Every year, Vietnam welcomes millions of international tourists to explore its diverse and unique beauty. However, with a different culture and lifestyle, many first-time visitors often make mistakes that can affect their experience. Based on 12 years of experience living and working in Hanoi, along with compiling 10 Vietnam travel guides, travel expert Joshua Zukas of Business Insider has pointed out the 7 most common mistakes that tourists need to avoid to have a complete and meaningful journey.
Ambition to "cover" Vietnam in one short trip
Many foreign tourists often have the misconception that Vietnam is a small country and can be easily explored in just 1-2 weeks. In fact, with a length of more than 1,650 km from North to South, Vietnam is comparable in size to large countries such as Japan or Italy. Traveling between cities, especially to highland areas, can take hours or even days, wasting tourists' time and energy.
Instead of trying to cover the entire country in one short trip, Joshua Zukas recommends focusing on exploring a specific region, such as the North with Hanoi, Sapa and Ha Long Bay, or the Central region with Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue. This way, visitors will have the opportunity to experience more deeply the culture, history and people of each locality, instead of just rushing through the destinations.
Let emotions be influenced by the unpredictable weather
Vietnam’s climate varies wildly from region to region, and this can be frustrating for unprepared travelers. The northern mountains can be bitterly cold in winter, while the Mekong Delta can be sweltering in the late dry season. The central region can even be hit by typhoons in the autumn.
Instead of getting frustrated because the weather is affecting your vacation, you should prepare yourself and pack accordingly, considering it an integral part of the experience. Knowing the weather at your destination in advance and having a flexible backup plan will help you enjoy your trip more fully.
Follow the list of suggested destinations on social networks
In the age of social media, many travelers rely on widely shared “hot” destination lists. However, trying to squeeze into popular locations, especially during peak season, not only diminishes the personal experience but also puts pressure on local infrastructure and communities.
According to Zukas, the most meaningful experiences often come from choosing destinations that suit your personal interests, rather than following trends. A meaningful trip is not about how many places you visit, but about what you feel in each place you visit.
Over-trust in KOLs' content
Joshua Zukas stressed that “the algorithm prioritizes glitz and drama, not honest content.” Many travelers were disappointed when the reality of the experience did not match the glamorous videos of KOLs (key opinion leaders) on social media.
Instead of blindly trusting these contents, he advises tourists to seek out content creators who live and work in Vietnam, who have real-life experiences and provide more useful and truthful information.
Skip street food for hygiene concerns
Some international tourists are concerned about hygiene issues, so they often only choose restaurants that specialize in serving tourists with "internationalized" menus. However, according to Joshua Zukas, this means they miss out on the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.
The essence of Vietnamese cuisine is not found in fancy restaurants, but in small eateries specializing in one dish, from pho, bun cha Hanoi to fresh snail dishes prepared in all kinds in Ho Chi Minh City. Finding a reputable eatery and trying street food will bring the most authentic and memorable culinary experience.
Afraid to use domestic SIM
Many tourists rely on free Wi-Fi, while mobile data in Vietnam is both cheap and reliable. For a very small fee, tourists can easily buy SIM cards at phone stores or through eSIM applications, making searching for information, communicating and using maps much more convenient, avoiding unnecessary troubles.
Skip the traditional travel guidebooks
In an internet age filled with anonymous articles and unfounded reviews, reputable travel guides remain a reliable source of information. Compiled from long-term research and real-life experiences, guidebooks provide a clear perspective, helping visitors understand and connect more with Vietnamese culture and people.
Reading a travel guide before the trip not only provides information but is also a way for tourists to be best prepared, thereby discovering the beauty of Vietnam more fully and deeply.
