"Viet Nam: My Journies Through Indochina" Vietnam by BorderHopper

Vietnam Travel Guide: 13,558 reviews and 28,538 photos

My Fist Trip to Viet Nam: 1998

My first visit to Viet Nam was back in April of 1998 and needless to say it turned out to be an experience of a lifetime. My first trip to Viet Nam left me with a desire to see more of this beautiful South East Asian nation & it also fostered a desire to see more of the world. Back in '98 my trip took me to Ho Chi Minh City in the south & I'd be lying if I said I didn't experience a bit of culture shock. That initial culture shock really was a result of the extreme humidity, the chaotic streets of Saigon, and the food. I was a novice traveller back then but within several days I had adjusted and was loving every moment I spent in this historically rich country.

Back For More In 1999

Grounds of the Royal Palace in Hue

I returned home to Los Angeles after that first trip and my thoughts were consumed with memories of that first journey. I just couldn't concentrate on work & life in general so I started planning a second trip. In February of 1999 my buddy and I flew to Saigon and tried the backpacker thing around the South. This time our journey took us throughout South East Asia and I still didn't fully satisy my desire to see all that Viet Nam had to offer.

Overlanad Journey: 2001

Montengard children near the Laotian border

My third trip to Viet Nam was probably the most rewarding and memorable because it was my most lengthy journey taking me from the northern most border with China, south down Highway 1, and all the way to Saigon and the Cambodian border. I spent two months, and over that course of time I met so many wonderful people and learned so much about this wonderful country. This travelouge includes photos from each of my trips to the country and in time I hope to update the tips. If you haven't already I hope that one day you will also experience a journey to Viet Nam!

Pros and Cons

Pros:The extremely friendly Vietnamese people coupled with their amazing history will surely keep you fascinated with this beautiful country.
Cons:I'm not a big fan of the Communist government & their mastery of "red tape".
In a nutshell:Visit it for yourself.

Last visit to Vietnam: May 2001
Intro Updated Jun 8, 2004
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Reviews (46)

Near the Caodai temple is... Things to Do (10)

Near the Caodai temple is Black Lady Mountain. From its peak you can look west into Cambodia. It is possible to hike the... more travel advice

Benh Thanh Market has many... Restaurants (4)

Benh Thanh Market has many food stalls with cheap eats and good food. The market is huge and not only does it offer... more travel advice

Restaurants (4)

Pho is most commonly eaten for breakfast but can be enjoyed all throught the day. The soup consists of a broth with... more travel advice

There are hundreds of... Local Customs (3)

There are hundreds of languages spoken throughout the world but a smile speaks them all.....just smile alot, and be... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (6)
See All If you want to get away from...
Hotels (2)
See All In this photo you can see the...
What to Pack (1)
Packing List
Favorites (13)
See All Visit the former DMZ

Transportation (2)
See All There are several durable...
Nightlife (2)
See All The Q-Bar
Tourist Traps (1)
Does it snow in Vietnam? Not...
Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All A non-Asian foreigner staying...

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (141)

jumpingnorman Apr 10, 2009 at 3:59 PM Report Abuse

That puppet show looks so interesting! And the New Year celebrations in Asia are really something else - too much firecrackers and very noisy, hehehe...Norman :)
Wafro Jul 9, 2005 at 4:33 PM Report Abuse

I enjoyed reading your pages, but is it difficult to travel with a little child? The malaria drugs, all the different injections for the tropical diseases and so one. GRTZ
pepples46 Jun 14, 2004 at 11:25 PM Report Abuse

truly excellent page I can't eat with chop sticks, but thanx none the less for the tip ^..^ I always travel with my own travelcutlery. your toileteries tip is not enough for us women hehehe, just kidding you!!
Rodan44 Jun 14, 2004 at 10:32 PM Report Abuse

Incredible Vietnam page! It's one of my favorite countries as well. Thanks for all your feedback on my pages.
Redliner Apr 21, 2004 at 11:15 PM Report Abuse

I visited my family in HCM city, Vietnam for the first time and it was a life changing event for me. Pictures can't describe the beauty. Keep up the great travels!
aussiedoug Feb 14, 2004 at 4:39 AM Report Abuse

Vietnam is a must do trip for me! See my wish list for why! Gr8 page & tips James. Very helpful for a future journey. Thanks mate!
catalysta Jan 4, 2004 at 6:26 PM Report Abuse

Excellent page, James!!! This is why I joined VT, for pages like this. Would love to go there, fascinating culture...cat
huephubai Nov 14, 2003 at 8:09 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the great information. I'm planning a trip to VN in June '04 with my girlfriend. I will be going to Hue, then down to Saigon. I also plan on visiting a VN friend of mine in Hue that was stationed with me at Phu Bai in '68.
skydivefred Sep 24, 2003 at 9:22 AM Report Abuse

Hi James, I stayed with local families only, during my two trips in vietnam and as long as I was reported to the police by the landlord all was perfectly fine with the authorities...!. Nice pages anyway!
ukirsari Aug 29, 2003 at 8:30 AM Report Abuse

A fantastic page, hoping will be my next destination :) --@rie--