Before you go

• Apply for a travel visa

• Download Grab and connect your credit card to the app so that you can save your cash when getting around (don’t use taxis)

• Get an E-SIM

  • I used Nomad, it works for multiple countries in southeast Asia — use my code below to get $7 off

    ERIKZBYNCR

• Download WhatsApp in case you need to message locals (ex. Airbnb contact)

When you’re there

• Only drink bottled water — water/ice at restaurants or establishments are okay most of the time, just be careful!
• Convert your money at jewelry stores, you’ll get a better exchange rate
  • Bring crisp/new $100 bills
  • The rate is lower if the money is old or if there’s a tear

Must try eats & drinks

• Bun Cha Hanoi
• Banh cuon (steamed rice roll with meat inside)
  • Or even better banh cuon trung, steamed rice roll with egg 🤤
• Banh mi
• Bun bo hue (soup noodle dish, I personally like this more than pho because it has more flavor)
• Bun thit nuong (vermicelli noodle with grilled pork and fish sauce)
• Banh xeo (vietnamese savory crepe)
• Nuoc mia (sugarcane drink)
  • Should be 10k
• Rau ma (pennyworth drink)
  • Should be 10k