Top Things to Know Before Visiting Vietnam

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Vietnam is one of those countries that sweeps you up in its energy the moment you arrive — the food, the chaos, the landscapes, the kindness, the culture. But it’s also a place where a few things work very differently than what many travelers expect. After spending weeks traveling across the country, making mistakes, learning fast, and laughing at myself more times than I can count, I’ve gathered the top things you should know before visiting Vietnam. These tips will help you feel more comfortable, avoid the common surprises, and enjoy the incredible experiences waiting for you here.

1. Don’t Trust Reviews (Seriously)

I’ve traveled through almost 100 countries, but Vietnam takes the “5-star review culture” to a whole new level. The amount of times I’ve been asked — or pressured — to leave a glowing review is honestly staggering. One time, a lady literally took my phone out of my hands and wrote a 5-star review for her own place, signed with her name, before I even understood what was happening.

And if you’re a bit afraid of conflict like me, you probably prefer to avoid awkward moments rather than start a confrontation. Based on the number of mediocre places with perfect ratings, I don’t think I’m alone in this. Many restaurants or shops offer discounts if you leave a 5-star review, and some even ask to take a photo of your review as “proof.” It creates a pretty weird dynamic.

My advice:

Don’t rely only on Google ratings in Vietnam. Instead, check multiple sources — read blogs, watch videos, scroll TikTok for updated recommendations, and trust real travelers’ experiences over star numbers. It’ll save you from a lot of disappointments.

2. Use Grab — Your Best Friend in Vietnam

Grab is the Southeast Asian version of Uber, and it is hands-down the easiest and most reliable way to get around Vietnam. You can order a car or a scooter, compare prices instantly, and pay through the app so you never have to negotiate.

They have it in most cities — the only place I visited that didn’t have Grab was Cat Ba. Everywhere else, we used it constantly.

You can even use Grab to order food, which became a habit when we were tired or hiding from monsoon rain. It’s cheap, easy, and incredibly convenient.

3. The Weather Is Very Unpredictable (Even in “Good Seasons”)

Almost every guide I read recommended visiting Northern Vietnam in September and October for the best weather: sunshine, clear views, perfect trekking temperatures. Well… that wasn’t quite my experience.

It rained almost every day.

Not light tropical showers — I’m talking heavy monsoon storms.

The rain was so persistent that we cut our time in Vietnam short and skipped several places we really wanted to see. Maybe we were unlucky, but based on conversations with locals and travelers, it seems like the climate has become much more erratic in recent years.

Be prepared for:

Sudden storms
Heavy rainfall even in “dry season”
Last-minute changes to your itinerary

If you’re planning outdoor adventures like Sapa trekking or Ha Giang Loop, always keep a Plan B.

4. How to Cross the Street (Yes, This Needs Its Own Section)

If you’re not used to Southeast Asian traffic, Vietnam’s streets can feel like pure chaos. Scooters everywhere, weaving through each other like a giant school of fish. And here’s the biggest shock:

Cars and scooters will not stop for you.

You have to walk, slowly and confidently, and they move around you.

It feels terrifying at first — trust me — but there is a system. If you hesitate, panic, freeze, or suddenly run, you’ll confuse the drivers, and that’s when things get risky.

My personal tips:

Cross at a steady pace.
Make eye contact when you can.
Don’t stop suddenly.
Don’t dart across the road.
Cars are more unpredictable than scooters, so be extra cautious with them.

5. Think Twice Before Taking a Scooter Grab

Grab scooters are cheap and fast, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re nervous or easily scared in traffic, your fear can actually make the ride more dangerous.

I’ve seen (and heard stories of) tourists freezing up, grabbing the driver, or panicking mid-ride — which can cause them to swerve or stop suddenly in traffic.

If you’re uncomfortable at all, just order a Grab car instead. It’s still affordable and way less stressful.

6. Cash Is Still King (Even When You Think It Won’t Be)

Vietnam is modernizing fast, but outside the big cities you’ll quickly realize that cash is still the preferred way to pay. Street food stalls, small shops, homestays, local cafés, and even some tour companies only accept cash — and they’re not shy about telling you to run to the nearest ATM.

A lot of places do accept cards, but they will always add an extra 3-5% on you purchase, this also includes Hotels, so keep cash handy if you want to save a buck.

7. Expect a Lot of Noise — Everywhere

Vietnam is vibrant, loud, and alive from early morning until late at night. Honking is not a sign of anger here; it’s more like a communication system. Scooters honk to let others know they’re passing, buses honk constantly, and street vendors often play recorded jingles on loop.

If you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs.

If you love chaos and energy, you’ll feel right at home.

Just don’t expect peace and quiet unless you’re far out in the countryside.

8. Coffee Culture Is a Big Deal

Vietnamese coffee is in a league of its own — strong, rich, intense, and often served with condensed milk that tastes like dessert in a glass. You’ll see locals sitting on tiny plastic stools from sunrise until late night, socializing over cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee) or egg coffee.

But here’s the thing: it’s strong. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, pace yourself. Try as many variations as you can, but maybe don’t drink them after 5 pm unless you’re planning on staying awake all night.

So many coffee options in Vietnam

9. Bargaining Is Expected (But Keep It Friendly)

At markets, small shops, and some tourist-focused areas, bargaining is normal — and even expected. Prices for tourists usually start higher than for locals, but negotiating is part of the culture and vendors don’t get offended if you do it politely.

A good rule of thumb:

Offer half the starting price, then settle somewhere in the middle.

Keep it friendly, smile, and don’t take it too seriously. It’s more of a game than a confrontation. If the vendor isn’t willing to lower the price, a polite “no thank you” and walking away usually does the trick.

Final Thoughts: Things to know before visiting Vietnam

Vietnam is an incredible country filled with unforgettable experiences, warm people, breathtaking landscapes, and amazing food. But like any place, it has its quirks — and embracing them is part of the adventure. Understanding how things work, from the review culture to the traffic to the weather, will help you enjoy your trip so much more.

If you go in with an open mind, a flexible itinerary, and a willingness to laugh at the unexpected moments, Vietnam will absolutely steal your heart. It did for me — even in the middle of a monsoon.

I hope this helps you plan your amazing adventure to Vietnam. If you have any questions about travel in Vietnam, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid