What you should know before travelling Vietnam: Tips & Secrets

Vietnam is a true paradise for travellers. Especially budget travellers and backpackers love the country in South East Asia for various reasons. The culture and the incredible landscapes are one of the many reasons why Vietnam is on many travelling bucket lists. The pictures of the bright green rice fields, the beautiful colorful lanterns of Hoi An and the famous Ha Long Bay are widely spread. But yet, there are some things that every traveller should know before going to Vietnam. Personally, I wish I had read about these things before travelling the country – therefore this guide is all about what you should know before travelling Vietnam (but nobody tells you).

A few stops on the typical Vietnam route are not worth the hype

One of the main things about w you should know before travelling Vietnam, are the various stops on the travel route. When touring through Vietnam, travellers usually follow a certain route which either leads you from North to South or vice versa. The route follows along the coastal line and stops by the main cities, beautiful national parks and beaches. Short: It includes all the highlights of places and attractions the country has to offer. And yet, some of these places are not really worth the hype. Especially if you are travelling for a limited time, it is good to know, what attractions are worth it and which are not.

The following stops along the typical Vietnam route can (in my opinion) be skipped:

• Phong Nha National Park

The Phong Nha National Park is located in the Northern Part of the country and famous for its nature. The area is home to many impressive caves which is the number one tourist attraction. While the caves can be spectacular the rest of the area is quiet. If you are not a fan of tiny caves and a tour on a boat, then you can easily skip the Phong Nha National Park on your route through Vietnam. I spent three days in the area and found it quite boring, maybe it’s because caves are not my thing.

• Da Nang

Da Nang is a city located directly at the coast in the middle of the country. It is most known for its beaches and its history with France. Da Nang is the only city in the middle of Vietnam which has an airport and is therefore often used as a transfer point to different places in the country. Some travellers enjoy the beaches along the coast while others take the opportunity to visit the famous Bà Nà Hills. The area can be quite attractive to explore, but it is not necessary to plan to spend some nights in the city. Plan it as a small stop if you are travelling with your bike or take some time to explore before or after a flight.

• Nha Trang

The city of Nha Trang is best known as a famous destination for Russian tourists. Even the street signs are written in both Vietnamese and Russian. If you are not planning to spend your time in a touristy hotel and at the beach, then Nha Trang can be deleted from your list. On a sunny day, a beach day might seem like a good idea but apart from that, the city hasn’t much to offer.

The North of Vietnam is most attractive to visit

What really makes the country special is the Northern part of Vietnam. There, you will not only find the bright green rice fields everybody is talking about, but as well the traditional culture and some of the best sightseeing attractions. The city of Hanoi is a great place to start exploring the North. For those travellers, who want to have the true experience, a motorbike tour through the very North on the Ha Giang Loop is the best option. This is for those, who would like to have a deeper experience and see Vietnam off the beaten path.

Also, take a few days to explore the Ha Long Bay. And if you are travelling on a motorbike, the North offers some beautiful roads where you can see a total different side of the country.

The rice fields are might not be as green as on the pics online

Most travellers know the famous Vietnamese pictures which seem to appear on every travel account on Instagram. Green fields everywhere you look. But be aware, that this can turn into a huge disappointment once you actually visit the city. Because the rice fields are only green during special seasons. One of the best times to witness the green paradise is from late August until the end of September. With the end of the rainy season, the locals start to harvest the rice and the green fields turn into a brownish, muddy landscape.

The communication can be quite difficult

When travelling South East Asia, there can always be difficulties in communications. Most places, especially in the main tourist areas, the locals have a solid level of English language skills. But here is one thing you should know before travelling Vietnam: The communication can cause problems.

While the large cities, such as Hanoi or Saigon, are very international and it is fairly easy to communicate, other places can be more difficult. Especially on occasions such as on the night busses, the locals can’t really speak English neither understand it. For some travellers, this issue can lead to discomfort and insecurity. Not knowing if you are on the right bus and if this is your stop to get out – just to name some examples. Maybe this was a personal impression, but I still find it important to mention.

The food is absolutely amazing!!

One of the most important things on what you should know before travelling Vietnam: The food is heavenly good! The Vietnamese cuisine is getting more and more attention. And yet, it is not as well-known among travellers as it should be. Because the Vietnamese food is actually one of the best reasons to visit the country. The variety for any taste makes it special and unique. Both vegetarians and omnivores can enjoy a big choice of different meals without missing out on anything! In cities like Saigon, you can visit a food market.

Local restaurants offer meals for under 1$ and the famous Bahn Mí (a traditional baguette with egg or meat and vegetables) can be bought next to the street and takes you to absolute food heaven! This sounds exactly what you’re looking for? Get on the plane to Vietnam and see for yourself.

The motorbike is the best way to explore the country

If you have been travelling South East Asia before, this is not news for you: the motorbike is the number one mean of transport. But in Vietnam, exploring on a motorbike is the best choice for any traveller. You can choose between doing the whole tour through the country on a motorbike or driving smaller routes.

Exploring Vietnam with your own motorbike

A popular option is to buy a motorbike at the beginning of your trip. This is only reasonable if you plan to spend one month in Vietnam. Motorbikes are fairly easy to buy and sell at the end of your travels. Exploring on your own motorbike gives you it all the freedom necessary to fall in love with Vietnam. You can totally skip on the night busses and the hassle and drive at your own pace. You will not only get to see much more but as well connect with the locals on a whole different level.

Renting a bike for smaller routes

If you feel not ready for touring the whole country with a motorbike, this does not mean you have to waive the experience. Vietnam has to offer two particular routes which you can do on a motorbike. The first one is the Ha Giang Loop in the North. On this route, you can as well choose to go with a guide or let the guide be your driver. This allows even travellers who do not feel secure to drive themselves to get the experience. Another route is the Hải Vân-Pass. A scenic street between Huê and Da Nang. It takes one day and gives you a little taste on driving through the beauty of Vietnam!

There is a dessert in the middle of the country

Most certainly, you would not expect a dessert in Vietnam. And yet here it is on the list of things about what you should know before travelling Vietnam.

And this is considered to be one of the best places to visit. Close to the small village of Mũi Né, you will find two giant sand dunes: the red sand runes and the white sand dunes. Both being a complete contrast to the rest of the landscape, it is a true spectacle.

Come for sunset or rent a quad and enjoy some unforgettable moments in the small Vietnamese dessert.

Vietnam always holds an unexpected surprise

And last but not least on the list of things nobody tells you about travelling Vietnam: the unexpected surprises. This can be meant both negative and positive. Vietnam is always ready for a new surprise. On one hand this could mean an unexpected place with a beautiful view or one the other hand an obstacle on your trip. Vietnam leaves nobody without a lesson. And that’s exactly what makes the country to what it is – a country with culture, heart and beautiful surroundings!