Vietnam Travel Tips: Money, Transport, Food, Clothing & More

Vietnam Travel Tips: Everything to Know Before Visiting Vietnam

Vietnam is a diverse destination stretching from the mountains of the north to the tropical beaches of the south. Each region has its own landscapes, food, climate, culture and travel experiences.

For first-time visitors, understanding a few practical details before arrival can make traveling around Vietnam much easier.

This guide covers money, clothing, transportation, food, weather, destinations, local customs, motorbike travel and useful tips for joining tours in Vietnam.

1. Money in Vietnam

The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

Cash is still useful in Vietnam, especially when buying food at local markets, paying small restaurants, buying drinks or visiting rural areas.

Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, shopping centers and many tourist businesses, but cash is recommended for smaller purchases.

Money Tips

Carry some Vietnamese Dong for daily expenses.
Keep small notes for street food and local shops.
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
Check the exchange rate before changing large amounts of money.
Avoid exchanging money with unofficial individuals.
Keep cash and cards in separate places when traveling.

Important

Vietnamese banknotes can look similar, especially when paying quickly. Check the number and zeros carefully before handing over money.

2. What to Wear in Vietnam

What to wear depends heavily on the region and season.

For cities and beaches

Light, breathable clothing is comfortable in hot weather.

Recommended:

T-shirts
Shorts
Light trousers
Sandals
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat
Sunglasses

For northern mountains

Mountain destinations such as Ha Giang, Cao Bang and Sapa can be much cooler than Hanoi, particularly during winter.

Bring:

Light jacket
Long trousers
Warm layers
Comfortable shoes
Rain jacket

When Visiting Temples

Wear respectful clothing when visiting temples and religious sites.

Avoid very short clothing and cover shoulders and knees when required.

3. Getting Around Vietnam

Vietnam offers many transportation options.

Motorbike

Motorbikes are one of the best ways to experience Vietnam's countryside and mountain regions.

They are particularly popular for:

Ha Giang Loop
Cao Bang Loop
Central Highlands
Hai Van Pass
Ho Chi Minh Trail

However, riding conditions can be challenging. Travelers should have the appropriate motorcycle license and required documents before riding.

For visitors who do not want to ride themselves, an Easy Rider tour is a comfortable alternative.

Car

Private cars are convenient for families, groups and travelers carrying larger luggage.

Train

Vietnam's railway connects major destinations including:

Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hue – Da Nang – Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City

Trains are particularly useful for longer journeys.

Bus

Sleeper buses are widely available and can be an economical way to travel between cities.

Domestic Flights

Flying is the fastest option for long distances such as:

Hanoi → Da Nang

Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City

4. What Food Should You Try in Vietnam?

Vietnamese cuisine varies considerably between regions.

Northern Vietnam

Try:

Pho
Bun Cha
Banh Cuon
Cha Ca

Central Vietnam

Try:

Bun Bo Hue
Mi Quang
Cao Lau
Banh Xeo
Com Hen

Southern Vietnam

Try:

Hu Tieu
Banh Xeo
Com Tam
Goi Cuon

Other Vietnamese specialties

Depending on the destination, travelers can also try:

Fresh seafood
Mountain barbecue
Hotpot
Vietnamese coffee
Tropical fruit
Local rice wine

Tip: Street food is an important part of Vietnamese culture. Busy local restaurants are often a good sign because food turnover is high.

5. What to Eat in Different Destinations?

One of the best ways to experience Vietnam is through regional food.

Destination

Hanoi: Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Cuon

Ninh Binh: Goat meat, Com Chay

Ha Giang: Thang Co, local corn dishes, Au Tau Rice Soup

Cao Bang: Banh Cuon Cao Bang, local specialties

Sapa: Salmon, grilled mountain food

Hue: Bun Bo Hue, local cakes

Hoi An: Cao Lau, Mi Quang

Da Nang: Mi Quang, seafood

Da Lat: Artichoke tea, grilled street food

Buon Ma Thuot: Vietnamese coffee, local Central Highlands food

Nha Trang: Fresh seafood

Mui Ne: Fresh seafood

Ho Chi Minh City: Com Tam, Hu Tieu, Banh Mi

Phu Quoc: Seafood, herring salad, Bun Quay

This section is particularly useful because visitors can understand what each destination is famous for before arriving.

6. Which Places Should You Visit?

Vietnam is long and geographically diverse, so choosing destinations depends on the type of trip.

Northern Vietnam

Best for:

Mountains
Ethnic cultures
Rice terraces
Motorbike adventures
Historical sites

Popular destinations:

Hanoi, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Mai Chau

Central Vietnam

Best for:

Beaches
Ancient towns
Imperial history
Mountain roads

Popular destinations:

Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Phong Nha, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang

Central Highlands

Best for:

Coffee plantations
Waterfalls
Ethnic villages
Countryside
Motorbike adventures

Popular destinations:

Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot, Lak Lake, Kon Tum

Southern Vietnam

Best for:

Tropical climate
Mekong Delta
Beaches
Islands
City life

Popular destinations:

Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc

7. Vietnam Weather: What Should You Expect?

Vietnam does not have one single weather pattern.

The north, central and south have different climates.

Northern Vietnam

Winter can be cool, especially in the mountains.

Summer is hot and humid with more rainfall.

