I plan to go to vietnam on backpack.anybody can share me their experiences?

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wnose

I just went to Vietnam in August 06 and spent over 3 weeks there.

If you have no experience in backpacking at all, then Vietnam might be a little hard, because of the language barrier. My first backpacking was in Australia and I loved it - easy to get around, no crime and there was a solid established infrastructure for backpacking.

But if you're feeling adventurous, then I suggest starting from Hanoi then working your way south. Hanoi is a good place to start because from there, you can book tours to Halong Bay (do a search on google images) and Sapa, which is fantastic.
Sapa has awesome scenery and the people are fantastic.

Hanoi is also a very charming city. The old center is very vibrant and the food is amazing.

Then work your way down south. If you have limited time, then I really suggest flying via vietnam airlines. Overland travel by bus is ROUGH and you'll probably need a half day just to recover.

Visit Hue, then on to Hoi An. Hoi An is a living treasure - a very well preserved chinese trading town, that now caters to tourism and hand made clothing. Yep, if you want anything made, grab a picture of it and bring it to Hoi An with you. What would cost US$2,000 in Los Angeles would cost US$100 in Hoi An.

Hoi An is also not far from the beaches and they're very nice.

Cost wise - you can travel for very cheap. You won't have to spend more than US$20 a day if you're backpacking. Actually for that budget you're not really backpacking - you can get your own private room that's clean with airconditioning and an attached bathroom.

Resources: get a lonely planet guide book and you'll know where to go and what to do. Talk to everyone you meet - backpackers are always very helpful and will willingly share their knowledge with you.

Open these links:

http://www.the-backpacking-site.com/countries/vietnam-overview.html
http://www.vietnamwar.com/article.htm?id=127&How_to_Properly_Pack_for_a_Backpacking_Journey_Through_Southeast_Asia

http://www.travelindependent.info/asia-indochina.htm

NievaViena

Try booking at Le Le Hotel. I heard lately they're been charging US$20 a night. When I was there in 2005, it was only US$15 for a twin sharing room. If you will leave for a day or two to tour, you can check-out and leave your luggage in the reception and check-in again as you come back. Value for your money as a US$100 there is equivalent to approx. 1.5M Vietnam Dong. People there are friendly and most off all, you will enjoy their food. Happy Trip!

Christina

Hi. when are you planning to go? Maybe we can go together. I wanted to go to vietnam for quite some time already. :)

First Choice

We found some interesting in Vietnam. Try www.vietnambudgettour.com

Sami V

Of course, it is an ideal place to go on backpack! Start with Ho Chi Minh City where you can see the War Museum and visit the place where the Americans had heel of a time fighting a gorilla war and were eventually miserably defeated! Do visit a place called Cuchi and experience the bunkers (still intact) originally used by the tiny (small build) Vietnamese soldiers! By the way people in Vietnam are pretty young , most of the elders having been perished in the war! Though they may be economically impoverished, the people are friendly and you will definitely adore and admire the Vietnamese beauty! By the way, Vietnamese airlines fly to most cities around the world now and their service is reportedly 'above average'!

Onin

I've just come back from Vietnam and my personal opinion is HCMC is a must see. However everything from north onwards is recommended. The south below HCMC well lets say it a no go zone.
Still very poor and yet to improve. The people are lovely and very friendly. Just be very careful with your items.

Thanh

I have never een back packing in vietnam but I been there a bunch of time. Never drink from the river or lake and be careful of snakes.

jas

Check the website of www.hanoibackpackers.com they will glsdy help you with your backpacking tours. They can arrange everything you need from cheap accomodations and daily tours. good Luck

Little Angel

Don't know..

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