Asia Backpacker Travel Information
Use the links below to find backpacking information for specific Asia countries.
For more information try these travel guides.
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Backpacking in South-East Asia
Travelling through South-East Asia with just a backpack on your back is both a challenging and highly rewarding experience. Whether you are travelling alone, with companions or have even hired a guide, you will find yourself faced with unanticipated culture shocks, miscommunications, and – most likely of all – some form of stomach flu.
This article is a very brief guide to the five countries closely located to each other, situated south from China: Burma ( Myanmar), Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.
The First Step
Assuming you are planning your trip on a budget, it is a good idea to start off at the travel agents for some quotes and ideas for the type of trip you will be able to afford.
The travel agent should also be able to explain all the visa information you will be needing – most tourist visas are available for 30 days at a cost of between US $20 to $30, except for Burma, where visa entry is more complicated if you require more than one day’s stay.
After your first visit to the travel agents, it will also be a good idea to hop online to double-check quoted prices, as well as research for even better deals.
When budgeting for the trip, your easiest option would be to select one large city as your ‘key-port’ into the region, and get a good deal for a return flight from your country of origin. (Of course, if you are planning to travel further then you can ignore all this.)
Insurance
Don’t forget about travel insurance! Especially cover small valuables such as mobile phones, as there is a high risk of being pick-pocketed.
Health Check
See You Doctor
If you’re planning to carry a backpack and migrate around countries of humid, tropical weather, you really should consult with your doctor. Firstly, concerning whether or not you are in fit enough shape for this form of exercise, and secondly to discuss any necessary immunizations or vaccines.
It is recommended that you consult your doctor at least six weeks prior to the departure date of your trip. However, keep in mind that it is never too late to get vaccinated, so if you are reading this and you only have two weeks until your trip, you should still go see your doctor.
Malaria
In general, the doctor would be advising you about Malaria and Hepatitis. If you are only planning to stay in the major tourist ‘hot spots’ and cities, anti-malarial pills should not be necessary, and plenty of mosquito repellent should be the only prescription. (If you want to be seriously over-prepared, bring your own mosquito netting, or remember to buy one from a local market as soon as you land!)
Stomach Problems
Anti-diuretics are a must, as well as fever-reducing medication. If you know you are prone to sensitivity in your digestive system, you should stay away from raw vegetables, as they may contain various strains of local bacteria. Antacids are also a great idea if you are prone to getting heart burn from spicy foods.
Other Health Precautions
Don’t be surprised if you experience heat rash. Bring whatever creams or remedies you are used to using when heat rash occurs (or ask your local Pharmacist for product recommendation).
Remember
Tap water is undrinkable. Only drink from bottled water, and usually ice is contaminated as well.
Basic Essentials Checklist
- MANY packets of personal tissues. (Most public toilets in South-East Asia do not provide toilet paper – in fact it would be a minor miracle if you found one that did).
- Hand sanitisers.
- Mosquito repellent. (Though it is controversial to say whether or not DEET in mosquito repellent is toxic, in small amounts – if your stay is not for months or even years – it should be reasonably harmless to use repellent containing DEET every day throughout your trip. It is rather unlikely that choosing ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ repellents will repel the local mosquitoes in South-East Asia).
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat. (It will be HOT – no matter what month in the year, unless you are planning to visit northern Vietnam during its winter months of November to March).
- Anti-diuretics/fever-reducing medication/antacids/vitamins/personal medication.
- Small torch/spare batteries/power adapter (the sockets are the same as US).
- Personal padlock – in the hostels, or even hotels, you may wish to keep a locked drawer for your passport, etc.
- Clothes, swimwear, etc. (Leave some room for your souvenirs!)
Currency
The US dollar is generally accepted in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In Burma, the receiver is required to have a license to hold US currency. (Most Burmese will accept US notes, however, keep this fact in mind in case one does refuse your notes).
Thailand’s currency is the ‘baht’ (THB, ฿), written in Thai as บาท or บ.
