I'm Going to Vietnam Alone and I'm a First Time Traveller

activ8newbs on 06/12/2016 - 18:43
Last edited 06/12/2016 - 19:30 by 1 other user

Hi all,

My previous post was this:

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/280354

I've since narrowed my trip down solely to Vietnam and after speaking to someone at Flight Centre, it appears very costly. Flights being the largest part of the expense ($850).

I will be updating this in a few days, but right now, it seems to me that the general consensus is to do a self tour opposed to going on Top Deck or G Adventures or BusAbout pre-booked tours. I have approx 15 days to play with from 26th January to 11th February

If I go myself, without those pre-booked tours, I worry that I'll get lost, and be uncertain. It's my first time travelling and I'll definitely be out of my comfort zone.

How will I know where to go, and how to get there?

Thanks all

Travel

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 06/12/2016 - 18:45
    +1

    Why Flight Centre? Easy to find fares and buy tickets yourself. Lots of fare comparison sites.

    Lots of sites for tourists to give you an idea of what to see, do, how to get there, and stay: tripadvisor, virtualtourist, wikitravel, etc.

    Just have a go and ask again if you have any questions. It's not as daunting as you think.

    Edit: Also it's not a case of all guided tour or no tours at all. You can join tours at your destination a la carte. Usually cheaper that way too. The guides will take care of the language issue.

    • smalltime0 on 07/12/2016 - 13:45

      Flight Centre matches most booking websites, and are unlikely to go bankrupt without having paid the airline/hotel on your behalf.

      • retiredfeline on 07/12/2016 - 13:54

        I usually just pay the establishment when I have checked in on my booking.

    • activ8newbs on 15/12/2016 - 17:29

      Thanks. Avoided Flight Centre. All locked and loaded, ready to go!

      • retiredfeline on 15/12/2016 - 17:37
        +1

        Have a great time. Post some stories when you get back.

  • mafmouf on 06/12/2016 - 18:52
    +2

    It likely depends on you as a person figuring out how things go. I personally think if you can't speak local language, first time overseas, thinking of going outside the typical tourist spots but can afford it: go for the tour. Yes this is probably a slight waste of money but it should help deal with some uncertainties. I would also suggest travelling with another person if you can.

    Pretty much if things go wrong over there it's pretty difficult to explain or ask for detailed help. In the high touristy areas a fair amount of people speak some English.

    If you really enjoy it, you can always go back. Visa obtain entry is relatively easy, flights are sometimes on sale and there is heaps to do outside the main cities.

    Do you have an idea of what things you want to do?

    • activ8newbs on 15/12/2016 - 17:30

      Thanks for your input, but as daunting as it is, I have gone against what you've said :/

      I'm really scared, nervous and worried but I hope this will be a life changing experience.

      • mafmouf on 15/12/2016 - 18:25
        +1

        That's fine and totally your choice! Now you've done so, be confident and try and make the most of it :) have fun and hopefully you have no real issues which will make your experience so much better. Curious to know your thoughts when returning home. PM me after!

        • activ8newbs on 15/12/2016 - 18:36

          I will :)

          Thanks mate.

          I've had a lot of requests to PM People…I might just make a forum post. :)

  • shaybisc on 06/12/2016 - 18:53
    -1

    Why are you so keen on Vietman? The flights I see on this site regularly to other places in Asia are insanely cheap.

    • BensonP on 06/12/2016 - 19:06
      +6

      Why Vietnam? Are you kidding?!

      I spent 2 weeks in Vietnam early this year and it was fantastic! The cities and bustling and the country areas have so much tradition and culture to offer.

      Don't get me wrong, I'm sure other Asain countries have much to offer, but you shouldn't just choose a country because it's cheaper (Sorry, OzBargainers!!!)

      • scrimshaw on 06/12/2016 - 21:35
        +3

        Vietnam is both cheap and good. It's the ultimate Ozbargainer destination.

        Just don't stay in HCMC, there's nothing good there.

        • HardQuiz on 07/12/2016 - 05:52
          +1

          Agree. I enjoyed Hanoi more.

          OP, go have a blast and enjoy yourself but all while respecting the local culture. Don't break the law EVER here or abroad.

