Essential Travel Tips from Vietnam: Must-Know Advice for Your Next Trip

Many people dream of traveling to Vietnam, lured by its delectable cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant shopping scenes. However, it’s equally important to be aware of safety measures and cultural taboos to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some essential tips to avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your adventure! ⚠

🌈Tips to Avoid Being Scammed
🔴Be wary of charming women selling mineral water at the entrances of tourist sites; once you take a bottle, you’ll be expected to pay!
🔴At fruit stands in scenic areas, refrain from touching the fruits, and politely decline the white gloves offered by vendors, as accepting them could lead to an unexpected charge.

🔴If someone tries to place a hat on your head, ignore it and do not touch it, or you might find yourself paying for it.
🔴Keep your money safe and never let anyone handle it for you. Vietnamese currency includes large denominations, and during transactions, you might not react quickly enough. If someone offers to help, firmly but politely refuse.

🔴Beware of overly enthusiastic fruit vendors who claim to offer free samples; once you accept, they will start charging you.

🌈Things to Note
1⃣ Avoid using your phone while walking, especially in bustling Ho Chi Minh City and its surrounding areas in southern Vietnam. 🎀🎊
2⃣ Keep your bag in front of you and within sight, as carrying it on your back can make you a target for motorbike snatch-and-grab incidents, which are common in Vietnam.

🎉🎁
3⃣ Always keep your valuables close and never leave them unattended. In a blink, they could vanish. 🛋🛒
4⃣ When visiting temples or other religious sites, dress modestly—no shorts—and women should remove their hats. Show respect by joining your hands in prayer when viewing Buddha statues. 🙏
5⃣ Exercise caution when crossing the road.

Always look both ways, as traffic in Vietnam can be chaotic, and traffic lights are often disregarded. 🚦🚥
6⃣ Tipping is not a cultural norm in Vietnam, so it’s not mandatory. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip can be appreciated.

🔔Additional Tips:
🔸Travel Light: The key to a successful backpacking trip is to pack light and only bring essentials. This will make your journey more comfortable and manageable.
🔸Research in Advance: Familiarize yourself with the local weather and cultural customs to avoid any awkward situations and blend in seamlessly.
🔸Safety First: Avoid venturing into remote areas at night, and always keep your valuables with you. Safety should always be your top priority.

⚠️Final Reminder! Don’t forget to apply for an e-visa before entering Vietnam. By getting it done in advance, you’ll ensure a hassle-free entry. At the end of this post, I’ve included a step-by-step guide for applying for a Vietnamese e-visa. It took me a whole day to figure it out initially, but with these tips, it only took 3 minutes—so convenient! I’ve personally tested it, and it works like a charm, so I highly recommend it to everyone.