How to Prepare for Your Trip to Vietnam: 30+ Essential Tips You’ll Actually Use
- Faye Hilling
- Jul 18
- 12 min read
If you’re wondering how to prepare for your trip to Vietnam without turning it into a full-time job—chill. We’ve got you covered.
At Bong Hostel, we've hosted thousands of travelers and we're here to help you avoid the rookie mistakes, from visas and vaccines to squat toilets and sim cards.
Planning doesn’t have to be a buzzkill. In fact, a little bit of prep now = way more bánh mì and fewer breakdowns later.
Whether it's a 3-week North Vietnam adventure, a lightning tour of the country, or just rolling up without a plan (hey, we see you), here are the essentials to get you Vietnam-ready, Bong Hostel-style.
The Basic Essentials: Visas, Vaccines & Insurance
Visas: Yes, You Probably Need One
Before you start packing your bag or dreaming about sipping egg coffee in Hanoi, check your visa requirements.
E-Visa: Most nationalities can now apply for a 90-day e-visa online. Easy peasy.
Visa on Arrival: No longer a thing unless you're on a very specific multi-entry setup (i.e. a working visa).
Exemptions: Some passport holders don’t need a visa for short stays (up to 45 days) Check before booking your flight.
Embassy Visas: Avoid these if you can. They're slow, expensive, and smell like paperwork.
Extensions: Possible, but can be pricey and bureaucratic. Plan your timeline wisely!
Not all visa services are created equal, so make sure you're on the official government website—unless you want to pay three times as much for someone to click a few buttons for you.
Pro tip: We’ve written a whole blog on Vietnamese visa hacks. Read it here: Your Ticket to the Ha Giang Loop: Vietnam Visa Requirements 2025.
Vaccines You Might Need
Vietnam is generally safe health-wise, but it’s still Southeast Asia. Your pre-trip pep talk with your doctor should happen at least two months before departure.
Recommended Vaccines:
Hepatitis A + B.
Typhoid.
Tetanus.
Rabies (if you’re planning to cuddle stray dogs—please don’t, we don’t want to send another guest off to the hospital to have 3 injections up her nose!).
Japanese Encephalitis (if you’ll be in rural areas for a long time).
While you're at it, pack mosquito repellent. Dengue is a thing, and it's no joke (trust me).
For more information on vaccines make sure to consult the World Health Organisation official website before you depart for Vietnam.
Travel Insurance: The One Thing You Can’t Afford to Skip
Picture this: you wipe out on a motorbike, catch dengue fever, or wake up to find your backpack vanished off a sleeper bus somewhere between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.
Know what costs more than a Bong Hostel Easy Rider tour? A hospital bill in a foreign country.
For context: my dengue fever stint in Thailand cost around £6,000. (I had an extreme case of it but imagine if I didn’t have travel insurance; I dread to think!)
To make matters worse, many hospitals won’t touch you—literally—until you’ve paid upfront. Yes, even for emergency surgery.
I’m not trying to scare you. (Actually, I kind of am. If it encourages you to buy travel insurance, I’ll sleep better at night.)
Get comprehensive insurance that:
Covers motorbiking (a must in Vietnam).
Medical emergencies (including hospital stays).
Trip delays and cancellations.
Lost or stolen belongings.
Doesn’t require you to pay upfront for everything.
Hopefully you’ll never need to make a claim, but it's better to have this kind of essential and not need it than need it and not have it!
Related article: What is the Best Insurance for the Ha Giang Loop?
When to Visit Vietnam: Avoid Tet Holiday and Peak Times
Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
Tet Holiday is Vietnam’s biggest celebration. It also means the country enters a beautiful, chaotic shutdown.
Everything closes for 5–10 days.
Prices skyrocket.
Buses, trains, and hostels are fully booked.
Locals go home, and cities empty out.
Book early or be prepared to do nothing (which isn’t always bad!)
July and August are also peak times on the central coast—book ahead if you're heading that way.
Weather & Wardrobe Preparation for Traveling Vietnam
Vietnam Is Basically Three Countries, Climate-Wise
From the sweltering Mekong Delta to the chilly peaks of Ha Giang and Sapa, Vietnam throws all kinds of weather at you.
South (HCMC, Mekong): Humid, tropical, often hot and sticky.
Central (Hoi An, Hue): Typhoon season hits hard around August–October.
North (Hanoi, Ha Giang, Sapa): Four seasons, and winter can be seriously cold.
If you're zig-zagging across the country, layer like a pro: think shorts and tank tops plus a hoodie, waterproof jacket, and a pair of long pants that have a bit more substance than those elephant pants you picked up in Thailand.
