"Vietnam -- Beautiful Land" Vietnam by Ewingjr98

Vietnam Travel Guide: 13,663 reviews and 28,631 photos

Temple outside of HCMC

Vietnam is a wonderful country that has recovered remarkably well from its war-torn past. Having just opened its borders in the early 1990s, it still has an immature but growing tourist industry. During my visit, I saw few westerners, and no other Americans. There was a tourist drop-off in 2003 due primarily to SARS, but still showing the after-effects of September 11th.

Streets of Hanoi

During my visit, I spent four days in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) visiting a small farm village to the north, My Tho on the Mekong River, and Vung Tau on the coast. I also spent five days in the Hanoi area, three of those days on a guided trip to breathtaking Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Inexpensive, good food, few tourists, great people
Cons:Scams, scams, scams
In a nutshell:The best trip I have ever experienced

Last visit to Vietnam: Sep 2003
Intro Updated Mar 30, 2008
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Reviews (10)

Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island Things to Do (2)

Halong Bay is a fabulous area of sheer cliffs plunging to deep blue water. For scenery and photo opportunities, this was... more travel advice

Head out to the Country Things to Do (2)

I was lucky enough to be invited to a Vietnamese farmhouse outside of HCMC. The house was amazing. The peak of the roof... more travel advice

Bia Hois Restaurants (1)

Bia Hois are the best deal in Vietnam for food and beer. At these little shops all along the streets, draft beer is... more travel advice

You can't photo commie propaganda just anywhere! - Vietnam

Bring Lots of Film What to Pack (2)

If you are a photographer, brings lots of film. During 9 days, there was so much to see, I took over 400 pictures! You... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Honda Motorbike
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Comments (5)

hunterV Sep 5, 2010 at 11:30 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for your page about that remote country, JR!
Nemorino May 23, 2010 at 1:39 PM Report Abuse

Great that you were invited to a Vietnamese farmhouse outside of HCMC. It's often an eye-opener to see how the local people actually live. Thanks for including some of your dad's photos from 1969.
canadiantravelgirl Apr 15, 2006 at 10:38 AM Report Abuse

Vietnam seems to be a great place!!! I can't wait to visit the place myself!!!
aalayaa Mar 21, 2006 at 7:41 PM Report Abuse

i'm going to vietnam next month. i hope it'll be great :)
SeaPirate May 9, 2004 at 4:42 PM Report Abuse

Great info and tips on Vietnam..I was there last november (i was going to danang to visit a girl i met online)..Like you, i had a great trip & never worried about muggers/pick-pockets