As a seasoned solo traveler, meticulous planning is always my starting point for any adventure. Yet, travel is inherently unpredictable, and even with thorough preparation, surprises – sometimes startling ones – are inevitable. My journey to Vietnam in 2024 was no exception. While I thankfully avoided scams or theft, I encountered a series of unexpected situations. To help you navigate your Vietnam trip more smoothly, I’m sharing the six mistakes I made in Vietnam, hoping you can learn from my experiences!
1. Missing the Real Train Street Experience in Hanoi
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner smiling in Hanoi Train Street, Vietnam, anticipating the train arrival – Vietnam travel blog 2024
Hanoi’s Train Street is undeniably one of the city’s most captivating attractions. This unique alleyway sees a working railway track run incredibly close to homes and cafes, with trains passing by multiple times daily. Tourists flock here seeking the thrill of a close encounter, wanting to enjoy local coffee, capture incredible photos, and soak in this quintessential Hanoi experience.
While “Train Street” appears on maps, simply heading to the marked location might not guarantee the experience you expect. During my Hanoi visit, I actually went to Train Street twice to try and witness the train spectacle.
On my first attempt, despite arriving on schedule, I discovered that certain sections of Train Street, including the one I was in, were under strict regulations. Local authorities and police patrols actively prohibit tourist access due to safety concerns when trains are passing. Disappointingly, my first visit didn’t include sipping coffee as a train roared past.
However, determined to experience Train Street properly, I ventured to the Dong Da district, specifically the Le Duan section, on my second try. This area delivered the authentic Train Street thrill I was seeking. Beyond the exhilarating train encounter, I highly recommend Hanoi 1990s Cafe, located in this section. The service was quick, the juices were fantastic, and the atmosphere was perfect for Train Street viewing.
Address: 224 Le Duan Street, Kham Thien, Dong Da, Hanoi
2. Underestimating Vietnam’s Slippery Surfaces with Inadequate Footwear
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner posing on Thanh Toan Bridge in Hue, Vietnam, showcasing the beauty of the ancient city – Vietnam travel blog 2024
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner playfully twirling at An Bang Cemetery, the City of Ghosts in Hue, Vietnam, exploring unique cultural sites – Vietnam travel blog 2024
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner overlooking the abandoned Ho Thuy Thien Waterpark in Hue, Vietnam, featuring a giant dragon structure – Vietnam travel blog 2024
Traveling to Vietnam in December, I anticipated rain and prepared accordingly. My packing list included a lightweight waterproof jacket, an umbrella, and shoes I didn’t mind getting wet or muddy.
However, I was completely unprepared for the treacherous walking conditions I encountered. Many businesses and public areas in Vietnam utilize decorative tile floors. While visually appealing, these tiles become incredibly slippery when wet or covered in stagnant water.
During my two weeks in Vietnam, I witnessed several people slipping and falling, and unfortunately, I became one of them – even while wearing tennis shoes. The slip was severe enough to result in a broken wrist – a significant setback, especially for a solo traveler.
For the remainder of my trip, I switched to boots with strong grip, but for anyone heading to Vietnam, I strongly advise packing only footwear known for its traction on slick surfaces.
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner holding an umbrella in the rain at the Imperial Citadel of Hue, Vietnam, experiencing the wet weather conditions – Vietnam travel blog 2024
To learn more about my injury in Vietnam and how I managed it while traveling solo, check out my blog post: Disaster in Vietnam: The Surprising Challenge of Getting Injured Abroad.
3. Arriving Late to the Golden Bridge and Battling Crowds
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner with a cast on her arm at the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, Vietnam, visiting the iconic hand bridge despite injury – Vietnam travel blog 2024
Theme parks aren’t typically my travel style, but the captivating images of Sunworld Ba Na Hills and its famous Golden Bridge (Hand Bridge) convinced me to visit. Traffic delayed my arrival, and I reached the park shortly after opening, purchased my ticket, and with my guide, David, we immediately took the two gondola rides up to the Golden Bridge.
Despite knowing its popularity, I severely underestimated the sheer volume of crowds, even within the first half-hour of the park opening. Upon exiting the gondola, we were met with a lengthy queue just to step onto the bridge, take a few photos, and move on.
