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Ready Helpful Tips When Visiting Vietnam

Vietnam is not a place to take lightly.

This is a country where you can find snake wine, coffee made from weasel poop, pyjama-style fashion being worn like it’s the most normal thing in the world, and traffic that looks like complete anarchy until you realise there is somehow a strange logic to it all. Vietnam is chaotic, fascinating, exhausting, exciting, and unforgettable, often all at the same time.

It’s also no surprise that more and more people are choosing to visit. With tourism growing rapidly in recent years, Vietnam has become one of the most popular destinations in Asia for travellers looking for beautiful landscapes, incredible food, rich culture, and a bit of adventure.

But while Vietnam is an amazing place to explore, it can also be overwhelming if you arrive with no idea what to expect.

Some things that seem completely normal here can feel confusing, intimidating, or even accidentally offensive if you’re not familiar with the local culture. Sometimes it’s the obvious things, like how to cross the road without panicking. Other times it’s the smaller things, like food etiquette, transport scams, or not realising you’ve just broken an unspoken social rule in front of someone’s family.

And trust me, that can happen very easily.

So, with this guide, I want to share some of the most helpful tips for visiting Vietnam — not just the usual surface-level advice, but also the kind of things that can genuinely save you stress, money, embarrassment, or all three. Some of these tips are well known, while others are the kind of things you only really learn after spending time here, making mistakes, and getting the occasional telling-off from locals.

If you’re planning a trip to the S-shaped country, here are some things worth knowing before you step off the plane.

Food Etiquette in Vietnam

Food in Vietnam is one of the highlights of any trip, but eating here is not just about the food itself. There are a lot of little cultural habits around mealtimes that may not come naturally if you’re not from Southeast Asia.

The tricky part is that you might not even realise you’ve done anything wrong.

A lot of these things aren’t written down anywhere, and plenty of locals won’t say anything to a foreigner because they know you probably mean no harm. But if you stay long enough, or if you’re close enough with Vietnamese friends or family, sooner or later someone will absolutely tell you that what you just did was rude.

And when they do, it usually comes with enthusiasm.

Chopstick Etiquette

Using chopsticks is becoming more common around the world now, so a lot of travellers arrive in Vietnam already knowing the basics. But knowing how to hold chopsticks is only one small part of the equation. The bigger issue is understanding how they’re used socially.

Vietnamese dining is often very communal. Food is commonly shared between everyone at the table, and there’s an expectation that meals are something enjoyed together rather than everyone guarding their own plate like it’s private property.

If you come from a culture where “my food is mine” is the standard approach, this can take a bit of getting used to. While many locals who are used to tourists will understand, others may find it a bit rude if you keep everything to yourself or don’t take part in the sharing culture.

But even if you do understand that food is shared, there’s another detail to watch out for: how you share it.

Some people won’t mind if you use your own chopsticks to pick food from the communal dishes, but others really won’t appreciate the thought of the chopsticks that were just in your mouth now touching the food they’re about to eat. Since Covid especially, I’ve been told more than once that it’s better to use a separate pair of serving chopsticks if they’re available. Some people also use the opposite end of their own chopsticks for sharing.

The main thing is to be aware that not everyone sees it the same way, so if there’s a designated serving utensil, use it.

Also, if your meal comes with soup — which it often will — don’t automatically use your chopsticks for that too. In most cases, you’ll be given a spoon for the soup, and using chopsticks for it just looks a bit ridiculous.

Don’t Step Over Food

This might sound obvious to some people, but it’s one of those things that can easily happen if you’re not used to eating in more traditional settings.

In Vietnam, some meals are eaten sitting on the floor, especially in family homes or more traditional gatherings. If you didn’t grow up eating like that, it’s very easy to forget where everything is placed and accidentally step over a bowl or move over food as you get up.

I’ve done this before myself in a panicked rush to get to the bathroom, only to be met with a flood of angry Vietnamese who told me very clearly I’d just done something deeply disrespectful, even if I had no idea why at the time.

Food is treated with respect, especially staples like rice, so stepping over it or passing your body over someone’s bowl is something to avoid.

