Vietnam Holiday

[petercallen]

I have noticed on posts on previous topics a lot of members have

holidayed in Vietnam

What i would like to know is, who did you fly with, where did you stay

and can you recommend it, i find the star rating does not mean much

as long as they have the facilities when they first get them they keep

the same rating even if things like air conditioners etc are no longer working

On the web it says to take USD are other currencies accepted

Also has anyone booked a package through a travel agent, the

only one i got a price from wanted 97000 baht for a 8 day packaged

witch i think is expensive

[happyaussie]

Thai, Vietnam Airways, Jet star and Silk Air fly two or three times daily to HCMC from Bangkok. Flights about 1.5hours.

You can spend as much or as little ass you like. It all depends on your budget. But comparing prices to Thailand, Vietnam is about 40/50% cheaper. Beer in a reasonable bar about $1.50

HCMC is like a little Bangkok. Nahtrang like Patong, Pattaya (sex trade is there but not in your face), Hoi Anh is a charming beach destination in the Central Region, Danang is growing with all the big boys building resorts and casinos, Hue is the historical capital and charming, also has a nice beach, Hanoi same size as Saigon but more traditional and more communist like, Sapa is mountain area, Halong Bay is famous for cruising and limestone, little bit like Krabi. There are other beach areas in the southern region, but I've never been so can't comment. Agoda and Trip Advisor are helpful.

Overall Vietnam is a long way behind Thailand when it comes to understanding tourism. Thailand is a mature market, Vietnam is developing. US$ or Vietnam Dong are accepted nearly anywhere. Just bring your ATM card. Visa on arrival is okay, but you need some documents. YOu can find out on the internet.

My home is in Thailand, but I currently work in Vietnam.

[Peterocket]

I just traveled with my mrs for 8 days from Saigon to Hanoi using the sleeper trains. Was good and meant I didn't need to book many hotels. Flew from KL using air asia.

[MissChris]

Only accept new notes. Vietnamese very reluctant to accept torn or patched notes.

[petercallen]

Thai, Vietnam Airways, Jet star and Silk Air fly two or three times daily to HCMC from Bangkok. Flights about 1.5hours.

You can spend as much or as little ass you like. It all depends on your budget. But comparing prices to Thailand, Vietnam is about 40/50% cheaper. Beer in a reasonable bar about $1.50

HCMC is like a little Bangkok. Nahtrang like Patong, Pattaya (sex trade is there but not in your face), Hoi Anh is a charming beach destination in the Central Region, Danang is growing with all the big boys building resorts and casinos, Hue is the historical capital and charming, also has a nice beach, Hanoi same size as Saigon but more traditional and more communist like, Sapa is mountain area, Halong Bay is famous for cruising and limestone, little bit like Krabi. There are other beach areas in the southern region, but I've never been so can't comment. Agoda and Trip Advisor are helpful.

Overall Vietnam is a long way behind Thailand when it comes to understanding tourism. Thailand is a mature market, Vietnam is developing. US$ or Vietnam Dong are accepted nearly anywhere. Just bring your ATM card. Visa on arrival is okay, but you need some documents. YOu can find out on the internet.

My home is in Thailand, but I currently work in Vietnam.

Thankyou for the post, good information

[NamKangMan]

Thai, Vietnam Airways, Jet star and Silk Air fly two or three times daily to HCMC from Bangkok. Flights about 1.5hours.

You can spend as much or as little ass you like. It all depends on your budget. But comparing prices to Thailand, Vietnam is about 40/50% cheaper. Beer in a reasonable bar about $1.50

HCMC is like a little Bangkok. Nahtrang like Patong, Pattaya (sex trade is there but not in your face), Hoi Anh is a charming beach destination in the Central Region, Danang is growing with all the big boys building resorts and casinos, Hue is the historical capital and charming, also has a nice beach, Hanoi same size as Saigon but more traditional and more communist like, Sapa is mountain area, Halong Bay is famous for cruising and limestone, little bit like Krabi. There are other beach areas in the southern region, but I've never been so can't comment. Agoda and Trip Advisor are helpful.

Overall Vietnam is a long way behind Thailand when it comes to understanding tourism. Thailand is a mature market, Vietnam is developing. US$ or Vietnam Dong are accepted nearly anywhere. Just bring your ATM card. Visa on arrival is okay, but you need some documents. YOu can find out on the internet.

