Experiencing Vietnam for the First Time: Travel Tips and Insights

Experiencing Vietnam for the First Time: Travel Tips and Insights

My first time in Vietnam was a 2.5 week long backpacking trip in November 2024 and it was my first time in Asia is general. So I did not know what to expect or if I will even like it or if I am dreading to come home. But let me tell you this anxious feeling quickly faded away. Funny side not my boyfriend and I already had planned a 3 month trip in 2026 and we where pretty sure on south America but after coming back from Vietnam we quickly changed it to South east Asia. We just fell in love with the people, the culture and the nature. If you want to read more about my journey here is my full Vietnam itinerary.

My first shock in Ho-Chi-Minh City

I will never forget the moment I stepped out of the airport. The thick, warm air hit me like a wave, and so did the symphony of scooters, car horns, and street chatter and sadly also the smog. Vietnam greeted me with chaos, color, and something I hadn’t quite expected: instant fascination.

We took  a grab which is the uber in asia to our bed and breakfast. Then there was the next shock – the traffic. It is nothing like I have ever seen or experienced. There is a lot of honking and there are scooters everywhere and they don’t seem to have any rules. For me it looked like pure chaos and carnage. But you quickly get used to it. But let me tell you I do not miss the honking and the constant noise from the city. If you want to read more about Ho-Chi-Minh City i have my 3 Day itiniary here.

Crossing the street in Vietnam is a leap of faith

When it comes to crossing the street in Vietnam there is one rule. Keep the same pace, don’t stop and just keep walking.

But in Vietnam, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, traffic never really stops. I stood on the curb for what felt like forever, waiting for a gap that never came. So you just have to walk. I was so intimidated by it the first few times. But you actually really quickly get used to it and somehow figure it out. If you walk in the same pace the scooters will get their way around you. Don’t get me wrong they get CLOSE scary close, we are talking about 30 centimeters which is very scary but its definitely an experience for itself.

Vietnamese food changed my taste buds forever

Since I came back I especially crave pho soo much and so often. But that does not surprise me I literally ate it everyday for 2.5 weeks. I never had any Vietnamese food before I went but I fell in love with the first pho I had. It was so flavorful and comforting in all the chaos. A constant in our diet in Vietnam was a Banh Mi. We had it all the time for lunch. It is just the perfect dish to take with you and enjoy in a beautiful place. Let me tell you the best Banh Mi we had was in Hoi an at Madame Khan – he baguette was light and crispy, the filling a perfect mix of grilled pork, pickled veggies  and spicy mayo

These are just examples of the delicious food we had. There was not on meal that we ate that was not delicious. Whether it was at a random street stall serving Vietnamese pizza or strange looking sausages on a stick at a night market or a quite fancy bowl of pho at a restaurant. No matter where the food never disappoints and I still dream about it.

Kindness is everywhere

Language barriers? Sure. But smiles? Universal. I met people who invited me into their homes, helped me figure out the bus system, or simply offered directions without being asked. Even when I fumbled with chopsticks or accidentally butchered a Vietnamese word, people responded with patience and warmth. I especially enjoyed seeing the light up eyes when I tried to order in Vietnamese. You really saw the appreciation and the welcoming in the eyes of everyone I met.

Nature here is wildly beautiful

When we left the city and into the nature I was blown away by the beauty. The landscapes here don’t whisper; they shout. They stun. They slow you down, force you to breathe, and make you feel small in the most peaceful kind of way. Whether is it the must see Halong Bay Sailing through Ha Long Bay felt like drifting through a dream. Hundreds of limestone karsts rose dramatically from the water like ancient guardians of the sea. The water shimmered jade green, and mist curled around the cliffs in the early morning

But my favorite place in I think all of Vietnam definitely has to be Ninh Binh. From calming rivers, history filled temples to stunning views over the rice fields. Ninh Binh feels like magic. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, don’t skip Ninh Binh. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and feels like a deep breath after the buzz of Hanoi. It’s not just a place you see—it’s a place you feel. I have my full Ninh Binh Review here.

Vietnam stole my heart

Vietnam wasn’t just a destination on my map—it became a turning point. I came in search of adventure, maybe a little soul-searching, and definitely great food. I left with so much more than I could’ve packed in a backpack.

This country challenged me in the best ways: the chaos of the cities forced me to let go of control; the kindness of strangers reminded me to slow down and connect; the landscapes—those wildly beautiful, soul-expanding landscapes—made me feel small in the most peaceful, grounding way.

I quickly just fell in love with this country and I cannot wait the be back during our 3 month south east asia adventure.

What are your thoughts on Vietnam? What was your experience or are you planning to go? Please share it with me in the comments.