20 Things Not to Do in Vietnam: A 2026 Local Survival Guide

Dos and Don'ts in Vietnam at a Glance

In short: do use ride-hailing apps, cover your shoulders and knees at temples, stick to bottled water and busy food stalls, and follow traffic law like a local would. Don't ride without a valid licence, flash cash or phones by the road, touch anyone's head, or carry vapes or drugs. Here is the quick version.

Money and Scams: What to Beware of in Vietnam

The main things to beware of in Vietnam are small money tricks, not violent crime: mixing up similar-looking banknotes, “free” favours that turn into a bill, prices that change after the fact, and card machines keyed with an extra zero. Vietnam is not a country to be paranoid about. You just need to be prepared.

1. Don’t Confuse Vietnam’s “Blue Notes”

The 500,000 VND note (about $20) and the 20,000 VND note (under $1) are both blue, and they are very easy to mix up in the dark.

It happens to the best of us. You’re in a dimly lit bar on Bui Vien Street, maybe a few beers deep, or rushing to pay a taxi driver. The bill is 20,000 VND. You pull out a blue note, hand it over, and walk away. Congratulations, you just tipped the driver 500,000 VND.

Forget about checking for "hidden watermarks" or "OVI ink". That is too complicated when you are in a rush. Instead, just follow these three simple rules:

• Count the Zeros: Ignore the color. Look at the numbers. Does it have four zeros (20,000) or five zeros (500,000)?
• Check the "Window": The 500k note is polymer and has a clear transparent window. The 20k note is often older paper (or smaller polymer) and feels different.
• The "Pocket Strategy": This is the best hack. Keep your Big Bills (500k, 200k) in one compartment of your wallet and your Small Change (20k, 10k, 5k) in another. Never mix them.

There is also a nastier version of this mistake. Some drivers will take your 500k note, swap it for a 20k with a quick sleight of hand, then tell you that you gave them the wrong bill. So hand notes over slowly, say the amount out loud (“five hundred”), and don’t pay twice just because someone insists.

⚠️ Watch out for the "Spliced Money" Scam: Though rare, some scammers cut a 20k note and a 500k note in half, then tape the wrong halves together to trick you. When receiving change, always unfold the bill to check that both sides match and the polymer is not taped.

>>> Read more: Essential Information About Currency Exchange

2. Don’t Fall for the “Free Photo” Trap (Shoe Shiners & Fruit Ladies)

If a vendor puts something on your shoulder or starts cleaning your shoes without asking, a bill is coming.

Vietnam is famously friendly, but like anywhere else, a few opportunists target tourists. Two classic examples you will likely encounter in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or central Ho Chi Minh City are the "Fruit Lady" and the "Shoe Shine" scams.

It usually starts innocently. A street vendor wearing a conical hat (nón lá) smiles and places her bamboo fruit baskets on your shoulder for a "fun photo". You snap the picture. Suddenly, the smile disappears, and she demands a tip or forces you to buy a small bag of pineapple for an exorbitant price (often 100,000 VND or more).

Similarly, shoe shiners might point at your feet, claiming your shoes are dirty. Before you can object, they start scrubbing, even if you're wearing sneakers or sandals. Once they start, they won't stop until you pay a fee that wasn't agreed upon.

So, be firm. A polite but strong "No, thank you" (or "Không, cảm ơn") is your best defense. Keep your hands in your pockets and keep walking. Don't stop to argue.

If you want a photo taken of yourself, avoid asking street vendors. Instead, look for young Gen Z locals. They are incredibly friendly, speak English well, and are usually happy to help. Plus, they know the best angles for a great Instagram shot, completely for free! The same goes for people in costume or street performers posing with tourists: if you want the photo, ask the price before you raise your phone.

3. Don’t Pay Before You Agree on the Price

At markets, cyclos and shops without price tags, agree on the final price first. Arguing after the service is done almost never ends in your favour.

Think of bargaining as a psychological game, not a conflict. In tourist hubs like Ben Thanh Market (HCMC) or Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi), this is just part of the daily rhythm. It isn't about arguing; it is simply about finding common ground, where you don't overpay, but the seller still makes their fair share.

Don't be shy to start by offering around 50% of the asking price, and most importantly, keep smiling to keep the mood light. If you can't agree on a number, just pretend to say goodbye and slowly walk away. Nine out of ten times I've tried this, I've heard them call out, "Okay, okay, I'll take your price!" before I even took three steps. Just don’t try it in supermarkets, malls or restaurants with printed menus: the price you see there is the price you pay.

