10 things we learned during our first trip to Vietnam

When we first booked our flights to Hanoi, Vietnam, we were really stoked to enjoy cheap bowls of pho, drink the famous egg coffees and have our minds blown by the stunning scenery. And while we loved our time in Vietnam, it also came with some new challenges we hadn’t really faced before while travelling around in Southeast Asia. From learning how to bargain like a local to navigating the common local scams and language barriers, each day brought us new lessons as tourists there. We have collected 10 things, highs and lows, we learned during our weeks travelling around the country that might help you on your next adventure in Vietnam.

Banh mi in the Banh mi capital of the world - Hoi An

Banh mi is your best friend as breakfast, quick lunch on the go and after-hours snack

If there’s one dish you can always rely on during your stay in Vietnam, it’s bánh mì. This iconic Vietnamese sandwich combines a crispy, airy baguette with rich pâté, marinated meats, and a vibrant assortment of fresh, tangy vegetables. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast on the go or seeking a satisfying bite after a night of pub crawling the busy alleys in Hanoi, bánh mì is a perfect choice. It’s often sold for just 20-30K VND (around 1 USD or euro) at nearly every corner of the cities. When we went to Hoi An, the birthplace of banh mi, we had our best one over at Madam Khanh in old town. Bánh Mì Cô Ba and Bánh Mì Phượng are two other classic spots.

A very rainy day tour to Ninh Bình

Check the seasonal weather and pack accordingly

We decided to visit Vietnam during the rainy season, and it turned out to be quite an experience. The humidity and temperatures around 35°C (95°F) left us drenched in sweat throughout the day, even in the evenings while exploring the city. Rain showers were frequent and unpredictable. Multiple stops on our day trip to Ninh Binh got cancelled due to slippery, wet roads and sightseeing spots that made it unsafe to visit. Just as we were leaving Vietnam, Hanoi's streets were flooded and a typhoon was approaching the coast. Thankfully we didn’t get stuck in that weather. If you plan to explore during this time, be sure to bring waterproof shoes and a really good raincoat to stay comfortable and avoid being soaked through. Whenever a shower comes, it’s always a good idea to sneak in to the nearest coffeeshop or bar for an egg coffee or cold Vietnamese beer.

Vietnamese drip coffee (Cà Phê Đen Đá), egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) & salt coffee (Cà Phê Muối)

Vietnam is heaven for coffee lovers

Vietnam is one of the world's largest coffee producers, second only to Brazil. I didn’t know that before going there and as a coffee lover I got happily surprised. We had heard about Vietnamese filter coffee with condensed milk, but egg coffee, salt coffee and coconut coffee? What in the caffeinated world is this? Honestly, our first sip of hot egg coffee will be a memory for life. Silky smooth, fluffy and sweet foam that met that bitter and sharp espresso floating underneath.

Egg coffee is made by whisking egg yolks with condensed milk and sugar and pouring it over an espresso. But the coffee flavor bombs don’t stop there. Don’t miss out on coconut coffee, espresso served with condensed milk and coconut milk mixed to a slushy coconut sorbet, and roasted coconut flakes on top. If you are in Hanoi, you have to try the creme brulee egg coffee at Vi Anh Coffee and also the coconut coffee at The Hidden Gem Café.

Egg coffees at Vi Anh and Coconut coffee at Hidden Gem Café

Their drip coffee made using a phin filter is really strong and a perfect “wake me up” in the morning. Lastly, salt coffee is a strong, dark coffee brewed using a traditional phin filter, which is then mixed with condensed milk and a pinch of sea salt. Tastes like salted caramel. So if you’re a coffee lover like us, enjoy!

Don’t expect amazing food outside of the major cities

We love love love Vietnamese food. In Hanoi and Hoi An we had some of the best food experiences of our lives. But don’t expect exceptional food outside of the major cities. Our dining experiences during tours and cruises in more remote areas often fell short of expectations. Although there are undoubtedly hidden culinary gems in the countryside and smaller towns, we found that many of the meals in Sapa, for example, were a bit uninspiring and lacked flavor. Many dishes are boiled vegetables and meat, without any spices.

Don’t forget to bargain

In Vietnam, as in many Southeast Asian countries, bargaining is an essential part of shopping. Whether you’re buying clothes, souvenirs, lanterns, coffee makers, or booking boat tours, it’s common to negotiate prices down by 30-50%. Begin by offering a price lower than what you're willing to pay, and be prepared to walk away if the vendor isn't flexible. Often, this will prompt them to offer a better deal. Always approach negotiations with a friendly demeanour, as it’s not just a practical skill but also part of the cultural experience.

