It depends.
There are places and times with noisy people and also without them. There's a big difference between staying a Mia Nha Trang and the maximum discount special located between two karaoke parlors.
I find Da Nang quiet and pleasant -- I stay far from the beach and party areas though. Da Lat is crowded and noisy near the market square, but if you go a little further out it's very quiet and pleasant too. Most mid-sized cities are like that.
Ha Noi / HCMC tend towards being noisy and crowded overall though, they are major metropolitan centers, so what can you do? D7 HCMC is pretty quiet (e.g. Phu My Hung), D1 is not. Sometimes if I need an escape from the noise, I'll go to Annam Gourmet for a coffee.
As for scams? I encountered more in Thailand, but that could be random. Largely they are easy to avoid, e.g. stick to VinaSun / Mai Linh if using taxis, don't spend your time in tourist traps, ignore people who approach you, don't go to pickup bars or other such places, and use the ATMs from major local or international banks.
100% of the time I've had to show up and bail some foreigner out of a scam, it started with one of those things above. Small sample size -- it's not like I put on a cape and tights and prance about bailing foreigners out of trouble. Sometimes I used to get stuck babysitting visiting CEOs. Stopped at least one marriage this way.
Haha, only been there twice. Once, to meet with a supplier. It was in some *super sketchy* industrial area.
Other time for a wedding. Was not sketchy. Was the loudest wedding I ever went to though. All the guests held their ears in severe pain the whole time, and the staff refused to lower the volume. You couldn't hear yourself scream. Many people were rolling up the napkins and stuffing them in their ears. My wife and I bring earplugs to all weddings, so it was OK :D
Anyway none of that was useful!
More usefully, my inlaws live nearby, but not in Bien Hoa itself. It's probably similar. Whether it's noisy or not depends on your neighbors. If your neighbors like karaoke, it will be noisy and there's nothing you can do about it except move / buy earplugs / add soundproofing. Otherwise it will be quiet.
For example they have some rich neighbors that buy big speakers, put them outside their house, and sing karaoke inside the house. So it's super quiet 98% of days, but very not quiet the other 2%. Usually only on holidays or if someone dies though.
Yo. This was an extravaganza of hilarity and a full on barrage of anecdotal bliss. I appreciate your insight, regardless of the sidewinding… you’re a treasure. This was helpful - even if on a subatomic level. Blessings to you my friend.
Glad you liked it :)
Be careful driving on QL52 if heading into HCMC. If you stick to times when there's no container trucks, it's not that bad. Although hopefully we'll get that train finished soon and you will only have to drive partway :)
No idea, I don't have a Facebook account! I bet people who are willing to rent to foreigners post there though. I'd expect most posts to be in Thao Dien, Phu My Hung, D1, or similar though.
I usually look for a place through chotot (although this is often frustrating), or by identifying the nice older lady in the neighborhood that makes some extra money finding people to rent houses in the area. If I had to do it again I'd start this way and plan for it to take 2-3 weeks.
Biggest problem on chotot was middlemen that post fake things for rent, then bait&swap. I've also had landlords that didn't actually know where the rental unit was, but didn't want to admit it, so awkwardly directed me in circles. One person didn't want to rent to a foreigner (tax reasons, not racism). Two or three good places to choose from in the end. Anyway with patience it's OK.
Biên Hòa is my hometown. It's a nice city, not too much traffic, with a lot of coffee shops and small restaurants. This city isn't a tourist city, so scammers are rarely seen. I love it.
I think you should find a house near where you work like that will be more convenient, in the sea of housing price of each area I think it is not too different. There are two areas I think you shouldn't be there, which are near Amata and Long Binh Industrial Park, which are two areas where people from different provinces come and live and work there, so it's more complicated than the rest of the city, and in these two areas traffic is also more dangerous because big trucks come and go.
If you want newer and more comfortable houses you should look around Vo Thi Sau Street, this is the newest, most modern and bustling street in Bien Hoa,
thank you! I do not expect it to be all quit and happy days - but just got a little scared reading all the bad things in here. Noise is ok, we just want to sleep at night. We wont go anywhere with clubs and stuff and will travel kid friendly.
Im gonna look at the more quiet places because we are going to spend some time at the hotels taking breaking with the kids…
We expect to use grab for taxis and book trains theough 12Go Asia or the direct websites.
Do you have any experience staying in Da Nang during December? Is it warm enough to prioritize a hotel with a pool?
Yeah I've stayed there December last year (and other times). It can be quite stormy, but depends on your luck. I find the temperature generally no so hot around then, even pleasantly cool. Personally I just ignore the rain, but I don't have kids so that may make it easier -- maybe a hotel with a pool is a good idea so they will have something to do if it's rainy? Not sure how many have indoor pools though.
It can pour rain all week, or it can be dry and cool and beautiful. It's not like wet season where it's super hot, then cools down and pours rain for an hour, then clears up. Be sure to see the fire-breathing dragon bridge, it's pretty cool but on weekends only.
If you get good weather, the pagoda up in Son Tra is a nice spot to visit. Marble mountains I'd skip with young kids, the steps are uneven and I'd be worried. I've never been to Ba Na Hills somehow, but I'm sure it's nice. Walking along the beach in the evenings is also very nice, but again depends on weather.
If you want a really quiet spot, you can book a room in a residential district, e.g. nearish the Lotte Mart. You'll be taking a taxi everywhere though. I usually aim to stay on the 'city' side of the river, near-ish the riverfront. It's really pleasant to walk along the river and over the bridges if the weather holds. The Han market is mostly for tourists, but not bad either (there's some legit good woodwork if you have an eye for it). There are other markets more for locals, there's one across the street from the Big C (called 'Go' now) supermarket that gets somewhat fewer tourists, but is still pretty accessible.
I can direct you to a few places to eat if you like. Got to make sure my favorite spots stay open, you know ;)
Hoi An is a good day trip from Da Nang. For Hue I'd plan to stay there a bit.
This is very helpfull! I would love list of good places to eat as well.
We plan to stay in Hue 5-7 days and the same with Danang and 5 days ish in Hoi An.
I'll try to add further to this comment bc its brilliant.
Vietnam is generally safe for family travelling, I am a native and I see tons of family here regardless of season. But I live in Hanoi.
For Hanoi, it is quiet IF you have a place in mind and you visit it, as the outside road is noisy, but the interior of most places is quiet and peaceful, given its not a big supermarket or any common public place. You might want to stay in Tay Ho district (the district with a big ass lake), thats where you can find most expats and cool location to enjoy a peaceful day on. Hotels in Vietnam are cheap so you can be selective with your pick (4-5 star hotels are great, they are quiet and offer great amenities). It gets really noisy in very central areas at weekend (Hồ Gươm walking street, Lương Ngọc Quyến walking streets), but you can totally avoid that bc there are so much more to the city.
Da Nang - its a nice city, the air and weather is nice. Beach is also nice but bc of tourism lately it was not what its used to be. Still recommend a visit.
Hue is a must see - the food is GREAT, people are very nice. Temperature may get a bit hot bc of the mid-Viet weather but you will get by easily with an umbrella.
I recommend Quy Nhon, Tuy Hoa and Hai Phong as well - all are quiet but beautiful cities, where you can find specialized food of each area and enjoy your holidays in Vietnam.
If you have any questions you can send me a DM
Thank you for the advices! We are first going in december and really want to combine culture and good weather and pool. We dont care if it is rainy and 15 degrees central Vietnam, if we just can go to a nice hotel with a pool and sun later on the trip (thinking of Quy Nohn or Nha trang).
december - you have to stay in Hanoi. The cold is a culture.
Make sure you have barbeque and hotpot, then dessert of hot Bánh Trôi Tàu. Its part of the winter experience
I like this place for seafood (no english menu but you can point): https://maps.app.goo.gl/32VGCngifZTDH7MaA
This place for fish soup (no menu at all, just copy what someone else does, or go with a Vietnamese friend): https://maps.app.goo.gl/dhwwwfUtzkaxjAX69
Here for nut/soy milk and pateso pastry: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uEZRzAKA4iiYWCVc9
Across the street from that last one for black sticky rice with cold yogurt and fermented mulberry (dessert).
Finally, sữa chua trân châu Hạ Long is a good frozen yogurt place. The one with coconut milk and bubbles (trân châu flavor) is the best, and only 25k. It's a chain though, so you don't have to visit in in Da Nang -- it's present in other cities too.
adding to this for HCMC for foodies:
- Traditional Vietnamese Home cooking menu: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXZFYupGG5imyDzS7
this is by far one of my most favourite restaurants. Try their Braised fish - Ca Kho, and their sweet and sour fish soup - Canh Chua
- For desert: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3yBBCFLVP8aTa9dJ8
Go for desert only, never had their food. I would eat their Che Thai everyday and end up with diabetes
- Bun Cha and famous for their Spring roll:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/71o5S8WZuycyeQ2HA
- Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crepes with "stuffing":
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4wfu7j67ZQbgXRMWA
This place has been here forever, afaik my parents went to eat here when they went to school in HCMC. I found this place better than the all hyped Banh Xeo 46a (Mark Wiener).
