My Top tips having just returned

1. Carry a full roll of toilet paper where ever you go even to the local shop

2. At the markets offer half of what they ask go up in 10%-20% increments and as you walk away mention your last offer as I was surprised how often they agreed and called me back

3. Sunglasses are a lot cheaper and the same quality as the guys that walk around the outside of the Ben Tha market carrying them on their big piece of wood.

4. The shirts I bought from the markets have washed really well even the cheesy red ones with a big yellow start on the front and did not shrink.

5. Make sure the Taxi meter is running before you get in.

6. Make it very clear how much you are going to pay in a cyclo.

7. Change money at jewellers in Saigon, and change large USD bills ie $100 no less as you get a better rate

8. watch out for the Tan Hai Long Hotel group in Saigon even if you have reserved a room and a large touring group come in they will give the room to them and try and palm you off to either a on par hotel or something lower in standard.

9. Dont turn up at a hotel at 11pm expecting to get a great deal on a room as they know you are desperate.

10. Beer is cheaper if you go to a small family run supermarket

11. If you go to a coffee shop and like the extra super sweet taste of condensed milk in your coffee go for it otherwise bring small single serve helpings you know the ones you get in Western restaurants and ask for black coffee.

12. CROSSING THE ROAD

make sure no cars are coming slowly walk forward looking left or right do not run sprint or stop just walk slow all the mopeds will go around you

13. I would not hire a moped and go up highway one during rush hour as there are some big trucks we saw a young guy get killed on the way back from the Mekong Delta and 2 more accidents.

Watch for little cheap harmless scam where they ask you for Australian coins as they collect them, dont be surprised at the next stall somone will say they were paid in aussie coins and can you change into dong

If you follow these tips you will have a very memorable and exciting holiday we did

My Top tips having just returned

excellent, thanks for all the tips.. we only have 18 more days to go till we are there!

Izzy

My Top tips having just returned

23 more sleeps for us...itching to go!

Great tips. Thanks.

Thanks for your tips - even hubby is excited about our holiday - Tracey %26amp; Izzy - we will be in HoiAn from 12th to 19th April - if you guys want to meet up for a drink (or 2) send me a pm when you are there. For us - 30 sleeps!!!!!

Great tips as my sis in law and moi are going later in the Year.

Also could you let us know how Hoi An went for the seven days after you get back. I am tossing up with a tour or doing our own thing as we did in Italy.

I really like the look of Hoi An and like to paint and so beside the tailors I may need more time there.

Most tours are in and out in two days, pity.

Any tips on a good place to stay would be great also...I am looking at the Ha An Hotel there.

Thanks in advance

Niec

Thank you, great tips, did you book your first night in HCMC? Where did you stay, what was it like? Any other info would be great.

Hi Sandy,

Have a great trip, will be waiting for all the good tips on Hoi An.

Only 3 hotels to choose from now, Ancient House Resort, Hoi An Hotel and the Phuoc An River Resort.

Cheers,

Stewie.