          Make sure to register with DFAT and always check

          http://smartraveller.gov.au/Countries/asia/south-east/pages/…

        • tajid on 14/12/2016 - 16:27

          @Sleepy24seven:

          Any suggestions where to go & eat in Hanoi?

          What's best mode of transport?

          I'm flying tomorrow, will be with tour most of the time but will have a couple free days.

        • billyb67 on 10/01/2017 - 17:30

          Really ? I've already spent some time in Hanoi up north.

          going back to HCMC next month for a week.. too long ?

    • nubzy on 06/12/2016 - 20:23
      +4

      Vietnam looks like a great place to visit to me but wouldn't be spending $850 on flights to go there, no way.

      • voteoften on 15/12/2016 - 03:23

        Yeah, my two pax flights during Easter school holidays are less than that.

    • activ8newbs on 15/12/2016 - 17:31

      Honestly travel agent mentioned it, and I just said k cool.

  • toristo on 06/12/2016 - 19:08
    +1

    What's your idea of a good holiday?
    I'd happily have 10km+ a day just wandering around looking at things with a few key destinations in mind and just taking surprises as they come along my path. If we know what you are looking for, we can probably help a bit more.

    You will get lost. You will have momentary freak outs. You will have to try to speak broken English with locals who'll do their very best to help you. That's half the adventure.

    If you are worried about being alone, trying staying at popular backpackers hotels - you'll meet other travelling alone, even if it is only to have a drink with.
    Hanoi: http://vietnambackpackerhostels.com/hostel/downtown/ Great location, great vibe.

    In the cities, a lot of locals speak English and it's not as much of an issue as you might think. Doesn't hurt to have a list of English words with the translation beside it that you carry with you just in case you need something quickly - you can point to the word and sort any misunderstanding.

    Try doing a short local tour - maybe one that picks you up at the airport and does a tour of the city, like an orientation, then drops you at your hotel or just get a shuttle to your hotel and do a 1 day tour the day after you arrive. How else will you know where to go? Google it… Find a few spots you think sound interesting and try to work out a rough itinerary. You are your own boss, so if you decide you like something, stay a bit longer. If you don't move on and do something else. Wander the streets and find the unexpected. Go to the markets where the locals go.

    People will tell you to cross the road, you just step out and walk at a constant pace across the road. Don't stop, don't speed up, don't slow down. Just walk. Have faith that the motorbikes and scooters will go around you and they do. It's entirely unnerving at first, but watch a few locals do it and you'll realise that's life in Vietnam.

    If you get the chance, Hoi An is one of my favourite destinations anywhere in the world. It's a cute little French provincial fishing village that I didn't expect much of but fell in love with.

    • dasher86 on 06/12/2016 - 20:17
      +2

      i find hostels a wealth of information and knowledge.
      most of them will organise local day tours for you and also bus tickets to get around.
      some hostels will even organise a transfer for you when you get to the airport. Some guy will stand their with a sign with your name on it.
      if you stay in the touristy areas there are also many local travel agents who will do the same as the hostel.

    • activ8newbs on 15/12/2016 - 17:36

      That helps a lot, thanks heaps.

      Though. I think I'll be leaning towards a tiny bit more luxurious hotels.

      I see hostels can be as low as $10 AUD per night, but I'm looking to spend $30 AUD per night.

      I might visit hostel areas just to meet people? (I hope that isn't weird). I really want to meet new people.

      • toristo on 15/12/2016 - 22:16
        +1

        Nope. Works well. Spend an extra $1 and shout a random a beer.

  • Diji1 on 06/12/2016 - 19:10
    +4

    Flight Centre are con artists. The con is they claim to be selling you the cheapest flight when in fact they're attempting to sell you the flight which gives them the highest earnings. These flights are almost never cheapest.

    They also happily deceive new travelers so good luck with that!

    • activ8newbs on 15/12/2016 - 17:34

      Noted. Thanks. Staying away from them.

  • Heracles26 on 06/12/2016 - 19:15

    I just returned from a month in Vietnam. It is ridiculously easy to travel there! I know it's nerve wracking leading up to a holiday especially if you're going alone and a first time traveler but trust me you'll be fine! Read the trip advisor and lonely planet forums and the travel subreddits and you'll be golden :)

  • Google Chrome on 06/12/2016 - 19:27

    I advise you to exchange some money before you go at one of the money exchanges or (Vietnamese places where they send money overseas). When your over there the best value for exchanges is at the gold/jewellry stores. $850 isn't too bad considering I'm going in december for $1040

    • activ8newbs on 15/12/2016 - 17:37

      Thanks. I'll check them out!

