Vietnam Tourist Traps

  Ben Thanh Market: pickpocketers...
by markythesparky1
 
  • Ben Thanh Market: pickpocketers paradise!
      Ben Thanh Market: pickpocketers...
    by markythesparky1
  • cheaper place right down the street !!!!
      cheaper place right down the street !!!!
    by jlanza29
  • These cyclo drivers await the next bus - Hoi An
      These cyclo drivers await the next bus -...
    by mtncorg
  • Hawker boat
      Hawker boat
    by kidfree
  • You buy from me ?
      You buy from me ?
    by kidfree
 

Most Viewed Tourist Traps in Vietnam

1.

The money-thing   Ho Chi Minh City

The money-thing, Ho Chi Minh City

 10 Reviews  Stall 626 in Ben Thanh offers d best Dong for your buck. As at Sept 20, 2011, airport moneychangers n Parkson Dong Khoi offering dong 20,810 per US$ (no comm to pay anywhere), but Ben Thanh was... 

 See All 71 Tourist Traps in Ho Chi Minh City

2.

Street sellers   Hanoi

Street sellers, Hanoi

 13 Reviews  If you stop and show interest in what the ladies carry they will talk you into buying there goods.Even if you dont really want it . If you dont want what they have dont show the slightest interest as... 

 See All 52 Tourist Traps in Hanoi

3.

Over-pricing   Ho Chi Minh City

Over-pricing, Ho Chi Minh City

 25 Reviews  Be VERY careful of the cyclos. Negotiate the price before hand but be aware that when you get off, they may demand more money from you. Whilst in HCMC friends got bailed up against a wall and more... 

 See All 71 Tourist Traps in Ho Chi Minh City

4.

Transportation matters   Hanoi

Transportation matters, Hanoi

 15 Reviews  I felt into the traps 3 times, even I am extremely careful: 1. Took a taxi from one of the museum to the city, should cost around 40,000 Dong. The meter jumps so fast that I ended up paying about 5... 

 See All 52 Tourist Traps in Hanoi

5.

Saigon River Cruise   Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon River Cruise, Ho Chi Minh City

 4 Reviews  The Saigon River isn't smelly anymore when i went unlike what has been described by the others. However there really isn't that much to see either. The banks are lined with industrial boats and... 

 See All 71 Tourist Traps in Ho Chi Minh City

6.

Touts   Hanoi

Touts, Hanoi

 2 Reviews  You may see women carrying loads of fruit and think great photo opportunity. So do they!! They will ask whether you want a photo or if you are with someone else give them the pole to carry and for... 

 See All 52 Tourist Traps in Hanoi

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

no change!

by loengland

we took a local bus in Hanoi and the guy told us to wait for my change. then i asked again and he smiled at me making me understand that i had to wait more. at that point, i just went to see him and put my hand in front of him. when you take a taxi, insist for the meter and if you can, get a map and follow the streets taken or pretend when you are in the car. always keep an eye on the meter and if you can, make sure that the driver knows you keep an eye on the meter. its typical and everybody knows about it but it's always good to remember that it always helps a lot to pay your hotel or restaurant bills with your 500000 or 200000 dongs note so you always have some smaller notes to pay the rest of your expenses.

just watch yourself

by jb_the_international

be aware that the motorcyclist amongst others are not very honest people. I was dooped into paying for a ride around a hotel that i was looking for. I was on the most east wall of the caravel. Asked where the caravel was and was charged 20000 dong for a ride. He just took me the long way and parked me on the west side. Other motorcyclist observed but said nothing. later on that night one road by and told me I'd been tricked and that that was messed up. He was offering to take me back to my hotel but not for free of course

HOI AN

by mtncorg

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the best sites in Vietnam to see capitalism, albeit with a social face. Tourist outnumber locals, while those who are local are busy selling souvenirs, handicrafts or t-shirts. Step into one of the old homes and you will get a bored spiel from some young woman about the house construction which quickly morphs into "... and would you like to see our embroidery, wood works, lanterns, etc... Yes, we take VISA." Maybe Hoi An is one of those places you have to stay at for awhile to let it all seep in, where you become numb to the other tourists and the "Good Morning Vietnam" t-shirts. Maybe. T-shirts. At least get three for $5 if you are going to get them. Also get sizes larger you would normally. My Son is not far away.

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vietnam vacation with Hailong travel company

by amandacalos

Day 1: HanoiArrive at Noi Bai Airport. Meet and transfer to hotel. Take a glimpse of Hanoi on a short city tour to see the cultural richness of the capital of Vietnam. Tour includes Ngoc Son Temple or pagoda of the jade mountain standing at the northern end of Sword Lake which provides relaxing atmosphere. Then proceed to the Old Quarter consisting of 36 commercial streets, each lined with ancient architectural works harmonized with lakes lying between. Overnight stay in Hanoi.Day 2: Hanoi -Lao CaiContinue the sightseeing tour in Hanoi by the first visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the body of Ho Chi Minh is well kept. Then visit his house built on stilts situated nearby. Followed by the visit to One Pillar Pagoda, it was built of wood on a single stone pillar, elaborately designed to resemble a lotus blossom which is a symbol of purity. Afterward, go for the Temple of Literature with...

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Hanoi Vietnam

by muadulich

Vietnam Attraction, Vietnam Travel, Vietnam Hotel The capital, Hanoi, sprawls on the banks of the Red River. It is a beautiful city that retains an air of French colonial elegance with pretty yellow stucco buildings lining leafy streets. Hanoi is also a city of lakes, which adds to its air of sleepy grace. At present there are relatively few cars – many people travel by bicycle or moped. It is a city that appears lodged in a bygone age. In the middle of the city lies the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) with the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple) sitting on an island in its center. The temple can be reached by The Huc Bridge (Rising Sun Bridge). To the north of Hoan Kiem Lake is the Old Quarter, a fascinating maze of small antiquated streets lined with markets and pavement restaurants and cafes. West of the Old Quarter and south of the West Lake is...

