If you love to travel but are into slightly more off-the-beaten-path destinations, Vietnam definitely will not disappoint.
It is one gorgeous country to explore on a gap year in Asia – there’s bustling cities, there’s rural countryside, there’s coastal gems and everything in between. And it only gets 10 around million tourists each year which, in comparison to places like Thailand (which receives triple that), means it’s a killer destination.
On my trip to Vietnam, I like to think I learned a lot about the colorful, beautiful culture and country.
Here are some essential things I think are worth knowing before any trip there.
1. Don’t forget to sort out your visa
Many Southeast Asian countries require visas for entry, but many of these visas can be sorted upon landing. However, it’s worth reading up on Vietnam’s rules, because they vary A LOT. In other words, whether you’re arriving by land or by air, and where you’re flying in from makes all the difference.
For example, Americans can apply for e-Visas, but Canadians can’t. Visas on arrival are for air arrivals, not overland arrivals. Google, and embassies, really are your best friends in figuring it all out. (For more deets, Americans can check out this website, and Canadians can browse this one.)
2. Consider Tours
If you are thinking about going backpacking or taking a gap year in Vietnam and worried about the language barrier, travelling solo, or just getting around there are lots of travel companies who offer tours to Vietnam.
3. Prices are negotiable
I usually come back from trips to places like Vietnam wishing I were able to barter for the things I buy in Canada.
However, it can be tough for travelers to get used to not just paying whatever the price is a shop owner says. Remember that most things in Vietnam are cheaper than what you’re used to in somewhere like Europe or North America. And there is no reason you should be paying 10 times the price a local does.
So, practice your negotiating skills for when you shop in Vietnam. If a salesperson doesn’t like what you’re offering, you can go so far as to walk away! If they don’t chase after you, it wasn’t meant to be.
That being said, remember that a few extra dollars may mean an extra latte to you, but it could be half a day’s wages for the person you’re bargaining with.
Go shopping (plus so much more) on one of our amazing small group tours to Vietnam
4. Don’t worry about the cuisine – it’s delish
It’s worth visiting Vietnam for the food alone. I’m drooling just writing this. To be honest, I had no idea what Vietnamese cuisine even consisted of before I arrived. I had obviously heard of pho back home (but never tried it), and that was the extent of my knowledge.
I quickly learned what this tasty cuisine entails and I was SO glad I did. Common ingredients include fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, rice, fresh herbs, and a ton of fruit and vegetables. Cooking and eating is a massive part of the Vietnamese culture and you’ll often see families on the side of the road on small stools sharing a big pot of deliciousness in the evenings.
When visiting you definitely have to try a big, warm bowl of pho (noodle soup), banh mi (baguettes), any and all rice dishes, and whatever the locals recommend. The first night I was in Hanoi, I got recommended a restaurant called Bun Bo Nam Bo which was known for their bun bo nam bo (coincidence, right?).
The stirred beef vermicelli dish with raw veggies and peanuts was so delicious we came back the next day to have it again!
5. Count your change
The Vietnamese Dong can be kinda confusing. It’s one of those currencies that can make you feel like a millionaire pretty quickly – around $45 USD gets you one million Dong.
One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is accidentally handing over too much money because of the confusing amount of zeros on each bill (the 50,000 Dong bill looks a lot like a 500,000 one). So, make sure you have a good understanding of the currency exchange and double or triple check your bills before paying.
It may be helpful to download an app like XE Currency Converter or have a print-out of conversions to make it easy for you to take a glance at. Trust me, I’m terrible at doing conversions in my head so having these things on hand make it super easy!
Something you seriously have to try in Vietnam: Vietnamese coffee!
6. Embrace the fresh air of the countryside
I’ll admit, when I visited Hanoi I experienced a bit of a culture shock. It was very different from the other Southeast Asian cities I had been in before and, initially, I was overwhelmed. But this is one of the most beautiful parts about travel. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and instead of being quick to judge, opening your mind and embracing it is such an amazing thing.
If you do find the bustle of the biggest Vietnamese cities a little too much, you’ll find many laid-back spots in more rural regions. Some of these include the beachy town of Nha Trang (here’s why you should visit), the countryside around Hoi An, and the historic sights of Hue.
7. Know how to cross the street
The cities are hectic in Vietnam. So hectic that on day one I asked my sister if we could stay in this city for two days without having to cross the road once! The roads are busy, filled with motorbikes and cars, and the rules of the road are definitely fewer than what I’m used to.
But it didn’t take us long to figure out the tricks of the trade. When you cross a road you need to cross at a steady pace and not slow down, speed up or stop while crossing (even though it’ll be tempting). By walking at a steady pace, motorbikes can easily swerve around you. But when you are stopping, speeding up or slowing down, they don’t know what your next move is and you’re making it harder for them to avoid you.
Sounds intimidating, I know, but once you get the knack of it you’ll be fine. Following locals across the road can help you get the hang of things too!
Nothing can really prepare you for the wonders of Vietnam and the Vietnamese culture. From the natural beauty of Halong Bay and the rice terraces, to the rich history and man-made beauty of the temples and pagodas scattered throughout, there’s something for everyone. The food is some of the best in Southeast Asia and you’ll be rewarded with one truly memorable trip.
What more could you really need or want? So who’s ready to book a ticket for the next flight out? I am. For more tips check out this Vietnam travel guide which has tons more helpful tips.