Western tourists point out 7 mistakes to avoid when traveling to Vietnam for the first time

1. Nurturing the 'ambition' to conquer all of Vietnam in one trip

Traveling to many provinces in Vietnam, especially highland destinations, can take hours or even a day of travel. Photo: Joshua Zukas

Many tourists think that Vietnam is a small country and can be easily explored in just 1-2 weeks. In fact, Vietnam is as large as Japan or Italy and traveling between cities can take almost a day.

Therefore, instead of trying to "cover" the whole country in one trip, tourists should focus on exploring a specific region for a deeper experience.

2. Emotions are affected by unpredictable weather

The weather in Vietnam is unpredictable, so tourists need to be mentally prepared and have a backup plan. Photo: Joshua Zukas

Business Insider 's writer emphasized that Vietnam's climate changes erratically and is not always sunny.

The northern mountainous region is cold in winter from December to January of the following year. The Mekong Delta is hot and humid at the end of the dry season (March-April). Meanwhile, the central region is affected by many storms in autumn (September-November).

Instead of being upset and frustrated because the vacation is affected by unfavorable weather, tourists should prepare a suitable plan and luggage, considering this as part of the experience.

3. Follow the list of suggested destinations online

Joshua Zukas - the author of the article, has lived and worked in Vietnam for many years. Photo: Joshua Zukas

During peak travel season, trying to squeeze into popular destinations both diminishes the personal experience and puts pressure on local communities. According to Zukas, the most meaningful experiences often come from choosing destinations that suit your personal preferences, not from online lists.

4. Over-trusting KOLs (social media influencers)

Many tourists were disappointed when the actual experience was not like what was portrayed in the videos that KOLs posted on social networks.

“The algorithm prioritizes glitz and drama, not honest content,” Zukas said, advising travelers to look for content creators based in Vietnam who have real-life experiences and useful information.

5. Skip the street food

Some tourists are concerned about hygiene issues so they choose to go to restaurants that specialize in serving tourists with "internationalized" menus.

However, Zukas believes that the essence of Vietnamese cuisine lies in many small restaurants specializing in one dish, from vermicelli, pho, to Hanoi rice rolls or fresh snail dishes prepared in all kinds of ways in Ho Chi Minh City,...

6. Hesitant to use domestic SIM

Many travelers rely on WiFi, while mobile data in Vietnam is both cheap and reliable. For just $10 (about VND260,000), travelers can easily buy a SIM card at phone stores or via the eSIM app, making searching for information and communication much more convenient.

7. Skip the guidebooks

With more than a decade of experience living in Vietnam, Zukas has participated in compiling 10 travel guides about the S-shaped land. Photo: Joshua Zukas

In an internet age filled with anonymous articles and unsubstantiated reviews, reputable travel guides remain a reliable source of information.

Compiled from long-term research and practical experience, the guidebook provides a clear perspective, helping visitors understand and connect better with Vietnamese culture and people.

Western tourist who traveled to Vietnam 19 times in 18 years, shares impressive destinations For Ronan O'Connell, Vietnam is not only a top destination in Asia, but also a place associated with many important milestones in his life.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/khach-tay-chi-ra-7-sai-lam-can-tranh-khi-lan-dau-du-lich-viet-nam-2440275.html