Vietnam is a delightful and exotic place! Vietnam is also a developing country and you may want to check in with your level of comfort. First world citizens will definitely find delights and also some lesser surprises in Vietnam. It is a peaceful country, and also a bit chaotic, too. Foreign tourists should prepare for travel if they want to enjoy their visit.
In this article, I will share some of the things I use nearly every day that make my daily experience in Vietnam enjoyable. I have lived here since 2017 and I enjoy Vietnam very much. And, why not? This is an exotic country, with beautiful cities, good wifi, friendly people and enough English to get by.
Tips for Travel to Vietnam
- Google maps are not always accurate but usually close enough and a great help for navigating around the city. It is less helpful for giving directions on public transport (buses and trains). The information for route numbers and buses is lacking. In some cases, it’s just plain wrong. The times can be unreliable.
- Expect Last-Minute changes. When I was invited to a friend’s wedding, they told me about it a couple months in advance, but nobody, including me, got the actual invitation until a few days before. I am often asked to do something tonight, that was planned weeks in advance. The western idea of the first thing on the calendar getting precedence is unknown here.
- Crossing the Street. New arrivals will find the lack of street signs and traffic lights disconcerting. Here’s what I have seen others do and it works very well. Pick a gap in the traffic. Start walking. Be Predictable. Wave your hand toward traffic to be more see-able. Remember, the cars and motorbikes can steer around you and they don’t want to have an accident any more than you do. Traffic lanes are painted on the pavement, but the concept of vehicles staying “in their lanes” isn’t really a thing.
- Do NOT Drive. If you are new to Vietnam, do not drive! The rules are different. Hire a Grab driver or Taxi driver. The best way to get around is by Grab bike or car. Grab Bike if you don’t mind the fresh air (with dust) and the incredible views. Grab car if you would rather arrive clean and collected. I prefer the ease and flexibility I get with a motorbike ride.
- Buy Insurance before you visit Vietnam. There are no stop signs, and there is no real emergency medical service. If you are injured, the hospitals are great. I have found the medical and dental care in Vietnam to be excellent.
- Pickpocketing is a concern in Ho Chi Minh City. While I have visited HCMC, I don’t live there. When I go, I am careful but not worried. Just be mindful of your surroundings, don’t carry much money and never in a wallet. Also, hold on to your phone, go places in a group, and just use common sense.
- Food in Vietnam is great. The best food is the street food. The street vendors sell an endless variety of really good food at a very cheap price. I have never had a problem eating street food. Some people warn against it, and yes, normal caution should be exercised.
- Vietnamese people are very friendly, and for the most part, eager to help tourists around. Most people under twenty understand English rather well.
- Google translate is quite good and getting better quickly. It will now take written phrases, spoken sentences and photos and live video. About five years ago Google bought the app named Word Lens and they finally incorporated it into Google Translate. It is excellent.
- Bargain when you buy things. The traditional markets have names that start with “Cho ____”. Most vendors at the traditional markets expect it. If you learn to pronounce the names for numbers in Vietnamese, you can bargain effectively. Don’t bargain unless you want the item. Always smile when you make a successful deal. With the exchange rate, you won’t spend too much.
- Hanoi is the government capitol city. Find someone to share it with or hire a guide.
- Danang is the city I like and where I live. Danang is halfway between HCMC and Hanoi along the Vietnam Coast. There are wonderful places to see here. The International airport was once the busiest (during the Vietnam War) in the world.
- Nha Trang is on the sea coast between Danang and HCMC. Nha Trang is where the new marina is located. It is a beautiful city.
- Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a must-see destination. There is so much history and culture. The food is great, the airport is a busy place and the city is very modern.
- Listen to Vietnamese first before you read it. I know that’s usually impossible. What I am saying is that the biggest mistake I made when I came to Vietnam is to read the names. This is probably an issue common to all languages, but by mentally giving it an English or American pronunciation, I said it wrong. Even today. Listen first, then speak it, then look at how it’s spelled if you need to.
Conclusions
Take time to enjoy Vietnam. There is so much to see and the people are so friendly. I was surprised to find myself traveling to Vietnam. Even more so, I was surprised to be flying to Danang. However, I like it here. I have been here for five years. I want to travel more around Asia, but I may keep a base in Danang. It’s that good. I hope you will visit and I hope you will enjoy Vietnam.