Travellers’ cheques
Accepted in the major cities of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. If someone in Burma accepts your travellers’ cheques, they may be operating something dodgy.
ATMs
Available for foreigners’ use in the major cities of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. You cannot expect to withdraw any funds if you visit Burma, so be prepared to bring the exact amount of cash you wish to spend during your stay.
Credit cards
Accepted in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. No such service in Burma.
US $ Exchange Rates
US $1 = 33 Baht ( Thailand)
16000 Dong ( Vietnam)
9600 Kip ( Laos)
4000 Riel ( Cambodia)
1350 Kyat ( Burma)
Daily Use Estimate
Getting around any South-East Asian country should not cost you more than US $30 a day. (And that’s a very comfortable estimate; depending on your own ‘comfort levels,’ you could minimise spending to $15-$20 a day).
Hostels/Hotels
Hostels and guesthouses should not be charging you more than US $10 a night.
Hotels in Laos, Cambodia and Burma start from US $20 a night.
Hotels in Thailand and Vietnam start from US $50 a night.
Food
Local food eateries should only cost around US $1 to $2 for a normal portion of food.
Transport
Costs will vary depending on your chosen method. (See the ‘Transport’ sections of each country for more information.)
Internet
Available in the major cities of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma.
Cultural Awareness
Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand are very conservative and largely Buddhist populated countries. Vietnam has a variety of religious followers, however, remains conservative in its people’s culture as well.
Dress with modesty
Women should take special care not to wear anything too revealing, particularly when visiting sacred sites such as temples or pagodas. Shorts should remain knee-length, and shirts should have sleeves. If you are in the city where many tourists are also present, normal Western dressing should be acceptable. (Just don’t be surprised if you get some stares for wearing short shorts in a local small town or bikini at a beach area).
Women and monks
Women should also keep in mind that some monks are not allowed to touch women, so do not be offended if he does not accept an offering from you if you are still holding the offering in your hand. Usually women place offerings by the monk’s feet or side so the monk can pick it up himself. Sometimes the monk will have a representative to accept the offering on his behalf.
‘Vow of Silence’
Some monks have made vows of silence, so do not be offended if he does not reply to your well-intentioned greeting (whether you are a man or woman).
Cultural Offenses – Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand
It is considered very offensive to be patted on the head – as in Theravada Buddhism, the head is the most sacred place. Also take care not to point at things with your feet – the ‘dirtiest’ place in the body, according to Theravada Buddhist beliefs.
Cultural Offenses – Thailand
Do not insult the King or make remarks about the western stories of ‘The King and I’. Thais place their King in the highest regard, and consider ‘The King and I’ an offensive story to their kingdom.
Cultural Offenses – Vietnam
Try not to talk about the ‘ Vietnam’ war with western bias – and the war is actually known as the ‘American’ war to the Vietnamese.
Cultural Awareness – Vietnam
Asian women accompanying western men are often presumed to be prostitutes or escorts, though this stereotype is generally amongst the lower classes; just be aware that such presumptions may exist.
Traveler’s Etiquette
Remember that you are the visitor to someone else’s homeland. When dealing with locals, anger as outlet of frustration will not be earning you any further respect – and more often than not, results in the amusement of the local you are getting angry at.
Now: The Fun Part!
Eat, drink, shop, explore and enjoy! Whether you are planning to stick to the more Western-tourist populated ‘hot-spots’ in the one country or you want to trek across all borders on foot, here are some brief summaries of each country to help inspire you into making your trip as fulfilling as possible.
Burma ( Myanmar)
Despite many parts of particularly western Burma being damaged from war, the country has within its landscape a plethora of beautiful, religious architecture. Many visitors arrive dumbfounded by the awe of the intricately detailed structures.
Quick Facts
- Capital city: Naypyidaw (administrative capital in the Mandalay Division since 2005)
- Borders: China (north), India & Bangladesh (west), Laos & Thailand (east).
