Essential Vietnam Travel Tips for First-Time Independent Travelers

Essential Vietnam Travel Tips for First-Time Independent Travelers

If you’re planning your very first trip and have chosen a domestic destination but don’t know where to begin — let MoMo guide you through a complete set of self-guided Vietnam travel tips below.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the following:

• Book transportation early to get the best fares

• Reserve accommodation in advance for more options

• Plan your travel itinerary ahead of time

• Tips for packing smart

• What to prepare during your trip

• A few helpful notes for independent travel

1. Book Transportation Early to Get the Best Fares

These days, there’s no need to go through ticket agencies. You can easily book tickets directly through smart travel apps. Choosing an app that is free, secure, and offers convenient payment options is the top choice among young travelers.

Airplanes are the most preferred mode of transportation. (Photo: Eva Darron)

A Small Tip: The Later You Book, the Higher the Cost

Keep in mind that the later you book your tickets, the more expensive they become — and the less flexibility you’ll have for your trip. That’s why choosing your travel dates and destination early on is the most important step to securing affordable fares.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to book airport transfers or rent a car in advance to avoid overpaying or struggling to find transportation, which could disrupt your planned schedule.

2. Book Accommodation Early for More Options

Based on our experience traveling across Vietnam, one of the key factors that determines the success of a trip is the place you stay in the new city. Depending on your budget, you’ll have different options for accommodations — from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Vietnam offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler. (Photo: Sara Dubler)

To stay in control of your trip, you can check out the Hotel Booking feature to find a room that fits your preferences, complete with honest reviews from other travelers.

Additionally, when booking accommodation, consider the location carefully. Choose a hotel in the city center, near the night market, or close to the beach depending on your travel itinerary.

It’s also recommended to book at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability during your trip.

3. Plan your itinerary ahead of time

You should start planning your itinerary at least one month before your departure date—or even earlier if you’re traveling during peak season. Try to organize your daily activities in advance to make it easier to book transportation and tickets to attractions.

For example, if you’re planning to visit Hoi An this summer, don’t miss the Hoi An Memories Show. However, if you don’t book early, you might miss out on the best seats to enjoy this stunning performance of lights and music.

Or if you’re an adrenaline junkie eager to experience the thrill of paragliding and admire the stunning Northwest mountains from above, make sure to book your flight early to secure a spot!

Terraced rice fields in the mountainous regions of Northwest Vietnam. (Photo: Krisztian Tabori)

To give you the best experience with your trip to Vietnam, MoMo offers a wide range of recommended services. Just access the Experiences feature and you’ll find countless options for attraction tickets, sightseeing tours, and fun activities.

Pro tip: Try to group nearby attractions together in your daily itinerary to save time and cut down on travel costs.

4. Packing tips for your first trip

Packing for a trip is always a challenge—especially for travel lovers. From choosing the right number of outfits to look your best in photos to carrying an endless list of skincare products—it can be overwhelming. But to ensure your first solo trip goes smoothly, here are some important tips for preparing your luggage.

First, if you’re flying, check the airline’s baggage allowance policies. Most airlines allow 7–12 kg of carry-on luggage and 15–20 kg of checked baggage, depending on the airline and ticket class.

Importantly, note that there are strict regulations regarding liquids, power banks, and valuable items, which often cannot be placed in checked baggage. These rules are clearly listed on each airline’s website, or you can visit MoMo to learn more.

Plan your trip as early as possible. (Photo: Unsplash)

Next, instead of only focusing on colors and styles for Instagram-worthy outfits, it’s better to choose clothes based on weather conditions, terrain, and types of activities.

For example, if your itinerary includes hiking or lots of movement, go for lightweight, breathable clothing that absorbs sweat easily. If you’re heading to the beach, pack light, airy clothes that are perfect for relaxing by the sea.

Also, don’t forget to bring essential medicines and any personal prescriptions, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area—it might be hard to find the exact medications you need in a timely manner.

5. A few small tips for traveling independently

• Buy travel insurance in advance to protect yourself against unexpected risks.

• Learn how to contact emergency services at your destination and always let a friend or family member know your travel itinerary.

• Bring essential gear like a GPS device if you’re planning an adventurous trip into remote or rugged areas.

• According to travel experience in Vietnam, each city has its own unique cultural identity. Doing a bit of research beforehand will help you avoid culture shock.

• If you’re going on an eco-tour or mountain trekking adventure, make sure to carry all necessary personal belongings and medications—especially things like:

  • Insect repellent

  • Mosquito spray

  • Headache medicine

  • Any first-aid essentials

Lanterns in Hội An. (Photo: Steffen B)

And that wraps up some of the most essential tips for traveling independently in Vietnam. We hope you’ll have an unforgettable summer 2022 trip filled with joy and beautiful memories with friends and loved ones.

Don’t forget to visit Sapa-Travel to book your hotels, transportation, and tickets for exciting activities — all with great deals and attractive prices!