Avoid Vietnam Tourist Traps - Top Scams to be aware of in 2025

Here's an in-depth guide to the most notorious tourist traps in Vietnam in 2025 - from the bustling streets of Saigon all the way up to the misty mountains of the north - and how to avoid them, save money, and still have a perfect trip.

In a nutshell: massive, overcrowded attractions like Hạ Long Bay and the Golden Bridge may look stunning online but often feel cramped, rushed, and overpriced once you're there. Overhyped group tours to the Mekong Delta or Củ Chi Tunnels can leave you feeling like cattle in a corral, shelling out $20-$30 USD for a generic experience. In the cities, tailor shops in Hoi An and cyclo rides in Hanoi or Saigon can scam you if you don't know the ropes. And don't get me started on souvenir stalls and night markets with eye-popping "tourist prices". 

But fear not: I'll walk you through each region, highlight the pitfalls, share real costs, opening times, and offer insider tips to dodge the worst crowds.
Do not let the possible tourist traps let you stop from enjoying this beautiful country!

Southern Vietnam: Saigon & the Mekong Delta

Củ Chi Tunnels "Express" Tours

Many travelers book half-day group tours packed with buses of 30+ people, paying up to $30 USD just for the guided experience. In reality, entry alone is only about 125 000 VND (~$5 USD) for foreign visitors, with Vietnamese citizens paying ~35 000 VND. The site opens daily 7:00 AM-5:00 PM, and you can easily take local bus #13 to Bến Dược, explore at your own pace, and avoid the herd. 

If you are travelling in a group of family members / friends, you can even hire a grab car and still save money compared to a guided group tour.

Mekong Delta Mass-Produced Tours

Standard Mekong Delta tours often cram 20+ tourists onto a motorboat, drive you through "tourist villages," and nickel-and-dime you at coconut-candy shops. Many online reviews flat-out call it a "tourist trap" best skipped in favor of a homestay stay in Cái Bè or Trà Vinh, where private sampan rides cost as little as 200 000 VND/person for half a day, and you interact with real local families.

Central Vietnam: Da Nang & Hoi An

Ba Na Hills & the Golden Bridge

Instagram's darling, the Golden Bridge, sits atop Ba Na Hills and requires a hefty 900 000 VND (~$37 USD) adult ticket, plus 600 000 VND for a child (1-1.4 m height). Add a cable-car queue that can stretch 1-2 hours on weekends, and you'll spend half your day waiting for photos. 

If you must go, arrive before 8:00 AM on weekdays or consider skipping it altogether for Marble Mountains nearby (40 000 VND entry, 07:00 AM-5:30 PM) for similar views without the crowds.

Hoi An's "Too Messy" Tailors

It's tempting to rush in, pay a big deposit, and expect a perfect suit in 24 hours but that's a classic trap, especially in shops on the main walking street, where 5 garments can set you back $440 USD. Worse, some pop-up tailors lure you with street pitches, take full payment, then deliver shoddy materials and poor fits with no refunds.
Instead, opt for well-established shops like Rainbow Tailor or Yaly (allow a week and multiple fittings, 1.4 m+ suits from $80-$120 USD) for quality you can trust.
Pro tip: Always photograph fabric samples and pay only a small deposit (~20%) up front.

Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong & Sapa

Halong Bay Overcrowding

Despite its UNESCO status, most cruises churn through the main chokepoints, jam 50+ guests on deck, and leave you staring at engines, not emerald karsts. Instead, book a small-group or private cruise into less-visited Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha bay for $100-$150 USD (2 days/1 night), where you'll have space to kayak and visit quieter caves.

Hanoi Night Market Madness

Street after street of stalls, each offering the same T-shirts and trinkets at tourist-inflated prices - without bargaining down to 50% of the opening quote, you'll end up paying double what locals pay.
The market runs Fri-Sun, 6:00 PM-midnight; go early, check prices on similar items nearby, and always haggle. Learn a few Vietnamese words and greet the shopkeeper and look at the prices going down live!

Water Puppet Show Rip-Offs

The iconic Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoàn Kiếm Lake charges 100 000-150 000 VND per ticket plus a 20 000 VND camera fee, with seat-based pricing pushing some up to 250 000 VND (~$10 USD).
Many travelers report "bland, touristy" performances with empty seats. As an alternative, catch the Lotus Water Puppet Show at the Hanoi Opera House (220 000 VND, 50 min, multiple daily shows) for smaller crowds and a more intimate vibe. You are welcome!

Sapa "Hype" & Homestay Hustles

Sapa town is lined with overpriced homestays and package tours that charge you 30% above the usual rates; many overlook the real highlights-village hikes to Lao Chai and Ta Phin, which you can DIY with a local guide for 500 000 VND/day rather than $50 USD for a group trek.

Everyday Scams to Dodge

Cyclo Rides

Fix the price before hopping on; a 4-block ride should cost no more than 100 000 VND. I have heard stories from foreign travelers of some driver demanding 1 million VND which is just a straight up scam!

Street Food Price-Gouging

A typical phở or bánh mì should run 50 000-80 000 VND; restaurant seats and "tourist corners" can double that. Always confirm prices before ordering.
Most of the times people who want to scam you will avoid telling you price upfront so never order without confirming.

Visa on Arrival Scams

The legitimate e-visa is $25 USD for single entry and $50 USD for multiple entry. Avoid unofficial websites that advertise $30-$60 USD and then charge you again at the airport for passport-photo "fees".
This is the Official Visa website from the Vietnamese government.
Even though some third party sites are legit, they overcharge you way too much for an application which you can do yourself in 20 minutes from the official site and it's quite easy, trust me.

Hidden Gems & Smart Alternatives

Bái Tử Long Bay Cruises

Swap Halong Bay's mass-market boats for a family-run junk in Bái Tử Long, from $120 USD/2D, and enjoy kayaking in near-seclusion.
Another option is Lan Ha bay cruise boats which avoid the crowds and water is not polluted like some areas of Halong bay.

Local Tailors Off the Beaten Track

In Hanoi, head to the Old Quarter's back alleys for artisans who quote local rates and deliver excellent craftsmanship in 3 to 5 days - just be sure to inspect fabrics first.
While you are still in Hanoi, just do a self guided free walking tour of the French quarter because why not!

By steering clear of these traps and opting for smaller-scale, locally run experiences, you'll save money, avoid crowds, and come away with memories that feel authentically Vietnamese-without the buyer's remorse. Safe travels!