10 Mistakes Tourists Make in Vietnam

10 Mistakes Tourists Make in Vietnam (And How I Learned to Avoid Them)

After multiple trips to Vietnam and countless conversations with fellow travelers, I’ve witnessed the same mistakes being made over and over again. Some of these errors cost money, others waste precious time, and a few can even ruin your entire Vietnamese adventure. Having made several of these mistakes myself during my early visits, I’m sharing this hard-earned wisdom to help you navigate Vietnam like a pro from day one.

Vietnam is an incredible destination, but it’s also a country where preparation and awareness can make the difference between an amazing trip and a frustrating experience. Let me walk you through the most common tourist mistakes in Vietnam and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Trying to See the Entire Country in One Trip

This is perhaps the biggest mistake I see first-time visitors make. In reality, Vietnam is comparable in size to Japan or Italy, and traveling between major cities can take an entire day. I learned this the hard way during my first visit when I tried to squeeze Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta into just 10 days.

The Solution: Focus on one or two regions maximum. North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa) offers mountains and culture. Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang) provides ancient history and beaches. South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) showcases modern energy and river life. Choose based on your interests and allow time to truly experience each place.

2. Falling for Motorbike Rental Scams

Motorbike scams in Vietnam are perhaps the most common Vietnam travel scams. I’ve seen countless tourists get caught in various motorbike-related schemes, from fake damage claims to outright theft of rented bikes.

Common Motorbike Scams:

• The motorbike scam where vendors try to charge you for pre-existing damage to your bike rental
• The motorbike hire staff will come and ‘steal’ their motorbikes from you
• Renting bikes with hidden mechanical problems

The Solution: Always take photos/videos of the bike before riding. Inspect every scratch, dent, and mechanical issue. Choose reputable rental shops with good reviews, and never leave your passport as collateral – offer a cash deposit instead.

3. Not Understanding Vietnamese Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND) can be confusing with its many zeros and similar-looking denominations. Money switching is when a higher denomination note is switched with a similar-looking lower denomination note. This scam is common among motorbike rentals or taxi drivers.

The Solution: Familiarize yourself with Vietnamese currency before arriving. Always count your change carefully and be sure to always count your change. The money is similar looking here. Use ATMs from reputable banks and avoid street money changers.

4. Ignoring Traffic Rules and Safety

Vietnamese traffic can be overwhelming, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Many tourists either freeze in fear or act recklessly, both of which can be dangerous.

The Solution: When crossing streets, walk slowly and predictably – don’t suddenly stop or run. Traffic flows around pedestrians like water. If riding a motorbike, wear a helmet (it’s required by law), drive defensively, and avoid riding at night or in heavy rain.

5. Eating at Tourist-Trap Restaurants

Some of my worst meals in Vietnam were at restaurants with English menus in tourist areas, charging triple the price for inferior food.

The Solution: Follow the locals! Look for busy street stalls and restaurants filled with Vietnamese customers. If there’s no English menu and you need help ordering, use translation apps or point at what others are eating. The best pho I’ve ever had cost 30,000 VND ($1.20) at a plastic stool establishment.

6. Over-Packing for the Weather

Many tourists pack heavy winter clothes for Northern Vietnam or forget rain gear for the monsoon season, leading to uncomfortable travel or expensive shopping for basics.

The Solution: Research the weather for your specific travel dates and regions. Northern Vietnam can be surprisingly cold in winter (December-February), while the south stays warm year-round. Pack layers and a good rain jacket, especially during monsoon season (May-October).

7. Not Negotiating Prices (When Appropriate)

Vietnam has a culture of negotiation, especially in markets, with taxi drivers, and for tours. Tourists who don’t negotiate often pay 2-3 times the fair price.

The Solution: Learn basic negotiation skills. Start at 30-50% of the asking price for souvenirs and non-food items. Always agree on taxi prices before getting in, or better yet, use Grab (Vietnam’s Uber equivalent). However, don’t negotiate at street food stalls or established restaurants – prices are usually fixed and fair.

8. Falling for Fake Charity and Monk Scams

Always be skeptical of anyone claiming to be a monk asking for money, as this is a common scam targeting unsuspecting tourists. I’ve seen tourists hand over significant amounts to fake monks or supposed charity representatives.

The Solution: Real Buddhist monks rarely solicit money directly from tourists. Avoid unless you can verify the organization. If you want to donate to legitimate causes, do so through established temples, recognized NGOs, or your hotel concierge.

9. Booking Tours Through Hotels or Tourist Areas

Hotel tour desks and tourist street operators often charge premium prices for standard tours, sometimes 2-3 times what you’d pay elsewhere.

The Solution: Book tours directly with operators, through reputable online platforms, or get recommendations from other travelers. Compare prices from multiple sources. Many of the best tour operators have offices away from tourist centers with much better prices.

10. Not Respecting Local Customs and Etiquette

This mistake can offend locals and close doors to authentic cultural experiences. I’ve seen tourists enter temples inappropriately dressed, refuse offered drinks rudely, or photograph people without permission.

The Solution: Learn basic Vietnamese etiquette:

• Remove shoes before entering homes and temples
• Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) at religious sites
• When drinking, most Vietnamese will raise their glasses and “cheers” every time they drink, sipping together as a group
• Ask permission before photographing people, especially ethnic minorities
• Use both hands when giving or receiving business cards or money

Mistake Prevention Quick Reference Guide