- Time Zone: UTC+6:30
- Population: approx 42 million
- Languages: Burmese (official), English, Shan dialects, Kayin, Mon, Chinese dialects (Hokkien, Cantonese), Hindi, Tamil
- Religions: Buddhism (89%), Christianity (4%), Muslim (4%), Animist (1%), other (2%).
- Currency: Kyat, though US currency is mostly accepted (US$1 = 1350 Kyat).
History
Burma has within its history a powerful Burmese kingdom of the Bamar people from the 9 Th Century BC. The British discovered Burma in 1824, and by 1886 the country became a province of India as part of the Commonwealth. The Union of Burma was formed by 1948, after the two World Wars, and by 1962, Burma was under the Communist military regime of General Ne Win, who was then taken over by General Saw Muang in 1988. The country remains a Communist state, governed by the military, and many tourists are weary about supporting the corrupt government when visiting the country. Pro-democracy advocates have encouraged tourism into Burma for the benefit of bringing funds into their local economy – as long as the funds do reach local hands (usually the five-star hotels and restaurants are partially owned by the government).
Hot Spots
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon
The most famous of all Burma’s pagodas is the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon ( Rangoon). Kipling couldn’t get enough of it, and the structure remains just as awe-inspiring today as it would have been to the first British explorers. It is often said that there is more gold on the pagoda than ‘in the vaults of the Bank of England.’ The tip of the main structure alone is made of 5,448 diamonds, and 2,317 rubies, sapphires and topaz. Yangon, in the south, is also the commercial capital of Burma, and hosts a variety of colonial architecture from the time of British rule.
Mandalay
In the center of the country, Mandalay was once the capital city of Burma during the Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1853), and is filled with historical sites to visit, particularly the Mandalay Royal Palace.
Bagan
A little further south from Mandalay, Bagan was once the capital of medieval Burma, during the time of Anawrahta’s conquest of Thaton in 1057, and the overrun of Bagan by Kublai Khan’s forces in 1287. What had once been a city of an estimated 13,000 temples and pagodas, now remains with approximately 2000 temples and pagodas standing.
Shopping
Burma has many surprisingly well-kept antiques from its British period, and travelers should keep a look-out for a great bargain at the local markets.
The largest market in Yangon is the Bogyoke Aung San Market (formerly the Scott Market). Whether you are searching for spices, lacquerware, precious stones, textiles or electronics, anything that a local Burmese would need for their daily lives can be found at this market.
Food & Drink
Burmese food has influences of Indian, Chinese and Mon cuisine, ranging from curries to Chinese style noodles, and seafood along coastal towns. Vegetarian options are widely available.
Toddy juice (ta-yei) is a popular drink in central Burma, made out of fermented palm sugar. Local beers are also available, through frowned upon by the more conservative Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims.
Transport
Trains
Trips between Yangon and Mandalay take approximately 16 hours, and will cost between US$15 (ordinary) and US$50 (sleeper).
Ferries
Trips from Mandalay to Bagan takes a full morning; Bagan to Yangon takes several days. Bagan to Mandalay takes 13 hours. Costs are around US $15 to $20.
Bus
Trips between Yangon and Madalay take about 15 hours and cost about 15,000 Kyat.
Pick-Up Trucks
Pick-up trucks are old Toyota pickup trucks which run from city to city (each with a central pickup point), at very low costs – and extremely ‘packed’ conditions. Like sardines, passengers are expected to fill the truck wherever possible, and sometimes drivers go off the routes in hopes of picking up more passengers. A seat at the front next to the driver will cost just that little extra (and would probably be worth it). Get to the pickup point early to reserve.
Cars
Available for hire in Yangon, however night-time driving is dangerous and not recommended.
Other
Hospitals may require bribery for better services, and it is recommended that you bring your own needles, as there remains risk of contracting HIV from unsanitary needles.