The same rule applies to cyclos. Travelers on forums still share stories of refusing to pay triple the quoted fare and being dropped off in the middle of nowhere. Agree on the total (not “per person” or “per hour”) before you get in.

And when you pay by card at spas, bars or souvenir shops, look at the machine before you tap. A missing comma can turn 800,000 VND into 8,000,000 VND, and it is much easier to fix at the counter than with your bank a week later. Keep the receipt, and ask before you pay whether there is a card surcharge; small shops often prefer cash and some add a fee for cards. As for tips, they are appreciated but never an obligation, and we explain how much is fair in our guide to tipping in Vietnam.

Getting Around: Transport Mistakes That Catch Many Tourists Off Guard

4. Don’t Take Random Taxis (or Fake “Grab” Drivers) at Airports

Book inside your own Grab or Xanh SM app, or arrange a pickup in advance, so you never have to negotiate with a stranger at arrivals.

After completing immigration procedures, you'll likely be exhausted, and your first priority is just getting to your hotel. However, jumping into a random taxi carries a risk: "fast meters" that charge higher than the actual cost.

Of course, not all traditional taxis are bad. But to be absolutely sure, once you've popped in your local SIM card, download Grab (the Uber of Southeast Asia) or Xanh SM (Cyan Electric Taxi).

Xanh SM’s electric cars and bikes are very popular with locals for being odorless, silent, and eco friendly. Most drivers from these apps are incredibly polite, and best of all, the price is fixed on your screen before you ride. No hidden fees, no arguments, just a fair deal for everyone.

One trap I still see at arrival halls: a friendly man walks up, shows you the Grab app on his phone and leads you to his car. That is not a Grab booking, and you will pay several times the app price. Only get into the car whose plate number matches the booking on your screen. And if any driver tells you your hotel is “closed” or “full” and offers a better one, insist on your address or get out. While you’re at it, check your hotel by its full street address, not just its name: in busy areas like Hanoi’s Old Quarter, copycat hotels sometimes borrow the name of a well-reviewed one.

>>> Continue reading: How to get around Vietnam?

5. Don’t Run, Stop or Step Backward When Crossing the Street

Motorbikes will flow around you as long as you move slowly and predictably. Buses and trucks are a different story.

We often joke that in Vietnam, traffic lights are sometimes just "suggestions", and if you wait for an empty road to cross, you will be waiting forever. The traffic here flows like a river or a school of fish. It looks chaotic, but it has a rhythm, and it will naturally part around you if you know how to move.

The secret is to step off the curb with confidence and maintain a slow, steady pace. You can raise your hand to be seen, but the most important rule is consistency: never run, never stop suddenly, and absolutely never step backward. As long as you are predictable, the drivers will calculate your speed and flow safely behind you.

That magic only works with motorbikes, though. A city bus or a container truck will not weave around you, so if one is coming, wait on the curb. Nervous on your first day? Walk right next to a local who is crossing and match their pace. It works every time.

6. Don’t Ride a Motorbike Without a Valid License

You need your home licence plus a 1968-convention International Driving Permit (IDP) that covers your bike’s engine size. Foreigners are fined exactly like locals.

Motorbikes are the heartbeat of Vietnam, and tackling the famous Ha Giang or Cao Bang loops is a dream for many. However, unless you have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) that specifically covers motorcycles, do not ride. Since 2025, the basic A1 category only covers bikes up to 125cc, so many popular 150cc rentals need a full A-category permit.

The reality in 2026 is strict: police checkpoints are frequent, but the real danger is financial. Driving illegally can void your travel insurance. If you crash (and roads here are unpredictable), you may pay thousands of dollars in medical bills out of pocket. Even with a valid IDP, read your policy before you ride: many travel insurance plans exclude motorbikes unless you add that cover. So don’t put too much faith in a rental shop or a guesthouse that hands you the keys without asking for your licence. Them not checking doesn’t make it legal for you.

Here are the fines riders most often get, under Decree 168/2024/ND-CP as applied in 2026.

You don't have to miss out, though. For city hops, simply book a GrabBike or Xanh SM electric bike. For the epic loops, hire an Easy Rider (a pro local driver). You get all the adrenaline and insurance coverage with zero legal trouble. And finally, whether you are in the chaotic city or the quiet countryside, always strap on your helmet, and fasten the strap: an open strap counts as no helmet.

>>> Read more: Vietnam by Motorbike - How to Prepare?

