Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually with its stunning landscapes, world-renowned cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. From the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An to the buzzing motorbike culture of Ho Chi Minh City, this Vietnam travel guide shows that every corner has something new to discover.
However, for many first-time visitors, the excitement can sometimes lead to avoidable mistakes. These are mistakes that can cost money, comfort, and even cultural respect.
This guide highlights the 10 common mistakes tourists make in Vietnam and how you can avoid them. Whether you’re backpacking, travelling as a couple, or enjoying a luxury holiday, these tips will help you experience Vietnam the right way.
1. Underestimating the Size of Vietnam
Mistake: Thinking you can “do” Vietnam in a week.
Vietnam is a big country and it stretches over 1,600 kilometres from north to south, offering diverse landscapes and experiences. Many travellers try to squeeze everything in a single trip. The result? Exhaustion, rushed itineraries, compromise with the experience, disappointment, and little time to truly enjoy each place.
Fix: Plan realistically. Choose only the highlights of Vietnam during your very first trip to this country, and go offbeat in your next visit. Examples:
- North: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh
- Central: Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang
- South: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Cu Chi Tunnels
Fewer stops with more time in each place make for a far richer travel experience. You can refer to this itinerary or book this Vibrant Vietnam trip for your first visit to Vietnam, and the Phu Quoc trip for the subsequent visit.
2. Disrespecting Cultural Norms at Temples
Mistake: Wearing revealing clothes or taking selfies in sacred spaces.
Temples and pagodas are active places of worship, not just tourist attractions. Inappropriate clothing or disruptive behaviour can be seen as highly disrespectful. Also, if you are not dressed conservatively, then you may not be allowed to visit the temples or pagodas. While some places offer rent-free skirts or sarongs for the tourists but in other cases, you end up buying expensive sarongs/scarves last minute to get inside the premises.
Fix: Before visiting, understand what places in your itinerary come up with a dress code. Dress modestly in those places. Cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering, and be discreet with photography. Respect brings not only a better cultural exchange but also warm smiles from locals.
3. Getting Scammed by Taxis or Cyclo Drivers
Mistake: Hopping in without checking the meter or agreeing on a price.
Overcharging by taxi or cyclo (rickshaw) drivers is one of the most common tourist complaints.
Fix: Use apps like Grab or Gojek for transparent fares. If you take a cyclo for the experience, negotiate clearly before the ride. A little caution will save you both money and stress.
4. Assuming There’s No Good Food for Vegetarians
Mistake: Believing Vietnamese cuisine is only about meat and seafood.
While Vietnam is famous for dishes like pho and banh mi, its Buddhist traditions mean vegetarian food is plentiful. Many travellers miss this out of assumption.
Fix: Most of the restaurants have an English menu; otherwise, use Google Translator to read the menu. Make sure to read the ingredients of your dish or ask for the help of the restaurant staff. You’ll find vegetarian pho, tofu dishes, vegetarian noodles and fresh vegetable rolls. Cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City are vegan/vegetarian-friendly.
5. Drinking Tap Water
Mistake: Assuming tap water is safe.
Even locals avoid drinking from the tap. Visitors often end up with stomach issues.
Fix: Stick to bottled or filtered water. Many hotels provide refill stations. Ice in restaurants is generally safe since it’s purified, but when in doubt, skip it.
6. Not Haggling at Markets
Mistake: Paying the first price quoted.
At local markets, tourists are often given inflated prices.
Fix: Bargaining is expected. Do it politely with a smile, aiming for 70–80% of the starting price. Treat it as part of the cultural experience rather than a battle. Remember that they don’t negotiate high like Indian flea markets.
7. Not Doing Proper Shopping Research
Mistake: Buying high-value products on impulse without checking quality or prices.
Shopping is an integral part of a Vietnam trip. Buying low-value products such as touristy souvenirs, coffee, handicrafts, lacquerware, or inexpensive clothes on an impulse is okay, but Vietnam is also known for its silk, pearls, tailor-made clothes, and first-brand copies as well. Rushing the purchase of high-value products can lead to overpriced or poor-quality purchases.
Fix: Make a proper list of markets, compare shops, read reviews, and ask locals where to buy. For tailoring, allow at least 2–3 days for fittings.
8. Using USD Instead of Vietnamese Dong
Mistake: Trying to pay in US dollars everywhere.
Only some hotels or tourist stores accept dollars, often with poor exchange rates.
Use Vietnamese Dong (VND) for most of your transactions. It is a good idea to learn the denominations. The large number of zeros on the notes, such as ₫10,000 and ₫100,000, can be confusing at first. Always keep small notes handy to pay for food, taxis, and markets.
9. Ignoring the Weather Differences by Region
Mistake: Packing for just one climate.
Vietnam’s weather changes drastically between the north, central, and south. A December day in Hanoi can feel chilly, while Ho Chi Minh City is hot and humid.
Fix: Check forecasts before packing:
- North: Cool winters
- Central: Pleasant weather even in winter
- South: Hot and humid year-round
Layers are key when travelling across regions.
10. Not Respecting the Local Pace of Life
Mistake: Rushing, being loud, or acting aggressively.
Vietnamese culture values humility, patience, and calmness. Tourists who behave pushily may face cold responses.
Fix: Slow down and embrace the relaxed rhythm. Smile, stay patient, and avoid confrontations. A calm demeanour opens doors to genuine connections with locals.
Final Travel Tips from Vietnam Travel Guide
Before you pack your bags, this Vietnam travel guide has a few final tips to make your journey more enjoyable and hassle-free.
- Learn simple phrases. “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you) go a long way.
- Be careful with motorbike taxis. They’re fun, but always wear helmets.
- Respect personal space. Crowds are common, but politeness matters.
- Stay flexible. Weather and schedules can change. Embrace the unpredictability.
Conclusion
This Vietnam travel guide reminds us that travelling through Vietnam is one of those rare adventures that stays with you long after you return home. From misty mountains in the north to bustling markets in the south, every region offers a unique story. But the difference between a trip filled with stress and one filled with wonder often comes down to avoiding a few simple mistakes.
By planning realistically, respecting local customs, and embracing Vietnam with an open mind, you’ll not only save time and money but also create authentic connections with the people and places you encounter.
So, pack your bags, skip the tourist traps, and step into the real Vietnam. This is a country that rewards curiosity, patience, and respect. If you travel smart, Vietnam won’t just be another stamp on your passport. It will be a journey you’ll treasure forever.
