Vietnam: 8 Things That Can Catch Tourists Out
Vietnam: 8 Things That Can Catch Tourists Out
Vietnam is relatively easy to travel around once you understand how things work.
But there are small details that can surprise first-time visitors.
None of these are reasons to worry about travelling to Vietnam. They are simply things worth knowing before you book, pay or order.
Here are eight practical things I would keep in mind. - Vietnam Travel Tips: 8 Things That Can Catch Tourists Out
1. Airport transport — use the official Grab app
Grab can be extremely useful in Vietnam for both bikes and cars.
At airports, you may find people approaching travellers and offering to arrange a Grab.
I prefer to book through the official Grab app myself.
Depending on the airport, you may also need to walk towards a designated pickup or parking area to meet your driver.
The simple rule:
Book your own ride through the app and follow the pickup instructions.
2. Check hotel payment charges
If you pay a hotel directly by credit card, check whether there is an additional card-payment charge.
If you're booking through an online platform, check the payment terms carefully.
And if you're paying at the hotel, simply ask before handing over your card.
A small question beforehand can prevent an unexpected charge.
3. Don't judge a hotel only by photographs
Hotel photographs can look great.
Reviews can also be excellent.
But there are a few practical things I always check.
Does the hotel have a lift?
Which floor is the room on?
How large is the bathroom?
Where exactly is the hotel?
What is around it?
These details can make a big difference to your actual stay.
4. Not sure about a hotel? Don't commit immediately
If you're uncertain about a hotel, one option is to book just one or two nights first.
Then check the actual room.
Check the location.
Check the surroundings.
If you like it, extend your stay or make your next booking accordingly.
Sometimes the hotel that looks perfect online isn't quite what you expected in person.
5. Carry some cash
Cards are useful, but I wouldn't travel around Vietnam without carrying some cash.
Smaller restaurants and businesses may prefer cash, and some establishments may add a charge for card payments.
Having some local currency available simply gives you another option.
6. Check food prices before ordering
Food prices can vary significantly between restaurants.
Don't assume that every restaurant in the same neighbourhood will charge similar prices.
Look at the menu before ordering.
And if you're looking for convenience or value, compare options on Grab Food as well.
Sometimes delivery can work out differently from eating at a restaurant.
7. Plan your cash carefully
Don't automatically assume that using an ATM is always your best option.
If you're carrying US dollars, compare exchange rates at reputable local exchange providers before changing money.
The important point is to compare rather than assume.
8. Book major attractions through reputable platforms
For popular attractions and activities, use a reputable booking platform and check exactly what is included.
Klook can be useful for booking many Vietnam attractions and experiences.
Before paying, check:
What is included
Date and time
Meeting point
Cancellation conditions
What you actually receive
The bigger lesson
Most of these aren't major problems.
They're simply the kind of details that can catch you out when you're travelling somewhere for the first time.
So before you book, pay or order, take a few minutes.
Check the price.
Check the payment method.
Check the location.
Check what you're actually getting.
That's what Vietnam Beyond Tourism is about.
Not just showing you where to go, but helping you understand the practical side of travelling through Vietnam.
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