Travel Tips for Vietnam: Travel Guide and recommendations

After a month traveling around Vietnam, I have created this practical guide with essential tips for traveling on your own. From basic information to recommendations of places you can’t miss, here you have everything you need to make the most of this fascinating country in Southeast Asia.

In my case, I spent a month traveling around Vietnam backpacking with a friend. We started in Ho Chi Minh City, went to visit the Mekong Delta and then headed north up the coast of Vietnam until we reached Sapa.

It was a trip full of surprises, scares, some disappointments and many good memories. Here I explain what I learned about Vietnam and what you need to know before going on a trip to this wonderful country.

1. Tips for Vietnam: What to know before you go?

Currency and visa in Vietnam

• The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Approximately 27,000 VND = 1 EUR.
• I recommend withdrawing money from ATMs instead of exchanging currency at airports (exchange rates are higher).
• Markets and street stalls mainly accept cash, but in major cities, some hotels and restaurants accept credit cards.

Visa for Vietnam (for Spanish citizens)

Update: Since August 15, 2023, Spanish citizens can travel to Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days, as long as their passport is valid for at least six months.

• For visas of up to three months, you can apply online at agencies such as: vietnam-visa or myvietnamvisa.
• If you live in Madrid, you can apply for any type of visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in Madrid.

Safety, health and vaccinations

• Recommended vaccines: Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations for Vietnam, which usually include hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, and tetanus.
• Malaria and dengue fever: These are diseases present in some rural areas, so use insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing if visiting these areas.
• General safety tips:
  • Take a basic first aid kit and personal medicines. In big cities you will find pharmacies, but in rural areas it can be complicated to get some medicines.
  • Most Southeast Asian countries are very safe since part of their economy depends on tourism, so do not be afraid and do not hesitate to travel to Vietnam on your own.
  • Also, of course, watch out for pickpockets in big cities.

2. Weather and Best Time to Travel to Vietnam

Vietnam has diverse climates depending on the region. Here’s what to expect and the best times to visit:

If you want to see lush green landscapes and flooded rice fields, visit between May and September. To avoid heavy rains and enjoy the best weather, spring and autumn are ideal.

3. Must-Visit Places in Vietnam

• If you have little time, my advice is to visit the north better than the south; much more beautiful and spectacular.
• Northern Vietnam:
  • Don’t miss Ninh Binh, Halong Bay and Sapa for anything in the world, they are the most beautiful places in the country.
  • The capital, Hanoi, full of historical places and tourist looking for some party.
• Central Vietnam:
  • Go to Mui Ne and Nha Trang to enjoy the beaches of Vietnam.
  • Hoi An, a charming colonial city with colorful lanterns and night markets.
  • Hue, the former imperial capital with palaces and royal tombs.
  • Da Nang, famous for its beaches and the iconic Golden Bridge (with giant hands).
• Southern Vietnam:
  • Ho Chi Minh City, a great place to learn about the Vietnam War and experience a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
  • A boat trip through the Mekong Delta is among those mandatory tours that are worthwhile.
  • Phu Quoc, a paradise island with white-sand beaches.

Alternative Experiences and Secrets of Vietnam

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, try these experiences:

• Ha Giang Loop: A motorcycle route through spectacular mountains.
• Pu Luong: A less touristy version of Sapa with rice fields and waterfalls.
• Phong Nha Caves: One of the largest cave systems in the world.
• Floating Villages in the Mekong Delta: To experience local life on the water.

4. Transportation in Vietnam

Between Cities:

• Night Trains: Comfortable for long distances (e.g., Hanoi – Hue).
• Sleeping Buses: Cheap, but comfort varies by company.
• Domestic Flights: VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways offer affordable fares and save time.

Within Cities:

• Grab (ride-hailing app): The best and safest way to get around affordably.
• Avoid unofficial taxis or taxis without meters.
• In Hoi An or Ninh Binh, renting a bicycle is a great option.