Fortunately, most visitors were considerate and took turns capturing photos at this iconic spot, allowing me to get a few quick shots. However, if your goal is to photograph the Golden Bridge with fewer people and capture its full beauty, arriving at Sunworld before the park officially opens is crucial to maximize your chances of avoiding the overwhelming crowds.
4. Skipping Pre-Purchased Travel Insurance and Facing Unexpected Medical Costs
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner reviewing x-rays with a doctor in a hospital in Hue, Vietnam, dealing with a travel injury abroad – Vietnam travel blog 2024
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner holding an X-ray in a Vietnamese hospital with a cast on her arm, experiencing healthcare in Vietnam as a traveler – Vietnam travel blog 2024
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner taking a selfie with her tour guide in a hospital in Hue, Vietnam, maintaining a positive attitude despite a travel mishap – Vietnam travel blog 2024
Travel insurance was the last thing on my mind when booking my Vietnam trip. I generally consider myself cautious, and my itinerary didn’t include any extreme sports or high-risk activities. Since I planned to avoid scooters, I felt relatively safe without it.
However, unexpectedly, I broke my wrist on just the second day. While I was fortunate enough to continue my trip after medical consultation and could manage the healthcare expenses, I was incredibly lucky.
My injury could have been much more serious and financially draining. This experience was a stark lesson learned, and I will never travel internationally again without comprehensive travel insurance.
If you’re unsure where to start with travel insurance, I recommend contacting Generali Global Assistance for personalized quotes and insurance plans.
Imperial Citadel in Hue, Vietnam, a historical site to explore in Vietnam – Vietnam travel blog 2024
For more insights into Hue, check out my travel guide: Hue Vietnam Travel Guide: A Beautiful City Along the Perfume River.
5. Forgetting to Unlock My Phone for eSIM Use and Facing Connectivity Issues
Imperial Citadel in Hanoi, Vietnam, another cultural landmark in Vietnam – Vietnam travel blog 2024
Preferring occasional check-ins over constant communication while traveling, I’ve typically opted for international phone plans over eSIM cards. Even in places like Egypt and Peru, my international plan provided reliable service, with only brief periods of no network access.
Vietnam was different. Almost immediately after landing, my iPhone displayed the dreaded S.O.S. mode. While I found a local eSIM provider at the airport, I discovered that unlocking a phone for international data isn’t the same as unlocking it for eSIM compatibility.
Unfortunately, the local provider couldn’t assist me further. Activating an eSIM required contacting my home carrier – impossible without a working international phone plan in Vietnam. The takeaway: contact your mobile carrier before your trip if you anticipate needing an eSIM, or be prepared for limited connectivity beyond hotel or restaurant WiFi.
Pro-Tip
Planning to use Grab, Southeast Asia’s popular ride-sharing app? Staying connected via eSIM is essential for seamless ride requests and communication with drivers throughout Vietnam.
6. Booking Tours with Unverified “New” Operators and Experiencing Inconsistent Service
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner near Ngoc Son Pagoda in Hanoi, Vietnam, visiting a temple in Hanoi during her trip – Vietnam travel blog 2024
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam, exploring historical sites in the city – Vietnam travel blog 2024
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam, enjoying the scenic views of Hanoi – Vietnam travel blog 2024
After my hospital visit, I had to reconsider my Vietnam itinerary. Many activities I planned to do independently were no longer feasible with a broken arm. I needed to book some last-minute tours.
A friend helped me find a customizable private tour of Hanoi’s main attractions with an English-speaking guide on Viator. The tour operator was new to the platform with limited reviews, but given my circumstances, I decided to try it.
Regrettably, the tour didn’t meet expectations. My “English-speaking” guide often struggled to answer my questions about the sites, and the promised personalization was nonexistent. Even worse, I faced constant pressure to pay extra for “add-on” activities, like cycling around Hoan Kiem Lake, despite repeatedly declining.
Thankfully, this was my only negative tour experience in Vietnam. It reinforced the importance of planning ahead and doing at least some research when booking tours, especially in a new destination.
Travel blogger Jordan Gassner on train tracks near Phung Hung Street in Hanoi, Vietnam, capturing the urban scenery of Hanoi – Vietnam travel blog 2024
*At time of writing.
