By aussiematesvietnam 
Local Travel Hacks: How to Travel Like a Local in Vietnam
G’day, fellow Aussies! Aussie Mates here, coming at you from the bustling streets of Vietnam, my home for nearly two decades now. My wife Tracy and I have spent countless days exploring every nook and cranny of this incredible country, from the misty mountains of Sapa to the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc. After all this time, we’ve picked up a trick or two about how to ditch the tourist traps and experience Vietnam like a true local. So grab yourself a cold one, settle in, and let me share some pearls of wisdom that’ll transform your Vietnamese adventure!
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Skip the Hotel Breakfast and Hit the Street Stalls
Look, I know that hotel buffet breakfast looks tempting with its familiar toast and eggs, but trust this old bloke – the real magic happens at 6 AM on plastic stools along the footpath. Tracy and I start most mornings with a steaming bowl of phở or bún bò Huế, slurping noodles alongside local workers before they head off for the day.
For around 30,000-40,000 VND (about $2), you’ll get the most authentic breakfast experience and, frankly, some of the best food you’ll eat in Vietnam. Keep an eye out for the busiest stalls – that’s where the good tucker is. If you see a place packed with motorbikes and locals hunched over bowls, get in there! My personal favorite in Hanoi is a tiny phở joint in the Old Quarter where the same grandmother has been perfecting her broth for 40 years.
Pro tip: Learn to say “không ngọt” (no sugar) if you prefer your coffee without the traditional sweetened condensed milk that Vietnamese typically add.
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Master the Art of the Motorbike
Nothing screams “tourist” more than taking taxis everywhere. After nearly 20 years here, I can tell you that the humble motorbike is the lifeblood of Vietnam. Now, I’m not suggesting you hop on one yourself straight away (though Tracy did exactly that within our first month – brave woman!), but using motorbike taxis like the locals do will save you heaps of money and time.
Download the Grab app, which is Southeast Asia’s version of Uber. You can book a “Grab Bike” for a fraction of a car’s price. The first time you weave through Saigon’s traffic on the back of a bike, hanging on for dear life, is a proper rite of passage. These days, Tracy and I still prefer Grab bikes for short trips around town – they’re faster than cars in the chockers traffic and much more fun!
- Always ask for a helmet (it’s the law)
- Agree on a price before you hop on with traditional xe ôm (motorbike taxi drivers)
- Keep small bills handy for payment
- Wear your bag on your front, not your back, for security
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Learn the Local Lingo (Even Just a Bit)
Fair dinkum, Vietnamese is a tricky language with six different tones, but learning just a handful of phrases will earn you massive respect and often better prices. After all these years, my Vietnamese still isn’t perfect, but the locals appreciate the effort every time.
Start with these basics:
- “Xin chào” (sin chow) – Hello
- “Cảm ơn” (cam un) – Thank you
- “Bao nhiêu?” (bow nyew) – How much?
- “Ngon quá!” (ngon wa) – Delicious!
- “Một, hai, ba, yo!” (mot, hai, ba, yo) – One, two, three, cheers! (essential for nights out)
Tracy and I learned this the hard way: tone matters! I once tried to order beef (bò) but instead asked for a kiss (bô) from the waitress. That story still gets laughs at dinner parties.
Shop Where the Locals Shop
Forget those tourist markets selling the same old souvenirs. After a while, you’ll notice every stall flogs identical “handcrafted” items that are mass-produced in factories. Instead, wake up early (around 6 AM) and visit the local wet markets where Vietnamese do their daily shopping.
Tracy has become a proper pro at haggling in these markets, always starting at about 40% of the initially quoted price. But remember, it’s not just about getting the cheapest deal – it’s about the banter and relationship. Our favorite market lady in Hoi An now puts aside the ripest mangoes for us whenever we visit because we’ve built that rapport over years.
For daily essentials and snacks, pop into a “Circle K” or “Vinmart+” – these convenience stores are where locals grab their bits and bobs. The prices are fixed (a relief sometimes), and you’ll discover unique Vietnamese snacks and drinks that never make it to the tourist menus.
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Embrace “Bia Hơi” Culture
As a true blue Aussie, I appreciate a good beer culture, and Vietnam doesn’t disappoint. Skip the fancy rooftop bars charging Western prices and instead find your nearest “bia hơi” joint. These local beer gardens serve fresh draught beer for as little as 5,000-10,000 VND (30-60 cents) per glass.
Tracy was initially hesitant about these basic establishments with their plastic chairs spilling onto footpaths, but they’ve become our favorite places to spend warm evenings. You’ll make friends quickly, as Vietnamese are incredibly social drinkers who love including foreigners in their toasts. “Một, hai, ba, yo!” will be your mantra as glasses clink repeatedly.
The beer is brewed daily with no preservatives, so it’s actually healthier than your typical tinnie from back home. Pair it with some grilled corn or peanuts, and you’ve got yourself a proper local arvo session.
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Travel Off-Season and Off the Beaten Track
Vietnam’s tourism has exploded in recent years, with places like Ha Long Bay and Hoi An heaving with tour groups. Tracy and I now plan our internal travels during shoulder seasons – April-May or September-October – when the weather is still decent but crowds are thinner.
For every famous destination, there’s a lesser-known alternative that offers a more authentic experience. Instead of Ha Long Bay, check out Bai Tu Long Bay. Rather than Sapa, explore Ha Giang. Skip Nha Trang for Quy Nhon. After living here for two decades, these quieter spots are where we find the Vietnam we fell in love with.
We once found ourselves the only foreigners in a tiny fishing village in Phu Yen province, where we were invited to a local wedding simply because the family was curious about us. That spontaneous celebration became one of our most treasured memories in Vietnam.
Timing Is Everything
Vietnamese cities operate on a different clock than what you might be used to back in Australia. Early mornings are magical – parks fill with elderly people practicing tai chi, streets buzz with breakfast vendors, and the air is cooler. Tracy and I still wake up at 5:30 AM most days to join the local rhythm.
Similarly, embrace the sacred afternoon nap. From about 12-2 PM, many shops close as people retreat from the midday heat. Do as the locals do – find some shade, grab a Vietnamese coffee, and rest. The city comes alive again in the late afternoon, with night markets and street food scenes often peaking around