Cambodia
Cambodia is a country steadily on a campaign to restore its former glory. The Khmer people are proud of their ancient empire, and always happy to host visitors to their beloved country.
Quick Facts
- Capital city: Phnom Penh.
- Borders: Vietnam (east), Laos (north), Thailand (northwest) and Gulf of Thailand (southwest).
- Time Zone: UTC+7
- Population: approx 14 million
- Languages: Khmer (official; 95%), French, English, Thai.
- Religions: Theravada Buddhist (95%), other (5%).
- Currency: Riel, though US currency is widely accepted (US$1 = 4000 Riel).
History
The Khmer empire was at the height of its power between the 12 th and 14 th Centuries BC. Angkor had been abandoned by 1431, and by the 19 th Century, the French colonized Cambodia until 1954. Political instability and civil unrest continued until 1993, when the UN sponsored elections which resulted in two prime ministerial figures: Hun Sen and Prince Ranariddh. By 1997 co-Prime Minister Prince Ranariddh is exiled, and Pol Pot denounced by the Khmer Rouge. By 1998, Pol Pot dies in the jungle, Prince Ranariddh returns to Cambodia, yet elections left Hun Sen in power. By 1999, Cambodia has joined ASEAN and continues to gradually develop its market economy. Elections from 2004 have continued to support Hun Sen as Prime Minister. Tourism into the country has especially helped its economy.
Hot Spots
Phnom Penh
The capital of Cambodia, where you can visit the Royal Palace, as well as the Killing Fields memorial, about 17 km south of the city. The riverside area of Sisowath Quay along the Mekong has also flourished into an expat ‘hangout’ with many cafes, bars and ‘Happy Pizza’ eateries.
Siem Reap – Angkor Wat
Siem Reap is the gateway into the ancient city of Angkor Wat (now officially titled, ‘ Angkor Archeological Park’). A UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, the ancient temples of Angkor and all its hundreds of surrounding temples offers one, three or seven day long passes to its visitors (US $20, $40, or $60). Guides are available in almost all languages for US $20 a day.
Sihanoukville
A beachside town (about 3 hours drive from either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh) rapidly growing in popularity amongst tourists for its serene ocean views and abundance of fresh seafood.
Battambang
Cambodia’s second largest city, with many French colonial structures still intact – especially one French governor’s residence, and temples and statues from the ancient Khmer culture.
Shopping
The Central Market in Phnom Penh is an art deco style structure, offering anything from fruits to video games. The Russian Markets in Phnom Penh offer a variety of fake designer clothing, jewellery, and pirated CDs and DVDs.
Angkor Wat souvenirs are widely available, as well as textiles, and silverware.
Food & Drink
When travelling through the countryside, you will find yourself stumbling across sellers of fried insects, and, most notoriously, fried tarantulas. Other insect delicacies include spicy tree-ant paste, eaten as a dip with raw vegetables (or dip with cooked ones, if you’ll feel more comfortable).
Traditional Khmer food
Similar to Thai flavours with a mixture of spices, lime and rice-based dishes.
‘Happy Pizza’
Pizza with a sprinkle of Marajuana on top.
Angkor Beer
Cambodia ’s very popular national beer.
Other delicacies
Turtle’s eggs, sea coconut snails and raw prawns.
Transport
Train
Trains are slow and only available between Phnom Penh and Battambang.
Ferries
Ferries operate seasonally and are often cramped, and charge higher for foreigners. Routes run between Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Siem Reap to Battambang.
Buses
Journeys between Phnom Penh to Siemp Reap take around five hours.
Tuk-tuk
Three-wheeled pedicab, can be hired for around US $10 to $15 a day around town.
Bikes
Available for hire, usually from guesthouses for US $1 (single speed) or US $2 (with gears) per day.
Motorbikes
Can hop on one for a short trip as a taxi service (around US $1 for short trip), or rent one for the day (prices vary).
Cars
Guesthouses offer arrangements of cars with drivers for around US $25 a day.