My home is in Thailand, but I currently work in Vietnam.

I agree with your description of the various places in Vietnam. All I would add is that Airasia fly from Bangkok to HCMC as well and the "visa on arrival" I get through www.myvietnamvisa.com This simple tourist visa can be extended, 3 times, from within Vietnam, so, basically, you can live 1 year in Vietnam on a tourist visa.

The only thing I would disagree with you on is your statement, "Thailand is a mature market." If you mean mature as in "age" - sure. The Vietnam War kicked off tourism for Thailand, while Vietnam shut it's boarders after the war and only opened them about early 90's. However, If you look closely at the TAT, you will see nothing has been done to improve tourism to Thialand for a long, long time and, compared to it's neighbours, Thailand is now falling behind. Thailand was once in a strong market position but are losing market share rapidly.

I do agree with you that Vietnam is "behind" but there are all the modern conveniences you need and Vietnam has good infastructure by way of roads, transport etc. You will find the locals curious and happy to practice their english with you. You will see genuine smiles and not people with just dollar signs in their eyes. It's everything Thailand used to be. It's a breath of fresh air from all the BS here that is only designed to have farang part with their money.

Enjoy yourself and let us know what you think of the place when you get back. Just keep in mind, the Vietnamese people are different to Thai's and try not to let any language barrier frustrate you. You will find the young teenagers speak english, but not the older adults.

Before all the "if you like the place so much why don't you live there" posts - I still like living on Phuket, but, as I have said on many occassions, the place is changing, and IMO, not for the better. I find myself spending more and more time in Vietnam when doing visa runs and I don't rule out moving there in the future, but for now, I'll stay on Phuket.

Edited February 15, 2012 by NamKangMan

[KarenBravo]

Nha Trang is nothing like Patong, or, Pattaya.

That would be Vung Tau.

[Slip]

Nha Trang is nothing like Patong, or, Pattaya.

That would be Vung Tau.

I was going to say that I thought that it was a bit of a harsh comparison. More like Hua Hin I would say. One thing that is certainly true is that it has exploded over the last 5 or so years since I first went. Lots of Russians and new Russian inspired developments being built. You can get very(?) good quality western food- well certainly passable if you're used to Thai made western stuff.

But a good 'quickpic' of the country all the same happyaussie.

[petercallen]

I just traveled with my mrs for 8 days from Saigon to Hanoi using the sleeper trains. Was good and meant I didn't need to book many hotels. Flew from KL using air asia.

did you arrange the holiday yourself or book

through a travel agent

Was it more than one train you traveled on

[NamKangMan]

On my last visa run, I heard about this place, so I did a quick google search. A $4.2US billon dollar project by the MGM Group. This is what Phuket, and therefore Thailand, is going to be up against in the near future. I believe a big jetty will be built for cruise liners as well. There will be no Vietnamese tuk-tik mafia blockading the passengers over there, that's for sure. Check out the link.

http://www.asiancoas...and-ho-tram.php

This shows investor confidence in Vietnam. How will Phuket be able to compete with this sort of large scale upmarket tourism infastructure.

Edited February 16, 2012 by NamKangMan

[Peterocket]

Thai, Vietnam Airways, Jet star and Silk Air fly two or three times daily to HCMC from Bangkok. Flights about 1.5hours.

You can spend as much or as little ass you like. It all depends on your budget. But comparing prices to Thailand, Vietnam is about 40/50% cheaper. Beer in a reasonable bar about $1.50

HCMC is like a little Bangkok. Nahtrang like Patong, Pattaya (sex trade is there but not in your face), Hoi Anh is a charming beach destination in the Central Region, Danang is growing with all the big boys building resorts and casinos, Hue is the historical capital and charming, also has a nice beach, Hanoi same size as Saigon but more traditional and more communist like, Sapa is mountain area, Halong Bay is famous for cruising and limestone, little bit like Krabi. There are other beach areas in the southern region, but I've never been so can't comment. Agoda and Trip Advisor are helpful.

Overall Vietnam is a long way behind Thailand when it comes to understanding tourism. Thailand is a mature market, Vietnam is developing. US$ or Vietnam Dong are accepted nearly anywhere. Just bring your ATM card. Visa on arrival is okay, but you need some documents. YOu can find out on the internet.