7. Don’t Use Your Phone Right by the Road

Phone and bag snatching by passing motorbikes is the most common theft tourists face in big cities.

In big cities, the energy is electric, but the traffic moves fast, and so do the "snatchers." A classic mistake tourists make is standing right on the curb, holding a $1,000 iPhone loosely to check Google Maps. You need to remember that in Vietnam, motorbikes often ride on the sidewalk to escape traffic. In a split second, a driver can zip by, snatch your phone, and disappear into the crowd before you even realize it’s gone.

• Crossbody, Front, Away From the Road: Wear your bag across your chest, not dangling over one shoulder. Keep the pouch in front of your stomach and on the side farthest from the traffic.
• Let It Go: If someone does grab your bag, let go. A phone can be replaced; being dragged off your feet by a moving motorbike is a far worse ending.
• Don't Be a Walking ATM: Leave your passport in the hotel safe. Split your cash up. Keep small change in your pocket for quick buys and hide big bills deep in your bag.

>>> Read more: Travel insurance Vietnam for 2026

Cultural Taboos You Should Never Break in Vietnam

8. Don’t Touch Anyone’s Head (Even Children)

In Vietnam, patting someone on the head, even a child, can genuinely upset people.

You see a cute child playing on the street, and your instinct is to pat them on the head. Stop! In Vietnamese spiritual belief, the head is considered the "highest" and most sacred part of the body, where the soul resides. Touching someone’s head, even a child’s, is seen as disrespectful to the spirit or "stealing their luck".

If you want, you can show your affection by smiling, waving, or giving a "high five". Vietnamese kids love a high five, and the parents will appreciate your respect much more than a pat on the head.

9. Don’t Stick Your Chopsticks Upright in Rice

Never leave your chopsticks standing upright in a bowl of rice.

When dining in Vietnam, chopsticks are the main tool, especially for rice. To locals, chopsticks standing in a bowl look exactly like burning incense sticks in a bowl of rice meant for the dead at a funeral. Doing this at a dinner table is considered a bad omen and is deeply offensive to the people eating with you.

So, if you need to rest your hands, simply lay the chopsticks flat across the top of your bowl or place them on the table. When you pick food from a shared dish, use the serving spoon or chopsticks in the middle of the table, and put the food in your own bowl first rather than straight into your mouth. Want to be a star guest? Don’t pass food to someone else with the end of the chopsticks you’ve been eating with.

In case you can't master the chopsticks, don't worry. Most restaurants in Vietnam have spoons, forks, and knives available. In fact, many locals use a spoon to eat rice, so there is absolutely no shame in asking for one!

10. Don’t Wear Shoes Into Someone’s Home or Point Your Feet at People

Shoes come off at the door, and feet never point at people or at the family altar.

If you are invited into a local home, look at the doorstep. See a pile of sandals? Add yours to it, unless your host tells you to keep your shoes on, in which case go ahead. If you’re not sure, just watch what the host does: if they wear flip-flops inside, you can too. The same logic applies to feet in general. When you sit on the floor or on a low stool, tuck your feet under you or to the side, and don’t rest them on tables or chairs. Pointing your soles at someone, or worse, at the ancestral altar, is one of those small things older Vietnamese will quietly notice.

11. Don’t Lose Your Temper or Get Too Intimate in Public

Two things make people around you uncomfortable here: raising your voice and heavy displays of affection.

We have an unwritten rule: the first person to get angry loses. Raise your voice at a waiter, a vendor or a hotel receptionist, and they will often go quiet, stop helping, or simply pretend not to understand. It isn’t rudeness. Making someone lose face in front of others is a big deal here, and nobody wants to be cornered. So if a bill is wrong or a booking is messed up, smile, keep your voice low, and give the other person an easy way out (“Maybe there’s a mistake?”). You will be surprised how quickly things get fixed. And if you slip up and offend someone, a sincere “Xin lỗi” (sorry) with a small smile goes a very long way.

The same “keep it low-key” logic applies to romance. Vietnamese people value discretion in private life, so a passionate kiss by Hoan Kiem Lake or a long cuddle on a crowded bus makes the people around you feel awkward, as if you turned a shared space into your bedroom. Nobody will call the police, but you will get a lot of stares. Holding hands, a quick hug or an arm around each other for a photo is completely normal. Save the rest for the hotel.

12. Don’t Take Blunt Comments or Personal Questions Personally

Being called fat, or asked your age, salary or marital status, is small talk in Vietnam, not an insult.