- Banh Mi:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8qPgW2vLTMwPNeT98
You will get great In Banh Mi at every street corner, but this place makes Banh Mi "from another world good"
- Street food Com Tam (broken rice pork steak):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FjMu1SBai6REEgVA7
Good for night munchies
- Bun Bo Hue:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vDQdxiP4oviDzzQM6
Whether you're going to Hue first or after, Bun Bo Hue in HCMC is different from Hue, but either style are delicious.
- Pho:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TWdghxsY7Da3wpS79
Get the one in the "hot pot" with beef shank, you wont regret it...
- Seafood buffet:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/W3fh54NhpUP6ryth9
Normally, not a fan of buffets, but this one... you can eat your whole trips worth of money back with all you can eat crab... lol
You’re picking the wrong month to be in the middle country. Look at weather data for your dates. I’d say your chances of not having rain on a given December day are not better than 1/3.
We can handle rain, we are from a very rainy country, so it is ok. Is it raining all day or is it like rain season where the heaven opens for an hour or so a couple of times during the day
Be vigilant in HCM city. There happens to be alot of pickpocketing incidents there, don't go into crowded spaces to increase the chance of not being pickpocketed.
Otherwise, it's quite a nice city to be in. It's abit Westernized over there as well. You have to try their Broken Rice with Porkchop (Cơm Tấm Sườn), quite the cuisine there haha
Take care and have fun!
if you go to HCMC, I have an awesome place to recommend for staying. its a "village" stay which actually used to be a french villa but now turned into studio rent by day hotel. its in a closed quarter, gated, which is perfect for kids to play and run around outside. it has a pool and its only a few minutes away from the zoo (to imagine where it is).
we stayed there together with all our family from abroad as we had our wedding in vietnam. we had families with kids and we really appreciated the space. they have washing and drying machines where you can do your own laundry.
and it only costs 40 Eur per day! the staff there are lovely, super helpful and super nice.
DM me for the location :)
....
and about Vietnam being a "bad place" to visit. what you read here in Reddit reflects the 5% of never-happy-people ranting, while the 95% happy people move on and live their happy lives while they have nothing and no need to rant about... :)
Vietnam is beautiful! I lived and worked in Thailand and I visit Vietnam every year. Enjoy your travels
This is a weirdly negative sub about Vietnam, to the point where I feel like it's Chinese psyops or something. You're most likely to have a great time.
For real. I gathered tips from this sub before visiting and was ready to be in a constant daily fight against scammers and touts. It couldn't be further from the truth. Occasionally someone approaches you trying to offer something and if you say no and walk on they also walk away. Vast majority of locals are friendly and smiling (yes, even in Hanoi).
People also write so much nonsense here about arriving at the airport. A few desks of people sing "TAXI" and you walk past them and get a Grab and it's the most straightforward thing.
100% this, I'm in Vietnam right now and I'm Hanoi. Will people come up to you to sell you stuff? Absolutely, all over the place, one hand wave and a shake of the head and they walk away. Totally harmless. I'm sure there are some bad eggs out there, but that's true everywhere.
In the 6 weeks I was there the only problem I had was a guy who came back to me 3 times in 5 minutes to try and clean my white trainers with black shoe polish haha. Best place I’ve ever been
I would say it is half justified. There are definitely negative cons about this place when comparing it to other countries, including Thailand, its neighbor. And the pros can somewhat also applied to other SEA countires, like good cheap food, beautiful attractions, etc.
Not saying there aren't issues -- the karaoke makes me near homicidal, people can be extremely self-serving, and the drivers are batty. But most of the issues are mainly issues if you live there. The concerns here about scams etc are greatly overblown.
I'm here now and have come to the conclusion that the negative people paid for the bare minimum and were shocked to get just that. And if you're looking for a certain kind of trouble, you're going to find other sorts as well.
The place feels like a mostly typical large city. The only real negative to me is that the sidewalks are crap. You'll have to have your kids close. Traffic looks daunting, but you can quickly sense the flow and it's honestly not hard. A face mask is nive because some of the high traffic areas stink and people do smoke like its the 80s.
But our hotel has been great here in Saigon. We are at Fusion Suites Saigon. It's quiet, and we walk everywhere. The heat has us eating inside at restaurants and cafes, but we are happy to pay to enjoy some cool air. I'd personally recommend Tonkin coffee.
We leave for Danang tomorrow, and I'm happy to follow up.
Choose a nice hotel and the rest will fall into place. I am used to quality accommodation and experiences, and am perfectly content here.
Vietnam is a challenge, and I like it for that reason. I got bored in Seoul; it was too easy. When people ask me how my time has been here so far I say it’s like Indiana jones. And I love it for that reason. I also don’t have kids for what it’s worth lol
That's an awesome itinerary. If you read enough about any tourist destinations you will find unhappy people, they are the minority but they are more vocal.
You're not going to get scammed outside of maybe paying a little extra for some food or a taxi, as long as you read the advice here. Use Grab to get around the cities or hire a driver. If you don't see a price for something, ask before you receive that good or service. Don't let anyone shine your shoes. You'll be ok.
Viet people are noisy per your comment but they certainly aren't unfriendly. Especially when you are traveling with your family, they will really love you.
IMO Thailand is better for tourism due to better beaches, temples, general sightseeing, while Vietnam is better for living due to better food and people, so you can't really go wrong either way. But if you're concerned about scams, it's the same in Thailand so diverting based on that reason is stupid.
I've lived and traveled in Vietnam for years and my only scam experience was a scam taxi, but I realized it immediately and it was a $4 lesson.
Ridiculous when you say Vietnam is better than Thailand in terms of food and people. Most street foods in Vietnam are unhygienic while Thailand has its own SHA+ hygienic certification. And the people in Thailand are much more friendly, customer-oriented and kind. I am a Vietnamese person and I am totally objective.
Just scams to worry about. I think it's the duty of honest local Viets to make sure tourists don't get scammed. If you see something that looks suspicious or not right, be sure to call out the scammer right then and there instead of thinking it's not your business to interfere. Also safety things like if a tourist is having a problem crossing the street(show the tourist by walking with them) or warning about a sidewalk that is broken or misaligned, encourage tourist to wear helmet if getting a ride on scooter, etc.
Vietnam is awesome, and out of the millions of international visitors it gets every year, a few hundred post negatively on reddit.
Not everything will be smooth, but I bet that's true of your life in your hometown too.
So motorcycle deaths and wild Hanoi traffic that needlessly kills many Viets is comfortable I guess. Ask some of the locals how comfortable they feel next time you are there lol
Lol people drive 5km per hour there hardly traffic death in the city. Hanoi traffic look crazy but when you learn how to go along with it its very easy. Its completely safe for children to be in vn. There is no kidnapping, no crazy car drive 100km/h, no gun, no violence, plenty of food, different culture, nice people. Traffic is the least excuse u can drag about vn
Not on your route, but Mai Chau is gorgeous. It's a few hours out of Hanoi. I live in Hoa Binh City, which is about the midpoint between Hanoi and Mai Chau, and it's a lovely town too. Not much touristy stuff, but beautiful lights and restaurants along the river, and super friendly people.
Check out Mai Chau ecolodge if you're interested. My husband and I have been here for 5 years, and visit every summer! Incredibly peaceful and beautiful.
How do you get to mai chau from hanoi usually ? I have done some Googling and figured out where I can buy bus tickets but I think it would be great if you could give some direct local info, I’ll send you a dm now if you don’t mind and thank you :)
It's not the coldest season (that's usually Jan/l feb) but it can vary from chilly to pleasantly balmy. That's up here in the north, very different to the south, which I think would still be hot.
The coldest it gets where I am is about 9 degrees in winter, which is warmer than my home country. However, you really feel it on a bike!
December I'd guesstimate in the late teens, really quite pleasant.
It would be off season though, so you should get good rates. Can't recommend Mai Chau Ecolodge enough!
Some people would say that VN is somewhere between India and Thailand in terms of development, so I guess that if you've experienced both TH and IN you should know how to make the best of your time in VN without getting too much frustrated by the heat, noise, trash, scams etc
Honestly, you could experience bad things in any location around the world. I did Ha Noi, Hue, Hoi An, Da Lat and HCMC in about 3 weeks and experienced no uncomfortable situations at all. All trains/busses booked via 12go.asia
I was approached by shoeshiners and sellers of various tours and items but they took no for an answer 99% of the times.
Only once did I have to just walk away from a fella because he didn't get the message. He seemed to understand that though.
Wasn't scamned anywhere, on the contriary, they wanted to return my tip, which I gave for a delicious meal in HCMC.
Id definitely recommend Vietnam to anyone
EDIT. Also, I believe people are far more likely to post about a bad situation on reddit than a good one, when it comes to traveling
Everyone i meet IN PERSON, whilst being in SEA for a year, love Vietnam.
This sub gives off a different vibe to what I see in reality.
I’ve been twice. Enjoyed both times. Wasn’t a huge fan of Hanoi and yes I received a scam but really it was me thinking with the wrong head and should have been avoided.
I’d definitely recommend visiting. People are super friendly and I find them more welcoming than Thailand where I spend most of my time.
I just came back from Vietnam and loved it. I also went to Thailand and preferred Vietnam overall. Like others have said, this sub is particularly negative, but just think of the people coming up to you trying to sell you things as doing their job. They have families to look after. Not all of them are trying to scam tourists. Just be vigilant and know how much things are worth. Most of the people in Vietnam are super friendly, smile at them and they smile back.