My home is in Thailand, but I currently work in Vietnam.

I do agree with you that Vietnam is "behind" but there are all the modern conveniences you need and Vietnam has good infastructure by way of roads, transport etc. You will find the locals curious and happy to practice their english with you. You will see genuine smiles and not people with just dollar signs in their eyes. It's everything Thailand used to be. It's a breath of fresh air from all the BS here that is only designed to have farang part with their money.

In all the tourist areas scams are rife, and a lot more than Phuket in my opinion. I had someone selling matches to me for the blind at about 500 baht, i had a taxi with a rigged meter who then wanted to fight me, I had a guy try to polish my shoes whilst i was walking and then try to charge me 700 baht and a lot of dual pricing just to name a few in an 8 day period.

You can read various forums and most people will agree that whilst travelling in Vietnam it is quite difficult to meet the real vietnamese people especially as most dont speak english. For me the highlight was seeing the war sites throughout the country...away from the tourists and the scams. My second trip and had a good time but probably wont be planning to go back soon.

Getting back to Phuket for me was quite a relief. Especially as the 24 hour sound of horns going off had started to drive me a bit insane.

[happyaussie]

Thai, Vietnam Airways, Jet star and Silk Air fly two or three times daily to HCMC from Bangkok. Flights about 1.5hours.

You can spend as much or as little ass you like. It all depends on your budget. But comparing prices to Thailand, Vietnam is about 40/50% cheaper. Beer in a reasonable bar about $1.50

HCMC is like a little Bangkok. Nahtrang like Patong, Pattaya (sex trade is there but not in your face), Hoi Anh is a charming beach destination in the Central Region, Danang is growing with all the big boys building resorts and casinos, Hue is the historical capital and charming, also has a nice beach, Hanoi same size as Saigon but more traditional and more communist like, Sapa is mountain area, Halong Bay is famous for cruising and limestone, little bit like Krabi. There are other beach areas in the southern region, but I've never been so can't comment. Agoda and Trip Advisor are helpful.

Overall Vietnam is a long way behind Thailand when it comes to understanding tourism. Thailand is a mature market, Vietnam is developing. US$ or Vietnam Dong are accepted nearly anywhere. Just bring your ATM card. Visa on arrival is okay, but you need some documents. YOu can find out on the internet.

My home is in Thailand, but I currently work in Vietnam.

I agree with your description of the various places in Vietnam. All I would add is that Airasia fly from Bangkok to HCMC as well and the "visa on arrival" I get through www.myvietnamvisa.com This simple tourist visa can be extended, 3 times, from within Vietnam, so, basically, you can live 1 year in Vietnam on a tourist visa.

The only thing I would disagree with you on is your statement, "Thailand is a mature market." If you mean mature as in "age" - sure. The Vietnam War kicked off tourism for Thailand, while Vietnam shut it's boarders after the war and only opened them about early 90's. However, If you look closely at the TAT, you will see nothing has been done to improve tourism to Thialand for a long, long time and, compared to it's neighbours, Thailand is now falling behind. Thailand was once in a strong market position but are losing market share rapidly.

I do agree with you that Vietnam is "behind" but there are all the modern conveniences you need and Vietnam has good infastructure by way of roads, transport etc. You will find the locals curious and happy to practice their english with you. You will see genuine smiles and not people with just dollar signs in their eyes. It's everything Thailand used to be. It's a breath of fresh air from all the BS here that is only designed to have farang part with their money.

Enjoy yourself and let us know what you think of the place when you get back. Just keep in mind, the Vietnamese people are different to Thai's and try not to let any language barrier frustrate you. You will find the young teenagers speak english, but not the older adults.

Before all the "if you like the place so much why don't you live there" posts - I still like living on Phuket, but, as I have said on many occassions, the place is changing, and IMO, not for the better. I find myself spending more and more time in Vietnam when doing visa runs and I don't rule out moving there in the future, but for now, I'll stay on Phuket.

Mature as in a developed tourism industry. And I totally disagree with your comments about Thailand loosing market share. Thailand is by far the most popular tourist destination in SE Asia and growing. This is despite it's recent challenges and political turmoil. If anything it's loosing it's edge due to too much tourism and overdevelopment. Therefore loosing some of it's charm.