Remember the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"? Well, Vietnam has its own specific rules. In Western culture, asking someone's age or commenting on their weight is a major taboo. But here, don't be shocked if a friendly street vendor or a hotel receptionist greets you with, "Oh, you are so fat!" or "Why so skinny?"

Please, take a deep breath and do not get angry.

In our culture, this is not "body shaming." It is actually a form of caring. To the older generation, commenting on physical appearance is simply a way to check on your health, just like asking, "How are you?"

• "You are fat" (Béo): Often means you look healthy, prosperous, and have been eating well.
• "You are skinny" (Gầy): Means they are worried you are working too hard or skipping meals.

So, treat these comments as "lost in translation" compliments. Just smile and blame the food: "Yes, I am fat because Vietnamese Banh Mi is too delicious!" Everyone will laugh, and you’ll instantly make a new friend. The same goes for “How old are you?”, “How much do you earn?” or “Married yet?”. People ask so they know how to address you properly. If you’d rather not share, a joke like “Not enough!” works perfectly.

>>> Let's learn some simple Vietnamese words!!!

13. Don’t Bring Up the War or Politics Casually

Let locals open these topics if they want to, and never join a street protest.

Vietnamese people are incredibly forward-looking. To us, the war is a closed chapter of history, not a topic for casual small talk. We’d much rather talk about our booming future than dwell on a painful past. Unless a local friend explicitly opens up to you, it’s best to keep the war stories off the dinner table.

Regarding politics, it is a strictly private matter here. Even if you hear a lively debate at a coffee shop, your best move is to be a polite listener. Never join or linger near political protests or crowd movements, no matter how curious you are. Local laws apply to everyone, and "I'm a tourist" won't be a valid excuse if things get complicated.

Yet, want to win over a local? Ask them about their favorite football team, the best little coffee spot in town, or where to find the ultimate Banh Mi. We love sharing our culture, our growth, and our food. Focus on those, and you’ll make friends everywhere you go. One warning if the beer comes out: drinking here can turn into a friendly competition of “một, hai, ba, dzô!”. If you don’t want to drink, say so from the very first round. Taking one sip and then stopping is much harder to explain.

What Not to Wear in Vietnam

In Vietnam, don’t wear tank tops, crop tops, short shorts or short skirts to temples, pagodas, mausoleums and ethnic villages; shoulders and knees should be covered. In cities and beach towns, light casual clothes are fine, but avoid flashy jewellery and expensive accessories in crowded areas.

14. Don’t Wear Tank Tops or Short Shorts to Temples

Beyond the epic landscapes, the ancient temples and pagodas are where you see the true soul of Vietnamese culture. You definitely shouldn't miss them.

And we get it, you’re on holiday, it’s 35°C, and you want to dress comfortably or look great in your travel photos. However, these are the most sacred spaces in Vietnam. Walking in with a tank top or short shorts isn't just "casual". It is seen as a major disrespect to the spirits and the locals praying there.

So, dress modestly. Or do the "Sarong hack". You don't have to wear stifling long jeans all day. You just need to keep a lightweight sarong or large scarf in your day bag. When you reach a temple, simply wrap it around your waist or drape it over your shoulders. It takes 5 seconds, shows respect, and you can take it off as soon as you step back onto the street.

15. Don’t Show Off Jewellery and Expensive Gear

Leave the gold chains, designer bags and big watches at the hotel.

Vietnamese people dress quite conservatively, especially outside the big cities, and showing off money in public is considered a little impolite. Practically speaking, a shiny necklace or a luxury handbag is exactly what a snatcher on a motorbike is looking for. A cheap watch, a simple day bag and your phone in a front pocket will serve you much better.

What to Wear in Vietnam as a Woman

For women, breathable loose trousers, midi skirts, linen shirts and T-shirts are the easiest outfits for most of the country. Shorts and sleeveless tops are fine in Hanoi’s Old Quarter cafes, Hoi An or on the beach in Da Nang, just keep that sarong or a light shirt in your bag for temples. In the northern mountains, bring layers: Sapa, Ha Giang and Cao Bang can be cold and misty in winter even when Saigon is baking. Swimwear belongs on the beach or by the pool, not on the walk back to town.

Food and Water Mistakes to Avoid

16. Don't Drink Tap Water or Chipped Ice

Tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink straight from the tap, and not all ice is equal.

First, a quick warning: In popular spots like Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi) or Bui Vien Street (HCMC), you might see public faucets that look exactly like drinking fountains back home. Do not drink from them. They are strictly for washing hands. Stick to bottled water, it is cheap and available everywhere.

