Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Vietnam: A Family & Indian Travelers Guide

Vietnam is becoming a popular destination for Indian travelers because of its beautiful landscapes, historic attractions, lively markets, and affordable travel experiences. However, when visiting Vietnam for the first time, especially with children or elderly family members, a few common mistakes can affect your comfort and budget.

During our family trip to Vietnam in September 2026, we learned several practical lessons about accommodation, food, shopping, money, and transportation.

If you are planning a family holiday, here are five mistakes to avoid for a smoother and more enjoyable Vietnam trip.

1. Booking Accommodation Without Checking Kitchen Facilities

One common mistake is booking a standard hotel room without checking whether it suits your family's needs.

For Indian families, particularly those travelling with children or elderly parents, having access to a kitchen can make the trip much more comfortable.

A serviced apartment with a kitchen may offer a refrigerator, microwave, cooking stove, and utensils. These facilities can help you prepare tea, warm milk, or cook simple meals according to your family's preferences.

Before booking, always check the property's facilities, location, reviews, and additional charges. Not every apartment provides a fully equipped kitchen.

If you are visiting Vietnam for the first time, read our detailed guide to Vietnam travel tips for first-time visitors for more practical planning advice.

2. Not Planning Food Options Before Leaving India

Indian travelers may find that Vietnamese cuisine is quite different from the food they usually eat at home. Vegetarian options are available, but finding suitable meals can require some planning.

Some dishes that appear vegetarian may contain fish sauce, meat stock, or other animal-derived ingredients. Therefore, always confirm the ingredients before ordering.

Before leaving India, research Indian restaurants near your accommodation. You can also carry suitable packaged snacks and permitted ready-to-eat foods, after checking Vietnam's current customs and food-import rules.

If your apartment has a kitchen, buying suitable ingredients locally and preparing simple meals can be another convenient option.

During our family trip, we tried Indian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. You can read about our experience in 3 Indian Restaurants We Tried in Ho Chi Minh City.

This guide can help you explore dining options before planning your own trip.

3. Packing Too Many Clothes Instead of Leaving Room for Shopping

Packing too many clothes is another mistake travellers can avoid with a little planning.

Ho Chi Minh City has several markets where visitors can explore clothing, accessories, and other local products. Tan Binh, An Dong, and Tan Dinh are among the markets worth researching if you enjoy shopping.

Instead of filling your suitcase with clothes for every day, pack versatile outfits that can be mixed and matched. Leaving some space for shopping can also be useful.

However, remember that wholesale markets may have minimum purchase quantities, and prices, quality, and bargaining practices vary between sellers. Compare prices and inspect the material and stitching before purchasing.

If you are interested in clothing markets, read our detailed guide to the Top 5 Wholesale Clothing Markets in Ho Chi Minh City.

It will help you understand which markets to research before your shopping trip.

4. Confusing Vietnamese Dong and Making Currency Mistakes

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and its banknotes have large denominations that may initially confuse first-time visitors from India.

Exchange rates change regularly, so check the current INR-to-VND rate before travelling rather than relying on a fixed conversion.

Here are some practical tips:

• Learn the appearance and value of common Vietnamese banknotes.

• Double-check the zeros before making a payment.

• Count your change carefully.

• Compare exchange rates and fees before exchanging money.

• Use reputable, legally authorised currency exchange providers.

• Bargain politely in markets where bargaining is customary.

You do not need to exchange all your money at the airport. Compare available rates and fees, keeping convenience and safety in mind.

Planning your expenses in advance can also help you avoid unnecessary spending.

For a better understanding of travel expenses, read our guide: Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive for Indian Tourists in 2026?.

5. Ignoring Grab and Arriving Without a Reliable Mobile Connection

Transportation is another important part of planning a Vietnam trip.

Some visitors rely entirely on street taxis without comparing fares or checking the route. For travellers unfamiliar with the city, a ride-hailing app can make local journeys easier to manage.

Grab is a widely used option in Vietnam. Depending on availability, you can check ride details, pickup locations, and estimated fares through the app.

Before travelling, arrange a suitable mobile data connection. A physical SIM or eSIM may work depending on your phone and travel needs.

Mobile internet helps you use maps, communicate with drivers, translate basic phrases, and contact your hotel or apartment.

Always verify the vehicle details before boarding and follow the app's payment instructions. Do not assume every journey is risk-free; keep your belongings secure and confirm any fare changes before accepting them.

For more information about planning your budget, read Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive for Indian Tourists in 2026?.

Final Thoughts: Plan Smart for a Comfortable Vietnam Trip

Vietnam can be a memorable destination for Indian families, but thoughtful planning makes a difference.

Based on our family travel experience, the most useful lessons are to choose suitable accommodation, plan meals in advance, pack wisely, understand the local currency, and arrange reliable transportation and mobile connectivity.

Every family has different needs, so compare your options and choose what works best for your travel style and budget.

For more practical information, explore Dremza Online, where we share Vietnam travel guides, family travel experiences, shopping information, and useful tips for Indian travellers.

Disclaimer: Foreign exchange rates, market rules, transportation fares, and entry requirements change frequently. Please verify current details before planning your travel.

Have Questions About Travelling to Vietnam? Are you planning a family trip to Vietnam soon? Feel free to ask your questions in the comment section below—we’d love to help you plan your journey!