A spot however where you can trust Google Reviews - Michelin Guide featured Bun Cha Dac Kim in Hanoi

Don’t rely on Google reviews

We always do thorough research before arriving in a new city, seeking out the best coffee spots, bars, and restaurants. Typically, Google Maps has been a trusted guide for this. However, in Vietnam, we noticed a significant disconnect between Google reviews and our actual experiences. Many reviews seemed misleading or even fake, and we frequently encountered restaurant and hotel owners who were excessively pushy about guests leaving positive feedback on Google Maps. This made it challenging to find genuinely good places, often leaving us to take a chance with each new spot. Sometimes we were pleasantly surprised, but other times, we felt our money had been wasted.

Expect loads of Vietnamese tourists during the summer holidays

We travelled in July, the peak month of summer vacation for Vietnamese families, leading to bustling crowds everywhere we went. Magnificent sites that we had envisioned as tranquil were crowded with both Vietnamese and foreign tourists, somewhat diminishing their charm. The hot and humid weather was intense, making each outing feel more exhausting and less enjoyable. The combination of crowds and weather required extra patience and perseverance, sometimes overshadowing the beauty of the places we visited.

Prepare yourself for scams

Within our first hour in Vietnam, we had already been scammed twice. The SIM cards we purchased didn’t provide the fast internet we paid for. Shortly after, our taxi driver from the airport tried to charge us an extra 200,000 VND for ‘expressway fees,’ showing us a page in Vietnamese, which we later translated and found had no mention of such charges. After a heated exchange, we got out of the car with our suitcases, refusing to fall for his scam.

Hidden fees are everywhere. When booking a taxi via the Grab app, make sure you don’t end up paying extra cash for made-up fees. If you book a tour, double-check what is included, as we often had to pay entry fees on the spot that weren't covered. Handling cash can be confusing, with many smaller and larger bills looking similar, so always double-check your change. We frequently received incorrect change. Additionally, pickpocketing is quite common, so keep a close eye on your belongings at all times.

Fake tour companies are also common, make sure to book with a vetted company or through sites like Klook or Get Your Guide where the tour has good ratings and many previous bookings.

Cute cats are great for boosting sales

Everywhere you go, someone wants to sell you something

Tourism plays a huge role in Vietnam’s economy, and for many families, selling goods or services to visitors is how they make a living. It can become a bit too intense, though if you’re not used to it. When we were trekking in Sapa, we were followed for hours by (sweet) locals who wanted to sell their accessories. The items are often genuinely lovely, and buying something small can be a meaningful way to support local communities.

That said, if it’s your first time in Vietnam, the constant offers can feel a little overwhelming. On group tours, buses stop at shops where paintings, bamboo clothing, or pearls are being sold. In places like Hoi An’s old town, you’ll regularly be approached about boat rides or souvenirs. None of this comes from a bad place, it’s simply part of how tourism works here, but being “on” and responding to offers throughout the day can take you slightly out of relaxed vacation mode. A friendly smile, a polite “no thank you,” and a sense of humor go a long way, and once you adjust to the rhythm, it becomes just another lively part of the travel experience.

Language barriers might be a problem

When travelling to Vietnam, be prepared for potential language barriers. Unlike Thailand, where English is more commonly spoken, English is not as widely used in Vietnam, especially outside major tourist areas. Communication can be challenging, especially in rural regions or with local vendors. While you may find English on signs and menus in popular spots, you might need to rely on basic phrases, translation apps, or the help of hotel staff for everyday interactions. Fortunately, many locals are accustomed to using Google Translate. Learning a few key Vietnamese phrases and keeping a translation tool handy will definitely enrich your experience.

Local booze on a cruise - never a good idea!

Bonus tip: Think twice before drinking local liquor

In some budget bars and backpacker hotspots, especially in party areas, not all “gin” or “vodka” behind the bar is what it claims to be. Bootleg or refilled bottles are a real thing, cheaper industrial alcohol or low-quality spirits poured into branded bottles to increase profit margins. The result? A drink that tastes harsher than usual and can leave you with a brutal headache, nausea, or an unusually bad hangover the next day. Trust me. We experienced this after the sunset cocktail hour on deck during our cruise in Ha Long Bay. To stay safe, avoid suspiciously cheap cocktails, stick to reputable bars or sealed bottles from trusted brands. Saving a few dollars isn’t worth losing a day of your trip to feeling absolutely wrecked.