Myths About Vietnam Everyone Believes — But Aren't True
Lots of tall tales circulate about Vietnam — about the war, poverty, «Chinese characters» and a «cheap beach». Most of them are long out of date or simply made up. Here is a friendly look at the most popular myths and how things really are — so you arrive without needless fears and with the right expectations.
Myth: «Vietnam is a poor, backward country»
In fact Vietnam is now a middle-income country and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world — about 8% growth in 2025. Income per capita has risen to around $4,500 and poverty fell from 14% in 2010 to about 1%. Cities have skyscrapers, malls, metros and fast internet.
A visitor notices it at once: smooth airports, app taxis, QR and app payments, modern hotels and cafes. There is no trace of «backwardness» left.
Myth: «It's dangerous because of the war»
The war ended half a century ago, in 1975, and today Vietnam is one of the safest countries in the region. It ranks 38th in the 2025 Global Peace Index, and the US State Department gives it the lowest risk level, «Exercise Normal Precautions». Street crime is low and visitors are welcomed warmly.
Everyday life is fine too: water, electricity, connectivity and healthcare in tourist cities are at a good level. Many leave feeling Vietnam was safer than they expected.
Myth: «Vietnamese don't like foreigners»
Quite the opposite — it is one of the most welcoming nations for guests. More than a third of the population is under 25, and the war is distant history from a textbook. Vietnamese are warm with Americans, Europeans and Koreans alike.
Myth: «Vietnamese is written in Chinese characters»
Vietnamese is written in the Latin alphabet. The «quoc ngu» script with its diacritics was created back in the 17th century and is the official writing system today. Signs and menus are far easier to read than you'd expect — the letters are familiar.
Myth: «Vietnam is the same as Thailand»
Only the warm sea is similar. Vietnam has its own culture, history, language and cuisine, its own rhythm and character. Many who've been to both say Vietnam feels more «real» and calmer.
Myth: «The food is bland and the coffee is bad»
Vietnamese cuisine is among the world's favourites: pho, banh mi, spring rolls, seafood. And coffee is a point of pride — Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee exporter after Brazil and the global leader in robusta, with hundreds of thousands of cafes.
There are also drinks you won't find elsewhere: egg coffee, coconut coffee, salted-cream coffee. You can eat well for a dollar on the street or in a fine-dining restaurant.
Myth: «It's just a cheap beach holiday»
Beaches are only part of it. There are mountains and rice terraces, the world's largest cave Son Doong, Ha Long Bay and other UNESCO sites, buzzing megacities, diving, food tours and spas. Vietnam has plenty for those who don't like simply lying on the beach.
That's why Vietnam suits party-goers, families with kids and adventure-seekers alike — one trip can combine sea, mountains and a big city.
Myth: «It's unsanitary, eating on the street is risky»
Street food is part of the culture, and busy stalls with a queue are usually very fresh. Cities are modern and clean, with cafes and restaurants at every level. The simple rule: eat where the locals do.
Myth: «Nha Trang is a resort only for Russians»
Today Nha Trang is truly international. Korean arrivals have surged (+170% on 2019), alongside visitors from China, Kazakhstan, India and Europe. It's a resort for everyone.
Menus, signs and service are increasingly multilingual, and hotel staff speak English and Korean. Every guest finds something for them.
Myth: «Communism means everything is grey and forbidden»
Since the 1986 «Doi Moi» reforms, Vietnam has a market economy and private business. Life is bright and modern: shops, cafes, startups, QR payments. Visitors feel free and comfortable here.
And here's a pleasant fact with no myth attached: in Nha Trang a beautiful bouquet or helium balloons can be ordered from your phone and delivered the same day — to a hotel, villa or dinner table. Message us on WhatsApp, Telegram or KakaoTalk and we'll bring it over.
