Vietnam - What to Expect

Want a beer for only 2000 dong (less than 10 cents)? Yeah who doesn't. Go looking for the street corners littered with kiddie chairs in the old quarter. Great way to have a cool beer for next to nothing and meet fellow travellers seeking out the same thing.

be sure to catch one of the cooking classes. there are several restaurants that offer them and the price might seem a bit high compared to getting your own grub, but it's totally worth it. i learned how to grill fish in banana leaves and make a killer lime, cucumber and squid salad. the best part is you get to eat it all in a cool restaurant when you're done and meet other fun travellers!

Avoid most hotels listed in LP or other guidebooks. Service and maintenance have gone out the window as westerners flock straight to them. Nha Trang is bursting with US$20-30 rooms and most places dont completely fill up except for Tet and heat waves.

As the captain of the boat to stop by at the "Floating Fish Market" out at sea. By fresh seafood and have the crew prepare it for you. The sea-prawn like things are deliciously sweet

The food here is absolutely delicious... everything... try it at least once.

Do the Mama Han boat trip. Its a hoot. You'll meet lots of people, eat fantastic food and drink great booze (in a rubber ring in the ocean if you're lucky). Highly recommended. Also, try the Nha Trang Yacht Club for a nice place to hang out in the evening, although when I was there we noticed a sea of rats on the beach underneath the stilts...

The Cargo Club. Petite adresse de Hoi An pour les petits creux comme les grands. Patisserie, boulangerie, cuisine locale comme occidentale de quoi se faire plaisir!

War Remnants Museum, at 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Open daily 7:30AM-12PM, 1:30PM-5PM, last admission 4:30PM. Formerly known as the of Exhibition House of American War Crimes, the museum was opened in a hurry, less than five months after the fall of the South. It's currently housed in a rather confused assemblage of seven warehouses, with new purpose-built premises partially open for temporary and permanent exhibits. This disturbing display of man's cruelty during the Vietnam (American) War includes halls full of gruesome photographs, a simulated "tiger cage" prison and jars of deformed fetuses blamed on Agent Orange. There is bias as surprise, surprise there are no records of any unpleasant deeds having been committed by the North Vietnamese Army. Outside, there are helicopters, jets, tanks, and other bits of armament. However watch out for the amputees who will try and sell you thier wares. It's only a block from the Reunification Palace — see the museum pamphlet for a map. Entry 15,000 dong.

Da Lat... Due to their altitude it's a lot cooler than the rest of Vietnam. What does this have to do with food?? Strawberries is what! The most delicious strawberries and strawberry jam comes from Da Lat.Try baggettes with strawberry jam and a viet style coffee - it's amazing!

Phat Diem church complex is a must-visit if you're in Ninh Binh, here you can see Vietnamese-style cathedrals date back from the 16th century (even before the French came). Nearly every village in Southern Ninh Binh has a historical church. Head to the beach to see some bustling fishing activities by the locals.