A Backpackers Guide To Visiting Vietnam
Welcome to Vietnam.
Thinking of planning a trip to this incredible destination?
Be sure to check out this guide by Honeymoon Backpackers highlighting everything you need to know before you go.
Tourism in Vietnam is booming!
The region is open for travel and it is one of the best places to travel.
Here in Vietnam, there is an obvious focus on family, work ethic, and respect which can be very humbling to experience. For many reasons it is essential that travellers have at least a general understanding of the local customs and what to expect when they land.
It can be a big culture shock for anyone who is new to Southeast Asia and the local way of life.
That is why we have created this list of important things to know when you are visiting Vietnam.
We hope this helps you on your journey. Let’s go!
Respect
Respect is important in Vietnam, especially to your elders.
You should know how to address someone older than you before travelling in this region to ensure that you are able to act in a culturally appropriate manner. This will not only help you connect and engage with local people but show that you care and you’re not that typical backpacker on a holiday.
You can transfer many of these cultural norms to other South East Asian destinations.
Avoid touching anyone on their head or showing the bottom of your feet in public out of respect to local customs.
If you are unsure don't be afraid to ask and when in doubt a smile goes a long way. Oh and don't forget to take off your shoes when you go inside.
Here are three basic words in Vietnamese related to respect:
Ang - Older man
Chi - Older woman
Em - Younger man/woman
Street Food
The water sanitation levels in Vietnam are not recommended for drinking; especially not straight from the tap. You can be sure to increase your chances of getting sick if you drink tap water. Some travellers even use bottled water when brushing their teeth or washing fruits and vegetables.
Another important tip is to be careful where your water and ice cubes come from when you eat out or buy uncooked street food such as salad. If you are unsure, it is best avoided.
Enjoy street food places that are popular with the local crowds, and be sure to check out the food markets at night. If you are overwhelmed at where to eat, look for food stalls that are cooking meals fresh to order and avoid food that has been prepared earlier or reheated.
There are so many amazing cafes and restaurants in Vietnam, especially in the city, so if you don’t want to eat street food, you can be sure to find a place to wine and dine.
Travel Tip: If you have a long travel day planned, you can order take-away meals the night before, so you have breakfast/lunch ready to go! Pack a reusable food storage container to keep your meal fresh and delicious.
It is not uncommon to feel a little unwell in the stomach when you are adjusting to a new cuisine. Fresh coconut water can help keep you hydrated and be sure to watch out for that spicy heat if you are sensitive to chilli.
Social Media
If you rely on internet search engines and social media; you may run into some difficulties in parts of Vietnam.
Filters are placed on certain search engines, websites, news outlets, and social media sites meaning they may not operate as they do back home. Internet security on your devices is highly recommended.
It is important that you always have a reliable form of communication when you travel from place to place, so ensure that you have access to a local phone and sim card and that you advise family or friends that you might not be reachable at times due to such circumstances.
Remember to respect all local laws when it comes to what you post and share on social media.
Traditional media in Vietnam is state-controlled so do your due diligence before you post your personal thoughts/opinions on local events.
Money
Dong is the local currency of Vietnam and it can be very confusing for tourists. This is because 500,000 Dong looks an awful lot like 50,000 Dong and 5,000 Dong as the notes are all blue. The only difference is that they’re worth quite different amounts, and 500,000 Dong has a slight beige stripe in the middle.
Much of the daily expenses like street food are minimal so take smaller notes with you for everyday purchases. Remember to always pay close attention to your money and place your cash in multiple places for safekeeping. If you are worried about holding so much cash consider using a travel wallet which is ideal for crowded streets, airports, and public transport.
Planning
Unlike neighbouring countries such as Laos and Thailand, where it’s usually cheaper to book accommodation ahead, it is quite the opposite in Vietnam.
You will most likely get a cheaper price when you arrive as opposed to booking online. This is especially true for the low/rain season. However, during the peak travel seasons and the Lunar New Year, it is advisable to book ahead for your preferred dates as prices increase and rooms book out fast.
You can find a wide variety of accommodation styles to suit every budget from hostel to the hotel, and much of the land travel (bus and train) can also be arranged without too much planning.
If you have a few months to travel around, you can be sure to plan as you go, however, if you have just a few weeks or days, some extra planning for the tourist hot spots such as Ha Long Bay would be best.
The emerald waters of Ha Long Bay in Northeast Vietnam.
Alcohol
There is a fun, outdoor, social vibe which comes with drinking and sharing street food with new friends when you travel to Vietnam. Looking for the cheapest beer in the world? You will find it right here in Vietnam!
It is called Bia Hoi, which is a freshly brewed local beer. It will set you back between 10,000 Dong a litre or 5,000 Dong a glass. It’s so cheap, but it also only lasts a day as there are no preservatives to keep it fresh and bubbly.
Stay Safe
Following this, unfortunately, is a common issue of night-time road accidents so be sure to end your drinking session by taking a safe mode of transport and remember your belongings.
Curfew
Check with the local tourism sites or your accommodation/host for the current curfew times.
In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, citywide curfews are often in place to prevent crime.
At 10:30 pm in Hanoi, they roll down all the shutters and close shop for the night.
The curfew times can be a hassle if you are not keeping track. Be sure to check with your accommodation about any lock-out times and plan ahead.
Traffic
The roads are different here in Vietnam; I like to call it organised chaos.
After spending a few months in Vietnam and managing to get from one side to the other here are a few tips:
Use your hand to signal motorbikes to go or stop.
Find someone else who is crossing the road, stand next to them but away from oncoming traffic, and follow their lead.
Look for a small gap in the road and take it, slowly shuffling across the road with each gap that appears.
Crossing the road during Vietnamese rush hour is an experience in itself. If you plan on waiting for an empty space, you will legitimately be standing there all day.
Coffee
Vietnam is famous for its amazing range of delicious coffee, known as Ca Phe, and for a good reason.
The country is home to some of the most delicious coffee in the world, and tourists can be seen enjoying the café culture by sitting with a glass of ice and espresso at all hours of the day. Vietnamese coffee is Café Den Da (iced black coffee), but it is also perfect with coconut milk. Wherever you wander, coffee in Vietnam won't be far away.
Travel Tip: Single-use plastic is a serious problem, especially when it comes to plastic cups and straws. Be sure to travel with your eco-friendly reusable coffee cup.
Coffee is traditionally sweet and strong and is best served hot with some delicious street food snacks. Don’t be afraid to skip the fancy lattes in the cafe and find a local stall and enjoy the friendly service.
Final Thoughts
By Cherie Julie - Founder of Travel For Change Collective.
Vietnam is sure to captivate you no matter your travel style. This destination has something to offer the most adventurous soul to the most relaxed with everything from the beach to the city to explore.
If you are one for the bustling city life you can’t go past the intensity of Ho Chi Minh City an absolute melting pot for the senses with endless shopping, cafes and food to enjoy. If you prefer clean air, scenic views, and time in nature you can go north and be mesmerised by the dramatic landscape at every turn.
Slow travel is one of the best ways to see Vietnam so try not to rush the journey and enjoy the chance to see the country by rail. The train network can take you all the way north to south and vice versa so be sure to make the most of this relaxing and affordable option.
Finally, Vietnam, like many Southeast Asian destinations will leave an impression on your heart especially so if you spend time in the local community.
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Phở and be prepared to stay longer than you planned!
Guest Author: Honeymoon Backpackers
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