10 common mistakes made by foreign tourists when coming to Vietnam

With its rich history and culture, Vietnam has become an attractive destination for international tourists. However, to have a complete trip and avoid unwanted situations, tourists need to pay attention to some common mistakes. In this article, we will list some common mistakes so that foreign tourists can pay attention and avoid them.

Discover the unique features of Vietnam tourism

Vietnam is an attractive destination in Southeast Asia with diverse natural landscapes, from majestic mountains and forests to long green coastlines, outstanding terraced fields and mysterious cave systems. The richness of terrain and climate has created a colorful natural picture, making Vietnam an ideal choice for tourists who love to explore, from the trails in the northern mountains to the beaches of the Central region and the Mekong Delta in the South. This is a country that can bring visitors a diverse experience of nature in just one trip.

The richness of terrain and climate has created a colorful natural picture

Not only has majestic nature, Vietnam is also famous for its thousands of years of culture and history, evident through ancient architectural works, traditional festivals and unique handicraft villages. Each region has its own unique culture, creating a colorful overall picture for the country. Tourists can participate in festivals such as Tet Nguyen Dan, Huong Pagoda Festival, or enjoy unique cuisine with pho, bun cha, banh mi – dishes that have made Vietnamese cuisine famous in the world. Each dish and each custom are cultural stories, helping tourists understand more about the traditions and lives of the people.

Tourists can participate in festivals such as Tet Nguyen Dan, Huong Pagoda Festival

One of the special features of Vietnam tourism is the friendliness and hospitality of the people. Vietnamese people are famous for their hospitality, friendliness and willingness to help others, which gives international tourists memorable experiences and a greater connection with the local culture. Whether in big cities or remote rural areas, Vietnamese people are open to welcome tourists, ready to share stories about their homeland, culture and life. It is the sincerity and closeness of the people that has created a beautiful impression in the hearts of tourists when exploring this S-shaped land.

10 common mistakes foreign tourists often make when traveling to Vietnam

When traveling to a new country, not understanding the culture and customs can lead to awkward situations or make tourists feel confused. Vietnam is no exception, with its own unspoken rules and customs that not everyone knows about. Below are the 10 most common mistakes that foreign tourists often make when traveling in Vietnam, along with suggestions to make your trip smoother and more memorable:

Choosing clothes that are not suitable for local culture

Choosing appropriate clothes not only helps tourists feel comfortable but also shows respect for local culture. In Vietnam, especially when visiting temples, it is advisable to wear modest clothes, covering shoulders and knees. Too revealing clothes can be considered disrespectful and inappropriate in many situations.

Too revealing clothes can be considered disrespectful

In addition, Vietnam’s climate varies by region and time of year, the North has cold winters, while the South is hot all year round. Therefore, preparing clothes suitable for the weather will help tourists feel more comfortable during the trip. When participating in outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, visiting caves, tourists should choose comfortable clothes, easy to move and suitable for the activity. This not only helps protect health but also enhances the travel experience.

Tourists do not carry cash when traveling

Although card and e-wallet payments are becoming more popular in big cities in Vietnam, in many rural areas or small shops, cash is still the main method of payment. Not carrying cash can make it difficult to shop or pay for services.

Not carrying cash can make it difficult to shop

In addition, some services such as traditional motorbike taxis and street food stalls often only accept cash. Therefore, tourists should prepare a sufficient amount of cash to use in these situations. When withdrawing money from ATMs, tourists should pay attention to international transaction fees and withdrawal limits. Withdrawing a large amount of money at once can save on fees, but it is also important to pay attention to safety issues when carrying a lot of cash.

Carrying too much unnecessary luggage

Carrying too much luggage is not only inconvenient when traveling but can also incur additional costs, especially when traveling by means such as domestic flights or buses. Travelers should make a list of necessary items and limit bringing unimportant items.

Carrying too much luggage is not only inconvenient when traveling

In addition, carrying light luggage makes it easier for visitors to move, especially when visiting areas with complex terrain such as Hanoi’s Old Quarter or crowded markets. A compact backpack with necessary items will make the trip more comfortable. For items that can be purchased locally at affordable prices, visitors should consider buying on the spot instead of bringing them from home. This not only reduces the weight of luggage but also helps visitors experience shopping and using local products.

Not learning basic Vietnamese phrases

Knowing some basic Vietnamese phrases such as “xin chao”, “con on”, “xin loi” not only helps tourists communicate more easily but also shows respect for the local culture and language. Vietnamese people often appreciate it when tourists try to speak Vietnamese, even if it is just simple sentences.

Vietnamese people often appreciate it when tourists try to speak Vietnamese

In addition, knowing some basic phrases makes it easier for tourists to ask for directions, order food or negotiate prices. This is especially useful when tourists go to areas where English is not widely spoken.

Currently, there are many Vietnamese learning applications for foreigners, making it easy for tourists to access and learn basic phrases before their trip. Spending some time learning the local language will bring many benefits and interesting experiences on your journey to explore Vietnam.

Choosing a Non-Branded Taxi

Using a taxi in Vietnam is a convenient means of transportation, especially in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. However, one of the common mistakes of foreign tourists is choosing a taxi without a reputable brand, leading to many risks such as being charged a price many times higher than the actual price or encountering dishonest drivers. To avoid this situation, tourists should prioritize reputable taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Vinasun, or use ride-hailing apps like Grab to easily track the journey and costs.

