Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations, luring travelers with its vibrant cities, dramatic landscapes, and rich culture. From towering mountains to golden beaches, bustling markets to peaceful villages, the country offers a mesmerizing variety of experiences along its S-shaped strip of land.
It’s also one of the region’s most affordable destinations. In fact, over 100,000 foreigners have chosen to make Vietnam their home, settling primarily in major cities.
Yet, whether you’re visiting for a few days or staying longer, newcomers often fall into the same pitfalls. Drawing on insights from travel writer Ian Paynton, who first visited Vietnam in 2007 and later moved to Hanoi, here are seven essential tips to help you avoid common mistakes—and make the most of your adventure.
1. Avoid Wearing Revealing Clothes Around Town
In Vietnam, the ideal standard of beauty emphasizes elegance and modesty. Wearing revealing clothes, especially in public places or religious sites, can be seen as disrespectful.
A notable incident occurred in 2016 when a foreign tourist was asked to leave a holy site for wearing a bra top and shorts. While swimwear is perfectly acceptable on the beach, wearing beach attire while strolling through cities will draw curious—and sometimes disapproving—looks from locals.
When visiting temples, pagodas, or cultural sites, opt for clothing that covers shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
2. Prepare for Chaotic Traffic
Vietnam’s streets are famously lively—and sometimes overwhelming for first-time visitors. Despite improvements, queuing is not deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture outside certain places like banks or airports. Instead, people often squeeze into available space wherever they find it.
This same mindset extends to the roads. By 2020, Vietnam had over 65 million motor vehicles. In big cities, rush hour traffic can feel chaotic, with bikes, cars, and buses weaving around each other. It might look wild—but it’s how things work here. Patience and a calm mindset are your best travel companions.
3. Respect Local Altars
Altars are everywhere in Vietnam—in homes, restaurants, and businesses. They’re used to honor ancestors, deities, and spirits with offerings of food, incense, and drinks.
While they might seem decorative to tourists, these altars are deeply sacred. Always show respect by not touching, moving, or posing for photos directly in front of them. In certain places, you should remove your shoes before stepping inside areas containing altars. A little courtesy goes a long way in Vietnam.
4. Beware of Nightclub Scams via Dating Apps
Dating apps like Tinder are widely used in Vietnam—but visitors should exercise caution.
There have been increasing reports of scams where individuals, posing as potential dates, lure foreigners to nightclubs or bars where they work. Once inside, tourists are pressured to order expensive drinks, racking up hefty bills that earn commissions for the scammers.
If someone you’ve just met online insists on meeting at a club, consider suggesting a neutral public place instead.
5. Don’t Be Shy About Bargaining
Street vendors are a huge part of Vietnamese life. According to Statista, there were over 430,000 street food vendors nationwide in 2018.
While food vendors often have fixed prices, sellers of goods like clothes, souvenirs, and accessories—especially around tourist attractions—may quote higher prices to foreigners.
A good rule of thumb is to start your counteroffer at about half the initial price. And beware of seemingly friendly fruit sellers who offer you a photo op with their conical hats and baskets—they’ll likely expect a tip afterward, usually around one dollar or more.
6. Venture Beyond Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam’s major cities are fascinating, but the country’s true magic often lies beyond the urban hubs.
Consider exploring:
- The terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai)
- The rugged mountains of Ha Giang Province
- The jungles and cave systems of Phong Nha (Quang Binh)
- The historical splendor of Hue in central Vietnam
These destinations showcase Vietnam’s breathtaking diversity and offer unforgettable, less touristy experiences.
7. Embrace the Unexpected
No matter how carefully you plan, things in Vietnam sometimes go off schedule. Transportation delays, last-minute itinerary changes, or mismatches between expectations and reality are common.
Instead of frustration, adopt a flexible mindset. As Ian Paynton notes, locals often believe things will somehow “work out in the end.” A relaxed attitude will help you discover hidden joys and unexpected adventures when plans shift.
Vietnam is a country of incredible beauty and warmth—but it has its quirks for newcomers. Keep these tips in mind, stay open-hearted, and your journey will be smoother, richer, and far more rewarding.