Vietnam infrastructure is bloody terrible and roads are horrendous. I don't know where you've travelled, but I can assure you that in general the roads are shockers and public transport a mess. Thailand roads and infrastructure are light years ahead. And Vietnamese are the 2nd or 3rd worst drivers on this planet (India, Sri Lanka ahead). I often read threads about Thai driving and think to myself that you aint seen nothing until you've driven in Vietnam, which I do.

I also enjoy train travel and have never done it in Vietnam. But I have met plenty who have. My one question has always been, "would you do it again" and the answer is always NEVER. A nice one time experience, but the trains are uncomfortable, smelly, slow and stop all the time. However I heard the Hanoi / Sapa overnight train is very good. This is because Hotels lease carriages.

I agree that Thailand has it's problems, like anywhere I suppose. I used to live in Phuket and would love to live there again.

[happyaussie]

On my last visa run, I heard about this place, so I did a quick google search. A $4.2US billon dollar project by the MGM Group. This is what Phuket, and therefore Thailand, is going to be up against in the near future. I believe a big jetty will be built for cruise liners as well. There will be no Vietnamese tuk-tik mafia blockading the passengers over there, that's for sure. Check out the link.

http://www.asiancoas...and-ho-tram.php

This shows investor confidence in Vietnam. How will Phuket be able to compete with this sort of large scale upmarket tourism infastructure.

It's all smoke and mirrors with very few projects getting off the ground. Vietnam went through a bit of a boom over the past 5 years. Bu that bubble has burst. Also remember Vietnam is coming off a very low base. About 6 million visitors a year. Less than Phuket. Being a communist government they like to wave the flag and enter into JV's. Very high inflation and 22% interest rates is crippling investment at the moment. One project that is under construction is Laguna Lang Co. Similar model but smaller to Laguna Phuket. Banyon Tree guys.

[Peterocket]

Thai, Vietnam Airways, Jet star and Silk Air fly two or three times daily to HCMC from Bangkok. Flights about 1.5hours.

You can spend as much or as little ass you like. It all depends on your budget. But comparing prices to Thailand, Vietnam is about 40/50% cheaper. Beer in a reasonable bar about $1.50

HCMC is like a little Bangkok. Nahtrang like Patong, Pattaya (sex trade is there but not in your face), Hoi Anh is a charming beach destination in the Central Region, Danang is growing with all the big boys building resorts and casinos, Hue is the historical capital and charming, also has a nice beach, Hanoi same size as Saigon but more traditional and more communist like, Sapa is mountain area, Halong Bay is famous for cruising and limestone, little bit like Krabi. There are other beach areas in the southern region, but I've never been so can't comment. Agoda and Trip Advisor are helpful.

Overall Vietnam is a long way behind Thailand when it comes to understanding tourism. Thailand is a mature market, Vietnam is developing. US$ or Vietnam Dong are accepted nearly anywhere. Just bring your ATM card. Visa on arrival is okay, but you need some documents. YOu can find out on the internet.

My home is in Thailand, but I currently work in Vietnam.

I agree with your description of the various places in Vietnam. All I would add is that Airasia fly from Bangkok to HCMC as well and the "visa on arrival" I get through www.myvietnamvisa.com This simple tourist visa can be extended, 3 times, from within Vietnam, so, basically, you can live 1 year in Vietnam on a tourist visa.

The only thing I would disagree with you on is your statement, "Thailand is a mature market." If you mean mature as in "age" - sure. The Vietnam War kicked off tourism for Thailand, while Vietnam shut it's boarders after the war and only opened them about early 90's. However, If you look closely at the TAT, you will see nothing has been done to improve tourism to Thialand for a long, long time and, compared to it's neighbours, Thailand is now falling behind. Thailand was once in a strong market position but are losing market share rapidly.

I do agree with you that Vietnam is "behind" but there are all the modern conveniences you need and Vietnam has good infastructure by way of roads, transport etc. You will find the locals curious and happy to practice their english with you. You will see genuine smiles and not people with just dollar signs in their eyes. It's everything Thailand used to be. It's a breath of fresh air from all the BS here that is only designed to have farang part with their money.

Enjoy yourself and let us know what you think of the place when you get back. Just keep in mind, the Vietnamese people are different to Thai's and try not to let any language barrier frustrate you. You will find the young teenagers speak english, but not the older adults.