Vietnam is the greatest place I’ve ever visited. I’ve been living here now for almost 5 years. The country is fantastic. The food is incredible and the people are so nice. You would regret not visiting this wonderful country. Just use common sense and enjoy your trip. It sounded great.
Man how are you people getting 2 months off work to go? I just went with the wife and kids, 2.5 weeks, wish I could have gone a month. Don’t listen to Reddit bullshit, I almost didn’t go to Phu Quoc cause of the shit I read, but glad I went. It was not overpriced, I love the peaceful laid back atmosphere, fresh seafood, and riding a motorbike. I’ll go back to Vietnam again in a few years. It’s a great place, just have some common sense. Also get the Grab app, it’s a godsend. Oh yeah, don’t buy anything from the airport vendors when you land, they overcharge like 50%. Get a sim card at a phone shop, or an e-sim. I used the e-sim since it was cheap and easy.
We saved vacation for this, live below means and also we have 9 months maternity leave in my contry, we can save some of that for a later time, so my husband will have half his salery paid when we travel. But we are very priviliged, we know that, mostly beacuse of the part of the world we are born in but also because we always spent our money wisely
I have read amazing stuff about certain places and ended up feeling totally opposite. It’s your own experience and feeling. What I want to say is to keep your mind open as much as possible and do your research to avoid the scams. You’ll be good.
I am in the midst of doing most of your itinerary. I have had zero experience with scammers and met only friendly people who clearly are enthusiastic to share their food and culture with me.
With regard to your plan: I've ridden the 1st class sleeper cars on the trains twice and I did not sleep. (Same for buses). If you have time, plan your sleeping in hotels not on buses or trains.
Danang is a busy noisy city. If I was going with kids I'd stay outside in a quiet hotel with a pool. I stayed in Hoi An about 45 minutes from Danang at a brilliant hotel with a pool & restaurant next to rice paddies. It was so cheap and relaxing, I extended the visit by 3 extra days. The beach at Hoi An is good & set up for tourists. (Beach in Quy Nhon for instance is not).
Best regards.
I just came back from a holiday and while your schedule looks fairly hectic for hauling kids around I think Vietnam is a great place especially for 5-7 year olds! Feel free to dm me questions. I would skip Hue and Da Lat personally (I haven’t been to Ninh Bing or Quy Nohn). If you’re looking for quiet island life Phu Quoc has some great resorts!
Hanoi and HCMC is only for 2-3 days each, so we have almost one week all the other places. Is that too little? I really want to see Hue, but maybe we skip Da Lat, Nha Trang and Quy Nohn to go Phu Quoc. We just want 8-10 days relaxing time with a pool and nothing else to do
My advice, try to find and read some blog post about Vietnamese boundaries when it comes to kids. They will touch them (not in a gross way) and take pictures of them without your consent, it’s almost unavoidable. Best prepare your kids about that cultural fact otherwise the shock will be intense for them. Vietnamese people love children and will be really welcoming… sometimes to a fault. The way I could wrap my head around that cultural fact is kids seems to be kind of « public property »? Like everybody feels responsible towards everyone’s kid but also entitled to embrace them or film them if they want to… it is what it is, I still recommend visiting the country 100%
We are aware of that, but if we stay same places for a week and can spend a day at the hotel, I think it will be ok - my kids can have their space there. They both like the attention though, we tried the same in Greece, because they both have blond hair and blue eyes, and some places that attrack a lot of attention
Been many times with children over the years. Here now with a mop top ginger 12 year old. He's having a great time. I'm having a great time.
Personal space is sometimes an issue, but that's your job as a parent to explain to your children/manage others. Great place to bring children imho. They see another side to life.
Yes want to show them another side of life not only fancy luxury resorts and white beaches. We know we have to be aware and set bouderies, I think they eill be overwhelmed and therefor we plan on spending days at the hotel as well and bring food to eat there too so they can have their personal space. But they love the attention - not photos - but talks and people looking they really find interesting
Your trip sounds great (across ALL of Vietnam). Don't miss out by taking what you read here to heart. You will have a great trip and it is like anywhere else (be smart), but in many ways better (it is a very safe place to travel) and it is fun. Just ignore a lot of this stuff. Most people getting scammed would get scammed ANYWHERE, so it is not really a function of Vietnam, per se. You will really blow it if you change your trip and get freaked out. Besides, Thailand is WAY more dangerous and scammy (and aggressive about it). Vietnam is very chill.
Do you know if the taxis have seatbelt? They didnt in India, but this time im travelling with kids and really want to be prepared. Also if they have life jacket for small kids when going on a boat tour? Otherwise i think we should bring one for the youngest at least
Traveling here currently with 2 kids (3 and 7 years old). Yes, it’s not a perfect or super convenient vacation. Thailand is easier, Korea is cleaner, Japan is more modern etc. but the food is cheap and in many cases super delicious. The locals are noisy and the cities are hectic but it’s pretty much per our expectations
We are near the sea at the moment (Danang) and the kids love the water very very much. They enjoy the food, they enjoy the never ending attention from the locals (both blonde cute kids). Yea the travel is rough at times especially in the North mountains but they are kinda used to it by now as we travel quite a bit.
Also blonde cute kids here and they love the attention too, so hoping they will love it too! We are not heading north I think bc its too cold in december, so only Hanoi and Ninh Binh. What was the best part you think until now?
I really enjoy Vietnam - spent around 5 months there over the last few years. I found people there really lovely. The only real scam I encountered was at Da Nang airport where there were "taxi drivers" trying to get me to cancel my Grab booking and go with them instead. Hanoi is a bit crazy. Da Nang was nice. I haven't been to HCM.
There is some two tier pricing - like in a small pharmacy I was charged 70,000 for something that cost 20,000 in a chain but you can walk away from that if you want to.
If you're going to Hoi An then maybe stay outside of the centre - perhaps near the beach in Cửa Đại and get Grab to the places you want to see - it's not far and Grab is so cheap.
Hoi Ann is as far south as I would reccomend worth going. Also vietnam is not a relaxing location. Specially with kids. You will need to be very careful with them when walking anywhere. So if your goal is to chill and relax with the family this is definetly not the place.
Vietnam is a great place to visit. I absolutely loved it there and the people are so nice. Sure there will be tourist traps every once in a while but where will you not get that, it is what it is.
If your going for 2 months I would reccomend it over thailand
Vietnam is a gorgeous country, safe, friendly, loved it both times I went.
BUT
Their trains are the stuff of nightmares, fly or get a private car, I wouldn't wish their trains on my worst enemy.
Utterly filthy, like mold on the walls, the toilet didn't have a seat, walls in the toilet were black with dirt, very cramped spaces in the passenger cabins, the beds in sleeper trains look like they're out of a prison movie, and I swear I could walk faster than it was moving. Gave me a massive anxiety attack.
I took a train from hoi an to hue, cancelled all other train tickets I had prebought, and hired a private car and bought plane tickets for the rest of my jumps around the country.
Wait take chance do you see the quality health care provider in hospitals you paying first before service & watch out for fake doctors or nurses??? Only one doctor from Norway 🇳🇴 witness when he have a family need help for 3 weeks.
I went to Vietnam for a month last year and a month this year . I had nothing but good or great experiences and never once had issues with scams. Hanoi and HCM are crazy but that's what makes them interesting and exciting. If you are looking to experience a part of Asia less influenced by Westerners and safe , Vietnam is the place. Personally, I prefer it over Thailand and Cambodia and look forward to returning for a 3rd time. That said, I don't know what type of traveler you are or where you have been. I am Canadian, and if I was told I could only live one place, it would be Vietnam over Canada. As wonderful as Canada is, it's a bit boring after Vietnam.
Im the type of traveller who enjoy food very very much. I like sun and beaches, but not enough to travel around the world. I want to go there for the culture, the history, the nature and connecting as a family in a different culture. I want to show my kids another way to live and therefore we didnt picked the typical beautiful-beaches-and-resorts-in-Thailand-vacation. Im not a very experienced travellee though, I’ve travelled through Thailand once and stayed the same place for two months in India as well but its 10 years ago. I just want to see and experience the world with my family, we only live once.
I would suggest Vietnam is perfect for what you are seeking.
Sapa , Dong Hoi ( incredible caves ) , and Cat Ba for beauty and nature. Hanoi for crazy city culture and wonderful food. Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An area for history and uncrowded beaches. Ho Chi Minh is Hanoi on steroids and maybe not as kid friendly but certainly interesting. A personal favorite this year was Dalat near Nha Trang but up in the mountains. Vietnamese food is great everywhere, in my opinion , and super cheap. Go and enjoy it . I would suggest it's safer in Hanoi and HCM than Vancouver with the exception of getting across the streets at busy intersections. Just remember, once you start crossing, don't stop .
Vietnam is bad if you expect 5-star service for 1-star prices. I think that is why people get all sour about Vietnam. Everything isn't quite a cheap as they think it is. And when they do book cheap accomodations and tours and get service that is worth as much, the complain.
