Travel Tips for Vietnam: Key aspects to know before go

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.

Tips for Vietnam: What to know before you go?

1. Currency and visa in Vietnam

• The currency of Vietnam is called the Dong. Currently, 27,000 dongs is 1 euro, approximately.
• You can change money at airports, in currency shops or take out money directly from cash machines (which is usually the cheapest way).
• The Vietnamese visa for Spaniards:
  • Update! Since August 15, 2023, for stays of up to 45 days, regardless of the type of passport (provided it has a minimum validity of 6 months) and the reason for the trip, Spanish citizens are exempt from visa by decision.
  • 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 kind of visa from the Vietnamese embassy in Madrid.
  • You must have a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months, an ID photo and fill in a form that they give you when you enter.

2. 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 or travel with children.
  • At most, be careful with cab drivers who tend to be a bit mafia-like (you can use apps like Grab and Uber.
  • Also, of course, watch out for pickpockets in big cities.
  • In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, be careful when crossing the streets due to heavy motorcycle traffic.

Tips for Vietnam: Which places to visit and how much can I spend?

3. What places to visit in Vietnam?

• If you have little time, my advice is to visit the north better than the south; much more beautiful and spectacular.
• 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.
• A boat trip through the Mekong Delta and another one through Halong Bay are among those mandatory tours that are worthwhile.
• Go to Mui Ne and Nha Trang to enjoy the beaches of Vietnam.

4. Prices and expenses in Vietnam

• Haggling is common in local markets, but in stores with fixed prices it is not appropriate.
• Haggle respectfully and with good humor.
• Get used to the fact that you will always pay double what the Vietnamese pay, at the very least.
• Eating usually costs between 30,000 and 60,000 dongs (2-3 euros) if it is Vietnamese food and 100,000 to 150,000 dongs 3-5 euros) if it is Western food.
• The price of a double room in a normal hotel is around 250,000 dongs (10 euros).
• Both public and private transport is quite cheap. A trip from one city to another about 2-4 hours away can cost between 5-10 euros. Once in the city, a cab to your hotel; a couple of euros.

Tips for Vietnam: Curiosities and Useful Vocabulary

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.
• 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. Things to keep in mind during a trip to Vietnam

• Major operators such as Viettel or Vinaphone offer good coverage, even in rural areas.
• Try local dishes such as pho, banh mi, and bun cha, and if you prefer to avoid spicy, remember to order spicy!
• 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.
• Be very patient and try not to get upset if the bus leaves you in the middle of nowhere or in the middle of the city instead of at the bus station, here it is normal.
• It is not easy to find a party in Vietnam, it is not well seen by many Vietnamese. The only places we found with a bit of atmosphere, apart from Hanoi, were in the cities of Mui Ne and Nha Trang and the party ended at 2 or 3 at the latest.

7. Learn some Useful Vocabulary

1. We like to 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):
   • Sin Chao: Hello
   • Chao buen san: Good morning.
   • Gou noong: Good night.
   • Noong: Good/Delicious (for food).
   • Noong lamb: Very good.
   • Dep: nice/beautiful.
   • Oi cho oi: oh my god!
   • Ma wak: very expensive!
   • Com: no.
   • Cam on: thank you.
   • Com cam on dibo: no thanks we go on foot.
   • Lem on: please.
   • Tin tien: the bill.
   • Van tan yi: what’s your name.
   • Ar yu em: I love you!

Conclusion: Personal opinion on independent travel in Vietnam

I hope you found these tips for Vietnam interesting and helpful during a backpacking trip in Vietnam. 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 Vietnam Travel Guide and these tips interesting and helpful during a 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!