9 Shocking Things About Living in Vietnam – The Good, The Bad, and the Hilarious

Living in Vietnam has been a rollercoaster of experiences. From its vibrant culture and delicious street food to the occasional chaotic traffic and unexpected moments, this country never fails to surprise me. Some moments have been heartwarming, while others left me completely baffled.

If you’re planning to move to Vietnam or just curious about life here, let me share the 9 most surprising things that have stood out to me. Spoiler alert: It’s a mix of laughter, confusion, and admiration!

1. Cash On Delivery (COD) – Pay When You See It

One of the first things that shocked me in Vietnam was the cash-on-delivery (COD) service. Unlike in the U.S., where online shopping usually requires payment upfront, Vietnam allows you to:

• Order online and pay only when the product is delivered.
• Inspect the item before handing over your money.
• Feel safe from online shopping scams.

This system gave me peace of mind, especially when buying from unfamiliar sellers. It’s incredibly convenient, and I can see why it’s so popular. In the U.S., this would be unthinkable — no payment, no delivery!

2. Street Food Heaven – Delicious and Cheap

Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers. From steaming bowls of ph? to crispy bánh mì and refreshing chè, the street food scene is unbeatable. And the best part? It’s ridiculously cheap!

• A delicious meal often costs just $1 to $3.
• Snacks and desserts are readily available on almost every street corner.
• Food stalls are open late, catering to night owls like me.

However, if you’re new here, be cautious when trying street food. Some places might not follow strict hygiene standards, so stick to busy spots with good reviews. And a word of advice — avoid ice in your drinks if you’re unsure about the water source.

3. Lightning-Fast and Affordable Delivery

Forget waiting days for your online orders! In Vietnam, delivery services like Grab, ShopeeFood, and Gojek are incredibly efficient.

• Food delivery can arrive in as little as 30 minutes.
• Same-day delivery is common, even for online shopping.
• The delivery fees are surprisingly low compared to U.S. rates.

One time, I ordered a bowl of ph? at 10 PM, and by 10:20, it was at my door — piping hot and ready to enjoy. That’s something I’d never experience back home!

4. Surprise! The Lottery Ticket Vendors

One thing I wasn’t prepared for was the sheer number of lottery ticket sellers. While I’m enjoying a relaxing meal at a street-side restaurant, I often get interrupted by someone holding out a fan of colorful tickets, asking: “Buy a ticket?”

• Expect at least 5 to 7 sellers during one meal.
• Sometimes they approach from behind, waving tickets in front of me, resulting in a near heart attack.
• It’s both amusing and a bit overwhelming.

In the U.S., lottery tickets are sold at convenience stores or gas stations. No one would dream of walking up to diners, which makes this Vietnamese experience all the more unique.

5. Traffic Chaos – But It Works!

Vietnam’s traffic is a sight to behold. The streets are dominated by millions of motorbikes, and the rules are… well, let’s say flexible.

• People often weave through lanes with astonishing confidence.
• Crossing the street is an adventure — just walk steadily, and trust the vehicles to avoid you.
• Honking is not aggressive; it’s simply a form of communication.

Back in the U.S., traffic is much more orderly. But once I embraced the chaos, I found it fascinating how everything still manages to flow without constant accidents. It’s like organized chaos — a dance of motorbikes, cars, and pedestrians.

6. Slow Administrative Processes

Now, let’s talk about something that can test your patience — bureaucracy. In Vietnam, getting paperwork done can feel like running a marathon.

• Simple tasks like registering a residence or applying for a visa can take hours or even days.
• Hospitals, especially public ones, are notorious for long waiting times.
• A physical check-up may take up to 5-6 hours, compared to just an hour or less in the U.S. with an appointment.

It’s a stark contrast to the efficient, appointment-based system in the U.S. If you’re in Vietnam, bring a book, a phone charger, and a whole lot of patience.

7. Warm and Welcoming Neighbors

On the flip side, one thing I absolutely adore is how friendly and welcoming people are. In my neighborhood, neighbors greet each other warmly and often offer help without hesitation.

• People share meals, celebrate festivals together, and genuinely care for one another.
• If you’re sick, don’t be surprised if a neighbor brings over a hot bowl of cháo (rice porridge).
• Conversations often start with a smile, making it easy to form connections.

In contrast, American neighborhoods tend to be more private, with limited interaction. The sense of community in Vietnam has truly won my heart.

8. Karaoke Everywhere – Like It or Not

If you’ve never experienced Vietnamese karaoke, get ready. It’s not confined to bars or clubs — karaoke is a household activity, and often, a neighborhood event.

• People belt out their favorite songs with no regard for vocal talent.
• Expect to hear karaoke parties well into the night.
• It’s both amusing and a test of your patience.

Noise complaints? Not really a thing. In Vietnam, karaoke is part of life. You just learn to hum along or invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones.

9. Affordable Living

Last but not least, the cost of living in Vietnam is incredibly affordable. Compared to the U.S., housing, groceries, dining out, and services are all a fraction of the cost.

• My friend bought a house in Vietnam and pays a fraction of the property tax compared to what he would pay in the U.S.
• Utilities, internet, and transportation are also remarkably cheap.
• Life here feels much more financially stress-free.

Living comfortably without spending a fortune? Yes, please!

Conclusion

Living in Vietnam has been nothing short of an adventure. From the joyous surprises like street food feasts and cash-on-delivery convenience to the more frustrating ones like slow paperwork and chaotic traffic, it’s a journey worth experiencing.

But that’s what makes Vietnam so special — it’s lively, unpredictable, and endlessly fascinating. And if you’re willing to embrace the quirks, you’ll find yourself falling in love with its charm.

Have you experienced any surprises in Vietnam? Share your stories in the comments below!

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