Central Vietnam

Weather varies considerably by destination. Some areas can experience heavy rain and storms later in the year.

Southern Vietnam

The south is generally warm throughout the year, with a clearer distinction between dry and rainy seasons.

Tip: Check the weather for the specific destination rather than checking "Vietnam weather" as a whole.

8. SIM Card & Internet

Vietnam has good mobile coverage in most cities and tourist destinations.

Travelers can choose between:

Local SIM cards
eSIM
Airport SIM
Mobile data packages

Download important information before traveling to remote mountain areas because mobile coverage can become weaker in some mountainous locations.

9. Useful Vietnamese Words

Learning a few Vietnamese words can make interactions more enjoyable.

Hello: Xin chào
Thank you: Cảm ơn
Yes: Vâng / Dạ
No: Không
How much?: Bao nhiêu?
Delicious: Ngon
Water: Nước
Coffee: Cà phê
Help: Giúp tôi

A simple "Cảm ơn" is always appreciated.

10. Motorbike Travel in Vietnam

Motorbike travel is one of the best ways to experience rural Vietnam, but it should be approached responsibly.

Popular routes include:

Ha Giang Loop
Cao Bang Loop
Hai Van Pass
Ho Chi Minh Trail
Central Highlands
Vietnam coastal routes

If riding independently, travelers should check that their driving license and international driving permit are legally valid in Vietnam, including the correct motorcycle category.

For travelers who are not confident riding in Vietnamese traffic or mountain conditions, an Easy Rider tour allows them to enjoy the journey as a passenger with a local rider.

11. Tips for Joining a Motorbike Tour

Before starting a multi-day motorcycle tour:

Bring a small backpack

Large suitcases are inconvenient on mountain roads.

A small backpack with essential clothes is much easier to carry.

Prepare for changing weather

Mountain weather can change quickly.

Bring a rain jacket and an extra layer even when the forecast looks good.

Protect valuables

Keep passports, phones and money in a waterproof bag.

Listen to the guide

Mountain roads can have sharp bends, loose gravel, animals, pedestrians and changing road conditions.

Follow the guide's instructions, especially when stopping or riding through difficult sections.

12. Tips for Tourist Services in Vietnam

Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam, but it is becoming increasingly common in tourism, especially for guides, drivers, hotel staff and other service workers.

How Much Should You Tip?

There is no fixed tipping rate, but as a general guideline:

Tour guide: USD 5–15 per person per day
Motorbike Easy Rider: USD 5–15 per person per day
Driver: USD 3–10 per person per day
Hotel staff: USD 1–3 for helpful service
Restaurant staff: Tipping is optional. Check whether a service charge is already included.

For a multi-day motorbike tour, travelers can give the tip at the end of the tour based on the quality of service and overall experience.

Cash Is Best

Tips are usually given directly in Vietnamese Dong (VND) or in a commonly accepted foreign currency such as USD.

There is no need to feel pressured to tip. A tip should be considered a thank-you for good service, not an obligation.

13. What Should You Bring to Vietnam?

For most trips:

Passport
Travel insurance
Phone
Power bank
Comfortable shoes
Light clothing
Rain jacket
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Small backpack
Basic medicines
Some Vietnamese Dong

For mountain motorbike tours, also bring:

Long trousers
Light jacket
Gloves
Waterproof bag
Small towel
Comfortable closed shoes

14. Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make

Avoid these common problems:

Carrying too much luggage
→ Pack light, especially for motorbike tours.

Only visiting major cities
→ Some of Vietnam's best experiences are in rural areas.

Ignoring regional weather
→ Weather can be completely different between Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City.

Trying too many destinations in a short trip
→ Vietnam is larger than it looks on a map.

Not carrying cash
→ Small restaurants and rural businesses may not accept cards.

Riding a motorbike without the correct documents
→ Check the legal requirements before riding.

Being afraid to try local food
→ Some of Vietnam's best dishes are found in small local restaurants rather than tourist restaurants.

15. Respect Local Culture

Vietnamese people are generally friendly and welcoming to visitors.

A few simple habits are appreciated:

Remove shoes when required.
Dress respectfully at temples.
Ask before photographing people closely.
Avoid touching someone's head.
Keep noise down at religious sites.
Be respectful when visiting ethnic villages.
Do not litter.
Follow local rules at cultural and historical sites.

16. Vietnam Travel Tips by Region

Region	Best For	Don't Miss
Northern Vietnam	Mountains & culture	Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Sapa
Northeast	Waterfalls & karst mountains	Ban Gioc, Me Pia Pass
Northwest	Rice terraces & ethnic villages	Sapa, Mu Cang Chai
Central Vietnam	History & beaches	Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang
Central Highlands	Coffee & countryside	Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot, Lak Lake
South	Cities & Mekong Delta	Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta
Islands	Beaches & marine activities	Phu Quoc, Con Dao

Final Vietnam Travel Tips

Vietnam is much more than Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the famous beaches.

The best experiences often come from traveling slowly, eating local food, talking with local people and taking time to experience the countryside.

Whether traveling by train, car, bus, plane or motorbike, planning around the weather, regional differences and travel style will make the journey much easier.

For travelers who want to experience Vietnam beyond the main tourist routes, Northern Vietnam, the Central Highlands and the Ho Chi Minh Trail offer some of the country's most memorable landscapes and cultural experiences.