  • dasher86 on 06/12/2016 - 19:29
    +2

    Mate, I warned you about Vietnamese New Year that falls on the 28th of January.
    Ensure you plan your travel well in advanced as Vietnam gets turned into chaos.

    • davide14 on 07/12/2016 - 11:50
      +1

      This point is absolutely spot on. Many business close over the new year, the airports are incredibly busy and more chaotic than normal, prices go up, buses and trains are typically full to popular places in the country. The new year period stretches over about 2 weeks so travel outside of this period to have a hassle free holiday. Apart from that have a great holiday, make sure you eat at the street side places are they are fantastic - go for the busy ones though and if they dont have an english menu or speak english then point to what another customer is eating.

    • activ8newbs on 15/12/2016 - 17:38

      Thanks heaps, and you're right.

      I will be booking all flights, accomodation and activities across the next week. Hotels through booking.com, activities through expedia, and flights through wherever I get cheapest (Momondo, IWTF etc.)

  • SydStrand on 06/12/2016 - 19:54
    +1

    Don't do a tour. Pointless and wasteful. Vietnam isn't hard to navigate. Just have a rough itinerary, i.e. A for X days, then B for Y days, and you can work your way between. There are plenty of guest houses who'll organise these sorts of things (for small fee) or just give free advice.

  • dizzle on 06/12/2016 - 20:10

    I did something similar last year. About 15 days total but used it as an exploratory trip to see where I'd want to spend more time if I visit again. So I had 5 days in Hanoi, about 3 in Hoi An and 5 in Saigon. It was a great trip and many of the things I did were straight from Tripadvisor. Choose a city to visit, mark down on the map any markets, food districts, major landmarks and look at the top 100 attractions for what interests you. Bare in mind that some days it pays just to walk the streets for a couple of hours and see what shows up. I decided what I wanted to see that day, walked that direction in the morning and would choose breakfast/lunch on the way. I'm by no means the fittest person but the only taxis/cars I got were between the airport and hotel (the heat was a bit much sometimes though).

    Major highlights
    Hanoi:
    Overnight trip to halong bay. Can be a bit expensive, but a good trip. tip book early in your stay and arrange other things around this, in case storms delay your trip.

    Hoi an: I used it as a bit of relaxation between my two busier stops, so made sure to get a hotel with a pool (still cheap)
    Great restaurants on the riverfront
    Night markets were entertaining although I didn't buy anything there.
    If you want anything tailored this is the place to do it. Take pictures of the styles you want and they will replicate it. Don't be afraid to go in a couple of times to get it readjusted.
    I woul dhave liked to spend another day or two here and do a tour of the old capital (I think it's called Hue)

    Saigon:
    War museum - Can be confronting, but interesting to see the other side (my dad was an officer in the Australian Infantry over there) so I wanted to learn more.
    day trip to CuChi Tunnels and a temple
    Day trip for a river cruise and some local attractions.

    Tips:
    Check out the actual airlines pages for the best prices. I flew Vietnam airlines and it was cheaper than any of the bargain sites and was still a good airline.
    Market vendors tend to be more aggressive in Vietnam, but if you don't see what you like make sure you smile and say no (5-10 times :) ). Try not to ask for a price unless you are interested in purchasing as once they get the scent they won't let go.
    I flew between cities (I think it was around $50 each flight and the round trip between Oz and 3 cities was cheaper than a return to Saigon) but you can get a cheap train from North to South or Vice Versa.
    While I stayed in the backpacker districts in each area there are still some good quality hotels for cheap. Really I would just use them for bed/shower and then drop by around midday for a nap/refresher before heading out again in the afternoon.
    Competition for day trips is pretty strong, so while in other countries I would avoid booking through your hotel, it seemed just as cheap and you had the benifit of them knowing where to pick you up from.

    • Forfiet on 06/12/2016 - 23:09

      It's funny how I could guess you had some military/history ties to Vietnam(via family) by the use of Saigon over HCMC…. :P

      • dizzle on 13/12/2016 - 20:24

        Ha, It's just easier to say. When I was there, I didn't use Saigon once, always HCMC. I suppose I thought it was more respectful even though I heard native say Saigon.

