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Traveling to a foreign country is always an exciting adventure, but it can also be fraught with misconceptions and false assumptions. Vietnam is no exception. Many foreigners harbor outdated or inaccurate beliefs about this captivating Southeast Asian nation, which can lead to unrealistic expectations or missed opportunities.
Concerns usually appear on first-time travelers to a new country. Photo: Kamran Aydinov
In this article, Asia King Travel wants to dispel some common myths and mistakes from foreign people to Vietnam. By addressing these points head-on, we hope to provide a more nuanced and informed perspective on what to expect during your journey.
Vietnam is over 330,000 square kilometers, nearly equivalent to Malaysia or Finland. Because near the equator, you may see the country appear "smaller" on a map. To give you a better idea, Vietnam is as long as from New York to Florida in the US, or from Melbourne to the middle of Queensland State in Australia. So, it's not as small as you might think.
Compare to countries near the poles, you will be even more surprised by the size of Vietnam. Photo: Scott HCMC
Furthermore, a short trip of less than a week is unable to discover all. Up north, you'll find the iconic Ha Long Bay, the harmony of sea and earth has created a fairyland. Venture inland, and you'll stumble upon the picturesque towns of Sapa and Moc Chau in Hoang Lien Son Moutain Range.
The central region has timeless charm with Hue Imperial Citadel, Hoi An Ancient Town, and My Son Sanctuary. Down south, you can witness the daily rhythms of rural life and indulge in some of the country's freshest seafood in the Mekong River Delta.
You will feel like you are lost in the endless rice fields of the Mekong Delta. Photo: Truong Tho Commune
Vietnam may be slender from someone’s perspective, but it's packed with enough natural wonders, cultural treasures, and culinary delights to keep travelers enthralled for weeks. Don't just settle for the short trips – this country deserves your time and attention.
There's much more to discover beyond the typical tourist trail. You can head off-the-beaten-pathin to undiscovered hidden gems in every corner of the country.
Vietnam has countless hidden beautiful landscapes everywhere. Photo: Vietnam Travel
In the north, temples and traditional festivals offer a chance to immerse yourself in ethnic minority cultures. Pristine beaches with top-notch beach views await you in Central's long coastline. Nam Cat Tien National Park and Con Dao Island provide a taste of incredible biodiversity. So while the famous spots are definitely worth a visit, make sure to leave room for some off-the-radar adventures to experience the true essence of Vietnam.
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Vietnam lies under a tropical climate, yet the northern region experiences a chilly winter due to the monsoon from Siberia. From December to February, temperatures in Hanoi and the surrounding areas can dip as low as 10°C at night.
Even tourists from cold countries don't underestimate the biting cold of Hanoi. Photo: VnExpress
In the mountainous regions near the Chinese border, temperatures can even drop below freezing. Sapa occasionally snows, so don’t forget to note this town on your winter itinerary.
We found that common mistakes mostly in American friends. Vietnam has been at peace since the end of Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979. After hundreds of years of finding independence, the country has been focused on developing. Former enemies have now become diplomatic partners.
Vietnam and the United States have elevated their diplomatic relations to the highest level. Photo: Chinhphu
The post-war period was difficult. Vietnam faces economic difficulties with trade embargoes. However, through economic reforms in the 1980s and opening up to foreign investment, the country has transformed into one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.
Today, the country is modernizing rapidly. People have decent living standards. Booming cities welcome millions of visitors each year. While the legacy of the wars lingers in museums and memorials, Vietnam nowadays is a vibrant nation looking firmly towards the future, not the past conflicts.
Let's be real, the traffic in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can be a downright nightmare during rush hour. The seemingly never-ending stream of motorbikes weaving through the chaos might make you question your travel choices. But don't write off Vietnam's transportation just yet.
Traffic jams are unavoidable during rush hour when everyone is out and about. Photo: Thanh Nien
While the urban gridlock can test your patience, things are constantly improving. Major upgrades are underway to expand roads and introduce more public transit options. Modern highways allow you to travel to any region in just a few hours.
Moreover, you'll discover some seriously scenic routes once you escape the big city hustle. Hire a motorbike and cruise along the coastal roads with the ocean breeze in your face or wind through mountains and lush valleys.
Beautiful scenery stretches for miles as soon as you leave the city. Photo: Crystal Bay
The key is being strategic about your travel times and routes. With a little planning, you can easily avoid the worst of the traffic jams. And who knows, you might even start to appreciate the organized chaos of city driving!
Learning foreign languages is becoming a major priority in Vietnam, especially English. The younger generations are leading the charge. Many young people are now able to communicate quite well in English. In major tourist hotspots, plenty of service places have staff that can converse fluently. The stereotype of Vietnamese having poor English skills is quickly becoming outdated, at least in urban areas.
Nowadays, many Vietnamese students can communicate in basic English. Thua Thien Hue Newspapers
That said, you may still encounter some language barriers when venturing off the beaten path, so it's always wise to learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. But for the most part, getting by with just English is becoming more and more feasible for visitors.
Most mistaken about Vietnam is it has slow technological development. Of course, it cannot be compared tol superpowers, but many scientific advances are applied to daily life. What used to be done with paper is now being replaced by electronic devices, including payments.
Just bring your phone and you can enjoy shopping in Vietnam. Photo: Doanh nghiep & Tiep thi
Gone are the days when you had to carry wads of cash while traveling in Vietnam. These days, digital payments are widely accepted across the country. Whether you're paying for a hotel room, dining at a restaurant, or shopping at a local market, you'll likely have the option to use either your cash or cards.
Mobile banking apps like MoMo, ViettelPay, and ZaloPay are the most popular payment methods. These apps allow you to link your bank account and make payments with just a few taps on your smartphone. Many businesses, from street food vendors to high-end boutiques, now display QR codes that you can scan to pay with your mobile app.
Even street vendors accept online payments! Photo: Lao dong
International payment methods are also widely accepted in Vietnam, especially in tourist hotspots. Major credit cards are accepted catering to foreign visitors. You can even use services like Apple Pay or Google Pay in some establishments.
When visiting Vietnam, it's important to be mindful of local customs and traditions. To visit a new country is to experience many new things. A few cultural tips may help you be a respectful guest. No longer have any misconceptions and know about local customs, you're now a seasoned traveler!
At temples or pagodas, dress conservatively by covering your shoulders and knees. Some religious sites prohibit revealing clothing. Remove your shoes when stepping on the floor, monks may allow you to do it but ask the permiss beforehand.
Use both hands when giving or receiving something from elders or those of higher status. This shows respect. Don't touch someone's head, as the head is considered sacred in Vietnamese culture.
Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases like "xin chao" (hello), "cam on" (thank you), and "tam biet" (goodbye). The effort to speak some Vietnamese is highly appreciated. Finally, be patient, as the pace of life is generally slower than in Western countries. You can not rush in rush hours.
Vietnam is a rising destination that defies many common misconceptions. By dispelling these myths, travelers can fully immerse themselves in the country’s sights, sounds, and flavors. Contact Asia King Travel and create unforgettable memories along the way.
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