10 Vietnam travel tips you need to know before you go

Are you planning to explore fascinating Vietnam? Then you’re in the right place! Vietnam is a diverse destination full of nature, culture, and incredible food. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the peaceful rice fields of Sapa, there’s so much to take in. The people are friendly, and traveling around the country is easy and affordable. Be sure to try the street food, visit local markets, and don’t forget to bargain. To help make your trip smooth and unforgettable, I’m sharing the best Vietnam travel tips below for a carefree holiday.

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About Vietnam

Vietnam lies at the heart of Southeast Asia and is a country that awakens your senses. From fragrant street food and honking scooters to soothing landscapes, Vietnam lives, breathes, and surprises. It’s a destination where tradition and modernity blend effortlessly.

Famous sights such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and the Cu Chi Tunnels attract travelers from all over the world. But the country has much more to offer than just these icons. You can get lost in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, admire the rice terraces of Sapa, or relax on the beaches of Phu Quoc.

What truly makes Vietnam special are its people. Their warmth, hospitality, and pride make you feel genuinely welcome. Vietnamese cuisine is an adventure in itself. Be sure to try pho, bun cha, or a fresh bánh mì from a street stall.

Vietnam is growing as a travel destination and today offers something for every type of traveler, from luxury boutique hotels to budget hostels. It’s all possible. Traveling around the country is easy, but good preparation helps. It prevents surprises and allows you to make the most of your time.

Precisely because Vietnam is so diverse, I’m sharing my best Vietnam travel tips with you. Not to lock you into a fixed itinerary, but to help you get started. With these tips, you’ll plan a trip that matches your style and one you’ll never forget.

10 Vietnam travel tips you need to know before you go

1- How to travel to Vietnam?

A commonly used way to travel from Belgium to Vietnam is by plane. There are no direct flights from Brussels to Vietnam, so you will always have at least one layover. This often takes place in cities such as Doha, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Singapore, or Bangkok. In our case, we had a layover in Bangkok but stayed at the airport to continue directly to Ho Chi Minh City.

A stopover in Bangkok can also be a great option if you have a bit more time. You can split up your journey and even spend a day in Bangkok.

We deliberately chose to fly to Ho Chi Minh City in the south of Vietnam. For us, this was the perfect starting point for a journey from south to north. We began in the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and gradually made our way north, toward Hoi An, Hue, and eventually Hanoi.

Vietnam has three major international airports: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Depending on your route, you can choose to start in either the north or the south. For us, starting in the south was ideal for discovering the country at a relaxed pace.

2- Passport, visa, and vaccinations

As a Belgian traveler, you need an international passport to visit Vietnam. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival, so be sure to check this well before departure.

A tourist visa is required for most travelers. The easiest option is to apply for an e-visa, which you can do online via the official website of the Vietnamese government. The process is straightforward and usually takes a few days. Print out your visa and take it with you on your trip.

Vaccinations are not mandatory, but some are recommended. These include hepatitis A, DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and polio), and typhoid, especially if you’re planning a longer or more adventurous trip. Contact your GP or a travel clinic well in advance of your departure for personalized advice based on your itinerary and length of stay.

Also make sure you have good travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Medical care is available in Vietnam, but costs can add up quickly without insurance.

3- What’s the best way to get around Vietnam?

My favorite way to travel is usually by car, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend that in Vietnam. Traffic is chaotic, with thousands of scooters weaving in every direction. Traffic rules often seem more like suggestions than actual obligations. Driving yourself can therefore be quite stressful, especially in the big cities.

No worries, though. There are plenty of other convenient ways to get around. Domestic flights are a fast and affordable option. We flew from Da Lat to Da Nang and saved ourselves a long travel day, which is perfect if you don’t want to spend hours on a bus.

Another popular option is taking overnight trains. They allow you to travel from city to city while you sleep. The beds are basic but comfortable enough, and you arrive at your next destination feeling rested. Sleeper buses are also a practical choice for longer distances.