5. Vietnamese customs to keep in mind

• In big cities you will see hundreds and hundreds of motorcycles circulating without any order, cross slowly so they can avoid you.
• Be prepared to be harassed to buy things, their favorite phrase is: “Buy for me, sir.”
• Bargain whenever you can, except to buy food.
• Respect temples , cover your shoulders and knees.
• Don’t touch people’s heads, it is considered disrespectful.
• Be very patient and try not to get upset if the bus drops you off in the middle of nowhere or in the middle of town instead of at the bus station; this is normal in Vietnam. Just get out and you will have dozens of cab drivers ready to take you wherever you want.
• Vietnamese people are nice, but don’t expect people as open and smiling as in Thailand.

6. More Tips for Traveling to Vietnam

• Major operators such as Viettel or Vinaphone offer good coverage, even in rural areas.
• Whenever you can, sit in the back of the bus to avoid not being able to sleep because of the horn. They use it every minute a couple of times.
• Take advantage of it to learn about the culture and history of this country, which leaves no one indifferent.
• Be carefull in Rainy Seaon: If it starts to spark and you see people running, you run too, in a second it will be pouring.
• Ask what you’re eating, some places serve dog meat, which is common in Vietnam.

7. Prices and expenses in Vietnam

• Bargaining is common in local markets, but in stores with fixed prices it is not appropriate.
• Always bargain with a smile and respectful attitude.
• Expect to pay twice as much as locals for most things.
• Vietnamese meal: 40,000 – 80,000 VND (€2-3)
• Western meal: 100,000 – 150,000 VND (€3-5)
• Double room in a basic hotel: 250,000 VND (€10)
• Intercity bus: €5-10
• Taxi in the city: A few euros

8. Vietnamese Cuisine: What to Try

Vietnam is a gastronomic paradise. Here are some dishes you can’t miss:

• Pho – Noodle soup with meat.
• Banh Mi – A Vietnamese sandwich with French influences.
• Bun Cha – Grilled pork with noodles, typical in Hanoi.
• Cao Lau – Special noodles from Hoi An.

If you don’t like spicy food, say “không cay” (no spice).

9. Learn some Useful Vocabulary

One of the most important tips for Vietnam it’s that you should learn some vocabulary to mix with people and have a few laughs with them. Here are a few essential words (written as they are pronounced, more or less):

• Xin chào (Sin Chao): Hello.
• Chào buổi sáng (Chao buoi san): Good morning.
• Chúc ngủ ngon (Chuc ngu ngon): Good night.
• Ngon (Noong): Good/Delicious (for food).
• Rất ngon (Noong lamb): Very good (very delicious).
• Đẹp (Dep): Beautiful/Handsome.
• Ôi trời ơi! (Oi cho oi!): Oh my God!
• Mắc quá! (Ma wak!): Too expensive!
• Không (Com): No.
• Cảm ơn (Cam on): Thank you.
• Không, cảm ơn, đi bộ (Com cam on dibo): No, thanks, we’ll walk.
• Làm ơn (Lem on): Please.
• Tính tiền (Tin tien): The bill.
• Bạn tên gì? (Van tan yi): What’s your name?
• Anh yêu em / Em yêu anh (Aryuem): I love you! (“Anh yêu em” if a man says it to a woman, “Em yêu anh” if a woman says it to a man).

Tips for Vietnam: Last piece of advice

My last piece of advice for traveling to Vietnam is to be patient and try to enjoy everything. A lot of things don’t work out the way you expect, but sometimes you find yourself on the road to better things. Vietnam has good things and bad things, try to live both at 100%.

• If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, and you want to follow your route and cross the borders into another country, you may be interested in the post about Crossing the land border between Vietnam and China to enter Yunnan province, the Chinese province just north of Vietnam.
• On the other hand, if you prefer to go to Laos, you can take a look at Crossing the land border from northern Vietnam into Laos.

I hope you found this Tips for Vietnam interesting and helpful for your backpacking trip in Vietnam. Traveling to Vietnam is an experience that will fill you with surprises and learning. If you found this guide useful, don’t forget to share it so that other travelers will be encouraged to discover this magical country. Have a good trip!