Expect Rain (Lots of It)
Vietnam has not one, but two monsoons. Wet season varies depending on the region, but the general rule is: expect rain, even if it’s not the rainy season.
Always pack a compact raincoat, poncho, or umbrella.
Don’t plan treks or cruises lightly in peak rainy months.
Embrace the moody landscapes especially in the North.
Related article: Rainy Season on the Ha Giang Loop: Tips, Safety, & What to Expect.
Preparing for Your Trip to Vietnam: Packing Advice
Let’s make this easy. You don’t need five pairs of shoes or your hairdryer. You do need these:
The Essentials:
Lightweight, quick drying clothes (moisture-wicking).
Layers for the North.
Rain gear (yes, even in the dry season).
Sandals AND sturdy walking shoes (don’t hike in Crocs, please).
Microfiber towel (for your trips to the beach).
Swimwear (waterfalls, boat rides, beach breaks).
A decent backpack (make sure it's comfortable for those long travel days).
Power bank (make sure you don’t lose battery on long travel days).
The Overlooked Must-Haves:
Power adapter (Vietnam uses Type A, C, and F).
Mosquito repellent.
Sunscreen (it’s expensive here).
Rehydration salts (life savers on hungover days).
Portable charger (bus breakdowns happen).
Toilet paper or tissues (trust us, those roadside toilets are grim).
Meds (anti-diarrhoea, painkillers, motion sickness).
Dry bag (trust us for Ha Long Bay or the Loop).
Full packing list coming in hot here: What to Pack for Your Trip to Vietnam.
SIM Cards, Apps & Asking for Help: Staying Connected in Vietnam
Best SIM Cards
VinaPhone (great rural coverage, perfect for the Ha Giang Loop).
Viettel (top national coverage).
Mobifone (decent for city travel).
eSIMs (like Airalo) are great if your phone supports it.
You can pick one up at the airport or certain stores in Hanoi, or use an eSIM like Airalo and skip the queues.
Apps to Download:
Grab (transport, food, bubble tea).
Green SM (the same as Grab but sometimes cheaper).
Google Translate (download Vietnamese for offline use).
Maps.me (download maps ahead of time for motorbike adventures).
Booking.com / Agoda (use both—prices can vary wildly).
Zalo (Vietnam’s messaging app, if you make local friends, they’ll be on here).
Learn a Few Basic Vietnamese Phrases
You don’t need to be fluent to win hearts. Just a few basic phrases can go a long way in making connections, getting better service, or just brightening someone's day.
Top Phrases to Know:
Xin chào (sin chow) — Hello
Cảm ơn (gahm uhn) — Thank you
Không (khong) — No
Bao nhiêu? (bow nyew) — How much?
Tôi không hiểu — I don’t understand
Một, hai, ba, zô! — One, two, three, cheers!
Locals really appreciate the effort—and it makes your travel experience richer. Practice a few with hostel staff and you’ll be chatting with market vendors in no time.
Preparing your Money: Vietnamese Dong Tips
Cash is Still King in Vietnam
Credit cards aren’t widely accepted outside of touristy spots. You’ll need cash. Lots of it.
Some ATMs charge fees (₫30,000–₫100,000), so withdraw in chunks.
Look for a TP bank or LP bank for ATMs without fees.
Be careful of money-switching scams at street vendors.
Know your zeroes: ₫100,000 is about $4 USD, but looks a lot like ₫10,000. Same goes for ₫20,000 and ₫500,000.
Important Tip: Never place money on the floor in Vietnam. It’s seen as deeply disrespectful—especially since Vietnamese currency features the image of Ho Chi Minh. At best, you’ll get dirty looks; at worst, a stern telling-off.
Budget Tips
Barter at markets (politely!): A smile and a little charm go a long way. Don’t haggle too hard—it’s not a blood sport.
Grab > taxis: Always. It’s cheaper, no surprise detours, and you won’t get “tourist-priced.”
Eat street food—it’s better and cheaper – Bun cha, banh mi, pho... your taste buds and wallet will both thank you.
Hostels over hotels: Not just cheaper, but way more social. (Hello, Bong Hostel)
Visit free attractions: Temples, lakes, local markets, and public festivals. Culture on a budget!
Related article: How to Explore North Vietnam on a Budget.
Preparing the Perfect Vietnam Itinerary (With Bong Hostel)
Planning the perfect Vietnam itinerary can feel a bit like herding buffalo in rush hour—exciting, but slightly chaotic. That’s where Bong Hostel comes in.
Whether you’re dreaming of lush rice paddies in Sapa, jaw-dropping karsts in Ninh Binh, or carving up the mountains on the legendary Ha Giang Loop, we’ve got you covered.