Taxi
Costs around US $7 from the city to the airport.
Laos
Laos appears to be steadily gaining tourists’ interests, especially for second- or third-time travelers to South-East Asia. The land is filled with temples and undisturbed forests with beautiful trails and waterfalls.
Quick Facts
- Capital city: Vientiane (on the banks of the Mekong river).
- Borders: Vietnam (east), Cambodia (south), Thailand (west), Burma (north) and China (north).
- Time Zone: UTC+7
- Population: approx 6.5 million
- Languages: Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languages.
- Religions: Buddhism (60%), Animist and Other (40%, including 1.5% Christianity).
- Currency: Kip, though US currency is mostly accepted (US$1 = 9600 Kip).
History
Laos was initially a Khmer vassal state in the 14 th Century. There were some takeovers and disputes between Siamese (19 th Century), French (early 20 th Century) and Japanese (World War II), with further struggles between Communist and North Vietnam-allied Pathet Lao and the French-leaning monarchy. The US had dropped 1.9 million metric tons of bombs onto Laos during the Vietnam War (1964-1973), and by the fall of Saigon in 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao came into power, overtaking the six-century old monarchy. By 1997 Laos had been admitted into ASEAN, and foreign investment laws were loosened. In 1998 the government established efforts to encourage tourism into the country by declaring it ‘Visit Laos Year.’
Hot Spots
Pha That Luang – Vientiane
Pha That Luang is the country’s most important national religious symbol. The three-layered gilded stupa hosts a relic of the Buddha, a breastbone. The annual Ban That Luang festival occurs in November, beginning on the night of the full moon.
French Influence – Vientiane
A local twist on Paris' Arc de Triomphe, the Patuxai (or Monument Anousavari), is a monument built in memory of those killed in the war prior to Communist takeover.
Luang Prabang
Once the capital of Laos until the 16 th Century, Luang Prabang is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage City. Visit the Royal Palace Museum (Haw Kham), the former royal palace constructed in the early 20 th Century, with a mixture of Lao and French influences. The oldest monastery in Luang Prabang is the Golden City Monastery (Wat Xieng Thong). This temple was built by King Sai Sethathirat in 1560 and had been patronised by the Lao Monarchy until 1975. The Buddhist Caves (Pak Ou Caves) a little further north from town, are also famous for the mixture of natural scenery and religious iconography.
Waterfalls
Kuang Si, about 30 km south of Laung Prabang is a multi-tiered waterfall with unique limestone formations.
Taat Sae, also south of Laung Prabang (slightly closer to the city), is very crowded on weekends, and has many pools of water and shorter drops compared to Kuang Si.
Shopping
100% handmade Laos silk scarves and other silk products should start at around US $5. The Morning Market (Talat Sao) in Vientiane is a popular market for many stalls selling silk and other textiles.
Food & Drink
The staple food of Laos is sticky rice (khao niaow), usually eaten by hand. The national dish is a salad of minced meat mixed with herbs and spices called laap or larb. Much of Lao cuisine is similar to the food found in the north-eastern regions of Thailand. French and Vietnamese influences are also present in Lao cuisine.
The national beer is called Beer Lao, and rice whiskey is called ‘lao-lao’.
Coffee (kaafeh) is from the Bolaven Plateau in the south, and not adulterated with ground tamarind seed. Kaafeh Lao comes with sugar and condensed milk. Kaafeh nom is the normal westerners’ version of white coffee, and kaafeh dam is black coffee.
Transport
Ferries
Various options available between ‘slow’ and ‘speed’ boats. Some providers only operate during the wet season (April to October).
Buses (VIP/mini)
Buses in Laos comes in forms of ‘VIP’ or ‘mini-bus’. The VIP bus is more like an old bus of Western standards, and provides more leg room than the mini-bus.
Pick-Up Trucks
(See Burma: Transport).
Cars
Available for hire, with the option of a driver at around US $95 per day. The cars are new and quite reliable.