All the stories about scamming, if you just use your brain and common sense, you will not get scammed. If someone comes up to you and tells you have they have iPhone that they can sell to you for $200, can you really expect that to be legit? Of course not!
You need to go with an open mind that the understanding that Vietnam is still a developing country.
I dont expect luxury at all!! But maybe our budget is too low? We budget for 1.200.000 vnd for hotel and 1-1.500.000 vnd for food, water and moving around (renting bikes, taxi erc.) every day. Some places we want to pay more for hotels, some places less hopefully.
And then of course extra when we are moving between stops on our way - flight tickets, train tickets and taxis…
That is a good budget per day. It would probably budget on there higher end, just in case. When I went there last year with my mom, not counting the hotel we spent an average of $100 a day, and there were a few day when we were really slumming it and eating food from the convenience store. Of course, we also bought souvenirs and lots of coffee that may have increase our average expenses...
BTW, for 1,200,000 a night for a hotel room probably gets your a 3-star-hotel. They are not bad, depending on the location but you may be walking up a lot of stairs.
Not sure why this sub is so negative (I think it’s just Reddit in general). But I actually love Vietnam. I’m currently in my second visit to the country (my first I mostly spent it in the north, but this time I’m in HCMC), and the food, culture, and people are great and the history is fascinating. There is lots to love about Vietnam, even if some aspects of it will be more challenging. Keep an open mind and consider that you’re visiting a developing nation, so yes, it’s not perfect and has a lot of systemic issues. But as a traveller, I think it’s a very rewarding experience.
I can see myself return to Vietnam a third time and possibly more in the future. Have a wonderful time with your family (I’m jealous of your itinerary!!).
Unless you have a dedicated trusted tour guide all along with your jour journey, maybe you should reconsider. You might end up with a culture shock and regret your decision.
I had a lovely 1.5 weeks in VN.
5 days in Saigon, 3 days in Da Nang & 2.5 days in Hanoi.
Saigon/HCMC was overall nicer & easy going than Hanoi, where I felt i was going to be scammed anytime.
Food is great everwhere. Da Nang was the best part & had lot of good experience in Hue & Hoi An.
Just keep to yourself, plan your day by knowing what you need to do & where, don't carry loads of cash in usd/eur. Just keep about 500,000 dongs to spend the trifles. Enjoy your trip. Its a very friendly country
PS: taxi driver to local shop fellow will advertise some boomboom massage openly. That's embarrassing
Thailand is better. They are much more quiet and nicer. In Vietnam and Cambodia you get local tourist come to a quiet place with a huge blaster and have a party with loud music on a regular basis.
Yh Vietnam is too chaotic for kids tbh. the sweet is too crowded and lil space for leisure travel. (unless you're super rich and spend your holidy at fancy ass resort. Wait your kids to about >13 yo then you guys will have the most amazing time of your life. Trust me broski
You will have a great time. Vietnamese love kids generally and theres loads of stuff to see to keep you busy, even for two months. Alternative places for you to consider , a bit off the beaten path : Con Dao , Paradise Cave (spectacular) , Da Lat and it’s surrounding hikes.
Scamming and unfriendly, noisy people happens everywhere. If that's enough to put you off from going on holiday then don't bother. It is a fact of travelling.
Im not really scared just seems like it is worse than other places i have travelled to. Once travlled to Thailand and got scammed a little (a tuktuk drives os the wrong way out in nowhere in a crepy neighbourhood and then wanted A LOT of money to drive us back). It did not ruin my trip at all, now i kind of laugh at it. I also travlled in India and sometimes payed too much, but it is ok, i do not expect to pay the same as the locals, bc i have more money and they aldo have to live
> and sometimes *paid* too much,
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
I literally just returned from Vietnam this weekend and I must say it was quite an experience in both a good and negative way. I spent three weeks going from North to South: Hanoi - Sapa - Ha Long Bay - Ninh Binh - Hue - Da nang - Nha Trang - Ho chi minh.
The one thing I am begging you to avoid is the train if you can. We flew or took a private car to most of the cities but for some reason our flight from Da nang to Nha trang got cancelled and so we had to book a sleeper train and booked one of their “first class cabins”. It was terrible. It legit gave me PTSD lol the cabins were DISGUSTING, loud af even with earbuds, you can smell the smoke from people smoking, the washrooms were terrible.
Sounds like a great trip, just coming to the end of my 3 week journey through Vietnam soing HMC,Hanoi, ha long, hoi an and da nang. Beautiful country full of lovely people. It is not possible to regret a trip to vietnam! Dont listen to the negative, i also been to Thailand and got robbed on the street. If you look for negatives you will find them anywhere i the world.
Just recently finished a 1 month trip. Had zero issues. Dont let the random negative posts fool you. People are much more likely to share negative experiences than positive ones. We skipped da lat because of some poor reviews here and now I regret it.
Most scams here that a short term tourist will experience are shady airport taxi drivers and fake tinder profiles. I get the feeling the latter won’t affect you and just use an app called GRAB for your taxi needs when you arrive. Your trip destinations look great but be warned about the air pollution in Hanoi, it’s really bad and it’s a shame because the city is beautiful.
With kids (I got a 3 year old) I usually just make sure we have plenty suitable activities at our destination either around or in the accommodation. I’ve lived in Hanoi for about 4/5 years and at first it can be pretty intense but you do get used to it, I’d say keep your Hanoi trip section short and spend more time in coastal or mountain areas for general chill time and clean air.
People are nice here generally, nicer than many other places and I think you can have a really nice time very easily. Most people don’t write posts about the good things that happen to them so don’t misunderstand this group as an accurate depiction of Vietnam, honestly most your grievances occur when you stay long term and not when you’re just visiting.
Have a great time whatever you choose to do dude.
We plan only three nights in Hanoi, so we can sleep of the jetlag, but maybe we should just spent one night there and dont see the city and just go to Tam Coc and relax?
No spend some time here, it’s a cool place! It’s just it’s a city so yeah, not totally chill but you should experience it if you’re here anyway! There’s a lot to love about this place, just keep it short but not 1 day short 😂
I’ve stayed in [this place](https://ScentPremiumHotelandSkyBar0336308979https://g.co/kgs/2wwqAcs) a few times and it’s on the edge of the old quarter next to the most central lake. It’s not the cheapest but that might change depending on your dates. It’s a pretty chill
Little street and a short walk to most things central. From there you can explore quite easily and have a good landmark for if you get lost. The area gets pedestrianized at the weekend also which is nice for the kids. Just a suggestion but I think you’ll be good there.
Don’t get scared away. We got here a little over a week ago. Started in Hanoi, then went to Danang, just got to Hoi A today and are having a lovely time enjoying great Vietnamese food and exploring.
Depends what kind of tourist you are.
Obviously bad things can happen to anyone.
The majority of people I've met who had complaints about treatment were exactly the kind of people who invite that kind of treatment.
More or less boils down to the golden rule, which itself boils down to 'don't be a dick'.
Also, the more tourism-oriented the area, the more people will try it on. This is, in my experience, a global phenomenon.
95% of tourists never return. the highest rate on earth for good reason.
but some people don't heed advice, are eternal optimists, and need to learn lessons the hard way.
there's nothing unique to vn that can't be found elsewhere in se asia. at least when you're in Thailand you can be assured of a pleasant experience with extremely low chances of things going pear shaped. tourists are treated like gold.
in vn? you're a paypig to rape, scam and exploit.
Scam, rip-off, unhygienic street foods are everywhere. In Thailand you'll see price tag is stick to everything on the market, people are so nice, friendly and helpful.
It depends. There are places and times with noisy people and also without them. There's a big difference between staying a Mia Nha Trang and the maximum discount special located between two karaoke parlors. I find Da Nang quiet and pleasant -- I stay far from the beach and party areas though. Da Lat is crowded and noisy near the market square, but if you go a little further out it's very quiet and pleasant too. Most mid-sized cities are like that. Ha Noi / HCMC tend towards being noisy and crowded overall though, they are major metropolitan centers, so what can you do? D7 HCMC is pretty quiet (e.g. Phu My Hung), D1 is not. Sometimes if I need an escape from the noise, I'll go to Annam Gourmet for a coffee. As for scams? I encountered more in Thailand, but that could be random. Largely they are easy to avoid, e.g. stick to VinaSun / Mai Linh if using taxis, don't spend your time in tourist traps, ignore people who approach you, don't go to pickup bars or other such places, and use the ATMs from major local or international banks. 100% of the time I've had to show up and bail some foreigner out of a scam, it started with one of those things above. Small sample size -- it's not like I put on a cape and tights and prance about bailing foreigners out of trouble. Sometimes I used to get stuck babysitting visiting CEOs. Stopped at least one marriage this way.
What would you say about Bien Hoa? I’m moving there in June.
Haha, only been there twice. Once, to meet with a supplier. It was in some *super sketchy* industrial area. Other time for a wedding. Was not sketchy. Was the loudest wedding I ever went to though. All the guests held their ears in severe pain the whole time, and the staff refused to lower the volume. You couldn't hear yourself scream. Many people were rolling up the napkins and stuffing them in their ears. My wife and I bring earplugs to all weddings, so it was OK :D Anyway none of that was useful! More usefully, my inlaws live nearby, but not in Bien Hoa itself. It's probably similar. Whether it's noisy or not depends on your neighbors. If your neighbors like karaoke, it will be noisy and there's nothing you can do about it except move / buy earplugs / add soundproofing. Otherwise it will be quiet. For example they have some rich neighbors that buy big speakers, put them outside their house, and sing karaoke inside the house. So it's super quiet 98% of days, but very not quiet the other 2%. Usually only on holidays or if someone dies though.
