Vietnam travel FAQs - updated or outdated?

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Novice

Some numbers/quantities might be outdated by a few to five years; however, the rest of this site looks decent enough, based on a trip I just made there this summer. My recommendation is to use that website to guide your trip.

philturner66

I've given you a couple of links that I hope will help you.

Vietnam is a great country and I hope you will enjoy your stay there.

My wife's Vietnamese so if you've any further specific questions don't hesitate to drop me a message.

SympatheticEar

Looks like it is pretty current. If you are from the US, the dollar is very strong. We travelled to Vietnam last year and I wish I had brought more dollars. We could use them everywhere and didn't need to exchange money. Of course, we got all the change in dongs, but were able to exchange it back at the end of the trip. Vietnam has lots of wonderful things to buy at really low prices, so be sure to bring an extra suitcase or duffle for all of your purchases. Art work is a steal. Lots of fun things to buy for Christmas presents for your family.

The people are really industrious and are very interesting to talk to. Do not miss Hanoi. It is the cultural capital, and I liked it more than any other city in Indochina.

I envy you. I would love to go back to Vietnam! Have a great trip.

dplast55

Hi Kurt,

Scanned through the FAQ on Vietnam, and think some of the tips are a bit dated or just too much trouble to read.

As far as visa's, go direct to the source - http://www.vietnamembassy-usa.org/consular_services/visa_info/ or if you’re not in the USA look for the one of the embassies closest to you.

With regard to climate, normally hot and humid in the south, (below the city of Hue) the highland (Dalat) is chilly at night as is the north in the winter.

Don't worry about vaccinations, but it is good advice to go to a travel clinic and see what they say, than it’s up to you.

The dong exchange rate runs around 16,000 dong to a dollar and has for many years. Traveler’s checks can be hard to cash; I've even had banks tell me my countersigned signature wasn’t mine. I use my atm card and a money belt with cash, leaving everything I don't need in the hotel safe. It’s a good plan to keep all valuables out of sight, so leave the Rolex at home, move cash in your pockets so you’re never flashing a big roll of bills. Handling dong is tricky, so from time to time stop where no one can see you and get it organized.

Yes, they are correct in that pick pockets, mostly you will find mixed into crowd s or kids and older people who get close to you on the street, can be aggravating but remember some of these folks are desperately poor. I hear people talk about snatch and grab by motorbike cowboys in Saigon but I've never experienced it.

Though, I've even had my wallet stolen out of the front pocket of my pants. I still carry it in front pocket but when strange people get real close or I’m in crowds I put my hand in and hold on to it. I don't carry my original passport but a photo copy and leave a photo copy of credit cards and everything important in my room. Overall Vietnam is very safe; communists don't mess with trouble makers.

As an alternate to FAQ page, take a look at my site especially the travel guide and links page to get a feel for Vietnam. I’ve been spending a few months there every year over the past 5 years and I’m sure you’ll find as I did that Vietnam is a fun, interesting and friendly place. As the saying goes "just do it".

justme

Dude, dont get too caught up in the paperwork etc. THere are some things that are worth being left to chance. i travelled vietnam for 4 weeks in December last year. It is very easy to get around and the language barrier is not so bad and can actually be entertaining at times.

It is a great history enriched place and is well worth travelling to.put away the guide for a day and get lost. Youe will be amazed at the things you find. And your hotel is only ever a taxi ride away.

nutz1228

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1060.html

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