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Review About Things To See In Vietnam - My Family Holidays In 2 Weeks ( Dylan Vincent )

I. Preparing for Vietnam

1. Visa

The procedures for applying for an e-visa Vietnam can be received and processed online on the official website of the Consular Department of Vietnam.

2. Money

I thoroughly researched currency matters before my visit to Vietnam. Vietnam's official currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). As of September 2023, the exchange rate was approximately 1 USD to 24,000 VND . Upon my arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, I quickly noticed that there were currency exchange services available. From what I could see, these money changers are conveniently located at both terminals of Hanoi Airport, catering to both domestic (Terminal 1) and international (Terminal 2) travelers.

In general, in tourist hubs ( Hanoi, Saigon, Hoi An,...) , you might find a few eateries and stores that are willing to take foreign currencies like the Australian Dollar (AUD) or the US Dollar (USD). However, for the smoothest and most advisable experience, it is typically suggested to employ the Vietnamese Dong (VND) for the majority of your transactions. I suggest converting your dollars and euros into Vietnamese Dong for seamless transactions.

To estimate the cost of a 1-day tour in Vietnam, you can consider the following breakdown:

• 3-star hotel (double room): $50/night
• 4-star hotel (double room): $80/night
• 5-star hotel (double room): $150/night
• 1 meal: $15/person
• 1 water bottle: $1
• Transportation: $30/day/person
• Entrance fees: $10/day/person

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates and actual costs may vary depending on factors like the specific hotels chosen, the time of year, and individual spending habits. After considering the available tours, I opted for the "Authentic Vietnam Trip," which covers 14 days and 13 nights. This Vietnam trip package aligns perfectly with my budget.

3. Luggage ( Personal things, Clothes, Medicine, ...)

Concerning my personal belongings, I opted for simplicity due to the 14-day duration of my trip, which included a day of trekking in Sapa. Miss Van provided valuable advice, suggesting that I pack climbing shoes and lightweight clothing suitable for the trek. Furthermore, I ensured I had a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and also brought along a zip-lock bag.

I came Vietnam in the summer so I chose T-shirt and shorts to conveniently move . In terms of medication, I brought aspirin, band-aids, mosquito repellent creams, and stomachache medicine.

II. My summary Vietnam travel itinerary in 2 weeks

III. My detailed 2 weeks in Vietnam itinerary

1. Hightlights of the program

When I go on a tour with Autour Asia, I felt really happy and content. They planed everything very carefully, so I had a special and unforgettable trip. They paid a lot of attention to small things, showed me local culture, and made sure my journey is just right for me . Whether I'm exploring busy cities or peaceful countryside, Autour Asia's tours are made to make me really happy and satisfied, and that feeling sticks with me even after the trip is over.

Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ben Tre (Mekong Delta) hold a special place in my heart. During my two-day visit to Hanoi, I had the privilege of exploring the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square, along with the iconic Temple of Literature. Our city tour guide, Mr. Chung, proved to be a friendly and culturally knowledgeable companion. In the afternoon, a visit to the Museum of Ethnology allowed me to delve into the diverse culture of Vietnam's 54 recognized ethnic groups. To cap off the day, I enjoyed a captivating water puppet show, making it a perfect start to my journey.

Continue my exploration by visiting the Japanese Bridge, an iconic landmark of Hoi An that is widely used as an emblem of the town. Next, visit the Tan Ky ancient house, the most popular of Hoi An's old houses. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before beginning the afternoon activities. After cycling through the town, pass through the villages of rice fields on quiet roads, culminating in the Van Lang fisherman village and Bay Mau water coconut forest. On the way to the village, stop at Ba Le market, I was greeted with a warm cup of green tea by Mr. Han and his family, the third generation of his family to live in the village. This was the first time I had a conversation with local people to discover more about Hoi An as well as traditional fishing techniques in the water coconut forest in this village.

In Ben Tre, I began my journey at Ham Luong pier in Ben Tre town, where I embarked on a picturesque cruise along the Ben Tre River, a tributary of the Mekong Delta. I had a big chance when I explored a coconut processing workshop located along the canal and visited a workshop where mats are made and tea and fruit are enjoyed. To truly experience the tropical culture, I rode a motor cart or a bicycle through the lush green plains and rice fields, which was truly amazing.

2. Where did we stay during our trip in Vietnam?

I asked Miss Van for help at every place we visited, and I picked a hotel I really liked. Since I was traveling with my wife and two sons, I checked online to make sure they would be happy and comfortable. I enjoy learning about different cultures, so Miss Van suggested we stay in some local homes to see how people lived there and talk to them. Thanks to her advice, we had a special experience.

On our first day in Hanoi, we stayed at the Hanoi Boutique Hotel. It was cozy, and the staff were very friendly. On the last day of our trip in Vietnam, we stayed at the Cap Town Hotel Saigon, which was an amazing way to end our journey.

One of the best parts of our trip was the excellent service and friendly staff on the Cozy Boutique Cruise. It was the first time I had such a fantastic experience, with activities like squid fishing and spending a night on a cruise ship.

3. Which transportations did we choose to transfer?

During our trip, we used different means of transportation (buses, private cars, planes, and trains) . They were all great. I remember taking a night train to Sapa, and it was surprisingly comfortable, allowing us to rest well.

The private car drivers were always nice and some tried to talk to us in English to make us feel comfortable. We really appreciated that!

We flew with Vietnam Airlines twice, once from Hanoi to Danang and another from Hue to Saigon. The flight attendants were helpful and made the flights enjoyable.

One of the best parts of our trip was taking a boat ride on the Ben Tre River in the Mekong Delta. It was a cruise that left a lasting impression on me.

IV. Advices for other travelers

• Carefully plan your trip: I consider myself lucky to have had Autour Asia recommended by a close friend who had a fantastic experience with them. Their travel consultant provided me with detailed guidance on every destination I wanted to explore, ultimately crafting the itinerary I desired. If you have concerns about your Vietnam travel plans, don't hesitate to contact Autour Asia for a free and expert consultation.
• Check the weather in Vietnam before your trip to pack accordingly.
• Get a local SIM card upon arrival for better communication.
• Ensure the safety of your belongings, including your wallet and jewelry.
• Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases like "Chào" (hello), "Xin Chào" (hi), "Cảm ơn" (thank you), and "Tạm biệt" (goodbye) to make your journey more enjoyable and immersive.
• Install Google translation in case you encounter language barriers.
• ...

Our Vietnam family vacation for two weeks was simply amazing! We explored the stunning landscapes, immersed ourselves in the rich culture, savored the delicious cuisine, and made lasting memories ( meeting friendly folks along the way and getting expert advice added to the whole experience). I really think you should visit Vietnam, and I hope our review helps other travelers enjoy their time in this lovely country.

Montréal , 6th August 2023

DYLAN VINCENT