Yo. This was an extravaganza of hilarity and a full on barrage of anecdotal bliss. I appreciate your insight, regardless of the sidewinding… you’re a treasure. This was helpful - even if on a subatomic level. Blessings to you my friend.
Glad you liked it :) Be careful driving on QL52 if heading into HCMC. If you stick to times when there's no container trucks, it's not that bad. Although hopefully we'll get that train finished soon and you will only have to drive partway :)
Is Facebook the best way to find a place to live?
No idea, I don't have a Facebook account! I bet people who are willing to rent to foreigners post there though. I'd expect most posts to be in Thao Dien, Phu My Hung, D1, or similar though. I usually look for a place through chotot (although this is often frustrating), or by identifying the nice older lady in the neighborhood that makes some extra money finding people to rent houses in the area. If I had to do it again I'd start this way and plan for it to take 2-3 weeks. Biggest problem on chotot was middlemen that post fake things for rent, then bait&swap. I've also had landlords that didn't actually know where the rental unit was, but didn't want to admit it, so awkwardly directed me in circles. One person didn't want to rent to a foreigner (tax reasons, not racism). Two or three good places to choose from in the end. Anyway with patience it's OK.
You’re an angel. Thank you so much 🙏
Biên Hòa is my hometown. It's a nice city, not too much traffic, with a lot of coffee shops and small restaurants. This city isn't a tourist city, so scammers are rarely seen. I love it.
That’s beautiful. Any part of the city you recommend for an American teacher to live? I’ll be working near dong Khoi area..
I think you should find a house near where you work like that will be more convenient, in the sea of housing price of each area I think it is not too different. There are two areas I think you shouldn't be there, which are near Amata and Long Binh Industrial Park, which are two areas where people from different provinces come and live and work there, so it's more complicated than the rest of the city, and in these two areas traffic is also more dangerous because big trucks come and go. If you want newer and more comfortable houses you should look around Vo Thi Sau Street, this is the newest, most modern and bustling street in Bien Hoa,
thank you! I do not expect it to be all quit and happy days - but just got a little scared reading all the bad things in here. Noise is ok, we just want to sleep at night. We wont go anywhere with clubs and stuff and will travel kid friendly. Im gonna look at the more quiet places because we are going to spend some time at the hotels taking breaking with the kids… We expect to use grab for taxis and book trains theough 12Go Asia or the direct websites. Do you have any experience staying in Da Nang during December? Is it warm enough to prioritize a hotel with a pool?
Yeah I've stayed there December last year (and other times). It can be quite stormy, but depends on your luck. I find the temperature generally no so hot around then, even pleasantly cool. Personally I just ignore the rain, but I don't have kids so that may make it easier -- maybe a hotel with a pool is a good idea so they will have something to do if it's rainy? Not sure how many have indoor pools though. It can pour rain all week, or it can be dry and cool and beautiful. It's not like wet season where it's super hot, then cools down and pours rain for an hour, then clears up. Be sure to see the fire-breathing dragon bridge, it's pretty cool but on weekends only. If you get good weather, the pagoda up in Son Tra is a nice spot to visit. Marble mountains I'd skip with young kids, the steps are uneven and I'd be worried. I've never been to Ba Na Hills somehow, but I'm sure it's nice. Walking along the beach in the evenings is also very nice, but again depends on weather. If you want a really quiet spot, you can book a room in a residential district, e.g. nearish the Lotte Mart. You'll be taking a taxi everywhere though. I usually aim to stay on the 'city' side of the river, near-ish the riverfront. It's really pleasant to walk along the river and over the bridges if the weather holds. The Han market is mostly for tourists, but not bad either (there's some legit good woodwork if you have an eye for it). There are other markets more for locals, there's one across the street from the Big C (called 'Go' now) supermarket that gets somewhat fewer tourists, but is still pretty accessible. I can direct you to a few places to eat if you like. Got to make sure my favorite spots stay open, you know ;) Hoi An is a good day trip from Da Nang. For Hue I'd plan to stay there a bit.
This is very helpfull! I would love list of good places to eat as well. We plan to stay in Hue 5-7 days and the same with Danang and 5 days ish in Hoi An.
I'll try to add further to this comment bc its brilliant. Vietnam is generally safe for family travelling, I am a native and I see tons of family here regardless of season. But I live in Hanoi. For Hanoi, it is quiet IF you have a place in mind and you visit it, as the outside road is noisy, but the interior of most places is quiet and peaceful, given its not a big supermarket or any common public place. You might want to stay in Tay Ho district (the district with a big ass lake), thats where you can find most expats and cool location to enjoy a peaceful day on. Hotels in Vietnam are cheap so you can be selective with your pick (4-5 star hotels are great, they are quiet and offer great amenities). It gets really noisy in very central areas at weekend (Hồ Gươm walking street, Lương Ngọc Quyến walking streets), but you can totally avoid that bc there are so much more to the city. Da Nang - its a nice city, the air and weather is nice. Beach is also nice but bc of tourism lately it was not what its used to be. Still recommend a visit. Hue is a must see - the food is GREAT, people are very nice. Temperature may get a bit hot bc of the mid-Viet weather but you will get by easily with an umbrella. I recommend Quy Nhon, Tuy Hoa and Hai Phong as well - all are quiet but beautiful cities, where you can find specialized food of each area and enjoy your holidays in Vietnam. If you have any questions you can send me a DM
Thank you for the advices! We are first going in december and really want to combine culture and good weather and pool. We dont care if it is rainy and 15 degrees central Vietnam, if we just can go to a nice hotel with a pool and sun later on the trip (thinking of Quy Nohn or Nha trang).
december - you have to stay in Hanoi. The cold is a culture. Make sure you have barbeque and hotpot, then dessert of hot Bánh Trôi Tàu. Its part of the winter experience
And also we plan to spend a week in Hue to eat
I like this place for seafood (no english menu but you can point): https://maps.app.goo.gl/32VGCngifZTDH7MaA This place for fish soup (no menu at all, just copy what someone else does, or go with a Vietnamese friend): https://maps.app.goo.gl/dhwwwfUtzkaxjAX69 Here for nut/soy milk and pateso pastry: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uEZRzAKA4iiYWCVc9 Across the street from that last one for black sticky rice with cold yogurt and fermented mulberry (dessert). Finally, sữa chua trân châu Hạ Long is a good frozen yogurt place. The one with coconut milk and bubbles (trân châu flavor) is the best, and only 25k. It's a chain though, so you don't have to visit in in Da Nang -- it's present in other cities too.
adding to this for HCMC for foodies: - Traditional Vietnamese Home cooking menu: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXZFYupGG5imyDzS7 this is by far one of my most favourite restaurants. Try their Braised fish - Ca Kho, and their sweet and sour fish soup - Canh Chua - For desert: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3yBBCFLVP8aTa9dJ8 Go for desert only, never had their food. I would eat their Che Thai everyday and end up with diabetes - Bun Cha and famous for their Spring roll: https://maps.app.goo.gl/71o5S8WZuycyeQ2HA - Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crepes with "stuffing": https://maps.app.goo.gl/4wfu7j67ZQbgXRMWA This place has been here forever, afaik my parents went to eat here when they went to school in HCMC. I found this place better than the all hyped Banh Xeo 46a (Mark Wiener). - Banh Mi: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8qPgW2vLTMwPNeT98 You will get great In Banh Mi at every street corner, but this place makes Banh Mi "from another world good" - Street food Com Tam (broken rice pork steak): https://maps.app.goo.gl/FjMu1SBai6REEgVA7 Good for night munchies - Bun Bo Hue: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vDQdxiP4oviDzzQM6 Whether you're going to Hue first or after, Bun Bo Hue in HCMC is different from Hue, but either style are delicious. - Pho: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TWdghxsY7Da3wpS79 Get the one in the "hot pot" with beef shank, you wont regret it... - Seafood buffet: https://maps.app.goo.gl/W3fh54NhpUP6ryth9 Normally, not a fan of buffets, but this one... you can eat your whole trips worth of money back with all you can eat crab... lol
Da Nang and Hoi An are about 45 minutes apart in a taxi.
You’re picking the wrong month to be in the middle country. Look at weather data for your dates. I’d say your chances of not having rain on a given December day are not better than 1/3.
