Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide: Honest Vietnam Trip Summary & Tips

I set off from Nanning bus station, purchasing a ticket through a mini-program for a five-seater to Hanoi, which cost 240 (the larger bus was 180, though I can’t recall the exact amount).

First, let’s dive into the visa situation. I decided to go on a whim, so I didn’t have time to get a paper visa (currently, the only place for a visa on arrival is Phu Quoc Island). The visa fee ranges from 💰200-400, depending on how many days in advance you apply. From Nanning to Hanoi, there weren’t many people at the exit, and no one asked for a tip.
[The specific process, I won’t write it out, I’ll just share my feelings.]

1/ Coffee is a way of life here, with the city buzzing from 6:30 in the morning until 9 at night. You can find coffee and morning tea anywhere, anytime, with locals already sipping away on their small stools.

2/ In Hanoi, motorcycles rule the road! Don’t even think about competing with them for space. If you’re not used to crossing streets with a sea of bikes, Vietnam might be a bit of a challenge. Zebra crossings are more decorative than functional; cars rarely give way to pedestrians.

3/ Most meat in Vietnam is overcooked, but the beef in beef noodle soup is a delightful exception.

4/ The level of English proficiency is slightly lower compared to Thailand, so brushing up on some basic Vietnamese phrases might come in handy.

5/ At first, it seems like the locals in Hanoi look at Chinese visitors with a frown, but they are actually quite warm-hearted [Sweating Emoji][Sweating Emoji][Sweating Emoji] (similar to how some people in China react when they encounter Japanese visitors).

6/ Tattoos are common and don’t restrict your access to places. For example, you can enter saunas and other such venues without any issues.

7/ Foot-picking is a common sight, often right on the roadside [Smiling Emoji]. It’s a part of the local culture.

8/ Many mixed-race people in Hanoi have very fair skin, while those in Ho Chi Minh City tend to have darker complexions.

9/ [Smiling Emoji][Smiling Emoji][Smiling Emoji] No need to worry about getting your greens! No matter what you order (except Western meals), Vietnamese dishes always come with a generous serving of vegetables.

10/ Important note: Drinks in Vietnam come in fixed quantities! For example, if you ask for less ice, your milk tea will only be half a cup! And they are all concentrated! So, you have to wait for the ice to melt and drink it slowly [Face Palm Emoji]. They are all very sweet. If you’re afraid of sweetness, you can ask for less sugar, less ice, and then have them add water. Just asking for less sugar will still be very sweet.

11/ Stay away from balloons 🎈

12/ Marijuana use is still present, particularly among some foreigners.

13/ Camel brand black tea is a popular choice for smoking (black tea).

14/ In the area of Building 81 in Ho Chi Minh City, be cautious of people who speak Chinese greeting you.

15/ Don’t exchange too much money at once. The exchange rate is generally around 3500. The four major banks charge about 17 yuan in fees for ATM withdrawals, and you can only withdraw 2 million VND at a time.

16/ Robberies do occur (not me, but a white person had their bag stolen).

17/ [This is for straight men] Be cautious of the many Chinese individuals or “guides” filming Douyin videos outside the cherry 🍒 shops on Japan Street. Always be mindful of your safety and privacy in these bustling areas.

18/ Keep a sharp eye when handling 100,000 and 10,000 VND notes, as their colors are deceptively similar. A moment’s inattention could lead to a costly mistake!

19/ The nightlife here really kicks into gear after 11 PM, with bars starting to fill up and the atmosphere becoming electric. If you’re planning to join the fun, that’s the time to head out.

20/ While there are plenty of massage options available, they often fall short compared to the renowned Thai massages. 🤦‍♂️

That’s all for now. Tomorrow, I’ll be heading to the airport to see if the process of leaving the country is as cumbersome as it’s made out to be. Stay tuned!