After three trips to Vietnam, I’ve accumulated a mental list of things guidebooks skip. Here’s what I wish I’d known before my first arrival.
Crossing the street requires faith. Wait for a gap that doesn’t exist, then walk steadily. The traffic flows around you, but only if you maintain constant speed. Stopping or running confuses everyone.
Vietnamese coffee is life-changingly strong. Start with half a cup if you’re not used to caffeine. I made the mistake of drinking three ca phe sua das my first day and didn’t sleep for 36 hours.
Cash is still king in many places. ATMs exist but charge fees. Exchange money at jewelry shops in tourist areas for better rates than banks. Always carry small bills for street vendors.
Squat toilets are common outside major cities. They’re fine once you figure them out. Bring your own toilet paper everywhere because it’s rarely provided.
The overnight buses recline almost flat, which sounds comfortable until you’re rolling around a mountain road at 2 AM questioning your life choices. Motion sickness medicine helps.
Bargaining is expected but has limits. Aim for 20-30% off the first price in markets. Don’t bargain in restaurants or with metered taxis. Know when to walk away; sometimes they’ll chase you with a better offer.
Weather varies wildly by region. The south is hot year-round, the north has proper winters, the coast gets typhoons. Pack for your specific destinations, not just “Vietnam.”
The “Vietnam” we imagine is mostly the north. Ho Chi Minh City feels like a different country, modern and fast and money-focused. Both are worth seeing, but expect contrast.
Sim cards are cheap and essential. Buy one at the airport for about 10 dollars, unlimited data for a month. Grab requires data, Google Maps requires data, sanity requires data.
Food allergies are difficult to communicate. Print cards in Vietnamese explaining your restrictions. “No peanuts” needs more than hand gestures when your life depends on it.
The visa is straightforward but not instant. Apply at least a week before travel. Don’t be the person panicking at the airport.
Scams exist but aren’t epidemic. Common ones: taxis with rigged meters, motorbike rentals that claim damage you didn’t cause, restaurants with tourist menus at different prices. Stay alert, not paranoid.
Everyone wants to practice English with you. These conversations are usually genuine, not sales pitches. Accept the coffee invitation sometimes. Real connections happen.
You will fall in love with this country. Budget extra time, because two weeks isn’t enough, and extending your visa is easier than you think.