Vietnam travel experience: Lessons on bargaining and travel planning from American tourists.

Traveler Gentry Hale shares his 3-week journey across Vietnam, highlighting surprises about market culture, extreme weather changes, and advice on planning his itinerary.

After a three-week trip exploring Vietnam at the end of 2025, Gentry Hale, a tourist from the United States, had unforgettable experiences in the S-shaped country. She said she was completely captivated by the natural landscapes, street food , and the hospitality of the local people. However, the trip also left her with many practical lessons about adapting to the local culture and preparing her luggage.

The art of bargaining at traditional markets.

One of Gentry's favorite activities is strolling through bustling markets. There, she experienced bespoke tailoring of ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) and dresses in Hoi An, shopped for handcrafted leather goods in Hanoi , and enjoyed a variety of street food. Initially, unfamiliar with the local culture, she often accepted the prices offered by vendors to avoid any trouble.

"I really loved the market atmosphere, but I later realized I'd been ripped off a few times while shopping. Bargaining is essential; it's part of the culture in Vietnam, something I never did back home," Gentry shared. After getting used to it, she started trying to bargain for lower prices or offering discounts by combining multiple items.

The rapidly changing weather and the bargaining while shopping were some of the things that surprised Gentry in Vietnam. Photo: Gentry

In her experience, bargaining isn't about winning or losing, but about finding a fair price for both parties. She advises other tourists to confidently ask for prices with politeness and respect. Many exchanges even turn out pleasantly with friendly jokes, helping tourists feel truly connected to local life instead of just being a mere visitor.

Cultural and communication considerations

Besides shopping, Gentry also learned about the subtle etiquette of the Vietnamese people. She was surprised to learn that pointing with one finger could be considered impolite. Instead, locals often use their whole hand to gesture or point, showing gentleness and respect for the other person.

Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases such as greetings and thank yous. Although English is quite common in tourist destinations, an effort to speak the local language is always appreciated by the locals and helps make conversations warmer and more intimate.

Lessons about luggage and weather changes.

Gentry hadn't anticipated the rapidly changing climate in Vietnam, which varies significantly from region to region. Beginning her journey in Ho Chi Minh City in early October, she faced sweltering heat and high humidity. However, upon arriving in Hanoi two weeks later, the weather turned cool with scattered evening showers.

Her mistake was checking only the general weather forecast instead of the specific area forecast, leading to packing inappropriate clothing. Gentry advises travelers to pack breathable, quick-drying clothing that can be layered. Bringing a light jacket and a lightweight raincoat is essential to cope with the unexpected weather changes in the North.

Challenges related to geography and transportation.

Before her trip, Gentry thought three weeks would be enough to travel across the country from North to South, but in reality, Vietnam is much larger than she imagined. The 16-hour overnight train journeys and all-day bus trips consumed a significant portion of her schedule.

Gentry experienced some inconveniences during his first trip to Vietnam. Photo: Gentry

Due to time constraints, she had to miss the motorbike trip through the Ha Giang Loop – one of her dream routes. "If I had the chance to do it again, I would be more selective, focusing only on a few specific areas to travel slowly and feel more deeply the local way of life," she concluded.

At the end of her trip, Gentry Hale still had a positive impression of Vietnam and affirmed that she would return to explore the destinations she hadn't yet visited. She emphasized that a detailed plan and an open-minded approach to the culture are key to a fulfilling trip for any traveler in this Southeast Asian country.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/kinh-nghiem-du-lich-viet-nam-bai-hoc-ve-mac-ca-va-ke-hoach-di-chuyen-tu-khach-my-425357.html