Relying too much on travel influencers, cramming the whole country into one trip, or skipping street food—these are just some of the common mistakes that can ruin a first visit to Vietnam.
Travel writer Joshua Zukas, who has lived in Hanoi for 12 years and contributed to 10 Vietnam travel guidebooks, says glossy tourism ads often paint an unrealistic picture of Vietnam. The reality is more complex—and first-time visitors often fall into these traps:
1. Trying to See All of Vietnam in One Trip
Vietnam may look small on a map, but its length is comparable to Japan or Italy. Traveling between north, central, and south takes hours. With just 1–2 weeks, it’s better to focus on one region.
2. Getting Frustrated by the Weather
From freezing northern winters to Mekong Delta heatwaves and central Vietnam’s autumn typhoons, weather is unpredictable. Instead of stressing, pack accordingly and remember: locals deal with it daily.
3. Fear of Missing Out
There’s no single “must-see” spot in Vietnam. Chasing viral destinations can mean crowds and disappointment. The best trips come from following your own interests.
4. Following Influencers Blindly
TikTok and Instagram clips can mislead. Instead of chasing picture-perfect illusions, look for content creators based in Vietnam who share authentic insights.
5. Skipping Street Food
Vietnam’s best food is often found at tiny shops specializing in one dish. From Hanoi’s bánh cuốn to Saigon’s seafood stalls, street eats are essential.
6. Not Buying a Local SIM
Wi-Fi isn’t enough. For just $10/month, Vietnam’s mobile data is cheap, fast, and reliable. eSIMs and local SIMs make travel smoother.
7. Ignoring Guidebooks
In the age of AI-generated blogs and fake reviews, a well-researched guidebook—print or digital—remains the smartest investment for a real, informed travel experience.
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Source: Vietnam Insider