        • Forfiet on 14/12/2016 - 02:59

          fair enough :)

    • activ8newbs on 15/12/2016 - 18:03

      Thanks Dizzle, that helped a lot. Getting my stuff tailored from Hoi An, like you suggested.

      Can I please ask for more advice regarding domestic flights?

      My issue is that I'll be flying Jetstar (most likely) from Syd -> HCMC, Vietnam.

      Then all my domestic flights I plan to pre-book eitehr today or tomorrow. I'm using skyscanner to search prices and average domestic flight is about $150…what Am I doing wrong? Plus, for the second half of my ttrip, I will probably get a bag checked in as I'll have 1 full suit, 2 shirts and a couple of pants tailored for me (Which i imagine would weigh a bit).

      How do I get tickets for as low as $50 AUD

      Thanks

      • dizzle on 17/12/2016 - 21:15

        Sorry for the delay, I only just logged back on. Hopefully this isn't too late to help. Try to look at flights in a couple of ways:
        If you book tickets individually they will cost more (ie international with Jetstar, domestic with local)

        • Search the sights as a multi trip ticket (ie Sydney to Saigon, Saigon to Danang (close to Hoi An), Danang to Hanoi, Hanoi to Sydney. As discussed earlier when I booked this turned out cheaper than Sydney to Saigon return. I've done this several times with Thai Airways as well as the once with Vietnam Airlines. They will use the cheaper airlines domestically, but I found their international flights as good as Qantas
        • Check with Vietnam Airlines as well as the Australian ones
        • On the off chance you can try the multi airline search sites (Expedia/Webjet etc). More often than not these suggest the higher cost airlines such as qantas and singapore. I haven't found them much use, but you never know.
  • dizzle on 06/12/2016 - 20:17

    And don't bother changing money before you go or walking with US dollars. The exchange rate is much better there and banks are all over th change money. Just be aware some days (especially Sundays) most banks close and therefore the number of exchanges is cut to about 25%. Stay away from the stores that also do exchange. While I'm sure they are honest, most were at a bad rate.

    • spendmoresavemore on 11/01/2017 - 12:41

      If you are in HCMC, I found the Gold/Money Exchange stores near Ben Thanh Market to be a better rate than the banks. I was there a week ago and got around VND 16,800 for AUD 1 at one of the stores. Best to have a look around and compare.

      If you can hold off, definitely don't exchange at the airport.

  • chumlee on 06/12/2016 - 20:19
    +1

    What about an Intrepid tour?

  • [Deactivated] on 06/12/2016 - 20:44

    do it!!!

    i went to Vietnam last year for 2 weeks by myself and loved it bigtime.

    it all depends on the sort of person you are. do you want to discover things for yourself? or do you want to be hustled away in a group tour?

    i found get around by myself to be so much fun it really forced me out of my comfort zone where i basically had to interact with people.

    spent a week in saigon and a week in hoi an, saigon was mad hectic and hoi an was soooooo peaceful and relaxing.

    I wouldnt worry about getting US dollars they interpret that as you having lots of cash, whereas if you have local currency they think you're not as rich.

    I know this seems strange but it was explained to me by a few locals i ended up befriending over there, still in touch with them today also.

    Its Vietnamese Tet around the time you're there so you may find it hard getting round, in saying that i was there during Tet and didnt have a problem getting around anywhere at all.

    If you get to Danang go there on a Saturday night to the big ass Dragon Bridge, at 9pm each Sat night it spits fire out the mouth.

  • altomic on 06/12/2016 - 21:41
    +2

    i paid $319 return from this deal in september.

    if you speak french then that can be handy

    take minimal stuff (only take what you wouldn't think twice about dumping and running)

  • [Deactivated] on 06/12/2016 - 22:08
    +1

    Pre install Tinder

  • rgr on 06/12/2016 - 22:18

    HCMC is also known as Saigon.

  • Marcsie on 06/12/2016 - 22:51
    +1

    Also when you catch a taxi,just make sure they are Vinasun or Mai linh,notthhing else :)

    • TransportPosters on 07/12/2016 - 08:32
      +1

      And make sure the meter starts when you get in, or agree on a total cost up front. You can also get a taxi driver to act like a private driver for you all day, so they will take care of you. They'll all try and get your business as soon as you walk out the airport door.