Respect the Elders at Mealtime

Vietnamese culture places a strong emphasis on respecting elders, and this shows up clearly during meals.

If you’re eating with a family or a group where older people are present, it’s polite to wait until the eldest person begins eating or tells everyone else it’s alright to start. Sometimes they’ll say something like “Ăn đi con”, which is basically them giving you the go-ahead to eat.

Even if they are serving you food and seem relaxed about it, don’t just jump in immediately. Waiting that extra moment shows respect, and in Vietnam, those small gestures matter.

Getting Around Vietnam

If there’s one thing Vietnam does not make especially easy, it’s walking.

That might sound harsh, but in truth, many Vietnamese towns and cities are not built with pedestrians in mind. Pavements are often blocked by parked motorbikes, café seating, food stalls, bins, signs, flowerpots, or sometimes all of the above at once.

So unless you plan on staying in one tiny area your whole trip, you’re going to need some form of transport.

Buses

Buses are common in many of Vietnam’s larger cities and are one of the cheapest ways to get around. You usually pay after boarding, and they do often have air conditioning, which is a blessing in the heat.

That said, buses are not always the easiest option for foreign travellers. You’ll generally need to know where you’re getting on and off, and unless you can recognise the street names or follow the route properly, it can be a bit stressful if you don’t speak Vietnamese.

For longer journeys between cities, you’ll usually have the choice between a sleeper bus and a seated bus. These can be booked online, through travel websites, or directly through your hostel or hotel.

Now, technically, booking directly online can save you a little money because accommodation providers often take a commission. But in my experience, paying slightly more through your hostel can sometimes be worth it for peace of mind.

I’ve seen far too many angry tourists arguing with bus staff because the bus they booked online turned out not to be the one they were promised. Usually, this isn’t even the fault of the bus employees. It’s often because a travel agency or third-party seller didn’t properly confirm what service was actually running that day.

So if this happens to you, try not to take it out on the bus staff. Frustrating as it is, they can’t magically fix what someone else sold you.

The safest option is to book through a reputable company or through accommodation you trust. A decent hostel or hotel usually has a relationship with reliable operators and has more incentive not to mess you around, because it reflects badly on them too.

I’ve also heard stories of travellers booking what looked like a cheap bargain online, only to be told once on board that luggage wasn’t included and they’d need to pay extra. At that point, your options are pretty limited.

So yes, buses can be cheap and useful, but don’t let saving a tiny amount of money land you in a much more stressful situation.

Taxis

Taxis are one of the more expensive ways to get around Vietnamese cities, especially compared to local standards.

If you’re flagging one down directly on the street, always ask about the price or make sure the meter is being used properly before you set off. I’ve personally had a driver turn off the meter during the journey, then try to charge me three times what the trip should have cost when we arrived.

A ride that should have been around 50,000 dong suddenly became 150,000 dong, purely because I assumed the meter was still running.

When using taxi apps, another thing to keep in mind is your pick-up location. Some streets and alleys in Vietnam are so narrow or awkward that drivers simply don’t want to deal with them. If they don’t speak English, they may just cancel the ride rather than trying to explain that they need you to walk to a more accessible road.

So if you’re ordering a car from deep inside a tiny alleyway, don’t be surprised if the driver gives up before reaching you.

One more small but annoying thing: some drivers don’t include the airport entry fee in the price. It’s usually only around 10,000 dong, but if you’re down to your last notes before a flight, it can still catch you out.

I once gave away all my smaller cash before leaving Vietnam, thinking I’d only need the fare shown in the app, and then got told at the last minute that I also needed to pay the entry fee. The driver didn’t have change for my 500,000 dong note, so what should have been a straightforward trip turned into an unnecessary detour just to break the money.

Not a disaster, but definitely avoidable.

Motorbike Taxis

Motorbike taxis are one of the most common forms of transport in Vietnam, and for many travellers they quickly become the most convenient.

Grab is by far the best-known option for tourists, and its drivers are easy to spot thanks to the iconic green helmets and jackets. Prices are low, journeys are quick, and in traffic-heavy cities they’re often much faster than cars.

But like most things in Vietnam, there are still a few things to be careful about.

