Anyone traveled to Vietnam?
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
I actually just got back a couple days ago from VN. It was part of my Asia tour. I can say your going at a bad time, it is extremely hot down there. So be perpard to be showering yourself like 5 times a day to stay cool. But don't listen to all the negative things you hear about VN. The place is great, I had a good time with no problems what so ever.
For your personal safety, just travel in a group if possible. There are locals that walk the streets that will try to scam or sell you stuff at all times. Best ways to avoid them is to ignore and keep walking. DO NOT take something you see on the floor or something that is handed to you, most likely its been black magic/curse or whatever. That could get you into some trouble.
For Hotels, you should ask or look for all the tourist and see where they're staying. 3/4 stars usually cost up to 30-70 US a night. Some might be nicer than others for the same rating, but it just really depends on the area. Try to look for the newer hotels for a clean and safe stay.
Scooter rentals are available usually in hotels, if not they could be found somewhere down the street. Its not hard to find one. But i really recommend you not to ride one around saigon (ho chi minh city). That place has some insane traffic. Its even dangerous to cross the street. If you like to ride, than (nha trang) is the place. Less traffic and the view is much better.
For foodwise, everything is good there. Not true about the street food. Some of the smaller restaurant and the street vendors actually have the best food there. Just make sure you don't have a weak stomach or bring yourself some stomach medicine. This is great if your on a budget but the portions of the food are very little.
If your looking to party, spending under 200US would get you some crazy bottle service. I would consider this VIP style, it also come with girls to company you.
Other than that have fun and stay safe.
For your personal safety, just travel in a group if possible. There are locals that walk the streets that will try to scam or sell you stuff at all times. Best ways to avoid them is to ignore and keep walking. DO NOT take something you see on the floor or something that is handed to you, most likely its been black magic/curse or whatever. That could get you into some trouble.
For Hotels, you should ask or look for all the tourist and see where they're staying. 3/4 stars usually cost up to 30-70 US a night. Some might be nicer than others for the same rating, but it just really depends on the area. Try to look for the newer hotels for a clean and safe stay.
Scooter rentals are available usually in hotels, if not they could be found somewhere down the street. Its not hard to find one. But i really recommend you not to ride one around saigon (ho chi minh city). That place has some insane traffic. Its even dangerous to cross the street. If you like to ride, than (nha trang) is the place. Less traffic and the view is much better.
For foodwise, everything is good there. Not true about the street food. Some of the smaller restaurant and the street vendors actually have the best food there. Just make sure you don't have a weak stomach or bring yourself some stomach medicine. This is great if your on a budget but the portions of the food are very little.
If your looking to party, spending under 200US would get you some crazy bottle service. I would consider this VIP style, it also come with girls to company you.
Other than that have fun and stay safe.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 11,644
Likes: 0
From: panhandle state
Always good place to check out: Lonely Tree Vietnam forum
Its a great country with nothing really to worry about - like the vast majority of places in the world. Your enjoyment of veitnam is dependent upon the way you travel the country. Havent been to vietnam, but in my experience your group will have a great time if you all
-travel extremely light
-sleep in the cheap backpacker places
-keep a LP handy
-eat off the street
-and say no to nice hotels, resturaunt food, iteneraries, and the like
See vietnam, not the shit the vietnamese built for rich tourists.
excellent site: http://www.travelindependent.info/
Vietnam Independent traveller
Its a great country with nothing really to worry about - like the vast majority of places in the world. Your enjoyment of veitnam is dependent upon the way you travel the country. Havent been to vietnam, but in my experience your group will have a great time if you all
-travel extremely light
-sleep in the cheap backpacker places
-keep a LP handy
-eat off the street
-and say no to nice hotels, resturaunt food, iteneraries, and the like
See vietnam, not the shit the vietnamese built for rich tourists.
excellent site: http://www.travelindependent.info/
Vietnam Independent traveller
Banned
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,708
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by b-diddy,Jun 16 2009, 09:08 PM
DO NOT take something you see on the floor or something that is handed to you, most likely its been black magic/curse or whatever.
One thing that really, really pissed me off was seeing old Western men's arms wrapped around young girls (sometimes way under 18) over there. I always wished the police would've done something about it.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 11,949
Likes: 474
From: MAHT-O-MEDI
Not really looking to party or anything like that just drive up the coast like the Top Gear episode. For those who have not seen it, it is one Youtube in 8 parts and was a neat episode. The purpose of the trip would be to ride bike or scooters up the coast, and that might include a stay at a resort for a day or two, but just driving windy roads and taking in scenery.
Renting bikes for such a long journey and not just for a local stay is the concern, and seeing if there is a way to ship them back to the rental company or maybe we have to ride all the way back. Have not thought that far ahead yet. And worried that a rented bike might get stolen along the trip at a hotel while sleeping or something.
Renting bikes for such a long journey and not just for a local stay is the concern, and seeing if there is a way to ship them back to the rental company or maybe we have to ride all the way back. Have not thought that far ahead yet. And worried that a rented bike might get stolen along the trip at a hotel while sleeping or something.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,708
Likes: 0
[QUOTE=vader1,Jun 17 2009, 06:32 AM] Renting bikes for such a long journey and not just for a local stay is the concern, and seeing if there is a way to ship them back to the rental company or maybe we have to ride all the way back.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,708
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by WarrenW,Jun 16 2009, 03:50 PM
Before you go, read "When Heaven & Earth Changed Places" by Le Ly Hayslip and/or watch the movie the book was based on, "Heaven & Earth". She wrote a follow-up book though I don't remember the name of it.
She also started the East Meets West Foundation, though is no longer involved in it. She moved back to Vietnam and runs the Global Village Foundation. I would like to meet her someday. Her book was an amazing read.
She also started the East Meets West Foundation, though is no longer involved in it. She moved back to Vietnam and runs the Global Village Foundation. I would like to meet her someday. Her book was an amazing read.
Registered User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11,074
Likes: 0
From: All up in your inner tubes. Whatcha gonna do sucka?
Originally Posted by mingster,Jun 16 2009, 06:39 PM
so are you looking for someone to love you long time?