      Try and visit Nha Trang and Dalat if possible. There's an island amusement park off the shore called Vinpearl at Nha Trang and you can take a long cable car ride across water to get there. It's quite an experience, like flying slow. Dalat is up in the mountains and is a bit of a drive but a bus tour of the region would include it.

      Enjoy the cheap bali sugar cane drinks! 6 for $2 - can't go wrong! Buy the local kids some and sit down with them. Many of the kids are learning English at school now so it's fun to talk with them.

  • savit on 07/12/2016 - 08:56

    Fight Center is a joke. Very expensive one.
    My mate used the below one on several occasions - group travel for young people. So you will not get lost and will see good places. Have a look and google some reviews:
    https://www.contiki.com/au/en/destinations

  • backpaqer on 07/12/2016 - 10:26
    +1

    Vietnam is dirt cheap. Just watch out for scams (google is your friend)…most common is the taxi scams - dodgy meters, taking you the scenic route - you can avoid those by only taking Mai Linh taxis, they have the best reputation, but if you find yourself in a dodgy taxi…keep an eye on the meter, it all starts off normal and then after about a minute the numbers just start bounding skywards. Having a smartphone with google maps (or a dedicated GPS unit) so that you can set your destination so you know where your going and when your taxi driver doesn't…as soon as he's off course…demand he stop, pay him the fare and get out and go find another taxi - or enjoy the strange neighborhood you've just landed in and go find something to eat. Use TripAdvisor to check out hotel options there are some insane bargains to be found. We paid $23 a night for a 2 bedroom hotel in downtown HCMC and it was really comfortable and included breakfast. Hanoi and HCMC are kind-of a must do as generally you will land in either first (or Danang). You will learn to cross the road by simply walking - watch youtube videos that show you how to do it, it is a leap of faith but somehow everyone avoids you if you are predictable and don't try to run or do something unpredictable…or look for a local crossing the road and go with them for extra confidence. I took the reunification express - I fell for a scam there where someone who looks like a porter sort of started bossing me around, then picked up my bags and took me to my train and found my cabin…then demanded 100,000dong from me (which was the cost of one ticket)…I talked him down to 20,000 dong because that is all that I had in my wallet (tip: carry a wallet with only 20,000 dong in it!) he could see that was my last note so took it and left…A$2 so would feed him for a week. Best place I liked was Hoi-An…beautiful place. Rule of thumb for where taxis drop you off…the closer the shop is to where the taxi drops you off…the more expensive it is! So T-shirt near taxis = A$30 (can be haggled down to A$15 or VD150,000) but at the other end of town the same t-shirt will cost you A$3 (or 30,000dong)…no haggling required. Pick up loads of souvenirs and give them to locals you meet - they love them (and probably sell them later anyway). Internal flights are cheap…we paid A$20 for flights between Danang and HCMC and then upgraded to business class for an extra A$20 a seat and tried to eat everything in the lounge (failing miserably…such nice food too!). Make sure you have travel insurance with good medical and evacuation cover…life is cheap in Vietnam and if they injure you the guilty party has to look after you and as a result they would rather kill you and leave you dead on the side of the road…so if someone hits and injures you…get out of there quickly and seek medical attention (google: vietnam policeman hanging on to front of bus). Halong Bay is spectacular…but an absolute tourist trap. There are people selling something to you at every turn. I've heard that there is a cave thought to be one of the world's largest somewhere in the country - I'd like to see that at some point in the future.

  • Sunshines bright on 07/12/2016 - 21:47

    We lived there for 3 months in 2012, spending over a month in Saigon/HCMC. It was very cheap to stay there and food was dirt cheap also. Best to use the travelers point, TripAdvisor and booking.com web sites to find good places to stay. And do everything ala cart not using a travel agency… you will get ripped of by the travel companies.

    The internet there is inexpensive or free and very good you can easily find places to book using it once you arrive. We booked our tours on the streets. Took a bus up to Hanoi - it was a very long trip. It is not hard to get around and all the hotels offer street maps (not to scale)and we walked everywhere.

    Get your Visa off the internet (http://vietnamembassy.org.au/thu-tuc-cho-cong-dan-Viet-Nam-v…)not though the travel agents they again rip you off.