First of all, if you have a lot of luggage, a motorbike taxi is probably not the right choice. Vietnam is famous for people carrying ridiculous amounts of things on motorbikes, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for you to do the same with your valuables.

Yes, you can technically order two bikes, one for you and one for your luggage, but I personally would not feel comfortable sending all my belongings off on the back of a stranger’s bike and hoping it arrives where I do.

It’s also worth knowing that fake Grab drivers do exist. They’re not everywhere, but they are around. Anyone can buy a green helmet and jacket online, and I’ve had suspicious men approach me pretending to be Grab drivers, even though I had not ordered anything.

They rely on the branding to make you trust them, then hit you with a ridiculous fee once you arrive.

So always order through the app. No matter how hot, tired, lost, or desperate you are, don’t just hop on with a random bloke in green because he says he’s Grab.

One more thing that doesn’t get mentioned enough is helmets. Motorbike taxis are everywhere, but that does not mean they are especially safe. The helmet the driver hands you will very often not fit properly, and if something goes wrong, you are not going to be happy that your only protection was a loose plastic hat wobbling around on your head.

If you’re going to be using bike taxis regularly, especially over a longer trip, it might actually be worth buying a helmet that fits you properly.

Dating and Public Behaviour

This isn’t going to be a guide on how to meet local Vietnamese people, so if that’s what you were after, sorry to disappoint.

This is just some practical advice for people who are already dating someone in Vietnam or who happen to find themselves on a date while travelling here.

One of the main things to understand is that public displays of affection are generally not common in Vietnam. You’ll still see couples holding hands or walking together, but overly passionate kissing or excessive touching in public is usually seen as a bit inappropriate.

No one is likely to stop you in the street and scold you for it, but it’s still better to keep things more reserved in public.

And if you’re visiting temples, pagodas, shrines, or any religious site, then this becomes even more important. Romantic behaviour at sacred places is deeply disrespectful, so don’t treat them like a backdrop for a couple’s photoshoot full of kissing poses and flirtation.

If you’re in Vietnam during Valentine’s Day, you’ll notice there are loads of opportunities to buy gifts. Street vendors often sell flowers, teddies, balloons, and all kinds of themed presents.

But do keep in mind that certain things suddenly become more expensive around those occasions. Flowers, wine, and some restaurants may quietly add what I can only describe as a “special day tax”, especially in places like Saigon.

Romance is still romance, but romance on a holiday date in Vietnam may cost a bit more than you were expecting.

Getting Around on Foot or by Yourself

We’ve talked about public transport, but what about moving around on your own terms?

Every time I’m in Vietnam, I try to rent a motorbike. For me, it gives the most freedom and makes day-to-day life so much easier. You can head out when you want, stop when you want, and not constantly rely on someone else.

A lot of travellers arrive thinking they’ll just walk everywhere, but in most Vietnamese cities that gets old very quickly. Between the blocked pavements, the heat, the traffic, and the sheer awkwardness of constantly stepping into the road because the footpath has turned into a parking lot, walking is often more exhausting than enjoyable.

So if it’s in your budget and you’re comfortable doing it legally and safely, having your own wheels can make a massive difference.

Don’t Walk Long Distances in Flip-Flops

Now, if you do decide to walk around a lot, let me save you some pain: don’t do it in sandals or flip-flops on bare feet.

I know it seems like the obvious holiday footwear choice. It’s hot, you want your feet to breathe, you want to feel relaxed, and shoes seem like too much effort.

Terrible idea.

After half an hour or an hour of walking around Vietnamese streets, your feet will likely be aching, filthy from dust and exhaust, and rubbed raw by the straps. I’ve had it happen more times than I care to admit. At its worst, I’ve actually lost skin from the constant rubbing.

So please, bring proper shoes and socks. It may not feel glamorous, but your feet will thank you.

Buy an Umbrella

If you struggle with the heat, don’t be embarrassed about using an umbrella for shade.

A lot of tourists from colder countries think umbrellas are only for rain, but in Vietnam they can be a genuine lifesaver under the midday sun. Having portable shade while walking around can make a massive difference, especially in historical sites or open areas with very little cover.