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Overcharging for bus - Lao Cai to Sapa

by austbear

There are plenty of busses waiting out the front of Lao Cai train station waiting to transport you to Sapa. Cost will be approx $25,000 - $30,000 Dong per person. There is also one mini bus that will likely be waiting for you on the actual train platform....When we arrived at the crack of dawn (we can recommend the soft sleepers on the train by the way) there was a minibus waiting on the platform and we allowed ourselves to get hustled into it, along with a lot of other bleary eyed travellers - we were all told that if we didn't take the bus there would be a long wait until it returned to pick up the next load of travellers.Cost us $100,000 Dong per person for the same service we would have got for $30,000 if we had known there were other busses waiting for us outside the front of the station. $70,000 Dong is small change in the great scheme of things I know - but at the time it was...

Airport Taxi's

by cafank

Do not pay your driver until you reach your destination.I had one unscrupulous driver who would not give me my luggage from the boot of his car until I paid him more money.I got my bag only after yelling and calling out to a policeman.May not always happen but I no longer pay in advance.

Changing Money Cambodia/Laos

by Azone2008

If you are going to Cambodia and Laos from Vietnam:Be aware when changing money in Vietnam to Cambodia/Laos money, the Laos money and the Cambodian money are very similar but the rates are very different, so be aware so you don't get Lao money when Cambodian money are expected nad vice versa. I was fooled that way. Lao money is also quite difficult to get rid of outside Laos (I got some Laos money for free from a traveler whom discovered that to late). Don't change more then you use in the country. However my mistake was affordable and no big problem for me. Don't change to much each time. Use the money especially in Laos. Quite worthless outside Laos. This might changes of course since more travelers are going through these countries, but be cautious. Make sure you get the right currecy. Check the web for info, the money is very similar not to mention the "guy" on the bills.

Beware of streets offer

by hamgu77

While walking on the streets in Vietnam, you will see alot of men in motor cycle beckon you. they willing to offer you rides around the city. I am not sure how safe is it but they bound to over charged you and yes, if you are a lady, better do your own walking.Streets Vietnam lady in straw hats , carrying sticks with baskets tie at both ends, they will also offer you what they have to take photos... don't accept the offer unless it is totally FREE.. they will usually over charged too as they know we are tourist. I would jus smile or shake my head to show that i do not need any help from them.

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Marble Mountain Shysters - Danang

by cafank

When visiting Marble Mountain beware of men/boys offering to assist you when climbing up pillars within the mountain. They will block your way and demand money before letting you get either back down or up to the top. I found this quite frightening but fortunately my friend came up not far behind me and created a bit of a scene. Don't be afraid to yell...these shysters are not liked by the Vietnamese either Do not have bags or backpacks floating, keep them close to your body - money belts are great here. Do not accept any help except from registered tour guides.Women and girls, try and stay with someone (or follow another tourist) - don't go off alone. This is only a small area but has many places where these shysters can get to you.

Tourist Attractions in Vietnam

Top 3 Hotels in Vietnam

Park Hyatt Saigon  Ho Chi Minh City

 5 Reviews and 436 Opinions  All rooms offer pool of City views with full luxury amenities. As true sense 5- Star hotel, it is... 

 Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi Elegance 2  Hanoi

 5 Reviews and 712 Opinions  I booked our family sized room for 2 adults and our teenage daughter direct with the hotel from... 

 Hotels in Hanoi

Victoria Hoi An Resort  Hoi An

 4 Reviews and 444 Opinions  It's worth the money to stay and enjoy the beach like in Victoria Hoi An. Price from 150$++ public... 

 Hotels in Hoi An

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Reviews and photos of Vietnam attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Vietnam sightseeing.

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Tourist Traps: Cities in Vietnam
  1. Ho Chi Minh City Tourist Traps
  2. Hanoi Tourist Traps
  3. Hoi An Tourist Traps
  4. Nha Trang Tourist Traps
  5. Hue Tourist Traps
  6. Da Lat Tourist Traps
  7. Da Nang Tourist Traps
  8. Sapa Tourist Traps
  9. Ha Long Tourist Traps
  10. Vung Tau Tourist Traps
  11. Can Tho Tourist Traps
  12. Sa Pa Tourist Traps
  13. My Tho Tourist Traps
  14. Ninh Binh Tourist Traps
  15. Cu Chi Tourist Traps
  16. Lao Cai Tourist Traps

More Cities in Vietnam

 

Popular Regions in Vietnam

Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh Tourist Traps  Thu Do Ha Noi Tourist Traps  Tinh Quang Nam Tourist Traps  Tinh Khanh Hoa Tourist Traps  Tinh Lao Cai Tourist Traps  Tinh Thua Thien-Hue Tourist Traps  Tinh Kien Giang Tourist Traps  Tinh Da Nang Tourist Traps  Tinh Lam Dong Tourist Traps  Tinh Quang Ninh Tourist Traps  Tinh Binh Thuan Tourist Traps  Tinh Ba Ria-Vung Tau Tourist Traps  Tinh Can Tho Tourist Traps  Thanh Pho Hai Phong Tourist Traps 

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Questions and Answers

suzeb profile photo

Q:  could someone please help? where can i buy ao dai (preferably well made and silk) for my grand-daughters, they are only 2-3... 

pfsmalo profile photo

A: Loads of places in both cities to buy Ao Dai either already made or to measure. For the small extra cost, have them made to measure and take the mesurements before going... 

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