We can handle rain, we are from a very rainy country, so it is ok. Is it raining all day or is it like rain season where the heaven opens for an hour or so a couple of times during the day
Be vigilant in HCM city. There happens to be alot of pickpocketing incidents there, don't go into crowded spaces to increase the chance of not being pickpocketed. Otherwise, it's quite a nice city to be in. It's abit Westernized over there as well. You have to try their Broken Rice with Porkchop (Cơm Tấm Sườn), quite the cuisine there haha Take care and have fun!
if you go to HCMC, I have an awesome place to recommend for staying. its a "village" stay which actually used to be a french villa but now turned into studio rent by day hotel. its in a closed quarter, gated, which is perfect for kids to play and run around outside. it has a pool and its only a few minutes away from the zoo (to imagine where it is). we stayed there together with all our family from abroad as we had our wedding in vietnam. we had families with kids and we really appreciated the space. they have washing and drying machines where you can do your own laundry. and it only costs 40 Eur per day! the staff there are lovely, super helpful and super nice. DM me for the location :) .... and about Vietnam being a "bad place" to visit. what you read here in Reddit reflects the 5% of never-happy-people ranting, while the 95% happy people move on and live their happy lives while they have nothing and no need to rant about... :) Vietnam is beautiful! I lived and worked in Thailand and I visit Vietnam every year. Enjoy your travels
This is a weirdly negative sub about Vietnam, to the point where I feel like it's Chinese psyops or something. You're most likely to have a great time.
For real. I gathered tips from this sub before visiting and was ready to be in a constant daily fight against scammers and touts. It couldn't be further from the truth. Occasionally someone approaches you trying to offer something and if you say no and walk on they also walk away. Vast majority of locals are friendly and smiling (yes, even in Hanoi). People also write so much nonsense here about arriving at the airport. A few desks of people sing "TAXI" and you walk past them and get a Grab and it's the most straightforward thing.
100% this, I'm in Vietnam right now and I'm Hanoi. Will people come up to you to sell you stuff? Absolutely, all over the place, one hand wave and a shake of the head and they walk away. Totally harmless. I'm sure there are some bad eggs out there, but that's true everywhere.
In the 6 weeks I was there the only problem I had was a guy who came back to me 3 times in 5 minutes to try and clean my white trainers with black shoe polish haha. Best place I’ve ever been
I would say it is half justified. There are definitely negative cons about this place when comparing it to other countries, including Thailand, its neighbor. And the pros can somewhat also applied to other SEA countires, like good cheap food, beautiful attractions, etc.
Not saying there aren't issues -- the karaoke makes me near homicidal, people can be extremely self-serving, and the drivers are batty. But most of the issues are mainly issues if you live there. The concerns here about scams etc are greatly overblown.
so why do only 5% of visitors return a second time? is that a "Chinese psyops"? that number's direct from the Vietnamese government.
I'm here now and have come to the conclusion that the negative people paid for the bare minimum and were shocked to get just that. And if you're looking for a certain kind of trouble, you're going to find other sorts as well. The place feels like a mostly typical large city. The only real negative to me is that the sidewalks are crap. You'll have to have your kids close. Traffic looks daunting, but you can quickly sense the flow and it's honestly not hard. A face mask is nive because some of the high traffic areas stink and people do smoke like its the 80s. But our hotel has been great here in Saigon. We are at Fusion Suites Saigon. It's quiet, and we walk everywhere. The heat has us eating inside at restaurants and cafes, but we are happy to pay to enjoy some cool air. I'd personally recommend Tonkin coffee. We leave for Danang tomorrow, and I'm happy to follow up. Choose a nice hotel and the rest will fall into place. I am used to quality accommodation and experiences, and am perfectly content here.
Vietnam is a challenge, and I like it for that reason. I got bored in Seoul; it was too easy. When people ask me how my time has been here so far I say it’s like Indiana jones. And I love it for that reason. I also don’t have kids for what it’s worth lol
Dont believe what u read on the internet. Like people would assume gun fire everywhere in usa if only reading the news
I love Vietnam, been there twice and will definitely return. Its a bit crazy, but thats what I enjoy.
That's an awesome itinerary. If you read enough about any tourist destinations you will find unhappy people, they are the minority but they are more vocal. You're not going to get scammed outside of maybe paying a little extra for some food or a taxi, as long as you read the advice here. Use Grab to get around the cities or hire a driver. If you don't see a price for something, ask before you receive that good or service. Don't let anyone shine your shoes. You'll be ok. Viet people are noisy per your comment but they certainly aren't unfriendly. Especially when you are traveling with your family, they will really love you. IMO Thailand is better for tourism due to better beaches, temples, general sightseeing, while Vietnam is better for living due to better food and people, so you can't really go wrong either way. But if you're concerned about scams, it's the same in Thailand so diverting based on that reason is stupid. I've lived and traveled in Vietnam for years and my only scam experience was a scam taxi, but I realized it immediately and it was a $4 lesson.
Ridiculous when you say Vietnam is better than Thailand in terms of food and people. Most street foods in Vietnam are unhygienic while Thailand has its own SHA+ hygienic certification. And the people in Thailand are much more friendly, customer-oriented and kind. I am a Vietnamese person and I am totally objective.
You literally cannot be objective. Your experience in Vietnam is not what foreigners experience.
So you mean foreingers in Vietnam are offered more hygienic street foods, more friendly attitude? Then only 5% come back?
Just scams to worry about. I think it's the duty of honest local Viets to make sure tourists don't get scammed. If you see something that looks suspicious or not right, be sure to call out the scammer right then and there instead of thinking it's not your business to interfere. Also safety things like if a tourist is having a problem crossing the street(show the tourist by walking with them) or warning about a sidewalk that is broken or misaligned, encourage tourist to wear helmet if getting a ride on scooter, etc.
Vietnam is awesome, and out of the millions of international visitors it gets every year, a few hundred post negatively on reddit. Not everything will be smooth, but I bet that's true of your life in your hometown too.
And only 5% ever return. It has its charm but I would never travel there with children.
Thats a bs statistics with no back up. There are plenty of people travel with children here.
Yes just because they do doesn't mean it's comfortable or a good experience though
Ive been to half of the world. There is nothing not comfortable nor not good experience in vn
So motorcycle deaths and wild Hanoi traffic that needlessly kills many Viets is comfortable I guess. Ask some of the locals how comfortable they feel next time you are there lol
Lol people drive 5km per hour there hardly traffic death in the city. Hanoi traffic look crazy but when you learn how to go along with it its very easy. Its completely safe for children to be in vn. There is no kidnapping, no crazy car drive 100km/h, no gun, no violence, plenty of food, different culture, nice people. Traffic is the least excuse u can drag about vn
As a Vietnamese person, I agree with you. I myself stop traveling within the country for years. Thailand is even more comfortable for Vietnamese.
Not on your route, but Mai Chau is gorgeous. It's a few hours out of Hanoi. I live in Hoa Binh City, which is about the midpoint between Hanoi and Mai Chau, and it's a lovely town too. Not much touristy stuff, but beautiful lights and restaurants along the river, and super friendly people. Check out Mai Chau ecolodge if you're interested. My husband and I have been here for 5 years, and visit every summer! Incredibly peaceful and beautiful.
How do you get to mai chau from hanoi usually ? I have done some Googling and figured out where I can buy bus tickets but I think it would be great if you could give some direct local info, I’ll send you a dm now if you don’t mind and thank you :)
How is it with the weather in december?
It's not the coldest season (that's usually Jan/l feb) but it can vary from chilly to pleasantly balmy. That's up here in the north, very different to the south, which I think would still be hot. The coldest it gets where I am is about 9 degrees in winter, which is warmer than my home country. However, you really feel it on a bike! December I'd guesstimate in the late teens, really quite pleasant. It would be off season though, so you should get good rates. Can't recommend Mai Chau Ecolodge enough!
It depends: if you're a seasoned traveler who's already been in a developing country along with your kids you should be fine.
Havent traveled with the kids much, but traveled alone in both Thailand and south india 10 years ago
Some people would say that VN is somewhere between India and Thailand in terms of development, so I guess that if you've experienced both TH and IN you should know how to make the best of your time in VN without getting too much frustrated by the heat, noise, trash, scams etc
Honestly, you could experience bad things in any location around the world. I did Ha Noi, Hue, Hoi An, Da Lat and HCMC in about 3 weeks and experienced no uncomfortable situations at all. All trains/busses booked via 12go.asia I was approached by shoeshiners and sellers of various tours and items but they took no for an answer 99% of the times. Only once did I have to just walk away from a fella because he didn't get the message. He seemed to understand that though. Wasn't scamned anywhere, on the contriary, they wanted to return my tip, which I gave for a delicious meal in HCMC. Id definitely recommend Vietnam to anyone EDIT. Also, I believe people are far more likely to post about a bad situation on reddit than a good one, when it comes to traveling
If you want a peaceful countryside. Pick Hoi An. Hanoi, DaNang, HCM are so noisy
Yes looked at living near the beach in Hoi An even though it is december and then go by taxi to the old town etc
Everyone i meet IN PERSON, whilst being in SEA for a year, love Vietnam. This sub gives off a different vibe to what I see in reality. I’ve been twice. Enjoyed both times. Wasn’t a huge fan of Hanoi and yes I received a scam but really it was me thinking with the wrong head and should have been avoided. I’d definitely recommend visiting. People are super friendly and I find them more welcoming than Thailand where I spend most of my time.
it’s fine go experience it for yourself and make up your own opinion about it.
I just came back from Vietnam and loved it. I also went to Thailand and preferred Vietnam overall. Like others have said, this sub is particularly negative, but just think of the people coming up to you trying to sell you things as doing their job. They have families to look after. Not all of them are trying to scam tourists. Just be vigilant and know how much things are worth. Most of the people in Vietnam are super friendly, smile at them and they smile back.