Before all the "if you like the place so much why don't you live there" posts - I still like living on Phuket, but, as I have said on many occassions, the place is changing, and IMO, not for the better. I find myself spending more and more time in Vietnam when doing visa runs and I don't rule out moving there in the future, but for now, I'll stay on Phuket.

I also enjoy train travel and have never done it in Vietnam. But I have met plenty who have. My one question has always been, "would you do it again" and the answer is always NEVER. A nice one time experience, but the trains are uncomfortable, smelly, slow and stop all the time. However I heard the Hanoi / Sapa overnight train is very good. This is because Hotels lease carriages.

I agree that Thailand has it's problems, like anywhere I suppose. I used to live in Phuket and would love to live there again.

The train was ok, 1st class sleepers were reasonably comfortable and ok for over night trips.

[Ulysses G.]

I do agree with you that Vietnam is "behind" but there are all the modern conveniences you need and Vietnam has good infastructure by way of roads, transport etc. You will find the locals curious and happy to practice their english with you. You will see genuine smiles and not people with just dollar signs in their eyes.

What a load of crap. I have traveled there many times and lived in Hanoi for a while. Personally, to me, the good outweighs the bad, but most tourists that I meet hate the place because they are very aggresive people and much more likely to cheat you than in Thailand.

[happyaussie]

I do agree with you that Vietnam is "behind" but there are all the modern conveniences you need and Vietnam has good infastructure by way of roads, transport etc. You will find the locals curious and happy to practice their english with you. You will see genuine smiles and not people with just dollar signs in their eyes.

What a load of crap. I have traveled there many times and lived in Hanoi for a while. Personally, to me, the good outweighs the bad, but most tourists that I meet hate the place because they are very aggresive people and much more likely to cheat you than in Thailand.

I agree, Vietnamese can be aggressive and they certainly stand their ground. Suppose after years of occupation and invasion they've become resilient.

Something else about Vietnam that will polarize some members is the food. I have a very tough time finding good tucker. And most street food I wouldn't touch. Unlike Thailand where I love eating street food.

[NamKangMan]

I do agree with you that Vietnam is "behind" but there are all the modern conveniences you need and Vietnam has good infastructure by way of roads, transport etc. You will find the locals curious and happy to practice their english with you. You will see genuine smiles and not people with just dollar signs in their eyes.

What a load of crap. I have traveled there many times and lived in Hanoi for a while. Personally, to me, the good outweighs the bad, but most tourists that I meet hate the place because they are very aggresive people and much more likely to cheat you than in Thailand.

Are you talking for yourself, or for others????

There are more organised scams and extortion on Phuket that in the whole of Vietnam tourist hotspots put together. Just look at example I gave in an earlier post, the tuk-tuks. Nothing like that exists in any of the tourist desinations in Vietnam. Jetskis scam - doesn't exist over there. Tea money - doesn't exist in Vietnam (but many bar owners chose to buy the odd bottle of scotch for the police boss or take them out to dinner) These are just a few in a long list of systematic and entrenched corruption on Phuket that doesn't exist over there in the tourist areas.

As far as the Vietnamese people being more aggressive - look how many robberies happen here. Teenage gangs high on meth/ice/alcohol assaulting and robbing farang (usually kicking them off their motorbike at night). Lady Boy pick-pockets. Drink spiking, time share, "suicides" etc etc etc etc. Then you have the drunken farang holiday makers who want to punch-on. Didn't see any of that on any occassion I have been over there. If a crime is committed against a tourist, the sentence if double for the perpetrator than if he committed the crime against a fellow Vietnamese, so, the street criminal tend to leave tourist alone. For me, Vietnam "feels" safer.

Edited February 16, 2012 by NamKangMan

[NamKangMan]

Mature as in a developed tourism industry. And I totally disagree with your comments about Thailand loosing market share. Thailand is by far the most popular tourist destination in SE Asia and growing. This is despite it's recent challenges and political turmoil. If anything it's loosing it's edge due to too much tourism and overdevelopment. Therefore loosing some of it's charm.

Vietnam infrastructure is bloody terrible and roads are horrendous. I don't know where you've travelled, but I can assure you that in general the roads are shockers and public transport a mess. Thailand roads and infrastructure are light years ahead. And Vietnamese are the 2nd or 3rd worst drivers on this planet (India, Sri Lanka ahead). I often read threads about Thai driving and think to myself that you aint seen nothing until you've driven in Vietnam, which I do.