Tourists should prioritize reputable taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Vinasun

In addition, when getting in the car, you should check the taxi meter to make sure that the taxi is operating properly and avoid awkward situations later. Before departure, discuss with the driver in advance about the destination and how to calculate the fee. Using reputable taxi companies not only ensures transparent prices but also gives you more peace of mind throughout your journey to explore Vietnam, avoiding unnecessary frustrations.

Don’t Negotiate Prices When Buying from Street Vendors

While shopping at traditional markets or from street vendors in Vietnam, negotiating prices is part of the shopping culture. Many foreign tourists have the habit of buying goods at the listed price, but this sometimes leads to them paying much higher prices than the actual value of the product. Local vendors will often set a high initial price and expect customers to negotiate, so if you don’t bargain, you may end up spending a significant amount of money.

Many foreign tourists have the habit of buying goods at the listed price

Negotiating prices is not only a way to save money but also an interesting experience, helping tourists understand more about shopping culture in Vietnam. However, in order not to offend the seller, you should keep a cheerful, respectful attitude and consider it a way of communication. When the seller feels that you are not serious or too stressed in the negotiation, they may not continue selling, so always keep a friendly smile and a positive attitude.

Visiting only the big cities and ignoring the countryside

Vietnam is famous for its big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, however, the real beauty of this country lies not only in the bustling cities but also in the peaceful villages, pristine beaches and unique rural areas. Many foreign tourists when coming to Vietnam often only stop at the big cities, forgetting that the countryside is also a place to preserve traditional beauty and culture.

Many foreign tourists when coming to Vietnam often only stop at the big cities

Exploring the countryside will give you a more authentic look at the lives of Vietnamese people, while helping you understand more about agriculture, village culture and the beautiful scenery of fields and mountains. From the North with terraced fields in Sa Pa, the Central region with traditional craft villages, to the South with the river areas of the Mekong Delta, each place has its own unique characteristics.

Not Paying Attention to Respecting the Rules When Visiting Temples

Vietnam is a country with a deep religious culture, with many temples, pagodas and shrines built everywhere. When visiting these spiritual places, visitors should pay attention to the rules of dress, gestures and attitudes to show respect for the beliefs of local people. However, many foreign visitors accidentally commit disrespectful acts, such as wearing short clothes, making noise or taking photos in sacred areas.

However, many foreign visitors accidentally commit disrespectful acts

Dressing modestly is very important when visiting temples in Vietnam. Visitors should avoid wearing shorts, tank tops and make sure their knees and shoulders are covered. In addition, maintaining a gentle and quiet attitude also shows respect for the sacred space of the temple. In many temples, visitors are also asked to leave their shoes outside, so please follow these rules to avoid disturbing the locals.

Taking photos in temples also requires caution. Not all areas of the temple allow photography, especially in sacred worship areas. To avoid disturbing worshipers, visitors should ask before taking photos and only take photos with permission. Respecting these rules not only helps visitors show courtesy but also makes their visit more meaningful.

Wearing revealing clothes when walking on the street

Choosing inappropriate clothes when walking on the street is one of the common mistakes of many foreign tourists in Vietnam. Although the climate here is often hot, local people still maintain a culture of dressing modestly, especially in public areas. Wearing revealing clothes such as tank tops, shorts or short skirts can make local people feel uncomfortable and have an unfriendly view of tourists.

Local people still maintain a culture of dressing modestly

When walking on the street or visiting traditional markets, tourists should choose neat and modest clothes to blend in with the cultural style of Vietnamese people. This not only helps you avoid unnecessary attention but also shows respect for local traditions. Many tourists may feel uncomfortable when people stare at them because of their clothes, so choosing appropriate clothes is the best way to avoid embarrassing situations.

Not Learning About Local Culture and Customs

One of the reasons why foreign tourists are prone to making mistakes when traveling in Vietnam is due to a lack of understanding of local culture and customs. Every country has its own customs and practices, and Vietnam is no exception. Things that tourists often find normal in their own country may be considered inappropriate in Vietnam. For example, talking loudly in public, showing excessive affection, or touching offerings without permission may be considered impolite.

Every country has its own customs and practices

Learning about cultural norms in advance will help tourists avoid unwanted situations and show respect for the local people. Nowadays, there are many online resources about Vietnamese culture available to foreign tourists, helping them gain a deeper and more accurate understanding of the country before they arrive. Reading guidebooks, consulting travel forums or asking locals are also good ways to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

There are many online resources about Vietnamese

Immersing yourself in the local culture not only brings a richer experience but also creates opportunities for tourists to better connect with the Vietnamese people. When you show respect and are willing to learn, the locals will feel appreciated and easily share interesting stories about their culture, history and life with you.

Hopefully, with the above information, foreign tourists will be better prepared and avoid common mistakes when coming to Vietnam. Each country has its own culture and rules, and understanding and respecting these will not only make your trip smoother but also bring authentic and meaningful experiences. Vietnam is a wonderful destination with diverse landscapes, friendly people and rich culture. Come here with an open mind and be ready to explore to enjoy unforgettable moments on your journey to discover the S-shaped land.