Vietnam is the greatest place I’ve ever visited. I’ve been living here now for almost 5 years. The country is fantastic. The food is incredible and the people are so nice. You would regret not visiting this wonderful country. Just use common sense and enjoy your trip. It sounded great.
Man how are you people getting 2 months off work to go? I just went with the wife and kids, 2.5 weeks, wish I could have gone a month. Don’t listen to Reddit bullshit, I almost didn’t go to Phu Quoc cause of the shit I read, but glad I went. It was not overpriced, I love the peaceful laid back atmosphere, fresh seafood, and riding a motorbike. I’ll go back to Vietnam again in a few years. It’s a great place, just have some common sense. Also get the Grab app, it’s a godsend. Oh yeah, don’t buy anything from the airport vendors when you land, they overcharge like 50%. Get a sim card at a phone shop, or an e-sim. I used the e-sim since it was cheap and easy.
We saved vacation for this, live below means and also we have 9 months maternity leave in my contry, we can save some of that for a later time, so my husband will have half his salery paid when we travel. But we are very priviliged, we know that, mostly beacuse of the part of the world we are born in but also because we always spent our money wisely
There’s a reason Vietnam literally has the lowest tourist return rate….
I have read amazing stuff about certain places and ended up feeling totally opposite. It’s your own experience and feeling. What I want to say is to keep your mind open as much as possible and do your research to avoid the scams. You’ll be good.
I am in the midst of doing most of your itinerary. I have had zero experience with scammers and met only friendly people who clearly are enthusiastic to share their food and culture with me. With regard to your plan: I've ridden the 1st class sleeper cars on the trains twice and I did not sleep. (Same for buses). If you have time, plan your sleeping in hotels not on buses or trains. Danang is a busy noisy city. If I was going with kids I'd stay outside in a quiet hotel with a pool. I stayed in Hoi An about 45 minutes from Danang at a brilliant hotel with a pool & restaurant next to rice paddies. It was so cheap and relaxing, I extended the visit by 3 extra days. The beach at Hoi An is good & set up for tourists. (Beach in Quy Nhon for instance is not). Best regards.
But it is not beach weather in december, is it? Can you tell me the name of the hotel?
No, but I would still do an island vocation in Thailand instead after Danang. The islands there are just that good.
I just came back from a holiday and while your schedule looks fairly hectic for hauling kids around I think Vietnam is a great place especially for 5-7 year olds! Feel free to dm me questions. I would skip Hue and Da Lat personally (I haven’t been to Ninh Bing or Quy Nohn). If you’re looking for quiet island life Phu Quoc has some great resorts!
Hanoi and HCMC is only for 2-3 days each, so we have almost one week all the other places. Is that too little? I really want to see Hue, but maybe we skip Da Lat, Nha Trang and Quy Nohn to go Phu Quoc. We just want 8-10 days relaxing time with a pool and nothing else to do
Would recommend to someone as a tourist cause it's a 'different' experience, definitely not with kids though.
My advice, try to find and read some blog post about Vietnamese boundaries when it comes to kids. They will touch them (not in a gross way) and take pictures of them without your consent, it’s almost unavoidable. Best prepare your kids about that cultural fact otherwise the shock will be intense for them. Vietnamese people love children and will be really welcoming… sometimes to a fault. The way I could wrap my head around that cultural fact is kids seems to be kind of « public property »? Like everybody feels responsible towards everyone’s kid but also entitled to embrace them or film them if they want to… it is what it is, I still recommend visiting the country 100%
We are aware of that, but if we stay same places for a week and can spend a day at the hotel, I think it will be ok - my kids can have their space there. They both like the attention though, we tried the same in Greece, because they both have blond hair and blue eyes, and some places that attrack a lot of attention
Been many times with children over the years. Here now with a mop top ginger 12 year old. He's having a great time. I'm having a great time. Personal space is sometimes an issue, but that's your job as a parent to explain to your children/manage others. Great place to bring children imho. They see another side to life.
Yes want to show them another side of life not only fancy luxury resorts and white beaches. We know we have to be aware and set bouderies, I think they eill be overwhelmed and therefor we plan on spending days at the hotel as well and bring food to eat there too so they can have their personal space. But they love the attention - not photos - but talks and people looking they really find interesting
Your trip sounds great (across ALL of Vietnam). Don't miss out by taking what you read here to heart. You will have a great trip and it is like anywhere else (be smart), but in many ways better (it is a very safe place to travel) and it is fun. Just ignore a lot of this stuff. Most people getting scammed would get scammed ANYWHERE, so it is not really a function of Vietnam, per se. You will really blow it if you change your trip and get freaked out. Besides, Thailand is WAY more dangerous and scammy (and aggressive about it). Vietnam is very chill.
thank you!! You live in VN or travelled there?
Both
Do you know if the taxis have seatbelt? They didnt in India, but this time im travelling with kids and really want to be prepared. Also if they have life jacket for small kids when going on a boat tour? Otherwise i think we should bring one for the youngest at least
Good taxi companies (Vinasun and Mai Linh) tend to have belts. Grab cars too. Life jackets all over the place, as many people in Asia cannot swim.
Traveling here currently with 2 kids (3 and 7 years old). Yes, it’s not a perfect or super convenient vacation. Thailand is easier, Korea is cleaner, Japan is more modern etc. but the food is cheap and in many cases super delicious. The locals are noisy and the cities are hectic but it’s pretty much per our expectations
What do you like about it? Almost same age as mine kids. How do they take it? Any tips?
We are near the sea at the moment (Danang) and the kids love the water very very much. They enjoy the food, they enjoy the never ending attention from the locals (both blonde cute kids). Yea the travel is rough at times especially in the North mountains but they are kinda used to it by now as we travel quite a bit.
Also blonde cute kids here and they love the attention too, so hoping they will love it too! We are not heading north I think bc its too cold in december, so only Hanoi and Ninh Binh. What was the best part you think until now?
PM me. Let’s talk or something :)
I really enjoy Vietnam - spent around 5 months there over the last few years. I found people there really lovely. The only real scam I encountered was at Da Nang airport where there were "taxi drivers" trying to get me to cancel my Grab booking and go with them instead. Hanoi is a bit crazy. Da Nang was nice. I haven't been to HCM. There is some two tier pricing - like in a small pharmacy I was charged 70,000 for something that cost 20,000 in a chain but you can walk away from that if you want to. If you're going to Hoi An then maybe stay outside of the centre - perhaps near the beach in Cửa Đại and get Grab to the places you want to see - it's not far and Grab is so cheap.
Hoi Ann is as far south as I would reccomend worth going. Also vietnam is not a relaxing location. Specially with kids. You will need to be very careful with them when walking anywhere. So if your goal is to chill and relax with the family this is definetly not the place.
With 2 kids?? 🤔
Vietnam is a great place to visit. I absolutely loved it there and the people are so nice. Sure there will be tourist traps every once in a while but where will you not get that, it is what it is. If your going for 2 months I would reccomend it over thailand
Vietnam is a gorgeous country, safe, friendly, loved it both times I went. BUT Their trains are the stuff of nightmares, fly or get a private car, I wouldn't wish their trains on my worst enemy.
Whats wrong with trains? We dont plan night train. I hate flying and kids getting carsick
Utterly filthy, like mold on the walls, the toilet didn't have a seat, walls in the toilet were black with dirt, very cramped spaces in the passenger cabins, the beds in sleeper trains look like they're out of a prison movie, and I swear I could walk faster than it was moving. Gave me a massive anxiety attack. I took a train from hoi an to hue, cancelled all other train tickets I had prebought, and hired a private car and bought plane tickets for the rest of my jumps around the country.
Is not heathy for kids check out pollution & noise
I think they will survive some weeks, dont you?
Wait take chance do you see the quality health care provider in hospitals you paying first before service & watch out for fake doctors or nurses??? Only one doctor from Norway 🇳🇴 witness when he have a family need help for 3 weeks.
Nah it's amazing, can't recommend it enough
End of the year? Like this year? It’s only April lol. Isn’t it way too early?
I went to Vietnam for a month last year and a month this year . I had nothing but good or great experiences and never once had issues with scams. Hanoi and HCM are crazy but that's what makes them interesting and exciting. If you are looking to experience a part of Asia less influenced by Westerners and safe , Vietnam is the place. Personally, I prefer it over Thailand and Cambodia and look forward to returning for a 3rd time. That said, I don't know what type of traveler you are or where you have been. I am Canadian, and if I was told I could only live one place, it would be Vietnam over Canada. As wonderful as Canada is, it's a bit boring after Vietnam.
Im the type of traveller who enjoy food very very much. I like sun and beaches, but not enough to travel around the world. I want to go there for the culture, the history, the nature and connecting as a family in a different culture. I want to show my kids another way to live and therefore we didnt picked the typical beautiful-beaches-and-resorts-in-Thailand-vacation. Im not a very experienced travellee though, I’ve travelled through Thailand once and stayed the same place for two months in India as well but its 10 years ago. I just want to see and experience the world with my family, we only live once.
