Travel Tips
Many have asked for travel tips and I will put them here as I think of them, and as others ask specific questions.

So, ask questions, point out spelling errors or things that need clarification and I will do my best to keep up.

There are so many must sees but these are just a few. Some are obvious and others are not.

My Khe Beach, which was called China Beach during the war is miles of beautiful white sand and crystal clear water. We went out 400 feet and the water was about 6 feet deep. We often swam out in the pre-dawn darkness and waited to see the sunrise. Just be aware that fishermen will drag nets at this time and if a rope rubs against you just duck under and don't panic.

Visit Crazy House. It is a hotel, a museum and a piece of artwork. It is still under construction but rooms are available to rent. It is being designed, constructed, engineered, and operated by, who else, the Crazy Lady, as she is known locally. I think she is ok with that. She is an architect, designer, builder, artist and I think a romantic.

The Water Puppets at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater. It is a treat for children and adults alike. The theater is in the old Circle Sportif at 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Buy tickets early in the day and get a good seat. When you go early in the day you can wallk around and see where the wealthy of French Indochine went to see and be seen. This is where the officers gathered during the American War.

I have just found something new. In the past I have always traveled in Vietnam out of the Tourist Season. The tourist season is July August and September. In Vietnam the Tourist season is when Most Europeans and Americans go on vacation. And when School is out in Vietnam. This creates a problem too many people. Hotel prices are up as are Airline fares. Our tickets were up 50%. Planes, Trains and even buses are booked several days in advance. Then there is the weather. It is hotter during this time of year and it is the height of the rainy season. If you can go out side of this time you will probably be happier.

I travel alone, without a tour group. I like to go where events lead.

I have pen pals whom I have found on line through www.asiafriendfinder.com or www.matchdoctor.com Many of those there are looking for marriage. Since I do not wish to misslead them, in my first letter I explain that I am married and looking for a pen pal relationship to correspond about Vietnam. I mention that I hope to visit one day.

The only group I know about is a group that a friend has gone with. They are Vets With A Mission. They take tours and do humanitarian work. Their website is www.vwam.com

A passport is necessary and, for US citizens, it comes from the United States Department of State. In Bucks County Pennsylvaia we can apply through our Bucks County Courthouse. Passport information is availabel from the US State Department and Passports are now available through most Post Offices.

A visa is necessary from the government of Vietnam. Get it early and check the dates as soon as you get it. On my first trip I did not and ended up in Hong Kong with an expired visa and was told I could not fly on to Vietnam. I had to go into Hong Kong, to the Cousulate of Vietnam and pay an inflated price for the visa to have it expidited and get it the same day. Information can be found at the Embassy in Washington DC, www.vietnamembassy-usa.org

You need Immunization. I am not sure for who since I have never been asked about it however there are things like Malaria that you don't want to catch. I was also given medicine for Dysentery but the Immunologist said that Imodium will probably be all you will need. An Immunologist can be found by asking your doctor or in the phone book or local hospital.

There are several agencies I have used to tour within Vietnam. My favorite is Saigon Tourist who have offices all over Saigon. Travel to Tay Ninh and see the Cao Dai Temple then stop at Cu Chi and visit the tunnels for $8.00 USD plus $3.00 for the tunnel tours. Firing an AK47 is extra, $1.00 per bullet. They have bus tickets from Saigon up through the country to Hanoi. Open tickets allow you to stop for several days along the way. If you wish a car for the day they can arrange that. They even do custom tours.

We have learned something new. There is a "Season" in Vietnamese travel. Because we are going in July we have to pay $1,500 for Tickets. If we go in the off season the tickets are still around $1,100. Plan your dates well. Still the tickets at the Vietnamese community are still better than the online services.

On our 2003 trip we purchased tickets through...

P. G. TRAVEL
150 N 10th Street
Philadelphia PA 19107
Tel 215 625 9232
Fax 215 625 8951

The tickets were $1040 which includes visa processing, which is $60 and also a $115 fuel surcharge each way. With the way gas went just recently I was afraid it would be much more. It was also a little more to get the days we wanted. If you are in other parts of the country a look at small travel agencies in asian communities might be worth the time.

Most Vietnamese will not correct you if you do not understand their customs. Still you will make them happy to know the customs.

Touching between men and women is not appropriate. Young people are going against this and you will see it to some extent. If a woman offers her hand to shake it is ok to shake hands. Hugging is out, and touching a hand or arm is not polite. On the other hand, men touch men and women touch women. I was walking down Le Loi and a man asked if he could walk with me and practice his English. After 3 blocks we came to a busy intersection and he took my hand to cross the street.

Shorts are not proper. Many temples and Pagodas will have a sign saying No Shorts allowed. Some people will be offended, most will accept you do not know their customs.

Tea, when offered, should always be accepted, even if you take a sip and let it sit, it should be accepted with a polite thank you. It is a hospitality thing.

Communicating with home

Business Card

Snorkel and goggles

Film Developing

I went digital in 2008. Digital cameras can be downloaded to disk where photo processing is available. I took a lap top and put the photos there each day. It is good to burn a disk, just in case something happens to the lap top.

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