17 things I wish I knew BEFORE visiting VIETNAM in 2025 🇻🇳

Key Concepts

Overnight transport, SIM cards (Viettel), Ha Giang Loop, North vs. South Vietnam, Ha Long Bay cruises, parking regulations, ATM withdrawal fees (Agribank), beer service in Northern Vietnam, English language proficiency, Vietnamese cuisine (Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Mi), Hoi An Lantern Festival, Vietnam visa requirements, best time to visit Vietnam, development of Vietnamese cities, backpacking budget, hostels, bargaining, dog meat, tailors in Hoi An.

1. Overnight Transport

• Sleeper Buses: Common and cheap, but VIP buses are recommended for better comfort.
• Arrival Times: Often arrive at inconvenient hours (e.g., 3 AM).
• Solution: Contact hostel/hotel in advance and book the night before to avoid ruining the next day.
• Booking: Booking online (e.g., via bookaway.com) is often cheaper than in person and ensures you get what you see in the photos.

2. SIM Cards

• Data: Data is very cheap in Vietnam.
• Viettel Recommendation: Viettel SIM cards offer significantly better coverage, especially in remote areas like the Ha Giang Loop. Example: Friend had no connection for four days on the Ha Giang Loop, while the speaker had consistent Viettel coverage.

3. Ha Giang Loop

• Description: A multi-day motorbike loop in Northern Vietnam along the Chinese border.
• Recommendation: Highly recommended; a major highlight of visiting Vietnam.
• Options: Can be done with an Easy Rider (on the back of a bike with a driver) or self-driven.
• Safety: While traditionally considered unsafe, the speaker found it safer than expected.
• Further Information: A dedicated Ha Giang Loop video is available for more details.

4. North vs. South Vietnam

• Preference: The North is generally considered better than the South.
• Recommendation: Start in the South and travel North for a progressively better experience.

5. Ha Long Bay Cruises

• Luxury Cruises: Recommended if budget allows.
• Budget Options: Day trips and cheaper cruises are available (e.g., $85 for one night).
• Booking: Booking online is preferred to ensure quality and see photos of accommodations.

6. Parking Regulations

• Difference from Other Southeast Asian Countries: Unlike Thailand, parking in Vietnam requires permission or payment.
• Example: The speaker was reprimanded for parking outside a shop without permission.

7. ATM Withdrawal Fees

• Variable Fees: Different banks charge different withdrawal fees.
• Agribank Recommendation: Agribank charges a low flat fee of 22,000 dong (approximately 74 pence).
• Maximum Withdrawal: Agribank allows a maximum withdrawal of 3 million dong.
• Potential Savings: Using Agribank can save significant money compared to other banks that may charge up to 5 pounds per withdrawal.

8. Beer Service in Northern Vietnam

• Warm Beer: Beer is often served warm with a bucket of ice.
• Custom: Ice is added to the beer to chill it, which can dilute the beer.

9. English Language Proficiency

• Limited English: English is not as widely spoken as in countries like Thailand or Cambodia.
• Google Translate: Essential tool for communication.
• Vietnamese Helpfulness: Vietnamese people are quick to use Google Translate to assist.
• Recommendation: Download the Vietnamese language pack for offline use.

10. Vietnamese Cuisine

• Pho: Noodle soup, a common and good breakfast option.
• Bun Cha: Pork sweet and sour dish with noodles.
• Banh Mi: Baguettes, a legacy of French colonization, are cheap and convenient for travel.

11. Hoi An Lantern Festival

• Disappointment: The speaker was disappointed and found it only slightly different from any other night in Hoi An.
• Recommendation: Don't specifically plan your trip around the Lantern Festival. Lanterns are released on the water every night.

12. Vietnam Visa Requirements

• Visa Exemptions: 24 countries are exempt from needing a visa for varying lengths of stay (14-90 days).
• E-Visa: Apply online at least 14 days in advance if required.
• Embassy Option: Visas can also be obtained at a Vietnamese embassy.
• Cost: Approximately $25 USD.

13. Best Time to Visit Vietnam

• Year-Round Destination: Vietnam can be visited any time of year due to its diverse climates.
• North: Can get very cold in January/February.
• South: Hot year-round with a dry and wet season.
• Optimal Time: January to April (dry season). April can be hot.
• Green Rice Fields: Visit Northern Vietnam between September and early October to see the green rice fields before harvest.

14. Development of Vietnamese Cities

• Developed Cities: Major cities like Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang are highly developed with skyscrapers.
• Economic Growth: Vietnam is becoming a major economic power in Southeast Asia.

15. Backpacking Budget

• Budget-Friendly: Vietnam is a very affordable destination for backpackers.
• Estimated Budget: $25 USD per day is sufficient for hostels and street food.
• Higher Budget: $40-$50 USD per day allows for more activities and better food.
• Hostels: Hostels cost $3-$5 USD per night.
• Beer: Around $1 USD per beer.

16. Bargaining

• Essential Skill: Bargaining is necessary in Vietnam, especially in markets.
• Example: The speaker bargained a coat down from 1.2 million dong to 500,000 dong, then sold it for 200,000 dong in another city.

17. Dog Meat

• Legality: Dog meat is legal and consumed in Vietnam, particularly in Northern areas.
• Awareness: Be aware that it may be served in restaurants.

18. Tailors in Hoi An

• Cheap Tailoring: Hoi An is known for cheap tailor-made suits.
• Google Reviews: Tailors may offer discounts for positive Google Maps reviews.
• Bili Tailors: The speaker recommends Bili Taylors.
• Cost: Suits can range from $90 to hundreds of dollars depending on the shop, bargaining, and materials.
• Variety: Tailors can make swimwear, dresses, t-shirts, shirts, and suits.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Vietnam offers a diverse range of experiences, from bustling cities to stunning natural landscapes. Planning ahead and being aware of local customs, such as parking regulations and bargaining practices, can significantly enhance your trip. Utilizing resources like online booking platforms and Google Translate is highly recommended. While some experiences, like the Hoi An Lantern Festival, may not live up to the hype, others, such as the Ha Giang Loop, are considered must-do activities. Overall, Vietnam provides excellent value for money, making it a popular destination for backpackers and travelers of all budgets.