I also enjoy train travel and have never done it in Vietnam. But I have met plenty who have. My one question has always been, "would you do it again" and the answer is always NEVER. A nice one time experience, but the trains are uncomfortable, smelly, slow and stop all the time. However I heard the Hanoi / Sapa overnight train is very good. This is because Hotels lease carriages.

I agree that Thailand has it's problems, like anywhere I suppose. I used to live in Phuket and would love to live there again.

Do you really think Thailand has a "mature" and "developed" tourism industry???? Take Phuket for example. If we took all the bar girls out of the place, what would the place be like? Pretty quiet, I would suggest. Let's be honest, a big part of tourism to Thailand is sex tourist.

The roads and transport infastructure, IMO, is better in Vietnam than Thailand. I've caught buses, boats, planes and rode a motorbike over there. Look how many people, tourist and locals, die on the roads on this island. Toooooo many. I have never caught the train there, so, I can not comment on that.

The Russians, Chinese, Indians and Arabs may be holding up tourism statisitcs here at the moment, but we will have to see in the future if they return here. This demographic certainly are not big spenders like westerners, so, there's not as much tourist money entering the ecomony these days. Time will tell.

[NamKangMan]

On my last visa run, I heard about this place, so I did a quick google search. A $4.2US billon dollar project by the MGM Group. This is what Phuket, and therefore Thailand, is going to be up against in the near future. I believe a big jetty will be built for cruise liners as well. There will be no Vietnamese tuk-tik mafia blockading the passengers over there, that's for sure. Check out the link.

http://www.asiancoas...and-ho-tram.php

This shows investor confidence in Vietnam. How will Phuket be able to compete with this sort of large scale upmarket tourism infastructure.

It's all smoke and mirrors with very few projects getting off the ground. Vietnam went through a bit of a boom over the past 5 years. Bu that bubble has burst. Also remember Vietnam is coming off a very low base. About 6 million visitors a year. Less than Phuket. Being a communist government they like to wave the flag and enter into JV's. Very high inflation and 22% interest rates is crippling investment at the moment. One project that is under construction is Laguna Lang Co. Similar model but smaller to Laguna Phuket. Banyon Tree guys.

The last I heard, Vietnam had an inflation rate of 19% and they were managing to force it down. The expats didn't mind because they were getting around 14% interest on their money.

I'll be doing another visa run soon, and I'm going to stay for a while. I'll ask my regular driver if we can visit this place on my way down south and I will see for myself. At the moment, I only have information from others that the place is being built and is massive. The plot of land is so big that you can not see the construction from the road and they have fenced off the site, but if I can get some photos, I will, and then post them on TV.

[Ulysses G.]

Are you talking for yourself, or for others????

Both. I have been to Vietnam a lot and, for me, the negatives are worth putting up with, but I talk to tourists who have just come from there all the time and most of them say that they hated it. Several friends who come to Thailand every year went to Vietnam and planned on staying a month or so, but returned within a few days.

[KarenBravo]

Take Phuket for example. If we took all the bar girls out of the place, what would the place be like? Pretty quiet, I would suggest. Let's be honest, a big part of tourism to Thailand is sex tourist.

Maybe fifteen years ago, but, sex-tourists are a tiny minority now.

The market changed years ago and if you live here, you should know that.

[LivinginKata]

Ok, been reading this topic, time for me to weigh in.

2 Years ago when Air Asia started the Phuket - Ho Chi Min route we booked flights at the very low promo prices. Seems like that direct flight is no longer available. Sorted out the visa online, worked Ok but had to wait over an hour in Saigon for processing. No big deal.

A friend recommended the Continental in central Saigon, not cheap but it was terrific. I highly recommend.

Seemed to me that not really any touristy activities readily available. We took the high speed ferry to Vung Tau and spend the day on a beach resort. Another day day we hired a taxi to spend the day at the Chu Chi tunnels from the Vietnam war. Saigon has many interesting place to visit and we spent 2 days just wandering about. The reunification palace is must to visit.

Sure it's not so cheap in Saigon, we thought more expensive than Phuket. Plenty of vendors wanting to take all your money. Private taxis are expensive, if you know where to get a meter taxi = cheap.