Literally—from airport pick-up to cruise ship karaoke.
We’re not just a place to crash. Bong Hostel is your all-in-one adventure hub, and we’ve crafted the ultimate 10-day Northern Vietnam itinerary that bundles all the best bits, minus the stress. It’s like backpacking with cheat codes.
Bong Hostel’s 10-Day Northern Vietnam Tour
Destinations: Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Sapa → Ha Giang → Ha Long Bay.
Includes: Airport pick-up/drop-off, accommodation, tours, transport, guides, food, entrance fees—and even laundry. (You’ll need it after the Loop!).
Here’s what’s in store:
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi
Settle into Bong Hostel Hanoi in the Old Quarter. Wander the buzzing streets, hunt down egg coffee, and get your bearings.
Day 2: Motorbike Food Tour of Hanoi
Hop on a bike and taste your way through the best street eats in the city. Think pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and mystery meats (optional, but we say live a little).
Also: mosaic walls, opera houses, and belly laughs.
Day 3: Ninh Binh Day Tour
Explore “Halong Bay on land” with a boat ride through limestone cliffs, hike the iconic Mua Caves, and channel your inner emperor in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
Then, catch the sleeper bus to Sapa.
Days 4–5: Sapa Trekking
Trek through terraced rice fields and hill tribe villages. Stay overnight in a Ta Van homestay, meet locals, and cross bamboo bridges Indiana Jones–style.
Finish with Red Dzao villages and a well-earned bowl of noodles.
Days 6–8: The Legendary Ha Giang Loop
This one’s the crown jewel. Three days of jaw-dropping mountain passes, deep valleys, and winding roads you’ll never forget.
Ride with your local Easy Rider, stay in cozy homestays, and stop constantly for “wow” moments.
Days 9–10: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Wrap up with a night on a 4-star boat in Ha Long Bay. Kayak through caves, swim, sing karaoke, eat seafood, watch the sunset from the deck, and maybe cry a little because you don’t want it to end.
Related article: How to Prepare for a Bong Hostel Cruise: Packing Tips and What to Expect.
Why Book With Bong?
Because we make it easy. You don’t need to spend days researching sleeper buses, dodgy hostels, or where to find the best bun cha—we’ve done the hard work, and we know the vibes you’re after.
Our group tours are social (but not forced fun), packed with experiences (but not rushed), and super well-organized (we’re chaotic in spirit, not in practice).
Plus, all of these individual destinations are also available as standalone adventures or as a combo tour with the Ha Giang Loop, if you're DIY-ing your Vietnam route:
Sapa trekking.
Ninh Binh.
Ha Long Bay.
Cat Ba Island.
More surprises in the works… we see you Secret Tour.
Pro tip: Northern Vietnam is a backpacker’s paradise: cheaper, greener, and wilder. From mountain treks to emerald bays, it’s the region that gives you the most bang for your buck—and Bong Hostel is perfectly placed to help you make the most of it.
Book Now, Thank Yourself Later
So if you’re wondering how to prepare for your trip to Vietnam, start by locking in your itinerary with Bong.
Skip the scroll holes and spreadsheet chaos—we’ve already got the best route mapped out. All that’s left for you to do is pack your bags and bring your best vibes… and all of the above!
👉 Book the 10-Day Northern Vietnam Tour.
Getting Around: Licenses, Loops, and Sleeper Buses
Thinking of self-riding the Ha Giang Loop or the Hai Van Pass? You’ll need more than nerves of steel.
Got a License to Drive? Good. Bring the Right One.
To legally ride a motorbike in Vietnam:
You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement (the A1 category must be stamped). This must be obtained before you leave your home country.
Your license must be valid in your home country and Vietnam.
You need to pair it with your national license at police checkpoints.
Vietnam does recognise certain IDPs, but not all—you must have the 1968 Convention (1949 is not going to cut it!).
Related article: What License Do I Need to Ride the Ha Giang Loop in 2025?
Driving in Vietnam: Left-Side Surprises & Road Rules
You’ll be driving on the right side of the road—mostly.
But sometimes, in the countryside… people forget. Stay alert at all times.
People who are used to driving on the left side of the road also need to remember to over take… not under take. We’re on the other side of the road, remember.
Watch for animals, potholes, trucks overtaking trucks while overtaking other trucks… on corners.
Psst! As of January 2025 there were a lot of new traffic rules introduced concerning traffic lights, speeding, and driving on pavements, read up on them so you don’t get fined.
Related article: Tips on How to Self Ride the Ha Giang Loop.
