Top Travel Tips For Backpacking Vietnam

Viết Hòa
Jul 26, 2017 · 5 min read

In case you are searching for the ancient historical sites, mouthwatering foods, unique experiences, epic adventures, then Vietnam is an ideal place for you. This country is a heaven for backpacker. Traveling to Vietnam is also a common part of numerous adventures through the Southeast Asia.

Moreover, Vietnam is also famous for being a wonderful challenge to backpacker because of its complex surface and the locals will always try to rip off you. We hope that those useful tips below may help you in avoiding the worst situation as well as find the best way to enjoy your trip in this country.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION WISELY

Vietnam eats a one-month visa like Rob eats bun cha. But 1 month still is not long enough to discover all amazing things and best places in Vietnam. So you should plan wisely to visit the most famous sites. Our favorite destinations in Vietnam are:

  • Mui Ne with natural scenery, beautiful resorts, and pure beaches will bring you the very relaxing feeling.
  • Hoi An is famous for food and ancient architect.
  • Sapa Town is popular with its fine, rugged scenery and for its rich cultural diversity. It is man-conquered nature. Particularly, the place is the foremost choice for honeymoon couples!
  • Sai Gon is one of the most bustling cities of Vietnam
  • Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam is a nice city to live in
  • Ha Giang is a place that few people choose as their destination because the locals here think that dog is vegetarian.

AVOID “OPEN TOUR” BUSES

Whilst those may seem like a great deal, they also limit your own options as well as pin you as the tourist. This will make you riper for theft. By means of booking the bus tickets at one time, you can have maximum versatility and really save more money comparing to the option of the open tour.

ENJOY THE STREET FOOD

The street food is amazing. Each city, each region has its own specialty. You just need about 5$ per day to enjoy tons of tasty and delicious food and enjoy the true Vietnamese cuisine.

Additionally, “Bia hoi” or the fresh beer is what you should not miss. It is very refreshing, cheap. It is only 10.000VND for a glass of beer. With a glass of beer, a small plastic chair, it is so interesting to see people around to understand more about the local life through it.

SAY “NO”

Say “No” when the bus drivers want to charge you more for your bags, when somebody tries to move you to the bad seat, when the hotel attempts to keep your own passport overnight, whenever you feel any fishy thing is going on.

You should usually say “No” 2 or 3 times with those tricks because the Vietnamese, as all the Asians, do not want to lose face in front of anyone, especially the foreigners.

ALWAYS ASK ABOUT THE PRICE

We also met some groups of the travelers, who had to pay an arm and a leg for the meals because they never ask for the price first.

You must ask beforehand so that the locals will not attempt to rip off you. Just forget to ask for the price and a bowl of noodles will be right up to the wazoo.

DO NOT BOOK EXCURSIONS OR TOURS AT THE HOTEL

This is what you must consider, especially when you choose to stay at a cheap guesthouse. The reason for this is those places make money by up marking the tours. Even though the cost may seem cheap, you should head to the travel agency and ask for the price there.

BUY THE TRAIN TICKET DIRECTLY AT THE TRAIN STATION INSTEAD OF AT AN AGENT OR AT YOUR HOTEL

Definitely, the hotel will ask you about your next destination. The reason of this is that they want you to buy the train ticket, arrange the flight or the bus ticket with their extra service fee, which is about 200 000 VND (about 10USD in general).

Alternatively, you just need to hire a motorbike taxi (Xe ôm) to take you to the train station or bus station to buy your ticket directly there. Because the tickets tend to be sold out days, therefore, you should not go to the station without the ticket, with the hope to hop on the next train.

THE BREAKFAST IS USUALLY INCLUDED, AND OFTEN GET SUCKS

Spring rolls, sandwiches, and noodles: Vietnam has such cheap and delicious street food that can be found everywhere. Thus, you need not eat breakfast at a luxurious hotel.

Many hotels try to attract you with their included breakfast option. Those breakfasts are not so terrible; however, it is not worth considering.

It is extremely easy to go out and enjoy a bowl of soup, which only costs about 20 000 VND (about 1 USD), regardless of your location. The street side coffee and soup will be better than eggs and stale baguette offered by the hotel.

MAKE SURE THAT THE SOUP IS BOILING

Among the first-time visitors, stomach illness may be the most common disease. And the culprit is the soup, which has sat too long. You had better eat at the busy restaurant because their ingredients are better and the gases are kept all the day.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR DONG

VND or Dong is Vietnam’s currency. You should be careful before hand over more. VND is such a serious problem, especially for the newbies.

21 000 VND = 1 USD

10 000 VND looks quite similar to 100 000 VND

50 000 VND looks quite similar to 500 000 VND

You should check your bill carefully. A small mistake may cost you the whole budget of your day.

DO NOT PUT YOUR MOBILE PHONE ON THE TABLE

Your belongings are quite safe in this country, just do not put them carelessly or put them where other people can grab and rob them. You had better keep your phone in the front pocket and avoid taking photos in busy areas.

Besides, place your purse, bags between the driver and you when riding on the motorbike.

Finally, you should be careful with sexy, strange women approaching you, especially at night.

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