    We stayed here (Ava Saigon Hotel) in HCMC for a month. Today the rates are about 38.00 AUD per night
    http://www.booking.com/hotel/vn/ava-saigon-hotel.en-gb.html?…

  • Sweetnsour on 07/12/2016 - 21:53
    +1

    No one has mentioned this. But it's hot everyday and very humid. The mountains and Hanoi are cooler (and inside when there is air con). That's why their coffee is usually served with ice. You are gonna have heaps of fun going outside your comfort zone. When you realise the world is such a big place with so many cultures, that's when you know you have been bitten by the travel bug.

    • TransportPosters on 08/12/2016 - 08:13

      Oh yeah, as soon as you step off the air conditioned plane your camera lens will fog up! You get used to it, though. I burn easily in Australia but never had to wear sunscreen when in Vietnam. It's a totally different kind of hot.

      Make sure you get your shots from the doctor to protect against various things.

      The other thing to know about Vietnam is that outside of the major tourist areas they have very poor sewerage so you cannot flush toilet paper down the loo (when doing number one or number two), you must throw it into dedicated bins next to the toilet. Some toilets in the hotels are also designed to a smaller standard and I literally got my balls squashed up under me on the back of the toilet bowl wall when sitting down on two of them, and had to "hover" over it to do my business.

      And don't be alarmed by the amount of people openly picking their nose, it's just a cultural thing like we scratch an itch.

  • singlemalt72 on 13/12/2016 - 13:08

    A few tips
    1. Get a sim with data for your phone, makes it easier to find your way around with google maps and summoning Uber when you are desparate

    1. Sign up for Uber!

    2. Look out for pickpockets - do not carry all your cards with you in the same pocket/bag Always have a fallback. I travel with my Citibank Plus card (Get one!) a couple of other credit cards and a travelex cash passport with a couple hundred dollard pre-loaded in case of emergency.

    3. Beware of exchange rates - vendors can spot a newb and will try and overcharge you. My first day in HCMC I nearly paid 10 times the going rate for an iced coconut.

    4. Young people that approach you and speak in an Australian accent are trying to get/take money from you. They will generally pick you from your clothing and initiate a conversation in a very good approximation of your accent…. they can be good value and you can have a laugh, but be prepared for them to try and lure you to some vendor who will overcharge. - Especially bad around the Ben Tanh market in HCMC. Also young women that like to chat to "practice their english" and will inevitably try to lure you somewhere.

    5. If you are in Hanoi stay in the Old Quarter - not sure of your budget, bt 3B Homestay is where I recommend - they have a few recently renovated older hotels in the OQ and the staff are absolutely fantastic. On our last day we were flying out at 5am and they opened the kitchen early to cook breakfast for us, without us even knowing.

    6. Do not use flight centre ….. ever! Look around sites like Iwantthatflight and you will do much better, just be aware when booking with budget airlines the extra fees that may apply for baggage. Your estimate is typical, but I have flown return from the Gold Coast to Vietnam for as little as $360

    7. Pre-booked tours are great for some people, but once you get there you will find tour operators all over the place, your hotel will also help organise, and even with their cut the deals are pretty good. I just hate being on a timetable on holiday - nothing worse than finding a great area and not being able to enjoy it because of a pre-booked tour. Generally best to book a tour the night before.

    8. Enjoy yourself! Vietnam is awesome. I have travelled throughout SE Asia for the last decade and rank it as one of the best destinations. Not as developed (yet) as some other areas but the expected tourist resorts are popping up very quickly now.

  • tajid on 14/12/2016 - 16:32

    Side question, going there tomorrow. How cold is Hanoi's winter? Google shows around 17-25 degrees.

  • Peck on 10/01/2017 - 19:26
    +1

    Without reading all of the detailed posts here, I would start with AirAsia to Saigon. Stay in Pham Ngu Lao. Also known as the back packers area, but it is not really. And good 3 star hotels to be had for under $40. Lots of very competitive travel agents in the area where you can organise whatever you like. Very cheap food and drink readily available in the area. Also walking distance, if you like a bit of exercise, to lots of things in Saigon. (I refuse to call it HCMC) Taxis in SGN very honest if you use Vinasun (White taxis) or MaiLinh (Green) which are easily and readily available.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join