The Best Ha Giang Loop Tour
Not confident driving yourself? Book an Easy Rider and let a pro handle the hairpin turns, which can be dodgy (especially in the rain).
And what better company to book with than the best one in the business? Bong Hostel is your go-to for a fun-filled yet safe adventure through Vietnam’ Northern wonderland!
Related article: Why You Should Get an Easy Rider for the Ha Giang Loop.
Sleeper Trains & Buses: Surprisingly Awesome
For budget travel and efficient cross-country hops:
Sleeper buses are surprisingly comfy
VIP cabin buses are more spacious and come with added bonuses like WIFI and charging ports, but you can end up rolling around on the bumpy roads.
Overnight trains let you sleep while you travel.
Book in advance for holidays or peak routes.
Contact us at Bong Hanoi Hostel for all your transport queries.
Culture, Etiquette & Street Smarts in Vietnam
Tipping, Touts, and Taboos
Tipping isn’t expected, but appreciated.
Be tactful, not unkind when bargaining.
Don’t point your feet at people.
Don’t touch someone’s head (even kids!).
Be considerate of Vietnamese politics: Don’t photograph protests or government buildings. And definitely do not photograph the police.
Related article: Cultural Etiquette in Vietnam: 20 Dos and Don'ts for Respectful Travel.
Save Face (It’s a Big Deal)
Public outbursts = losing face = not cool.
Smile, be polite, keep your voice down, and avoid confrontations. It gets you further than yelling ever will.
Ask Before Snapping Pics
Especially in rural or ethnic minority communities. It’s respectful.
It’s also important not to give money or sweets to children you see in Vietnam. If you want to help, consider these alternatives instead: Ethical Travel in Vietnam.
Eat Like a Local
Try everything. Pho, bun cha, banh xeo, ca phe sua da, sinh to...
Order for the table and share like family.
Eat street food where locals are eating—that’s your five-star review.
Related article: 31 Local Dishes to Try in North Vietnam.
Temple Tips & Chopstick Etiquette
Cover up at temples (shoulders, knees, etc.).
Take your shoes off before entering.
Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in your bowl (it looks like a funeral offering).
Don’t tap your bowl with chopsticks (beggar vibes).
Preparing for Common Scams (and How to Dodge Them)
Friendly strangers leading you to overpriced bars? Red flag.
Taxi meters jumping suddenly? Use Grab.
Fuel seems a little pricey? Make sure the meter’s on empty when you pull up.
“The museum is closed today, I’ll take you somewhere better.” It’s not.
“Want some drugs, bro?” Getting pounced on by undercover cops, or forking out a fortune for baby powder should not be on any Vietnam to-do list.
Trust your gut and ask your hostel staff if unsure.
Safety Tips: From Typhoons to Tap Water
Typhoons Happen. Be Smart.
Typhoon season runs from May to November, with August and September being prime time. If a storm is heading your way:
Move inland.
Stay updated with local news or embassy alerts.
Don’t try to be a storm-chasing hero.
Stay On the Path (Literally)
In rural Vietnam, especially near the Laos border or the old DMZ, unexploded ordnance from the American War is still out there.
Stick to marked paths. Don’t pick up weird metal objects. Just… don’t.
Air Quality
Big cities like Hanoi and HCMC have pollution days where the air is thick with haze.
Bring a reusable PM2.5-rated mask.
Consider limiting outdoor exercise on bad days.
Don’t Drink the Tap Water and other Water-Related Tips
Wash your hands before eating and pack hand sanitizer.
Always give your chopsticks a cheeky wipe with a napkin.
Don’t drink tap water—buy bottled or use a filter (yes even when brushing your teeth in rural areas).
Ice is usually okay in busy places (it’s often factory-made), but if you're deep in the countryside, maybe give that iced coffee a second thought.
Beyond Vietnam: Plan Your Exit Strategy
Vietnam is part of the classic Southeast Asia circuit. Here's how to continue the party:
Onward Travel
Land borders to Laos and Cambodia are straightforward
Visas often available at the border (bring passport photos + USD)
Flights with VietJet, Bamboo Airways, etc. are super cheap if you book in advance
Ask Bong Hostel staff for help. We’ll hook you up.
Final Thoughts: Prepare Well, Then Let Go
Yes, there's a lot to think about before your trip to Vietnam. But once you're here, the magic happens in the unexpected moments.
You'll slurp noodles on plastic stools, ride a motorbike through clouds, high-five schoolkids, get lost, get found, and realise the world is big, wild, and totally wonderful.
So yes—prepare for your trip to Vietnam wisely. But then? Let it unfold.
And if you're starting in Hanoi, you know where to find us: Bong Hostel has beds, bikes, and beers ready.
Comments