I found this especially useful in places like the Imperial City in Huế, where there was loads of walking to do and very little natural shade.

It may not look stylish in your mind before the trip, but when the sun is battering down on you, you’ll stop caring very quickly.

Be Careful Driving Long Distances by Motorbike

Riding from city to city by motorbike is one of the classic Vietnam travel experiences, and for good reason. It can be absolutely incredible.

But it also becomes a lot less romantic if you aren’t prepared.

One of the biggest things people underestimate is the sun. The first time I drove longer distances in Vietnam, I didn’t pay much attention to what time I was travelling. I just left when I felt like it.

Later, another traveller warned me not to drive during the hottest part of the day because the sun is brutal, especially when you’re exposed for hours on end. Officially, the strongest sun tends to be between around 10am and 4pm, though the worst part often feels like midday into mid-afternoon.

If you’re riding during those hours, wear long sleeves, use sunscreen properly, and don’t forget your hands and face.

Ignore this advice and you may end up like I did once, so sunburnt that I had to postpone a boat trip because my arms looked like a Swizzels Drumstick Squashie.

Funny afterwards. Not funny at the time.

Haggling in Markets

If you visit local markets in Vietnam, it’s best to assume that the first price you hear is probably not the local price.

Bargaining is part of the culture in many markets, especially those aimed at tourists, and vendors are usually very experienced at it. If you come from a country where haggling doesn’t really happen, it can feel uncomfortable at first, but in Vietnam it’s often expected.

That doesn’t mean you need to turn every purchase into a battle to the death over 10,000 dong, but it does mean you should be aware that there is often room to negotiate.

If you’re shopping in places that sell obvious counterfeit goods, it’s especially important not to act as though you’re buying the genuine article. If the item is fake, make it clear that you know it’s fake, otherwise you may end up being quoted a price that would be a bargain for the real thing but robbery for what it actually is.

That said, there is a limit.

Some vendors enjoy the whole performance of bargaining, while others are just trying to make a living and don’t appreciate being pushed too far. This is their livelihood, not a game show, so use a bit of common sense and read the room.

If you haggle, do it respectfully.

Food, Coffee, and Juices

Vietnamese food is one of the best things about travelling here, but one tip I’d always recommend is this: find out what each city is known for and try that dish there.

Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly regional, and certain places are famous for doing particular dishes better than anywhere else. Hoi An has cao lầu, Tiền Giang has hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho, and Hà Nội has bún chả, just to name a few.

So rather than eating the same safe meals everywhere you go, take the time to find out what the local speciality is in each city and try it there. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience the differences between regions.

Watch Out for Sugar in Juices

If you’re trying to be healthy, you might think ordering fruit juice instead of fizzy drinks is automatically the better option.

Not necessarily.

A lot of fruit juices in Vietnam come with a generous amount of added sugar unless you specifically ask otherwise. If you want yours without extra sugar, remember the phrase “không đường”, which means without sugar.

That one little phrase can save you from unknowingly drinking something much sweeter than you expected.

Try the Fish Sauce

There isn’t much poetic advice I can give you about fish sauce other than this: yes, it smells awful, but yes, it tastes great.

If you’re new to it, the smell can be quite aggressive. But once it’s actually combined with the food properly, it adds so much flavour that it becomes very easy to understand why it’s such a staple here.

So my tip is simple: don’t judge it too quickly. Try it.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the most exciting, beautiful, and memorable countries I’ve ever spent time in, but it’s also a place that rewards preparation.

It’s the kind of country where knowing just a few extra things in advance can make a massive difference to your trip. Understanding basic food etiquette can save you from awkward moments. Knowing how transport works can save you money and stress. Having the right footwear, the right sun protection, and the right expectations can save you a lot of discomfort too.

But beyond all of that, the most important thing is to arrive with patience, curiosity, and a sense of humour.

Vietnam can be loud, hectic, confusing, and occasionally exhausting, but it is also incredibly warm, generous, and full of character. Some of the very things that make it feel overwhelming at first are often the things you end up missing most once you leave.

So do your research, stay aware, respect the culture, and don’t be afraid to laugh when things get a little chaotic.

Because sooner or later, they probably will.