How Things Work in Vietnam
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Tipping is not traditionally expected in Vietnam but is appreciated in tourist areas.
Updated 2025-06
Grab (motorbike or car) dominates city transport, while cheap buses, the scenic Reunification Express train, and budget airlines connect cities.
Updated 2025-06
Travel insurance is critical — private hospitals like FV Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City) and Vinmec (Hanoi) provide quality care but are expensive without coverage.
Updated 2025-06
Vietnam enforces extremely strict drug laws including the death penalty for trafficking, and any criticism of the Communist Party government is illegal.
Updated 2025-06
Police: 113; Ambulance: 115; Fire: 114; Tourist support hotline: 1800 599 920 (free).
Updated 2025-06
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples or pagodas; everywhere else dress is casual and beach towns are very relaxed.
Updated 2025-06
The legal drinking age is 18, alcohol is widely available, and drinking in public is socially acceptable.
Updated 2025-06
Bargaining is expected at markets, street vendors, and xe om taxis — start at 30–40% of the asking price.
Updated 2025-06
Photography is generally permitted, but military sites, police operations, and government installations are strictly off-limits.
Updated 2025-06
Street food and shops operate 7 days a week, but government offices close on weekends and Tet (Lunar New Year) causes near-total closures for 1–2 weeks.
Updated 2025-06
Grab is the essential app for all city transport — use it to avoid overcharging; Vinasun and Mai Linh are trusted metered taxi brands.
Updated 2025-06
Never drink tap water in Vietnam — stick to bottled water, which is widely available and very cheap.
Updated 2025-06
Cash (VND) is widely needed — use Vietcombank, Techcombank, or BIDV ATMs and exchange at banks or gold shops for the best rates.
Updated 2025-06
Buy a Viettel SIM at the airport for the best nationwide coverage — 30 days of data costs around 150,000 VND with your passport.
Updated 2025-06
Vietnam uses 220V/50Hz with a mix of Type A, C, and F sockets — bring a universal multi-adapter.
Updated 2025-06
Scams are very common in tourist areas — know the classics: taxi meter tampering, fake temple closures, shoe-shine cons, and overpriced non-menu restaurants.
Updated 2025-06
Vietnam is generally safe for tourists, but bag snatching by motorbike is a genuine and common risk, especially in Ho Chi Minh City.
Updated 2025-06
Never touch someone's head, point feet at altars or people, or cause public confrontation — saving face is central to Vietnamese culture.
Updated 2025-06
Vietnamese is tonal and very difficult to learn quickly, but basic phrases are appreciated and English is available in most tourist areas.
Updated 2025-06
Vietnam has outstanding beaches at Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Ha Long Bay, with flag safety systems at developed resorts.
Updated 2025-06
Vietnam drives on the right, traffic is chaotic and motorbike-dominated, and crossing the road safely requires a slow, steady pace — never run.
Updated 2025-06
Vietnamese cuisine is exceptional — pho, banh mi, bun cha, and fresh spring rolls are must-eats, with street food at busy stalls being very safe.
Updated 2025-06
Remove shoes at Buddhist pagodas, dress modestly covering shoulders and knees, and behave quietly — incense burning and chanting are active religious practices.
Updated 2025-06
Vietnam has three distinct climate zones — visit the North (Hanoi) October–April, Central (Da Nang/Hoi An) February–May, and South (Ho Chi Minh City/Phu Quoc) November–April.
Updated 2025-06
Vietnam is extremely affordable — eat at com binh dan rice stalls, drink bia hoi, take sleeper buses between cities, and use Grab for all transport.
Updated 2025-06