Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by myriamoblogger
What should you know before visiting Vietnam? And how best to prepare your trip to Vietnam?
I embarked on my first solo trip to Hanoi in Vietnam, a few months ago. There are a few things that made my journey easier and will be great for upcoming travellers to be aware. Ready to take notes? Let’s dive in
Nothing in this post is sponsored :)
- The ‘Grab’ app
This app saved me when I didn’t want to eat outside or when I didn’t want to walk. Equivalent to Uber, ‘Grab’ is a ride and food delivery mobile app. There, you can book cars or motorbikes and order food from a variety of restaurants. Another thing is that the app goes beyond with a list of emergency numbers to call and a safety guide.
- Get a local SIM card
Getting a local SIM card in Vietnam was a cheaper option for me than using my UK SIM card. In fact, even my phone providers advised me to do so! If you are stopping at Noi Bai International Airport, you won’t have to look far because SIM card retailers are present everywhere (and perhaps at other airports as well). But please ensure everything works perfectly so you don’t get scammed.
I assume it’s cheaper to get a SIM card outside the airport, but I personally didn’t want to start my trip looking for phone stores all over Hanoi. But if you prefer online, Amazon has some deals you can check out.
- Translating app – A saving grace
Call me old-fashioned, but I didn’t know until recently that there were apps that could translate words from images. I used ‘Papago’ for my Vietnam trip (no particular reason; it was one of the translating apps on Google Play) but you can simply use Google Translate. Though I didn’t use ‘Papago’ to translate text in images, I did to communicate with the local drivers. Sure, I mentioned getting lost in translation at times, but only when I didn’t use the app. To be honest, if you’re visiting popular landmarks, it’s likely you’ll encounter vendors who speak basic English anyway.
- Travelling in August? It’s raining men, hallelujah it’s raining…!
Listen, I knew about Hanoi’s subtropical climate, but the torrential rain is no joke. If you’re travelling in August like I was, be prepared to see some of that pouring rain. In my case, I was fortunate because it never rained all day or every day during my 9-day trip.
Before travelling, I even considered cancelling a cruise tour I had booked because of the weather forecast which predicted thunderstorms; however, the local tour guide told me it would be fine. He was right because on the day, it did not rain until evening when we’d already returned to Hanoi. All that to say, be prepared to see some rain in July and August, but also don’t be quick to cancel booked tours or trips way ahead of time. (more about tours later)
- Stay alert – you’re crossing the streets!
You’d need boldness to cross these Hanoi streets, the first time. What can I compare that boldness to? It’s similar to the type of boldness claustrophobics (like me) need to get on a lift by themselves. But hey, after a while, you learn to be fine. One thing I learnt crossing these streets is that the drivers (or bikers) are not out there to get me. They’re not enemies waiting for pedestrians (like us) to fall. Once you understand that, you won’t fear getting run over. What helped as well was putting my hand out whenever I was crossing, and walking steadily.
- Tours are a great way to make connections
Okay, tours are becoming my favourite subject, or what! When I booked the Hanoi: Full Day Ha Long Bay cruise, I didn’t know it would result in genuine connections. Ahead of the trip, I thought about the landscapes I would see and the beauty of the heritage site, but I didn’t think about the people I’d possibly meet there.
The other solo travellers I met on this tour turned out to be the highlight of my experience. It was unexpected because the organisers coincidentally put us on the same table, and we ended up chatting and connecting. Here we were: strong, confident women living our best life solo travelling. I even spent my birthday with one of them!
About that specific tour though, I found it to be a little disorganised once we got on land. However, travellers who love exploring independently and getting lost without much supervision wouldn’t mind.
- The night market is a must-see
Should we talk about my only regret in Vietnam? It’s leaving my browsing to the night markets at the very last minute. Don’t be like me. I had planned to do a lot of things in Hanoi, but somehow visiting the night markets was last on my list. The one I visited is in Hoàn Kiếm (Old Quarter) but there are many of them throughout Hanoi. Being there truly made me feel like I was in Southeast Asia. The energy, the different scents, the food, and the vibes—it is lovely.
If you visit Vietnam or Hanoi, do yourself a favour and go to a (night) market; even if you don’t buy anything, just to get a feel of it, and why not take photos as well?
Now, here are some of my favourite places I recommend to visit in Hanoi:
- Hoàn Kiếm night market
It’s no secret at this point; the weekend night markets are a must-see to get an authentic feel of the city. It will alleviate your jetlag and feed your senses. If you’re a foodie, you will be well-served, and if you like cute items, the jewellery and bag stalls are there for you.
- Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Hoàn Kiếm Lake area is super peaceful. Not only that, the district’s beauty and brightness is like none other. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is among the many attractions close to the lake. But If you like quiet, you can simply sit on one of the benches and take in the peaceful surroundings.
- Han Gai street (old quarter)
For photos, Han Gai Street, or ‘Hanoi Silk Street,’ is undoubtedly one of my favourite places in Hanoi. It is colourful, bright, and vibrant. The shopping street bursts with many shops that specialise in silk or traditional wear. It is also the home of handmade bags and ceramic household items. Better believe, I signed up to a pottery class and made my own ceramic bowl.
- Train street
You’ve probably heard about Hanoi’s historic and famous train street. The best time to visit, in my opinion, is when it’s not too crowded. Now, in terms of where to eat, I think there are tastier and less expensive restaurants outside the area. At train street, It’s also possible you won’t get the best restaurant service because some of the promoters/servers are very profit-minded and just want their coins. I think it is (only) worth visiting if you want to tick it off your list of tourist spots. And also, if you like to take photos.
More about Vietnam? Check out my other posts:
6 First impressions of Hanoi: safety, solo travel and lifestyle – Travelling Notes
I hope this post allowed you to travel a little. Have you been to Vietnam?
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