Jumbo
Motorised three-wheeler, similar to ‘tuk-tuks’ of Thailand. Should not cost more than US $1 for journeys less than 5 kms.
Thailand
From visiting temples and shrines, to elephant riding, world-class golfing or even foot massages and kayaking, there is so much to explore and experience in Thailand that all the guidebook reading in the world would not be enough to prepare you for being there in the streets, talking to locals and fellow tourists, and discovering new things to do or see. The literal translation of ‘ Thailand’ is ‘ Land of Smiles’. The people are very friendly and welcoming to tourists.
Quick Facts
- Capital city: Bangkok.
- Borders: Burma (north-west), Laos (north-east), Cambodia (south-east) and Malaysia (south).
- Time Zone: UTC+7
- Population: approx 65 million
- Languages: Thai (official), regional and ethic dialects.
- Religions: Buddhist (95%), Muslim (3.8%), Christian (0.5%), Hindu (0.1%), other (0.6%).
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB, exchange rate approx. 33 Baht to 1 US dollar).
History
Thailand (historically known as ‘ Siam’ until 1939), is the only South-East Asian country which has never been colonised by a European power. The unified Thai kingdom had been established since the mid-14 th Century, and the current King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), is the world’s longest-reigning monarch. Thailand had been a Japanese ally during World War II, and then an ally of the US following the war. Thailand is now a democratic country and there is no military presence in public places; all services function normally.
Hot Spots
Top Cities
Bangkok, a city which never sleeps and is abuzz with tourist and local hangouts to explore. Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being one of Thailand’s old capitals. Chiang Rai is a beach town which serves as the gateway to the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Thailand, Laos and Burma. Pattaya is one of the major tourist destinations, known for its great beaches.
Top Islands
Ko Phi Phi is where the The Beach (2000, Leonardo DiCaprio) was filmed, and remains popular with backpackers. Ko Samet is the nearest island beach from Bangkok. Ko Tao is famous for scuba-diving adventures. Phuket is the most famous of Thailand’s island beach escapes and remains very popular with tourists today.
Shopping
Visit the night markets, particularly Suan Lum Night Bazaar in Bangkok and the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai. The atmosphere is vibrant and you can find an array of handicrafts, Thai silks, streetwear, electronics and local foods to enjoy.
Food & Drink
Thai food is now widely available in Western countries, yet the authentic experience always trumps. Expect to pay as little as 20 Baht for a bowl of pad thai noodles from a local vendor.
Coconut juice
Widely available, and great for cooling the body.
Thai iced tea (chaa yen)
Bright orange in colour, very strong and sweet, and usually served with condensed milk. Add some water if it gets too sweet.
The original ‘Red Bull’
Thailand ’s ‘Krathing Daeng.’ Distributed in glass bottles with the red bull logo, the caffeine content is equivalent to three shots of espresso.
Thai whisky (lao)
A rice-based liquor.
Transport
Train
The State Railway of Thailand has a very informative website at www.railway.co.th where you can email your bookings in advance.
Ferries
Various options available between ‘slow’ and ‘speed’ boats. Thailand is famous for its Long Tail Boat (reua hang yao), great for travelling shorter distances in shallow waters. Not so practical if you are in a hurry.
Buses
The Thai government provides all information on bus routes and rates at their Transport Company website www.transport.co.th.
Songthaew
Similar to a pick-up truck (see: Burma – Transport), though also operates within cities as taxi services. Check prices with driver before you hop on.
Tuk-tuk
Three-wheeled vehicles, with an assortment of sizes and shapes. Check prices with the driver before you hop on.
Motorbikes
Can hop on one for a short trip as a taxi service (around 5 baht), or rent one for the day (around 150 baht). You should have either a Thai Driver’s License or an International Driver’s Permit to rent.
Cars
Starting prices for small-size vehicles without insurance is around 600 baht. Drivers are also available with hire (and highly recommended, as local traffic can be rather overwhelming).
