Vietnam
Our days in 'Nam were some of the best days I've experienced on this Earth yet! The costal contrasts, diversity and the opportunity to create a new wardrobe for next to nothing - Get in with the Vietnamese already!
Wild Experiences
Religion
The majority of Vietnamese say they are non-religious, though visiting religious temples is something they do many times every year. Their everyday behaviors and attitudes are dictated by the synthesis of philosophies which can be traced from many religions, especially the 'Triple Religion'. They are a calm yet sharp people that hold great confidence in their independant country.
Transportation
Important Tip - Make sure to shop around and know what you want! Travel agencies here have much more lenient standards so make sure to communicate completely and understand each other at the end or you will end up getting something completely different when you set off on the journey ;)
Transportation is very easy and accessible throughout Vietnam, though accessing public transportation is very rare you'll have no problem finding someone willing and able to sell you something. The best option for long distance travel in Vietnam is to purchase a VIP Sleeper bus pass that allows you to stop and go at any city you desire for up to one month. **A big disclaimer is that Vietnam is over 45 hours drive from South to North so choose wisely! A train will provide added comfort though cost more. In town jump in a tuktuk or scooter driver and you'll be teleported instantly. It's incredible how many people can fit on one scooter! It is truly the best mode of transportation for such a massive population.
A BIG TIP - once you arrive in Hanoi after the long journey North from Ho Chi Minh, most tour operators will say that the only option is to go south before entering Laos, which is wrong - you can venture through Sapa then purchase a bus to Dien Bien Phu - much more scenic and exciting.
Money
Vietnamese Dong is the currency in this neck of the woods - where 1 CAD = 16,000 VND. Vietnam is relatively inexpensive with a budget of $30 CAD per day or 470,000 'Dong' you can rock a hotel room, all meals in various restaurants and have any travel/fun expenses included. Banks are easily accessible in any large city or town though if you venture off the beaten trail make sure to fill your money belt as it may become difficult. Another bonus is that American funds are easily used to pay for hotel rooms, and trips so have a small batch of US and you may actually be able to play with currency exchange and beat the system ;)
Important Tips!!
Shop around for absolutely everything, I've heard too many whining about getting ripped off - and frankly it's only up to you, kudos to the one that came out on top! There are so many options that simply asking about 7 shops what their prices are, isn't a difficult task and doesn't bother them at all, and usually you'll find something you weren't expecting and work out for the better. Oh yes... BARGAIN
HOLD YOUR OWN when crossing the road - look into the oncoming traffic and source out the eyes of the drivers, and slowly but nonstop cross the street people will one by one let you cross though make sure their is contact, and don't cross for too long b/c they will snap.
Bring your sense of adventure, Vietnam can at times by harsh on the senses... the people are a resilient and confident bunch so they may come across as hard but keep in mind the bullshit that the US brought upon them!
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