8 Muslim travel bugs when traveling in Vietnam

When traveling to non-Muslim countries (like Vietnam), Muslim travelers may encounter some common mistakes due to cultural differences, food, or lack of information. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them to have a safe, comfortable, and faith-based trip.

See more:

• Muslim-friendly trip to Vietnam 2025
• Muslim Tourism – in Vietnam 2025
• Best Vietnam Muslim Tour Operator, Smile Travel
• 10 TRAVEL AGENCY IN HANOI

8 Muslim travel bugs when traveling in Vietnam

⚠️ 1. No food origin check (not halal)

❌ Error:

• Eating non-halal meat or foods containing lard , alcohol , fish sauce , or pork gelatin .
• Trusting the “no pork” sign without double checking.

✅ How to avoid:

• Find restaurants that are halal certified or serve vegetarian, seafood food .
• Use apps like HalalTrip, Muslim Pro, Zabihah to look up restaurants.
• Ask the staff carefully about the ingredients: “No pork?”, “No alcohol?”, “Is it halal?”

🕋 2. Missing prayer time (salah)

❌ Error:

• Not preparing a suitable schedule to pray 5 times/day.
• It is difficult to find a quiet and clean place to pray.

✅ How to avoid:

• Use prayer time alarm app (Muslim Pro, Ummah).
• Bring a prayer mat and Qibla compass or app .
• Ask permission to pray at hotels, shopping malls (where there are few people).
• Visit the mosque if you are nearby – especially in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, An Giang.

🏨 3. Not checking if the hotel has halal or Muslim-friendly services

❌ Error:

• Hotel serves alcohol, pork, no prayer support.
• Breakfast does not have suitable food.

✅ How to avoid:

• Choose a 3 star hotel or higher , clearly note the request for halal food / no pork / no alcohol .
• Book through sites like HalalBooking.com if you need a higher level of assurance.

🍹 4. Drinking alcohol without checking carefully

❌ Error:

• Some desserts (tiramisu, cakes), sauces, or cocktails contain alcohol .

✅ How to avoid:

• Always ask first: “Does it contain alcohol?”
• Drink only mineral water and bottled fruit juice of clear origin.

👗 5. Clothing is not suitable for the local cultural environment

❌ Error:

• Dressing too conservatively when going to the beach → feels uncomfortable.
• Wear too thin clothes when visiting temples → not allowed to enter or attract attention.

✅ How to avoid:

• Prepare a burkini or Muslim swimsuit if going to the beach.
• Bring a light robe/shawl to wear when modest clothing is required.
• Most Vietnamese people are not racist, but respect should still be maintained.

📜 6. Not understanding local culture and laws

❌ Error:

• Smoking and eating in public places are not appropriate.
• Not knowing how to behave in temples, pagodas , markets , and Muslim residential areas (like Cham villages) .

✅ How to avoid:

• Learn ahead: dos and don’ts at your destination.
• Respect other cultures and religions when visiting.

🛃 7. Bringing self-prepared food that does not comply with airport regulations

❌ Error:

• Brought halal food from home but got confiscated at the airport due to liquids, odors, or customs regulations.

✅ How to avoid:

• Only bring dry food, carefully packaged, and do not bring liquids over 100ml through security check.
• Check Vietnam and country customs regulations.

✈️ 8. Not preparing medical documents, visa or travel insurance

❌ Error:

• Denied entry for lack of insurance , return ticket , vaccine certificate (if required).
• Not preparing medicine suitable for eating conditions abroad.

✅ How to avoid:

• Check carefully visa conditions, health insurance, entry regulations.
• Bring medicine for stomachache, allergies, digestion (because of strange food).

If you need a specific checklist or guide in English for Muslim travelers in Vietnam, I can create one for you. Are you going on a short or long trip?

SMILE TRAVEL CO.,LTD

• Hotline/ Whatsapp/Line/Viber: +84 346190168
• Email: smiletravelindochina@gmail.com
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