Note before traveling: Good and bad things in Vietnam

Vietnam, a beautiful S-shaped strip of land, is increasingly attracting international tourists with its majestic natural landscapes, diverse culture, and friendly people. However, before setting foot in this land, travelers should thoroughly research the dos and don’ts for the most fulfilling journey. 

In this article, Vietnam Motorcycle Tours Club will help you explore both the good and bad things in Vietnam, so that you can prepare yourself adequately for your upcoming journey.

The good things in Vietnam will impress you

Beyond its stunning beauty, Vietnam offers a treasure trove of experiences for curious travelers. But like any destination, it has its unique quirks. To help you navigate both the charm and challenges, Vietnam Motorbike Tours will unveil…

Bargaining culture in buying and selling 

In Vietnam, haggling is woven into the fabric of shopping at bustling markets, street stalls, and local stores. It’s more than just getting a good deal; it’s a cultural dance!

Strike up a conversation and build rapport with the vendor. A little friendly banter goes a long way. Don’t be surprised if prices start high, especially for tourists. Counter with a smile and a fair offer, be patient, and be willing to compromise.

Remember, it’s a playful negotiation, not a duel. Vendors might playfully walk away or tease a low offer. Stay calm, keep the conversation going, and a happy medium will be found.

Join our Vietnam motorcycle tours and immerse yourself in this unique cultural exchange! You’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice your bargaining skills. 

ATMs everywhere – One of the good and bad things about Vietnam 

Vietnam’s ATM network is a breeze for travelers. With a robust banking system, ATMs are plentiful in even the most charming towns and tourist hotspots. Most accept international cards like Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay, letting you access Vietnamese Dong (the local currency) with ease. Be mindful of withdrawal fees, though.

Navigating ATMs is a breeze too. Many offer English interfaces, so you can easily find the options you need. For safety, stick to ATMs at established banks or well-lit areas. Checking your bank’s fees and withdrawal limits beforehand is wise. Agribank ATMs are popular and known for lower fees.

On our Vietnam motorcycle tours, you can ditch ATM worries! We handle all expenses, including meals, accommodation, and gas. But fear not, ATMs are readily available along the route for any extra spending, ensuring a smooth and carefree adventure.

Travel all year round: all 4 seasons are beautiful  

Vietnam offers travelers a diverse and dynamic weather experience, varying significantly across its regions. It’s essential to carefully consider the best time for motorcycle travel based on your desired destinations.

In the northern region, Vietnam experiences four distinct seasons: spring (February to April), summer (May to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to January). Winters in the north can be cold, with noticeable temperature drops. Spring or autumn is recommended for motorcycle travel in North Vietnam, providing pleasant weather conditions.

Central Vietnam features a more temperate climate, with a dry season (February to August) and a wet season (September to January). The summer months are hot and dry, while the wet season brings occasional heavy rainfall and typhoons. Opting for a motorcycle tour during the dry season is advisable in central Vietnam.

Southern Vietnam has a tropical climate with a dry season (December to April) and a rainy season (May to November). The dry season is typically hot and humid, while the rainy season sees frequent showers and occasional storms. December to April is considered the prime time for motorcycle touring in southern Vietnam.

When planning your trip, it’s crucial to consider the weather patterns in the specific regions you plan to visit. Generally, the months from February to June and September to November offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. However, it’s advisable to check specific weather forecasts for your desired destinations.

Regardless of when you choose to travel in Vietnam, embarking on a motorcycle tour promises a memorable and enriching experience. From immersing yourself in the country’s rich culture to marveling at its stunning landscapes and intriguing history, motorcycle travel offers a truly immersive journey.

Vietnamese cuisine is rich and diverse: The good and bad things in Vietnam 

Vietnamese cuisine is one of the major attractions for foreign tourists. This culinary scene is highly esteemed for its richness, diversity, and a plethora of delicious dishes, each carrying the distinctive flavors of its respective regions.

A standout feature of Vietnamese cuisine is the contrast between the three regions: North, Central, and South. Each region boasts its own signature dishes, reflecting the natural conditions, culture, and local customs of the people. For instance, the North is renowned for dishes like pho, bun cha, banh cuon, and com; the Central region offers specialties such as bun bo Hue, banh xeo, nem lui, and banh beo; while the South attracts visitors with delicacies like banh mi, hu tieu, goi cuon, and lau mam.

In addition to its diversity, Vietnamese cuisine captivates tourists with its distinctive flavors. Vietnamese dishes often incorporate various spices, creating a delicate balance of sour, spicy, salty, sweet, and bitter tastes. Fish sauce, salt, pepper, lime, chili, shallots, garlic, and ginger are common ingredients that contribute to the soul of Vietnamese cuisine.

The simplicity and healthiness of Vietnamese cuisine are also significant advantages. International visitors appreciate the abundant use of fresh vegetables, high-quality ingredients, and the minimal use of oils and fats in Vietnamese dishes.

When discussing Vietnamese cuisine, iconic dishes like pho, bun cha, banh mi, bun bo Hue, and goi cuon cannot be overlooked. These dishes not only offer delicious flavors but also showcase the unique cultural identity of Vietnam.

Grab Taxi is convenient 

Vietnam’s tourism is increasingly attracting a large number of international tourists. In order to meet the growing demand for transportation of tourists, Grab taxi has become an ideal choice due to its convenience, safety, and reasonable prices.

The Grab application, with its English and Vietnamese interface, is easy to use, allowing travelers to easily book a ride with just a few simple steps on their smartphones. Grab’s extensive driver network ensures that travelers can find a ride anywhere, anytime. Grab’s fare rates are clearly stated, making it easy for travelers to budget and avoid overcharging. Grab’s strict security system ensures the safety of travelers throughout their journey.

