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

TL;DR: Things Not to Do in Vietnam (Table Version)

1. Common Money Mistakes First-Time Travelers Make

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

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 (less than $1). You pull out a blue note, hand it over, and walk away. Congratulations, you just tipped the driver 500,000 VND ($20).

Vietnam has a "Blue Note" problem. The 500,000 VND (the largest bill) and the 20,000 VND (small change) are both blue. To the untrained eye, especially in the dark, they look dangerously similar. While locals can tell them apart by touch, first-time visitors fall for this constantly.

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.

⚠️ 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

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

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!

1.3. Bargaining Is Normal (Just Do It With a Smile)

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.

2. Transport Mistakes That Catch Many Tourists Off Guard

2.1. Don’t Take Random Taxis at Airports

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).

Meanwhile, Xanh SM is the game changer of 2026 and is famous among local people 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.

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

2.2. Crossing the Street (Don't Hesitate, Just Be Predictable)

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. 

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

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.

The reality in 2026 is strict: police checkpoints are frequent, but the real danger is financial. Driving illegally voids your travel insurance immediately. If you crash (and roads here are unpredictable), you will pay thousands of dollars in medical bills out of pocket.

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.

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

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

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 Only: Wear your bag across your chest (crossbody), not dangling over one shoulder. Keep the pouch positioned in front of your stomach at all times.
• 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

3. Cultural Lines You Should Never Cross in Vietnam

3.1. Dress Modestly When Visiting 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.

3.2. Don’t Take Blunt Comments Personally

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.

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

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

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.

3.4. Chopsticks Etiquette You Should Know

When dining in Vietnam, chopsticks are the main tool, especially for rice. But there is one Golden Rule you must never break: never stick your chopsticks vertically into your bowl.

To locals, this visual looks 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.

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!

3.5. Avoid Political and War Discussions

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 hidden 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.

4. Health & Hygiene Survival Tips

4.1. Don't Drink Public Tap Water and Know Which Ice Is Safe

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.

In Vietnam, tap water is not safe to drink directly. 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 safe. These are machine made and filtered. 
• 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.

4.2. Street Food Is Safe: If You Follow the Crowd Rule

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. If the locals are eating there, you are safe.

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

5. Legal and Ethical Red Lines You Must Respect

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

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!

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

How to help responsibly:

• Give Snacks, Not Cash: If you want to share something, offer a small snack, milk, or fruit.
• 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.

5.2. Don't Even Think About Drugs

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. While our neighbors might be relaxing their laws on cannabis, 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 immediate 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 will see balloons filled with laughing gas (N2O) sold openly. They are often marketed as "legal highs", but police crackdowns are intensifying. Aside from the serious health risks, using them puts you on the police radar.
• The "Vape & Pod" Warning: As of 2026, Vietnam has strictly tightened regulations on e-cigarettes and vapes. While you might see them around, the legal landscape is shifting toward a total ban. To avoid heavy fines or having your expensive gear confiscated at the airport, it’s best to leave your vapes and pods at home.

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

>>> Oliver’s advice: If you are a smoker, cigarettes are perfectly legal. 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!

5.3. Drones & Military Photography

As of 2026, Vietnam’s airspace regulations are incredibly strict. Flying a Drone (Flycam) without a specific permit from the Ministry of Defense is illegal, and signal jammers are active near sensitive areas. Similarly, never take photos near military bases or government buildings; "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

6. Practical Tips for Different Types of Travelers

6.1. 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.

6.2. 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.

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 unbiased 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 authentic 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?