11 Mistakes Solo-Traveler Make in Vietnam (and How to Avoid Them)

Vietnam is one of the best countries for backpackers—cheap hostels, incredible food, and landscapes that change from rice terraces to tropical beaches. But along the way, many travelers run into avoidable issues.

And yes, that includes me! I have done many of these simple fails. I overpaid my very first bahn mi. And dare I to admit: I had my first banh mi in a restaurant...for 55.000 dong.

Later on the same trip I scored a Banh Mi for 7.000 Dong (it was in a tiny village and without meat - therefore cheaper, too!).

As a Solo Traveler planning your trip, these Vietnam backpacking tips will help you dodge the most common Vietnam travel mistakes. They are so simple, really. Once you are in Vietnam, all these tips makes so much sense.

Let's get started.

1. Crossing the Street Nervously

One of the first challenges in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is traffic. The mistake? Freezing, running suddenly, or waiting forever. Locals expect you to walk slowly and steadily. Make eye contact, keep your pace, and trust the swarm of motorbikes to flow around you.

And no, these fancy instagram reels are completely over the top. It is easy to cross roads. Vietnamese drives avoid hitting someone; they will simply drive around you. This is why no sudden and no fast movements are key.

2. Choosing the Wrong Hostel

Accommodation can make or break your trip. Booking at the counter often means you’ll get the worst room—or even be moved to a different place if it’s sold out. And you can’t leave a review unless you booked online. To avoid this, always book your final stay through Hostelworld or Booking.com.

The easiest way is via Hostelz.com.

It shows all hostels in Vietnam, compares Booking.com vs Hostelworld prices, and pulls reviews from every major platform.

You’ll see a complete overview and can filter for the best hostels in Vietnam, whether you want party hostels, beach hostels, or female-only dorms. Always read descriptions carefully too—I once booked a “window dorm” that turned out to be a curtain covering a wall.

Forest Sunset Hostel

10.0

"…Motorbike and bicycle rental for your adventures Laundry service available Fast and stable Wi-Fi more

from

$3.50

3. Not Carrying Small Cash

ATMs often give you 500,000 VND notes, but taxis, street food vendors, and small cafés can’t break them. Keep 10k–50k notes for everyday use. It’ll save you stress (and sometimes overpaying).

4. Overpaying or Not Bargaining

Haggling is expected in markets. Accepting the first price is a common Vietnam travel mistake that can easily double your spending.

Bargain politely with a smile, aiming for 30–50% less.

Many first-time travelers feel awkward bargaining, but in Vietnam it’s expected at markets, souvenir stalls, and even with some services. Skipping it means you’ll almost always overpay.

The key is to keep it lighthearted—smile, counter-offer politely, and enjoy the exchange. It’s part of the culture and often a fun way to interact with locals.

And please: be polite and enjoy this. Do not offend or get offend.

5. Only Eating “Safe” Food

Tourist restaurants are fine, but they’re not where Vietnam shines. Street food is part of the culture. Stick to busy stalls full of locals and you’ll be safe. Try phở, bánh mì, and Hanoi’s legendary bún chả.

6. Drinking Tap Water

A classic mistake: brushing teeth or drinking from the tap. Always stick to bottled or boiled water. Ice is usually factory-made and safe in great cafés, but use your judgment.

7. Underestimating Travel Time

Vietnam looks small on the map, but don’t assume a 200 km journey is a quick ride. Winding roads and traffic mean it could take six hours or more. Always build in buffer time.

8. Ignoring Temple Etiquette

Vietnamese temples are sacred spaces. Loud voices, selfies, or shorts aren’t appropriate. Cover shoulders and knees, remove hats and shoes, and keep your visit respectful.

9. Not Double-Checking Schedules

Buses, trains, and even domestic flights can shift departure times. Confirm your booking the day before, especially if you have a connection.

10. Falling for Tourist Scams

Like many popular destinations, Vietnam has its share of scams—overpriced taxis, fake tour agencies, or unsolicited “shoe cleaners.” Protect yourself by using Grab for rides, booking tours through Klook, or asking hostel staff for trustworthy recommendations.

Knowing about these common Vietnam scams before you go makes all the difference.

Now, you might say "how can I avoid these scams"? It already helps just knowing that they exist. Here are the most common tourist scams for Vietnam:

• Taxi meter tricks: Drivers run “fast meters” that jump quickly, or refuse to use the meter. Use Grab, Gojek, or stick to reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun.
• Overpriced cyclos (rickshaws): Quoting a cheap price but later claiming it was per minute or per person. Always agree on the full price upfront.
• Fake travel agencies & bus tickets: Copycat offices use names similar to trusted companies. Book directly through hostels or verified online platforms.
• Unsolicited services: Shoe cleaners or “bike fixers” offer help, then demand payment. Politely refuse if you didn’t ask for it.
• Restaurant menu swaps: Tourists get menus with inflated prices while locals get cheaper ones. Stick to busy local spots and compare prices first.
• Motorbike rental scams: Shops claim pre-existing damage on return. Always take photos/videos of the bike before riding.
• Fake charity donations: People ask for money on the street for schools or pagodas. Avoid unless you can verify the organization.
• Hotel/hostel switch: A taxi driver claims your booking is closed/full and takes you to another place. Again, always use Hostelz, Hostelworld and Booking.
• Pickpocketing & distractions: Common in markets, buses, and busy streets. Someone distracts while another takes your valuables—use a cross-body bag and stay alert.

11. Rushing the Trip

Trying to squeeze Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Hue, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City into one week is one of the most common backpacking mistakes.

Vietnam stretches nearly 1,600 km—better to pick fewer regions and explore deeply. Slow travel pays off here.

Bonus Vietnam Backpacking Tips

Book hostels in advance: The best hostels in Vietnam (especially social ones or women-only dorms) sell out fast. Hostelz.com helps you filter for social hostels, quiet ones, or the safest options for solo travelers.

Check the climate: Northern mountains can be cold while the south stays tropical. Don’t pack only tank tops for Sapa or only sweaters for Phu Quoc.

Get travel insurance: Scooter accidents are common. Don’t skip this—it’s worth the peace of mind.

Final Word

Vietnam is one of the most exciting backpacking countries in Asia, but it’s easy to make mistakes that cost time, money, or comfort. With these Vietnam backpacking tips—and by booking smart through Hostelz.com—you’ll spend less time stressing and more time enjoying street food, beach sunsets, and new hostel friends.

About the author: Matt Kiefer

Hey, I’m Matt, the founder behind Hostelgeeks.com. My team and I are collecting the absolute best hostels in the world for you. We share the coolest hostels so you can focus on your travels, rather than spending your time trying to pick a good hostel.

Personally, I’ve bunked in over 600 hostels and stamped my passport in more than 70 countries. My heart beats for Vietnam, Spain, and France, and so many more destinations. I’m a Foosball champ but a beer pong amateur.

Last but not least: Hostelgeeks is a proud ambassador of Hostelz.com.