First Time in Vietnam – Things You Should Know | Honest Guides from Locals

Traveling can feel overwhelming, especially when this is your first time in Vietnam.

There are so many beautiful places, endless “must-sees,” mixed opinions about weather, food, safety, and routes. Somehow, very simple questions don’t seem to have clear answers:

• How many days do I need? • Where should I actually go? • Is Vietnam kid-friendly? • What should I eat? • What should I not miss?

We get it. As a local, I’ve heard these questions thousands of times.

Take a breath.

I’m Emma, born and raised in Hanoi, and this guide is here to help you see the big picture first. Before diving into detailed itineraries, this is what you should know before visiting Vietnam, so you can plan with clarity instead of stress.

Understand What You Really Want From This Trip

Before opening Google Maps or saving Instagram reels, pause for a moment. Vietnam is not a country you plan by ticking boxes. It’s a country you experience based on how you travel, who you travel with, and what you want to feel when you’re here.

I always suggest starting with a notebook and writing honestly, not what you think you should want, but what you actually want.

Ask yourself:

• Who are you traveling with? A solo journey feels very different from traveling with a partner, friends, or family. Vietnam can be adventurous and stimulating, but also gentle and nurturing if planned right, especially for kids.

• What kind of pace do you enjoy? Do you like unplanned days, getting lost, trying unfamiliar foods, and embracing the unexpected? Or do you feel more comfortable with structure, comfort, and pre-arranged experiences?

• What do you want to take home from this trip? Memories of food and conversations? Nature and quiet moments? Cultural understanding? Or simply time away from routine?

• When and how long can you travel? A long weekend, a school holiday, or a once-in-a-lifetime long trip will shape everything else.

• What feels like a comfortable budget for you? Some travelers prefer simple rooms but unforgettable meals. Others want seamless comfort and services. There is no right answer.

• How much help do you want? Do you enjoy planning every detail yourself, or would you rather combine free time with local support and guidance?

The clearer this picture becomes, the easier Vietnam feels.

👉 Read more: How to Plan a Vietnam Trip That Actually Fits You

Is Vietnam Safe? Especially for Solo female Travelers and Families with kids

Vietnam is generally very safe. Violent crime is rare, and most issues travelers encounter are small, everyday inconveniences rather than serious dangers.

Vietnamese people are naturally social and warm. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll notice how much attention they receive. Smiles, waves, playful gestures, sometimes even offers to hold or entertain your child. This comes from affection and curiosity, not bad intentions, but it’s okay to set boundaries politely.

In cities and tourist areas, evenings are usually lively and safe. If you’re alone, stay in well-lit areas, trust your instincts, and avoid quiet streets late at night. In rural or mountainous regions, it’s best not to travel far after dark.

Scams exist, as they do everywhere. Common ones involve taxis, prices near tourist sites, or unclear service agreements. Always confirm prices in advance, use apps or written confirmations, and avoid verbal-only arrangements.

Choosing reputable local businesses often makes a big difference in both safety and overall experience.

👉 Read more: 5 scams to avoid when travelling in Vietnam

How to Eat Safely in Vietnam: Friendly, honest tips from locals

How Long Should You Stay in Vietnam?

There is no perfect number of days for Vietnam.

I’ve lived here my whole life, traveled from north to south many times, and I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. Vietnam changes by region, season, and even time of day.

That’s why your available time matters more than any suggested itinerary.

As a gentle guideline:

• 3–5 days works best if you’re in Vietnam for business or a short stop. Focus on one city and its surroundings. • 7–10 days allows you to explore one region properly without rushing. • 12–14 days is ideal for two regions, with time to slow down.

Trying to see too much often leads to exhaustion. Some of the most meaningful experiences happen when you stay put long enough to notice daily rhythms.

Where Should You Go on Your First Trip in vietnam?

Vietnam offers an incredible variety of landscapes and experiences, but that doesn’t mean you need to see everything.

For first-time visitors, it’s often better to choose destinations that balance culture, food, and ease of travel.

Northern Vietnam is rich in history, local life, and food culture. Hanoi is intense at first, but deeply rewarding. Nearby places like Ninh Binh offer stunning nature without long travel. Mountain areas such as Sapa or Ha Giang are beautiful but require more time and energy.

Central Vietnam feels calmer and more polished. Hue offers history, Hoi An offers charm and walkability, Da Nang offers beaches and modern comforts. This region works well for families and first-time travelers.

Southern Vietnam is dynamic and warm. Ho Chi Minh City shows a different side of Vietnam, while the Mekong Delta slows everything down. Phu Quoc is ideal if beach time is a priority.

If you’re traveling with kids, fewer destinations with longer stays will always feel better than rushing between places.

👉 Read more: Where to Go in Vietnam for First-Time Visitors

Things do to in Hanoi | Honest Guides from Locals

Best Time to Visit Vietnam for the first time

Vietnam does not have one single “best” season. Because the country stretches from north to south, weather varies significantly by region. What feels perfect in one place might not be ideal in another.

Rather than choosing dates first, it’s often better to decide where you want to go, then look at the weather patterns for that region.

For example, Hanoi feels especially poetic in autumn and emotionally rich before Lunar New Year. Central Vietnam shines during dry months, while the south stays warm year-round.

Understanding these differences helps you travel at the right time, instead of trying to avoid Vietnam altogether because of confusing forecasts.

👉 Read more: Best Time to Visit Vietnam by Region

What Local Foods Should You Not Miss in vietnam?

Food is one of the most honest ways to understand Vietnam.

Vietnamese cuisine is deeply regional and seasonal. Many dishes now appear across the country, but their true character comes from the place they originated.

Some of the best meals you’ll have won’t be in restaurants, but at small street stalls run by families. Many of these are women-led, passed down through generations, and quietly serving locals every day.

Eating in Vietnam is about timing, weather, and context. Some dishes are eaten early in the morning, others late at night. Some are for cold days, others for heat.

Understanding this adds depth to every meal.

👉 Read more: Discover 9 must-try Vietnamese street foods loved by locals

Experiences You Should Not Miss in vietnam

Beyond famous landmarks, Vietnam is best experienced through small, everyday moments.

Watching locals exercise at sunrise, sitting on a low plastic stool with a hot bowl of noodles, wandering through a market without an agenda. These are the moments many travelers remember most.

Each destination offers different experiences, shaped by local life rather than attractions.

For example, in Hanoi: • Walking food tours through local neighborhoods • Traditional water puppet shows • Weekend walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake • Night markets and street snacks • Coffee culture, especially egg coffee

👉 Read more: • Things to Do in Hanoi • Things to Do in Hoi An • Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Practical Tips Before Visiting Vietnam

A few practical details can make your trip much smoother.

SIM Cards & Internet

• Easy to buy at the airport or in the city

• Affordable and fast

• Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone are reliable

Money & Payment

• Cash is still widely used

• ATMs are easy to find

• Small notes are helpful for street food and taxis

Accommodation

• Homestays for local connection

• Boutique hotels for comfort

• Choose location over luxury

Transportation

• Grab works well in major cities

• Trains are scenic but slow

• Domestic flights save time for long distances

👉 Read more: VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDE: Your Comprehensive Companion

A Final Thought Before You Plan Everything

Vietnam isn’t a destination you need to rush through or fully understand on your first visit.

It’s a country that slowly reveals itself through food, people, and daily life.

If food is how you connect with culture, our Taste of Hanoi food tour is designed as a gentle introduction. You’ll eat authentic local food, visit hidden spots, and meet the people behind the dishes, without rushing or pressure.

You’re always welcome to explore it whenever you feel ready.

Dung (Emma)

Beyond Vietnam