Now, about the ice.

• You can absolutely enjoy a local iced coffee without fear, just follow the local "Hole Rule". Look closely at the ice cubes. If they are shaped like small tubes with a hole in the middle, you are much safer. These are machine made from filtered water.
• However, if the ice looks like random, chipped chunks, it is best to skip it. These pieces often come from massive industrial blocks that are sometimes dragged across the sidewalk before being chipped.

So, if it has a hole, drink it up. If it’s chipped, say no.

17. Don’t Skip Street Food, Just Follow the Crowd Rule

Skipping street food means missing the best meals in the country, and busy stalls are usually the safest ones.

Street food is the absolute highlight of Vietnam, but we know the internal battle you’re fighting: "That smells amazing" versus "Will this destroy my stomach tomorrow?" The truth is, you don't need a cast-iron stomach; you just need to follow the "High Turnover" logic.

Whenever you see a stall packed with locals on tiny plastic stools, that is your green light. A crowded spot means the ingredients are flying out of the pot. There is simply no time for meat or veggies to sit around and spoil. If the food sells out by 10 AM, you know what you are eating is fresh.

For your first few days, stick to the "Cooked & Boiling" classics like Phở or Bún Chả. These dishes are served piping hot. The broth is kept at a rolling boil, and the meat is grilled over charcoal. Think of that high heat as a natural sterilizer. So, skip the raw herbs at first, trust the boiling broth, and pull up a stool. A small bottle of hand sanitiser in your bag helps too, because there isn’t always a sink nearby. If the locals are eating there, you are much safer.

>>> Read more: What to eat in Hanoi as a local?

Legal and Ethical Red Lines: What Is Illegal in Vietnam for Tourists

For tourists, the main things that are illegal in Vietnam are using or carrying drugs of any kind, using or bringing in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, flying most drones without the required permission, photographing military sites, and riding without a valid licence. Giving money to begging children is not illegal, but it does real harm.

18. Don't Give Money to Begging Children (The Hardest "No")

In places like Ha Giang and Sapa, cash given to children turns them into earners for adults and keeps them out of school.

In the stunning mountains of Sapa or Ha Giang, you will inevitably meet adorable Hmong or Dao children. They might offer you bracelets, pose for photos at Tham Ma Pass, or weave you a flower crown. Your heart will want to say "yes," and your hand will reach for your wallet.

Please, stop!

I’ll tell you what I saw. In 2022, I was leading a group through Ha Giang, and we stopped at Tham Ma Pass. Within minutes, a local three-wheeled cart pulled up with about seven kids in traditional clothes sitting in the back. They were there to pose for photos and braid tourists’ hair, for money. It was a school day. Some of those children had been picked up in the middle of class; others simply don’t go to school anymore, because this has become their job.

It feels like a kindness, but giving money directly creates exactly that cycle. If these children earn money, the adults around them keep them out of the classroom to work as "cute earners" for tourists. By paying them, you are unintentionally funding their absence from school.

How to help responsibly:

• Give Snacks, Not Cash: Bring a small bag of snacks, fruit or milk. Kids never say no to money, but trust me, they always get more excited about food.
• Support the Pros: Donate to reputable NGOs like Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, who work professionally to get street kids back into safety and education.
• Connect with Us: If you want to make a direct, tangible impact, let Kampá Tour know. We can connect you with specific remote schools or community projects where your support builds a future, rather than keeping a child on the street.

19. Don't Bring a Vape or Even Think About Drugs

Vietnam has zero tolerance for drugs, and vapes are now banned too.

Tourism is about letting loose, but you need to know where the line is drawn. And in Vietnam, that line is thick and red.

Here is the most important reality check: Vietnam is NOT Thailand. Whatever you have heard about cannabis in neighbouring countries, Vietnam maintains a strict "Zero Tolerance" policy. Possession of even a small amount of marijuana or narcotics can lead to severe prosecution, heavy fines, or deportation. You definitely do not want your holiday to end in a Vietnamese holding cell.

• A special warning on "Funky Balls": On party streets, you may still see balloons filled with laughing gas (N2O). The same National Assembly ban on vapes also covers harmful gases and addictive substances, and police crackdowns are intensifying. Aside from the serious health risks, using them puts you on the police radar.
• The "Vape & Pod" Warning: This is no longer a grey area. Resolution 173/2024/QH15 has banned the production, import, storage, transport and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco since 2025, and from March 1, 2026, doing business in them is a prohibited sector under the amended Investment Law. Since May 15, 2026, Decree 90/2026/ND-CP fines users 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND and requires the device to be destroyed. You might still spot people vaping, but that doesn’t make it legal.

