10 Insider Tips For Your First Trip to Vietnam

10 Insider tips for your first trip to Vietnam

Home to otherworldly landscapes, frenetic cities, storied history and culture, and zingy fresh cuisine, a holiday to Vietnam offers a feast for all the senses. With something to capture the heart of every traveller, trust that your time in this extraordinary destination will stay with you long after you step off the plane back home.

That being said, there are certain things you need to know before visiting Vietnam, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. To ensure you have the best time in Vietnam, here are 10 insider tips from a My Cruises Expert who has just returned from a life-changing trip of her own.

Eat as the locals do

While it can be tempting to stick to familiar foods while in a foreign country, you simply cannot visit Vietnam without trying the local cuisine. With influences from both China and France, Vietnamese cuisine has a reputation for being fresh, healthy and absolutely delicious. Some dishes to try include crunchy banh mi (baguettes loaded with meat and pickled vegetables), veggie-packed goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) and crispy banh xeo (stuffed rice pancakes). Make sure to try the regional specialties as well – for instance, pho is the noodle dish of choice in the north, whereas Hoi An is famous for cao lau, which has thicker noodles and less broth.

Prepare for the roads

It’s best to be warned before you go: the streets in Vietnam are crazy. With a population of over 98 million people, many of whom drive motorcycles, it should come as no surprise that Vietnam is prone to some pretty intense traffic. Plus, things like red lights and pedestrian crossings mean very little to local motorists, which makes crossing the road a daunting task. However, there is a method to the madness. All you need to do is walk out with confidence and slowly make your way across. Do NOT stop or turn back – the motorcyclists will make their way around you. It may go against everything you learnt about crossing the road as a child, but trust us – you’ll be a pro in no time!

Money matters

Travel to Vietnam and find yourself an instant millionaire. One Australian dollar equals approximately 16,000 Vietnamese dong, a rate that can be tricky to calculate on the fly. That’s why we recommend downloading a currency conversion app to your phone before you leave, so you know exactly how much you’re spending during every transaction. Remember, cash is king in Vietnam, especially at street food stalls, markets and taxis, so make sure you carry enough. Of course, if you do run out you’ll find ATMs at every turn in Vietnam, although keep in mind that withdrawal fees often apply.

Try all the coffee

Coffee culture is a big deal in Vietnam. The second largest coffee exporter worldwide, Vietnamese locals have made a pastime of drinking coffee, typically in an open-air café affording views of the lively Vietnam streets. But don’t expect your coffee in Vietnam to taste like your standard flat white back home. Vietnamese coffee is made from drip-filtered Robusta beans and condensed milk – typically served iced – and it is absolutely delicious. If you want to get adventurous with your morning brew, try egg coffee (topped with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk), coconut coffee (topped with whipped coconut cream) and salt coffee (topped with salted cream froth).

Consider the weather

Despite stretching over 1600 kilometres from north to south, many are surprised to learn that the climate in Vietnam is extremely diverse. The south is hot and humid year-round, whereas Northern Vietnam has warm summers and downright chilly winters. Even the monsoon seasons differ, with rains from November to April in the north and May to October in the south. With that in mind, be sure to check the weather for each destination on your itinerary and pack accordingly. Regardless of when you’re visiting, don’t forget a raincoat!