We planned and booked all our transportation through 12Go. This website clearly shows all available transport options, including schedules, prices, and reviews. You can easily book and pay online.

For short trips within cities, we used Grab, the Asian version of Uber. It’s super convenient. You see the price upfront and never have to negotiate with taxi drivers.

Renting a scooter is also possible, but be cautious. Traffic is busy and not always predictable. If you don’t have experience riding in Asia, it’s best to skip this option. Additionally, your insurance may not always cover it.

4- The best time to visit Vietnam

The best time to visit Vietnam largely depends on the region you plan to explore. Due to the country’s different climate zones, there isn’t one perfect month that suits the entire country.

For northern Vietnam, March to May and September to November are usually ideal. In central Vietnam, the best weather is typically from February to August. For the south, the dry season from December to April is considered the most pleasant period.

We traveled throughout the country for a full month in March, which according to forecasts should have been the best time for all regions. Temperatures were comfortable, but the weather was somewhat disappointing. We experienced a lot of cloud cover and occasional rain, and unfortunately sunny days were in the minority. That was a shame, but it’s also part of traveling. Weather remains unpredictable, even during the so-called “good” months.

If you plan to travel across the entire country, spring or autumn is usually the safest choice. If possible, try to avoid the rainy season, especially in central Vietnam.

Check the weather by region shortly before departure. This allows you to adjust your itinerary if needed and set realistic expectations. A bit of flexibility will always make your trip more enjoyable.

5- Booking accommodation in Vietnam

In Vietnam, you’ll find accommodation in all styles and price ranges, whether you’re traveling on a tight budget or looking for a bit of extra comfort. There’s something for everyone.

You can choose from hostels, guesthouses, hotels, homestays, and small-scale boutique hotels. In most cities and towns, the selection is extensive. The value for money can be very good, but that’s not always guaranteed, so it’s important to always read reviews to avoid unpleasant surprises.

We stayed in a mix of hotels, cozy homestays, and atmospheric boutique hotels. Each place had its own charm. We usually booked our stays in advance via Booking.com.

If you’re doing a multi-stop itinerary, Booking.com is especially convenient. You can search by location using the map feature and easily filter by price, reviews, and amenities. One tip I always follow: choose accommodations with “free cancellation.” This way, you keep the flexibility to adjust your itinerary if needed. I often select places that allow free cancellation up until the day before arrival, which makes traveling more flexible and stress-free.

Below, you can already take a look at the different accommodation options at your dream destinations in Vietnam.

6- Paying in Vietnam and tipping

Payments in Vietnam are usually made in Vietnamese dong (VND). In tourist areas, you can sometimes pay with US dollars, but this is not the norm. Make sure to always carry some cash with you.

Withdrawing cash is generally easy in most cities, as there are plenty of ATMs. However, be careful where you withdraw money. ATM skimming does occur. It’s best to use ATMs located inside bank branches or next to staffed receptions. Always check that the machine looks safe and hasn’t been tampered with, such as loose parts or a suspicious card slot. It’s also advisable to withdraw a larger amount at once to reduce transaction fees, which vary by bank and card type.

In many hotels, restaurants, and shops you can pay by credit card, but cash remains important, especially at street stalls and local markets.

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary. In restaurants, a small tip is appreciated for good service. Usually a few tens of thousands of dong is sufficient. Hotel staff, guides, and drivers also appreciate tips. Do note that service charges are sometimes already included in the bill.

7- Wifi/4G in Vietnam

WiFi and 4G are widely available in Vietnam and are generally reliable. Free WiFi is standard in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and even at airports. Speeds are usually good enough for navigation, social media, and video calls.

Still, it’s very convenient to have mobile internet while on the go. It makes it easy to plan routes, arrange transportation, or look up translations.

I chose an eSIM, and it worked perfectly. There’s no need to buy or swap a physical SIM card. You simply activate the eSIM via a QR code before departure or upon arrival. Within minutes, I had mobile internet. Just make sure your smartphone supports eSIM, as older models don’t always have this feature.