In addition to taxi services, Grab also provides many other services such as GrabFood, GrabExpress, GrabPay, etc., allowing travelers to have a complete travel experience in Vietnam. Travelers can use GrabFood to enjoy delicious meals, GrabExpress for quick delivery, and GrabPay for convenient mobile payments.

To use Grab taxi in Vietnam, travelers need to download the Grab application to their smartphones, register an account with their international phone number, choose the appropriate type of vehicle, and confirm the accurate pick-up and drop-off points. Travelers can also pay with international payment cards or cash.

Vietnamese people are friendly and hospitable  

Vietnam has long been known for its image as a country with friendly and hospitable people. Warm smiles, enthusiastic welcomes, and an open spirit are always the first impressions that travelers have of this country.

The friendliness of the Vietnamese people stems from various factors. Through thousands of years of nation-building and preservation, the spirit of unity, mutual affection, has been nurtured and has become a cherished cultural value of the nation. Smiles always adorn faces, and the warmth of helping and hospitality are specific expressions of this spirit.

Travelers to Vietnam always feel the warm welcome from the local people. Whether in the city or countryside, visitors easily encounter radiant smiles, friendly greetings, and the readiness to help from the locals. They are willing to give directions, introduce places to visit, delicious foods, and even invite travelers to their homes to share stories about local life and culture.

The friendliness and hospitality of the Vietnamese people have contributed to creating a beautiful image of the country and its people in the eyes of international friends. This is also one of the important factors attracting tourists to Vietnam. Alongside the magnificent natural landscapes and valuable historical and cultural relics, the friendliness of the people is a special highlight that leaves tourists with the most beautiful emotions when remembering Vietnam.

Beautiful nature and interesting culture 

Vietnam boasts many famous scenic spots, attracting tourists from all over the world. Some renowned destinations include:

• Ha Long Bay: Located in northeastern Vietnam, Hạ Long Bay is famous for its breathtaking scenery, with thousands of limestone islands rising from the emerald waters. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang: Situated in Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng is renowned for its majestic limestone cave system, including the world’s largest cave, Sơn Đoòng Cave. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
• Sa Pa: Sa Pa is a town in Lào Cai Province, Vietnam, known for its spectacular mountainous landscape and unique ethnic minority villages. It is a popular tourist destination for those seeking to experience the beauty of Vietnamese nature and culture.
• Mui Ne: Mui Ne is a town in Bình Thuận Province, Vietnam, famed for its beautiful beaches, white sand dunes, and luxurious resorts. It is an ideal tourist destination for those looking to enjoy a relaxing holiday and rejuvenate.
• Da Lat: Đà Lạt is a city in Lâm Đồng Province, Vietnam, renowned for its cool climate year-round, lush green pine hills, and ancient villas. It is an ideal tourist destination for those seeking to escape the scorching heat of summer and enjoy fresh, cool air.

Bad things in Vietnam 

In addition to the good things above, there are also bad things in Vietnam, tourists need to prepare mentally before traveling. 

Immigration procedures are difficult 

One of the challenges that tourists encounter when coming to Vietnam is the rather complex visa application and entry procedures. The sequence for applying for a Vietnamese tourist visa may vary depending on nationality. To ensure a smooth trip, it’s advisable to proactively research visa requirements beforehand. Some countries are exempt from visas or can obtain visas upon arrival, while others need to apply in advance. To avoid inconvenience, it’s best to plan ahead and apply for the appropriate visa early.

Fortunately, obtaining an electronic visa (e-visa) through the government website has become much simpler. This process typically takes only 3 to 5 working days, but note that it may sometimes take longer. Immigration officers work from Monday to Friday, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and special holidays such as April 30th (Liberation Day) or May 1st (International Workers’ Day). To ensure a smooth visa application process, it’s advisable to contact the immigration office and submit the visa application at least 7 to 10 days before departure.

Traffic Chaos – The good and bad things in Vietnam

Vietnam’s transportation system is currently facing numerous issues, especially in large cities. One of the most prominent problems is the state of traffic chaos. Traffic jams occur frequently, especially during peak hours, making commuting extremely difficult.

For tourists visiting Vietnam, to avoid encountering difficulties due to traffic chaos, it is advisable to limit driving within the city. Instead, you can utilize public transportation such as buses, subways, or taxis. Additionally, you can also use technology-based transportation services like Grab, Gojek, etc., for convenient and quick travel.

Language Barrier

Tourism in Vietnam always holds many fascinating discoveries for travelers. However, language barriers can pose a significant challenge, causing difficulties in communication, asking for directions, placing orders, shopping, or even basic communication with locals.

This situation can lead to wasting precious time of tourists as they search for English or commonly spoken language speakers, or resort to communication aids such as gestures or images. Communication difficulties also make tourists prone to missing out on opportunities to participate in local cultural activities or festivals due to not understanding instructional information. Consequently, tourists may feel anxious and uneasy due to their inability to integrate into the surrounding environment.

However, language barriers can also be an opportunity for tourists to learn a new language and experience local culture more deeply. Friendly smiles and positive attitudes can help tourists break through language barriers and create a favorable impression with the locals.

To address this issue, tourists should learn some simple greeting phrases. Learning some basic greeting, asking for directions, and shopping phrases will make it easier for you to communicate with local people.

Here are the insights from Vietnammotorbiketoursclub about the good and bad things in Vietnam that you need to know when traveling. We hope this article will help you gain more useful information.