15 Things to Know Before Visiting Vietnam
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding destinations. Here’s what saves time, money, and stomach issues on your first trip.
- E-visa available online (~$25, 90 days), apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (official site)
- Vietnam stretches 1,650km north to south — fly between major cities (Hanoi, Da Nang, HCMC), don’t bus
- Dong (VND) is the currency: ATMs everywhere, but withdrawal limits are ~2 million VND ($80)
- Tipping isn’t traditional but 5-10% appreciated at tourist restaurants
- Drink bottled water only; ice in established cafes is usually safe (made from filtered water)
- Pho for breakfast, banh mi for lunch, anything from a busy street cart for dinner
- Get a Viettel or Mobifone SIM at the airport. ~$5-10 for 30 days unlimited data
- Grab app for taxis and motorbike rides, set fixed price, no haggling
- Don’t rent a motorbike without an international license + experience — accidents are common
- Traffic crossing: walk slowly + steadily, don’t stop or run, let motorbikes flow around you
- Cover shoulders and knees at pagodas + temples
- Sapa for mountain treks + ethnic minority culture; Ha Long Bay for the famous cruise; Hoi An for tailoring
- Coffee culture is incredible: try ca phe sua da (iced milk coffee) and egg coffee (Hanoi specialty)
- Pack a light rain jacket. Weather varies wildly between regions, even in ‘dry’ season
- Cash is preferred at small shops; cards work at hotels + tourist restaurants