks are the primary utensils for eating, and there are a few important rules to remember. Never stick chopsticks vertically into your rice bowl, as it resembles incense sticks used in funerals. Also, avoid pointing your chopsticks directly at someone while speaking. Both are considered offensive.
During our time in Ho Chi Minh City, we had to quickly learn how to eat with chopsticks as many of the restaurants we visited didn’t have knives and forks as an option! After a quick YouTube tutorial, we learned the method and etiquette and became pretty efficient by the end of our time in Vietnam.
Embrace Vietnam’s Coffee Culture
Vietnam is famous for its unique coffee. Whether it’s a strong black ca phe den or the popular ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk), you’ll want to embrace this part of daily life.
There are so many charming and inviting coffee spots to explore and the prices are low! A decent Vietnamese coffee shouldn’t cost more than $1. Italian-style coffees and Western concoctions can be found although you may need to go to the bigger chains such as Highlands Coffee, or the ever-reliable Starbucks.
After my Deaf by Coffee experience in Costa Rica, I now stick to decaf after my 1 cup of fully-leaded coffee each day. Finding decaf in the local Vietnamese cafes is tricky and you’ll probably need to go to a larger chain store. Thankfully there are lots of tea and fresh fruit juice options available in traditional cafes.
Get Used to Negotiating Prices
Haggling is part of shopping in Vietnam, especially in markets. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but remember to be firm and stay polite. This approach worked wonders when we visited Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, where we scored great deals on new workout clothing.
Market stall owners are used to dealing with Western tourists and will start their prices high. This is because even their highest prices are quite reasonable to most visitors. But you can and should haggle them right down. My gym tops started at $10 a piece but I got them for $3.50 each.
Download Grab
Navigating Vietnam can be made much easier with Grab for transportation. During our time in Vietnam, it was essential to get around efficiently, safely, and affordably. You can also use it to order food and grocery deliveries.
Prices are uniformly cheap across the country for Grab rides. In every city we visited, short trips seemed to always cost $1-$2, while even the longer journeys we took across Hanoi were never more than $8.
What’s more, by using an app like Grab, you can book and pay in English without needing to communicate such details to your driver. Your ride is tracked from the moment the booking is confirmed for convenience and added security.
Be Prepared for the Weather
Vietnam’s climate varies greatly from north to south but expect hot and humid conditions at all times. A lightweight rain jacket is always handy, as sudden downpours are common, especially during the rainy season.
Having experienced three weeks of tropical weather in Ho Chi Minh City, we can confirm that being prepared for the heat and rain is essential. Despite being there out of the rainy season, on 2 occasions the city was engulfed in sudden downpours, the likes of which I have never seen!
The rain dissipates as quickly as it arrives but then the humidity kicks into overdrive. Knowing the location of good bars and cafes with A/C is a must! We regularly opted to walk the long way through a mall or shopping arcade just to have some reprieve from the heat.
Respect Local Customs and Temples
Vietnamese culture places a strong emphasis on respect, especially when visiting religious and historical sites. When entering temples, pagodas, or sacred places, it’s important to dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. Additionally, you’ll be expected to remove your shoes before entering.
One iconic site worth visiting is the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, a stunning example of Vietnamese architecture and a key cultural symbol. As one of Vietnam’s most important landmarks. Click here to take a look at a great tour that incorporates this magnificent temple and many Hanoi highlights
Learn a Few Basic Vietnamese Phrases
While many people in major cities speak some English, learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can go a long way. Simple greetings like “xin chào” (Sin Chow = hello) or “cảm ơn” (Cam un = thank you) are always appreciated.
I love learning new languages wherever we go and have become pretty fearless in attempting to speak with locals. My efforts may be terrible but they always seem to appreciate me trying (or they find it hilarious!). I learned how to order coffee, ask for the bill, and tell Grab drivers where to drop me off.
These phrases helped us connect with locals during our house sitting stints and added a personal touch to our interactions.
Be Aware of Scams
Unfortunately, tourist scams do happen in Vietnam. Always agree on a price before getting into a taxi or use Grab to attain a fixed price. Also, be cautious when buying tickets or booking tours, and use a well-known agent such as Viator or Get Your Guide. Both have many verified and reviewed Vietnam tours.
We booked our Ha Long Bay trip with Get Your Guide and had an amazing experience for Hannah’s birthday in 2024. Read all about it here.
House Sitting is a Great Way to Travel
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in local life while saving on accommodation, house sitting is an excellent option. We’ve enjoyed extended stays in Vietnam through house sitting, which allowed us to explore the country without breaking the bank.
Sites like Trusted Housesitters can connect you with homeowners in Vietnam, offering you the opportunity to live like a local. Be sure to read my full article, The Definitive Guide to House Sitting in Ho Chi Minh City, for more details on how to get started.
Conclusion
Whether you’re visiting for a short vacation or planning a longer stay, these insider tips on Vietnam and Vietnamese culture will ensure your trip is hassle-free and enjoyable. From navigating the chaotic streets to respecting local customs, Vietnam is a country full of rich experiences waiting to be discovered.
As seasoned travelers and house sitters across Vietnam, we can vouch for the unique charm of this wonderful country – it’s unlike anywhere we have ever visited. So pack your bags, brush up on these tips, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable Vietnamese adventure!
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