Planning A New Vietnam Trip
Air? We flew Chicago to Bangkok via Tokyo on United (our airline of choice). You have many, many airlines to pick from since almost every major airline flies to Bangkok. For example: Aeroflot-Russian International, Air France, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Cathay, China Southern Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysian Airlines, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, United Airlines, VietNam Airlines just to name some.
Hotel? Flying via Bangkok meant misconnecting to Vietnam. Decided to spend two days in Bangkok and checked in to the The Peninsula Bangkok. On the opposite end, we flew back to Bangkok, stayed at the Amari Airport Hotel for one night - across the landbridge from Don Muang Airport - a flew home early the next morning. This information is no longer relevant with the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport. and United now connects via Hong Kong directly to Saigon.
Visa? You must have a Vietnamese visa. Contact the Vietnam Embassy for information. It is also possible to obtain some visas at the airport upon arrival. Definitely double-check on this.
Travel Insurance? Never travel without it. We stick to Travel Guard. Travel insurance starts at $30..
Health? There was a very low risk of Malaria so we left the Malaria pills behind. I always check the Centers for Disease Control updates to see what they suggest. Other than that, the usual innoculations for travel. Hep A, keep your Polio booster up-to-date, Tetanus, and Typhoid, etc. None compulsory but we always take precautions.
Clothing? It was going to be hot in South Vietnam and cool in the Mountain areas. Lightweight clothing, shorts, some longer pants, sun hat, etc. Packed just one nicer outfit for New Year's eve in Hanoi. Needed hiking boots and a warm jacket for the hill tribe area.
Included?
- All hotels/guesthouses with breakfast only. Full board was included in Sapa, the ethnic area around Dalat and remote areas. The remaining meals would be relatively inexpensive in Vietnam.
- Guides and drivers
- All sightseeing, intra-air, overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa
Money? As of today, $1 US=16,125 Vietnamese Dong - a $100 US would exchange to over 1,000,000 Dong! Instant millionaires. There are ATM's in Thailand and Vietnam. Would need cash for meals, tips and other incidentals.
...We were ready and off to Saigon...
Comments
I believe United flies directly to Vietnam with one stop in Hongkong prior to continuing to Saigon or Hanoi on Boeing 747.
You are so right. I meant to indicate it in the travel planning and forgot. Thanks for pointing it out!
Posted by: Roamer | September 20, 2007 05:37 PM