Taxi
Available in Bangkok, rare in other towns. Only take taxis with a meter.
Vietnam
Vietnam is the only country in South-East Asia which has snow in its winter months (November to March) – in the highlands of Northern region, closest to China. The southern region is hot, humid, and tropical, and the central region is the most comfortable of temperatures year-round.
Quick Facts
- Capital city: Hanoi.
- Borders: China (north), Laos and Cambodia (west).
- Time Zone: UTC+7
- Population: approx 85 million
- Languages: Vietnamese (official), Chinese, English, French, Khmer and mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian).
- Religions: Buddhist, Daoism, Confucianism, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic, some Protestant), indigenous beliefs, Muslim.
- Currency: Dong, though US currency is mostly accepted (US$1 = 16000 Dong)
History
Vietnam was once ruled from Hue, under the Nguy ễ n Dynasty (1802-1945), though the French ‘de facto’ colonized the country during a succession crisis in 1884. After By the end of the brief Japanese occupation during the Second World War, H ồ Chí Minh (leader of Communist Viet Minh party) led an insurgency against the French, and forced the last Emperor Bao Dai to abdicate in 1945. The French were officially defeated in 1954. The country was divided between the north (Communist) and south (Democratic) by the Geneva Conference, and the US sent many troops to what was eventually known by the rest of the world as the ‘Vietnam War’ of 1966-1975 (though the Vietnamese refer to it as the ‘American War’). It has been estimated that two-thirds of the current population in Vietnam were born after 1975, and many young Vietnamese are consumers of American popular culture and trends. The current government encourages tourism, as it helps their economy.
Hot Spots
Hanoi
Located in the northern region, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, with many buildings of French design still intact from the French colonial period. Ha Long Bay is a mystical formation of rocks along the beach about 170 km east of Hanoi – the name ‘Ha Long Bay’ literally translates as ‘ Bay of Descending Dragons.’
Hue
The ancient city from the time of the Nguyen Dynasty lies midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, in the central region.
Ho Chi Minh
The bustling economic capital of Vietnam. Located in the southern region, the city is still commonly referred to as ‘ Saigon’ by both locals and tourists. The city is filled with historical museums, French colonial architecture, gardens, bars, clubs, and a very helpful Tourist Information Centre right in the heart of the city.
Shopping
Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh is the largest and most popular with tourists. You’ll find anything from fruits and vegetables to jeans and t-shirts. Night markets are a great experience.
Food & Drink
Authentic Vietnamese food can be found in smaller, local restaurants. Fish sauce is a major ingredient in most Vietnamese cooking.
Pho
The national dish comprised of broth noodle soup with herbs and chilli.
Pastries
French influences remain abundant, and pastries can be found in local cafes and restaurants.
Seafood
Fresh from the water when ordering from the seaside towns.
Drinks
Local beers available, as well as rice alcohol (rou de) and for something more tropical, enjoy the fresh coconut or sugarcane juices.
Transport
Train
Vietnam Railways has a very informative website at www.vr.com.vn.
Ferries
Expect to pay around US $20 for one day’s hire of a tour boat. Three-day tours are also available, providing beautiful scenic routes along the Mekong. 90 minute speed boat ride may cost around 120,000 dong one way.
Buses
Ask your travel agent for more information on tour bus packages.
Cyclo
Three-wheeled pedicab, more common in smaller cities such as Hue. Pricing should be around 20,000 dong for a 2 km trip.
Bikes
Available for hire, or pre-arranged as part of package tours.
Motorbikes
Can hop on one for a short trip as a taxi service (around 10,000 dong for 10 minute tripe), or rent one for the day (prices starting at 60,000 dong). You should have either a Vietnamese Motorcycle License or an International Motor-vehicle Permit to rent.
Cars
International Drivers’ Licenses are not recognized in Vietnam, so when hiring a car, it will come with a driver. An 8-hour day trip starts from US $50, prices going higher with better quality vehicles.