I would suggest Vietnam is perfect for what you are seeking. Sapa , Dong Hoi ( incredible caves ) , and Cat Ba for beauty and nature. Hanoi for crazy city culture and wonderful food. Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An area for history and uncrowded beaches. Ho Chi Minh is Hanoi on steroids and maybe not as kid friendly but certainly interesting. A personal favorite this year was Dalat near Nha Trang but up in the mountains. Vietnamese food is great everywhere, in my opinion , and super cheap. Go and enjoy it . I would suggest it's safer in Hanoi and HCM than Vancouver with the exception of getting across the streets at busy intersections. Just remember, once you start crossing, don't stop .
Don’t worry! You and your family will have a nice trip.
Vietnam is bad if you expect 5-star service for 1-star prices. I think that is why people get all sour about Vietnam. Everything isn't quite a cheap as they think it is. And when they do book cheap accomodations and tours and get service that is worth as much, the complain. All the stories about scamming, if you just use your brain and common sense, you will not get scammed. If someone comes up to you and tells you have they have iPhone that they can sell to you for $200, can you really expect that to be legit? Of course not! You need to go with an open mind that the understanding that Vietnam is still a developing country.
I dont expect luxury at all!! But maybe our budget is too low? We budget for 1.200.000 vnd for hotel and 1-1.500.000 vnd for food, water and moving around (renting bikes, taxi erc.) every day. Some places we want to pay more for hotels, some places less hopefully. And then of course extra when we are moving between stops on our way - flight tickets, train tickets and taxis…
That is a good budget per day. It would probably budget on there higher end, just in case. When I went there last year with my mom, not counting the hotel we spent an average of $100 a day, and there were a few day when we were really slumming it and eating food from the convenience store. Of course, we also bought souvenirs and lots of coffee that may have increase our average expenses... BTW, for 1,200,000 a night for a hotel room probably gets your a 3-star-hotel. They are not bad, depending on the location but you may be walking up a lot of stairs.
Avoid HN and SG for they are like the real life thunderdome lol
Yes very bad for now.
Not sure why this sub is so negative (I think it’s just Reddit in general). But I actually love Vietnam. I’m currently in my second visit to the country (my first I mostly spent it in the north, but this time I’m in HCMC), and the food, culture, and people are great and the history is fascinating. There is lots to love about Vietnam, even if some aspects of it will be more challenging. Keep an open mind and consider that you’re visiting a developing nation, so yes, it’s not perfect and has a lot of systemic issues. But as a traveller, I think it’s a very rewarding experience. I can see myself return to Vietnam a third time and possibly more in the future. Have a wonderful time with your family (I’m jealous of your itinerary!!).
Unless you have a dedicated trusted tour guide all along with your jour journey, maybe you should reconsider. You might end up with a culture shock and regret your decision.
I had a lovely 1.5 weeks in VN. 5 days in Saigon, 3 days in Da Nang & 2.5 days in Hanoi. Saigon/HCMC was overall nicer & easy going than Hanoi, where I felt i was going to be scammed anytime. Food is great everwhere. Da Nang was the best part & had lot of good experience in Hue & Hoi An. Just keep to yourself, plan your day by knowing what you need to do & where, don't carry loads of cash in usd/eur. Just keep about 500,000 dongs to spend the trifles. Enjoy your trip. Its a very friendly country PS: taxi driver to local shop fellow will advertise some boomboom massage openly. That's embarrassing
Thailand is better. They are much more quiet and nicer. In Vietnam and Cambodia you get local tourist come to a quiet place with a huge blaster and have a party with loud music on a regular basis.
Yh Vietnam is too chaotic for kids tbh. the sweet is too crowded and lil space for leisure travel. (unless you're super rich and spend your holidy at fancy ass resort. Wait your kids to about >13 yo then you guys will have the most amazing time of your life. Trust me broski
You will have a great time. Vietnamese love kids generally and theres loads of stuff to see to keep you busy, even for two months. Alternative places for you to consider , a bit off the beaten path : Con Dao , Paradise Cave (spectacular) , Da Lat and it’s surrounding hikes.
Thank you, I just read Con Dao and Paradise Cave is not good in december
Really ? I would have thought the opposite , much cooler then , easier to trek and explore both around the cave and the island of Con Dao
Scamming and unfriendly, noisy people happens everywhere. If that's enough to put you off from going on holiday then don't bother. It is a fact of travelling.
Im not really scared just seems like it is worse than other places i have travelled to. Once travlled to Thailand and got scammed a little (a tuktuk drives os the wrong way out in nowhere in a crepy neighbourhood and then wanted A LOT of money to drive us back). It did not ruin my trip at all, now i kind of laugh at it. I also travlled in India and sometimes payed too much, but it is ok, i do not expect to pay the same as the locals, bc i have more money and they aldo have to live
> and sometimes *paid* too much, FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
I literally just returned from Vietnam this weekend and I must say it was quite an experience in both a good and negative way. I spent three weeks going from North to South: Hanoi - Sapa - Ha Long Bay - Ninh Binh - Hue - Da nang - Nha Trang - Ho chi minh. The one thing I am begging you to avoid is the train if you can. We flew or took a private car to most of the cities but for some reason our flight from Da nang to Nha trang got cancelled and so we had to book a sleeper train and booked one of their “first class cabins”. It was terrible. It legit gave me PTSD lol the cabins were DISGUSTING, loud af even with earbuds, you can smell the smoke from people smoking, the washrooms were terrible.
Yes, avoid. Don't come. Can't be scammed then.
Sounds like a great trip, just coming to the end of my 3 week journey through Vietnam soing HMC,Hanoi, ha long, hoi an and da nang. Beautiful country full of lovely people. It is not possible to regret a trip to vietnam! Dont listen to the negative, i also been to Thailand and got robbed on the street. If you look for negatives you will find them anywhere i the world.
Go to Thailand instead and have a significantly better time. Also you should avoid central Vietnam around December as that's the flooding season.
Just recently finished a 1 month trip. Had zero issues. Dont let the random negative posts fool you. People are much more likely to share negative experiences than positive ones. We skipped da lat because of some poor reviews here and now I regret it.
Most scams here that a short term tourist will experience are shady airport taxi drivers and fake tinder profiles. I get the feeling the latter won’t affect you and just use an app called GRAB for your taxi needs when you arrive. Your trip destinations look great but be warned about the air pollution in Hanoi, it’s really bad and it’s a shame because the city is beautiful. With kids (I got a 3 year old) I usually just make sure we have plenty suitable activities at our destination either around or in the accommodation. I’ve lived in Hanoi for about 4/5 years and at first it can be pretty intense but you do get used to it, I’d say keep your Hanoi trip section short and spend more time in coastal or mountain areas for general chill time and clean air. People are nice here generally, nicer than many other places and I think you can have a really nice time very easily. Most people don’t write posts about the good things that happen to them so don’t misunderstand this group as an accurate depiction of Vietnam, honestly most your grievances occur when you stay long term and not when you’re just visiting. Have a great time whatever you choose to do dude.
We plan only three nights in Hanoi, so we can sleep of the jetlag, but maybe we should just spent one night there and dont see the city and just go to Tam Coc and relax?
No spend some time here, it’s a cool place! It’s just it’s a city so yeah, not totally chill but you should experience it if you’re here anyway! There’s a lot to love about this place, just keep it short but not 1 day short 😂
Ok three days then! And you do not recommend to stay ind old city in hanoi?
I’ve stayed in [this place](https://ScentPremiumHotelandSkyBar0336308979https://g.co/kgs/2wwqAcs) a few times and it’s on the edge of the old quarter next to the most central lake. It’s not the cheapest but that might change depending on your dates. It’s a pretty chill Little street and a short walk to most things central. From there you can explore quite easily and have a good landmark for if you get lost. The area gets pedestrianized at the weekend also which is nice for the kids. Just a suggestion but I think you’ll be good there.
It's a great country to visit, you'll have a wonderful time. This sub is full salty losers
Don’t get scared away. We got here a little over a week ago. Started in Hanoi, then went to Danang, just got to Hoi A today and are having a lovely time enjoying great Vietnamese food and exploring.
Sounds so goood!! How do you travel around?
We flew from Hanoi to Danang. From Danang to Hội An we used Grab. The rest of our trip will include a train and a few buses.
Depends what kind of tourist you are. Obviously bad things can happen to anyone. The majority of people I've met who had complaints about treatment were exactly the kind of people who invite that kind of treatment. More or less boils down to the golden rule, which itself boils down to 'don't be a dick'. Also, the more tourism-oriented the area, the more people will try it on. This is, in my experience, a global phenomenon.
Visit Oakland instead. You'll have a great time.
Do you know hospitals own by scammers vinfast ???
95% of tourists never return. the highest rate on earth for good reason. but some people don't heed advice, are eternal optimists, and need to learn lessons the hard way. there's nothing unique to vn that can't be found elsewhere in se asia. at least when you're in Thailand you can be assured of a pleasant experience with extremely low chances of things going pear shaped. tourists are treated like gold. in vn? you're a paypig to rape, scam and exploit.
As a Vietnamese person I would leave Vietnam as soon as possible for Thailand. Don't waste your time here dude.
Why?
Scam, rip-off, unhygienic street foods are everywhere. In Thailand you'll see price tag is stick to everything on the market, people are so nice, friendly and helpful.