A local SIM card or eSIM is usually much cheaper than roaming with a Belgian provider.

If you’re traveling a lot, a stable 4G connection is a real asset. It saves time and frustration, especially when booking transportation or searching for restaurants.

8- Dealing with local culture

Engaging with the local culture in Vietnam is actually very enjoyable and enriching. Vietnamese people are friendly, modest, and hospitable, and a smile will take you a long way.

A handshake is not always common. A nod or a slight bow is often enough to show politeness.

Dress respectfully, especially when visiting temples or rural areas. Covered shoulders and knees are the norm.

Taking off your shoes isn’t only done at home, but also in some hotels, temples, and even shops. Just observe what others are doing and follow their lead.

We noticed that staying calm and speaking politely is far more effective than showing frustration. Vietnamese culture values harmony, so try to remain calm even when things don’t go as planned.

Respect for elders is very important. Be extra polite and patient. It will be greatly appreciated.

When it comes to meals, sharing is customary. Wait until others start eating and don’t immediately take the largest portion.

If you’d like to photograph someone, ask first. Most people are happy to oblige, as long as you approach them in a friendly way.

Show genuine interest in their customs, but stay true to yourself. That interaction makes your journey even more special. Small gestures often make the biggest difference.

9- Must-try specialties in Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine is surprising, aromatic, and full of flavor. Food here is truly an experience and often the highlight of your day. An absolute classic is pho, a noodle soup with beef or chicken. It’s eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

You also shouldn’t miss bánh mì. This crispy baguette is filled with meat, vegetables, and fresh herbs.

In Hanoi, be sure to try bún chả: grilled pork served with rice noodles and a flavorful dipping sauce. And don’t forget egg coffee! This creamy coffee specialty made with whipped egg yolk is surprisingly delicious.

In Hoi An, you’ll find cao lầu, a local noodle dish with pork and mint.

In Sapa, we enjoyed a traditional Vietnamese hot pot. A pot of hot broth is placed on the table, and you cook your own vegetables, meat, and noodles in it. Cozy and flavorful, especially on a cool evening in the mountains.

Freshly made spring rolls are also highly recommended, as well as strong Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá).

Street food is not only cheap, but often the tastiest. Follow the locals and choose stalls that are busy—that’s usually a sign of fresh and good food. Dare to try new things, even if they look unfamiliar. You’ll be amazed.

10- Discover the traces of history in Vietnam

Vietnam has a turbulent history that you can still clearly see and feel in many places. Throughout the country, you’ll find traces of war, colonial influence, and centuries-old traditions.

In Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit the War Remnants Museum, which offers a powerful and sometimes confronting insight into the Vietnam War. The Cu Chi Tunnels, just outside the city, also allow you to experience how Viet Cong fighters lived and fought underground.

War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

In Hué, the former imperial capital, you can wander through the Imperial City and visit the tombs of former emperors. These sites truly bring Vietnam’s imperial past to life.

In Hoi An, you’ll see traces of trade and colonial influences. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hanoi also offers plenty of historical highlights, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the old French Quarter.

Vietnam’s history is complex but fascinating. By visiting these places, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the country and its people. Be sure to take the time to explore this historical side of Vietnam. It will enrich your journey and add depth to everything you see and experience.

Are you still wondering whether Vietnam belongs on your bucket list? Let me reassure you: absolutely! Vietnam is a country that truly moves you. From the chaotic charm of Hanoi to the serenity of lush rice fields and tropical beaches, the sights, flavors, and aromas are overwhelming, in the best possible way. However, good preparation is not a luxury. Vietnam is long and diverse, with major differences between the north, central, and southern regions, so planning your route wisely really pays off. I hope my Vietnam travel tips inspire you and help you get started, so you can fully enjoy everything this fascinating country has to offer. From street food to temples, and from mountain villages to breathtaking bay views.

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