Otherwise, just have a beer, enjoy the music, but steer clear of anything illegal. It is simply not worth the risk.

>>> Oliver’s advice: If you are a smoker, regular cigarettes are legal, but not in no-smoking places such as indoor areas of hotels: lighting up there can cost you 200,000 to 500,000 VND. Or, if you are chasing a stronger buzz without breaking the law, you can try "Thuốc Lào" (Vietnamese rustic tobacco). It is smoked from a bamboo pipe and is completely legal. But be warned: it is "heavy duty" and can make you dizzy in seconds. Proceed with caution!

20. Don’t Fly a Drone or Photograph Military Sites Without Checking the Rules

Most drones need permission in Vietnam, and military sites are strictly off-limits for cameras.

Vietnam’s airspace rules, set out in Decree 288/2025/ND-CP, are among the strictest in the region. A small recreational drone under 250g may be flown without a flight permit outside prohibited and restricted zones, but heavier drones, commercial filming and flights near airports, cities or sensitive areas generally need permission, and newer registration rules have applied since July 2026. Similarly, never take photos near military bases or government buildings marked with no-photo signs; "I didn't see the sign" won't save you from a heavy fine or having your expensive gear confiscated.

>>> Learn more about drone flight regulations in Vietnam

Extra Tips for Solo Female Travelers and Families

Solo Female Travelers: Stay Alert After Dark

Vietnam is incredibly safe for women, but you should still use your common sense when the sun goes down. In the cities, try not to wander alone through quiet, dark alleys after 11 PM. And if you’re staying at a mountain homestay, make sure to be back before dark. Rural roads have no streetlights, and it’s surprisingly easy to get lost in the pitch black.

If you need feminine hygiene products late at night, don't bother searching the local markets. Just head to a 24/7 store like WinMart, Circle K, or GS25. These places are bright, safe, and everywhere near tourist hotels. The staff are used to foreigners, and you can find exactly what you need without any "lost in translation" moments.

Traveling with Toddlers: Choose a Carrier Over a Stroller

If you are traveling with a toddler, you might be tempted to bring your favorite stroller. While it’s not completely useless, you will find it incredibly frustrating to navigate. Vietnamese sidewalks are often uneven, making for a bumpy and uncomfortable ride for your little one.

More importantly, during rush hour when traffic gets chaotic and motorbikes start hopping onto the pavement, pushing a stroller becomes a safety headache. A high-quality baby carrier is a much better move. It keeps your child safe, right at eye level, and gives you the mobility to weave through the crowds and narrow alleys without breaking a sweat.

What Is the Biggest Mistake You Can Make in Vietnam?

In my opinion, the biggest mistake is treating Vietnam’s traffic law as optional: running red lights, riding without a fastened helmet, or getting on a motorbike without a licence and IDP that are valid here. It is the one mistake that can cost you a fine, your insurance cover and your health on the same day.

Many visitors think the traffic looks so chaotic that nobody follows the rules, so they won’t either. But foreign tourists are fined exactly like Vietnamese riders (see the fines in mistake #6), and if you crash without a valid IDP, your insurer can refuse to pay. A rental shop that doesn’t ask for your licence is not doing you a favour. If your permit isn’t right, book an Easy Rider or a Grab and enjoy the view from the back seat.

My close second is an ethical one: giving money to children at viewpoints in Ha Giang or Sapa. It feels harmless in the moment, but as I explained in mistake #18, it is the kind of mistake that keeps a child out of school.

Our last words

Vietnam is beautifully chaotic, and you don’t need to be perfect to enjoy it, you just need to be prepared. The locals are incredibly forgiving toward travelers who show a bit of respect and local knowledge.

You’ve now got the most honest survival tips in your pocket, making you miles ahead of the average tourist. But if you want to skip the planning stress and focus entirely on the experience, let us be your safety net. At Kampá Tour, we specialize in crafting seamless, safe and personal journeys tailored just for you. Contact us today, and let’s turn your Vietnam dream into a worry-free reality!

>>> Read more essential information at:

• The five most interesting facts about Vietnamese cuisine
• Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, what name should you use for this city?
• Guardians of Time: A Journey Through the Vietnamese Zodiac
• What to do in Mekong Delta? Complete guide 2024
• Is Vietnam safe to travel?