Tips for Traveling to Vietnam

After two weeks of motorbike frogger, we have learned some helpful tips for anyone interested in traveling to Vietnam!

• One of the biggest cultural experiences in Vietnam is the motorbike traffic. While you may not drive a motorbike in Vietnam (and if you do we recommend driving in the countryside and NOT a major city), being a pedestrian can be tricky. Do not assume that you have the right of way, but also don’t stand on the sidewalk waiting for someone to let you cross. Be assertive and go for it! Our biggest tip is to not be afraid of the traffic. Look for an opening in one lane and walk. Take it slow as you make your way safely to the other side of the street. Keep eye contact with oncoming traffic. All Vietnam travelers will master the art of crossing the street after a few close calls!

• Have both hand sanitizer and toilet paper with you at all times. These are essential, trust me!

• If you are a light sleeper, ear plugs are key. Busy cities like Hanoi do not go to sleep until late and they wake up early. It seems like the honking never ends! When you are in the countryside, you may have escaped the excessive honking, but roosters are sure to have you up by 4am or earlier!

• Try street food and fresh beer! Fresh beer is called Bia Hoi and can be purchased for as low as 3,000 VND per glass. The street food is also budget friendly and Vietnamese cuisine is delicious!

• Learn to say ‘No’ firmly to those offering motorbike rides, fruit, donuts, lighters, etc. You can’t walk down the street without several people approaching you, so make your life easier and say no while continuing on your way.

• Try out a sleeper bus or a train, it is a great way to see more of Vietnam than the major cities. National airlines are another affordable way to travel to different parts of the country in a short period of time.

• Download the app Grab, an Uber style ride service that comes in handy to avoid airport taxi scams.

• Use locks for your luggage and be sure to keep your valuables on you or locked up at all times. We fell victim to  having things stolen from our hotel room. We found some cheap TSA-approved locks on Amazon for about $8 for a pair.

• See the countryside. Don’t just stay in the hectic main cities of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Check out the countryside or central Vietnam! 
• Double check the bills you are using when paying. 10,000 looks a lot like 100,000 and 500,000 bill can be confused for a 50,000 bill. You are not likely to be corrected, unless you aren’t paying with enough money! Also, cash is the best method of payment, most places will charge you at least 3% more to use a credit card.

• Just for clarification, those name brand items at discounted prices are counterfeit. You may be lured in by the authentic tags on the North Face jackets or the material of those Under Armour shirts, but they are fake. Some counterfeit items may be easier to spots than others! Adidos is NOT Adidas.

• Our last piece of advice is be sure to pack your poncho! If you are traveling in the wet season or even at the beginning of the dry season, you are probably going to need some rain gear!

Take our advice and visit Vietnam, you won’t be disappointed!