Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Vietnam
A Handy Guide for First-Time Visitors
Vietnam is one of the most exciting countries I’ve ever visited. The food is incredible, the landscapes are stunning, and the culture is vibrant in a way that feels both chaotic and deeply welcoming at the same time.
But if it’s your first time visiting, Vietnam can be very overwhelming.
Between visas, navigating the airports, crossing streets filled with motorbikes, and figuring out how to pay for things, there are a few things worth knowing before you go.
Here’s a practical guide to help you feel prepared before landing in Vietnam.
Apply for Your Visa Early
Most travelers will need a visa to enter Vietnam.
The easiest option is to apply for an e-visa online, which allows you to enter the country for tourism purposes. The application process itself is fairly straightforward, but the approval time can take several days, so make sure you apply well ahead of your trip.
Processing times can vary, and the last thing you want is unnecessary stress right before departure.
If you’re planning to do a lot of travelling through Southeast Asia, it might be a good idea to apply for a multiple entry visa so that you can leave Vietnam and come back easily.
Once approved, print a copy and keep a screenshot on your phone as well.
Fast Track at the Airport Is Worth It
When you arrive in Vietnam, the immigration lines can be extremely long—especially in major airports like Hanoi.
Many travelers opt to book “fast track” airport services, which allow you to bypass the regular immigration lines. Though admittedly, some of the websites seem sketchy, they’re not. And the service is 100% worth it. This is the one that we used - it was seamless.
Bring Cash (You’ll Use It More Than You Think)
Vietnam is still very much a cash-based economy, particularly outside major hotels and high-end restaurants.
Many smaller restaurants, cafés, street food stalls, markets, taxis, and shops only accept cash.
The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong, and it’s easy to withdraw from ATMs once you arrive.
My recommendation is to always carry a reasonable amount of cash with you for daily spending.
Domestic Flights Are the Easiest Way to Travel
Vietnam is a long country geographically, and while trains and buses exist, flying is often the easiest way to move between major cities.
Domestic flights are affordable, frequent, and efficient, making it easy to travel between places like, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi.
Budget airlines operate many routes, so flights are often surprisingly inexpensive compared to travel times by road or rail and since you’re flying within the country, you don’t have to worry about arriving super early and spending hours waiting at the airport.
Crossing the Street Looks Terrifying (But There’s a Trick)
One of the first things visitors notice in Vietnam is the sheer number of motorbikes.
At first glance, crossing the street can feel impossible.
After a few days, you’ll get the hang of it.
The key is to find a gap, walk confidently, and don’t stop until you’ve reached the other side.
Motorbike drivers will naturally flow around you as long as you move at a predictable pace. Sudden stops or hesitation actually make it harder for drivers to navigate around you.
It feels intimidating the first few times, but once you get the rhythm, it becomes second nature.
Enjoy street food - safely
One of the best parts of traveling in Vietnam is the street food.
Some of the most incredible meals you’ll have will come from small stalls or tiny plastic stools on the sidewalk.
Street food is deeply embedded in daily life, and exploring it is one of the best ways to experience the culture.
That said, food safety can be a concern when eating street food anywhere in the world.
To make sure you can actually enjoy your bánh mì and roadside noodles in Vietnam, keep these tips in mind:
Get vaccinated before your trip. Book an appointment with a travel clinic to learn which vaccines are recommended for Vietnam. They can also prescribe medications to help prevent traveler’s diarrhea and provide antibiotics to bring with you in case you do get sick.
Pay attention to hygiene. Look for stalls that appear clean and organized, and vendors who are not handling cash and food at the same time. Honestly, most of staying safe while eating street food is just using common sense.
Choose busy stalls with high turnover. A steady stream of customers, especially locals, usually means the food is fresh and the stall is trustworthy.
Stick to food that is cooked fresh and served hot. Prioritize dishes made to order and served piping hot. Avoid undercooked meat, food that has been sitting out too long, and be cautious with raw herbs if you have a sensitive stomach.
Be smart about drinks. Stick to sealed bottled water or hot tea. Ice in the major cities is generally safe. Just make sure it looks clear (again, common sense!) or is tube-shaped with a hole in the middle, which is typically factory-made and generally considered safer.
Learn a Few Basic Phrases
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Vietnamese words goes a long way.
Even something simple like saying “thank you” (cảm ơn) is appreciated.
Vietnamese people are incredibly warm and welcoming, and showing a little effort with the language is always well received.
Vietnam is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.
If you arrive prepared—and open to the adventure—you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
