Vietnam is a must-go destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the overwhelming beauty of nature. And if you desire a journey to Vietnam, here’re 6 must-know Vietnam travel advice from past visitors to help you make the most of your trip.
1. Visa Requirements
First and foremost, it’s crucial to check the visa requirements before starting your trip to Vietnam. As the visa processes apply differently in each country, make sure to research well in advance.
Many travelers choose a visa on arrival, which is both convenient and cost-effective. However, my suggestion is that you verify the specific requirements for your country and have a passport of at least six months validity from the departure date.

Visa Vietnam for the UK (source: Vinpearl)
2. Consider the Season to Visit
Vietnam’s climate varies significantly from North to South, so the season you choose to visit can decide your mood during the trip. Here’re some Vietnam travel advice from other visitors to refer to:
- North Vietnam: Although they are both in the northern region, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay have extremely different seasons and climates. However, most of the travelers suggested that Spring (February to April) and Autumn (October to December) are the best times to visit for pleasant weather. Basically, summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold and misty.
- Central Vietnam: The 3 most must-visit cities in this area are Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. As they share quite a similar climate, you can choose to visit from February to July when the weather is generally dry and pleasant.
- South Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta region have a tropical climate with two seasons. The dry season (November to April) is an excellent time for travel, but the wet season (May to October) brings heavy rainfall.
Making or breaking your trip depends so much on your decision of seasons to visit, So, it’s best to base on your preferences when planning a perfect trip for yourself accordingly.

Vietnam offers different scenic views in each season (Source: Handspan travel Indochina)
3. Cultural Sensitivity
Wherever you visit outside of your home country, respecting the local customs and traditions is always a nice thing to do. In Vietnam, some cultural norms and practices may differ from what you’re accustomed to:
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and temples. Shoulders and knees should be covered, so pack appropriate clothing if you plan to experience these kinds of places.
- Always take your shoes off when entering someone’s home.
- Too much skinship, such as kissing and hugging, is sometimes considered inappropriate in many parts of Vietnam. However, people living in big cities like Ho Chi Minh are quite open so you don’t have to feel so constrained.
- Be mindful of your behavior in sacred places and respect the local rituals.
People in Vietnam are considered to be very friendly. They’ll be welcomed so warmly as long as you respect their culture. Cheers!

Cultural diversity of Vietnam (Source: Edumall)
Purchasing a local SIM card
Purchasing a local SIM card in Vietnam is highly recommended. It’s a convenient way to have access to data, make calls, and stay connected with your fellow travelers. It’s especially affordable so you might not be worried about pricing or wasting after the trip.
Prepare some Vietnamese phrases
Learning some basic Vietnamese phrases can greatly enhance your experience and interactions with the locals. Don’t be shy because Vietnamese get so excited when hearing a foreigner speak their language. They might also teach you some interesting slang. Here are some useful Vietnamese phrases to get you started:
- Xin chào (sin chow) – Hello
- Cảm ơn (gahm uhn) – Thank you
- Xin lỗi (sin loy) – Excuse me/I’m sorry
- Bao nhiêu? (bow nyuh) – How much?
- Mua cái này (mwa kai nay) – I want to buy this.
Learning a bit of the local language shows respect for the culture and will give you a more memorable interactions during your trip. If you want to try shopping at Vietnam’s markets, learning some sentences about bargaining is a great tip, I bet!

Best SIM cards for travelers (source: Vietnam-visa)
4. Currency Exchange
Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, having some cash on hand is recommended, especially if you plan to visit rural regions or try vendor food. You can easily exchange currency at official exchange counters, banks, or ATMs and ensure receiving a fair rate.
Carry smaller denominations of VND for small purchases and transportation, and remember to keep larger bills in your secure location. Sometimes, street vendors may not be able to provide change for larger notes.

Change your currency to vnđ (Source: industry and trade maganize)
5. Cuisine and Dining
Vietnam is well-known for the country’s diverse cuisine, with fresh ingredients and tasty flavors. To have a fascinating experience while trying it, there are some tips for you:
- Street Food: Vietnam is a great land of street food. Some people come to Vietnam for this signature. You may watch people prepare the food in every stall.
- Hygiene: For the best experience, you should pay attention to the hygiene of wherever you dine. Find places where the food is well-cooked and well-prepared with clean utensils. If your stomach is sensitive, remember to avoid ice drinks in rural areas.
- Water: Bottled water is popular in Vietnam. You can easily find or order it at any restaurants. Also, I recommend you not drink tap water and be more careful with ice in drinks.
- Local Specialities: Vietnamese cuisine is especially diverse with unique dishes from all regions and provinces. You may refer to local specialties at everywhere you go to discover new tastes and flavors.
- Bargaining: It is recommended to negotiate prices at local markets or street vendors, just be respectful and do it with a friendly attitude. Remember my tip of learning some Vietnamese phrases about bargaining!

Banh xeo – a world-class cusine of Vietnam (Source: Gia đinh)
Final thoughts
Vietnam is worth visiting thanks to its rich cultural heritage, magnificent landscapes, and diverse cuisine. And these 6 Vietnam travel advice are important for you to have a great trip. It’s time to enjoy your journey!