Vietnam is one of those places that grabs you from the moment you land. You’ll find busy cities, scenic rice fields, and some of the best food you’ll ever taste. But like any destination, there are a few travel mistakes that can trip you up, especially if it’s your first visit.
If you’re wondering what not to do in Vietnam, in this guide we’ll walk you through common travel mistakes and ways to avoid them. If it’s your first Vietnam travel experience or you just want better tips for first-timers, these will help you travel smarter.
1. Leaving your Vietnam E-Visa to the last minute
British passport | Photo Credits: Ethan Wilkinson on Pexels
One of the most common mistakes in Vietnam travel is leaving your visa too late. UK passport holders should always check the latest entry requirements on the GOV.UK’s foreign travel advice before travelling, as visa rules can change depending on the length and purpose of your stay.
If you leave it too late, you might have to pay extra for urgent processing or risk missing your flight. That’s not how you want your holiday to start. Instead, apply for your e-visa at least two weeks before you travel. This gives you enough time to fix any issues if they come up.
💡 Klook Tip: Get your visa sorted early along with a Vietnam e-Visa service, where a professional agent handles your application from start to finish
2. Buying a SIM Card at the airport
Photo by Dynamic Wang on Unsplash
After a long flight, it’s easy to just switch your phone on and accept roaming charges from your UK mobile network. But this can quietly cost you far more than expected. International roaming fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re using maps, booking rides, or scrolling social media while travelling around Vietnam.
The cheaper and better option is to set up an eSIM before you leave the UK. This way, you’ll have data as soon as you land. You can book a ride, check maps, and message your hotel straight away.
If you’re thinking about what you should not do in Vietnam, overpaying for simple things like mobile data is one to avoid.
💡Klook Tip: Pre-book a Vietnam eSIM so you’re connected right away. It’s cheap, quick, and saves you time at the airport.
3. Not planning around Vietnam’s weather
Rainy season in Vietnam | Photo Credits: Trần Long on Pexels
Vietnam’s weather can be tricky because it changes from north to south. It might be sunny in one city and raining heavily in another. Many travellers pack for just one type of weather and end up uncomfortable.
So when planning your Vietnam trip, always check the weather for each place on your itinerary. If you’re looking up what not to do in Vietnam, don’t assume the weather will be the same everywhere!
💡Klook Tip: Vietnam is cooler and drier from November to April, central Vietnam is wet around September to November, and the south is dry from December to April. Check before you go so you can pack smart!
4. Skipping Vietnam street food
Bánh mì in Vietnam
It might feel safer to eat only in restaurants, but skipping street food is a big mistake. Street food is a huge part of Vietnamese culture, and it’s where you’ll find some of the best meals.
Dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls are often made right in front of you. If a stall is busy with locals, that’s usually a good sign it’s safe and tasty.
If you’re wondering what I should avoid in Vietnam, skipping street food is a big mistake. You’ll miss some of the best flavours in the country.
💡Klook Tip: Join a Vietnam street food tour to try popular dishes safely. It’s also a great way to discover what locals actually eat!
5. Taking random taxis at the airport
Taxi in Vietnam | Photo Credits: Markus Winkler on Pexels
Grabbing a taxi outside the airport might seem easy, but it can lead to problems. Some drivers may overcharge or take longer routes to increase the fare. After a long flight, this can be stressful and confusing, especially if it’s your first time in Vietnam.
Instead, book your Vietnam airport transfer before you arrive. You’ll get a fixed price and a driver waiting for you at arrivals. It’s simple, clear, and much more relaxing.
This is one of the most important things to remember when thinking about what not to do in Vietnam, don’t leave your transport to chance!
💡Klook Tip: Pre-book your private Vietnam airport transfer here so you can head straight to your hotel without any hassle.
For Ho Chi Minh city
For Da Nang
For Hanoi
6. Not bargaining at markets
Exploring Vietnam's markets | Photo Credits: Vietnam Tri Duong Photographer on Pexels
In many markets across Vietnam, bargaining is part of the experience. If you don’t bargain, you’ll likely pay more than you need to. That said, it’s important to keep it friendly. Smile, stay polite, and don’t take it too seriously. It’s meant to be a light and fun exchange.
If you’re unsure about what you should not do in Vietnam, being too shy to bargain is something to work on. It can save you money and make your shopping more enjoyable!
💡Klook Tip: If you’re still shy, visit markets with a local guide like the Cai Rang Floating Market tour to learn how to bargain properly.
7. Skipping fast track at immigration
Lines at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi | Photo Credits: David McKelvey on Flickr
Another Vietnam travel mistake at the airport is skipping the fast track at immigration. Many travellers don’t realise how busy Vietnam’s airports can get, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Waiting times can stretch to over an hour during peak periods.
If you don’t plan ahead, you could arrive tired and spend your first hour in Vietnam just waiting in line. It’s not the best start to your trip, especially if you’ve got plans or a transfer booked.
Instead, consider booking a fast-track service before you fly. This lets you skip the long queues and move through immigration much faster. It’s simple, convenient, and helps you start your holiday on a good note.
💡Klook Tip: Book a fast track immigration service in advance so you can breeze through arrivals and get your Vietnam adventure started right away.
For Ho Chi Minh city
For Da Nang
For Hanoi
FAQs about Vietnam travel mistakes
What are common mistakes first-time travellers make in Vietnam?
Many first-time visitors leave things like visas and transport until the last minute. Others avoid street food or don’t check the weather properly. These small mistakes can affect your trip. With a bit of planning, you can avoid them and enjoy your Vietnam travel experience.
Is Vietnam safe for first-time visitors?
Yes, Vietnam is generally safe for tourists, including those from the UK. Most trips are smooth and trouble-free. Just take normal precautions like keeping your belongings secure and using trusted services.
What should you avoid doing in Vietnam?
You should avoid rushing your plans, overpaying for services, and ignoring local customs. It’s also best to avoid unlicensed taxis and empty food stalls. If you’re thinking about what not to do in Vietnam, focus on being prepared and aware.
Do you need a visa to travel to Vietnam?
Yes, UK travellers need a visa to enter Vietnam. The e-visa is the most common option and can be applied for online. Make sure you apply early to avoid delays or issues.
What are common cultural mistakes tourists make in Vietnam?
Some tourists dress inappropriately at temples or forget basic manners. Others don’t realise that bargaining is normal in markets. Learning a few simple customs will help you have a better experience.
What is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in Vietnam?
One of the biggest mistakes is not planning ahead. Leaving visas, transport, or bookings too late can cause stress. Stay organised, and your trip will be much smoother.
Travel smart and enjoy Vietnam
Vietnam is an exciting and rewarding destination. By knowing what not to do in Vietnam, you can avoid simple mistakes and make the most of your trip!
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