While we enjoyed our short visit, not so sure I would go back again. Just my view, but the locals still have plenty of 'bad' memories from their war.

[waza]

Hi I will be going to sunny Vietnam in April, for a week we will see HCMC and travel by train to Nha Trang then we will stay at Vinpearl resort for a week, http://vinpearlland.com.vn/en-US/Home/default.aspx. The room cost there includes all meals and entry to the Vinpearl waterpark. Cant wait to go

[NamKangMan]

Are you talking for yourself, or for others????

Both. I have been to Vietnam a lot and, for me, the negatives are worth putting up with, but I talk to tourists who have just come from there all the time and most of them say that they hated it. Several friends who come to Thailand every year went to Vietnam and planned on staying a month or so, but returned within a few days.

There are a lot of guys who have been coming to Thailand for years. Thailand is in their comfort zone. Get them out of Thailand and they are lost. Many of these guys have never been anywhere else than Thailand and have no desire to have a look "next door" to have something to compare Thailand with. Fair enough - each to their own.

Also, a lot of guys take their Thai missus over. There is no way the Thai missus is going to let him enjoy Vietnam. She wants to stay in Thailand where she is "big boss" in the relationship and near her family, so, she can't let her farang have a good time in Vietnam. I met up with one couple over there and his missus said, straight out, there is no way she could live in Vietnam. They had been there for 1 day. Mind you, she had no problem at all living in the UK while he was working and sending money back to Issan. Sure, Vietnam is not for everyone, but it's certainly in direct competition with Thailand now for the tourist dollar.

Down the track, there will be many who will find their comfort zone in Vietnam and would absolutely hate Phuket from the moment they walked out of the airport door, with the taxi debarcle. These are the tourist Thailand are losing. Tourist now have other options in the region and Vietnam is about 40% cheaper.

When you look at it, the same crap has been going on here for years. The tuk-tuks, jet skis, rising rents on bars which inflate food and drink prices, tea money, sick buffalos in Issan, time share etc etc etc etc. It really isn't going to change. That's why I questioned a previous post, "Has Thailand really matured as a tourist destination?"

Both have their negatives and positives. I like both places, BUT, I see more and more negatives and horror stories on Phuket than in Vietnam. Mean while, Vietnam is building their tourism industry, at a rapid rate, and introducing positive after positive.

You can pick up and read the PG just about any day of the week and there is another murder, motor vehicle accident causing death, serious assault, robbery or someone being scammed or extorted out of their life savings here (sorry - I mean, mediated out of their life savings) and they are just the ones reported.

I'm not as old as some on TV and have only been here a few years, compared to many others, but the change I have seen in my short time on the island has not been for the better.

Edited February 16, 2012 by NamKangMan

[LivinginKata]

Good post NKM ...

[NamKangMan]

Take Phuket for example. If we took all the bar girls out of the place, what would the place be like? Pretty quiet, I would suggest. Let's be honest, a big part of tourism to Thailand is sex tourist.

Maybe fifteen years ago, but, sex-tourists are a tiny minority now.

The market changed years ago and if you live here, you should know that.

Ummm, well, the last time I went out, and that was just the other night, I saw girls being bar fined, a heap of freelancers on the street and in the nightclubs and a lot of guys on the hunt. Strangely enough, I never saw any families admiring the Thai culture on display.

Seriously, I did notice a lot of Russian couples and not many Russian guys in small groups. Many of them may have been honeymooners. Not sure.

Edited February 16, 2012 by NamKangMan

[KarenBravo]

Ummm, well, the last time I went out, and that was just the other night, I saw girls being bar fined, a heap of freelancers on the street and in the nightclubs and a lot of guys on the hunt. Strangely enough, I never saw any families admiring the Thai culture on display.

Ummmmmm.......and what about all the other tourists that were not within a bar area, throughout the rest of Phuket?

[NamKangMan]

Ummm, well, the last time I went out, and that was just the other night, I saw girls being bar fined, a heap of freelancers on the street and in the nightclubs and a lot of guys on the hunt. Strangely enough, I never saw any families admiring the Thai culture on display.

Ummmmmm.......and what about all the other tourists that were not within a bar area, throughout the rest of Phuket?

So now it's a question of whether the night time tourist who get drunk and get laid outnumber the day time shoppers, temple photographers, island hoppers and activity seekers. Not sure KB. One particular nightclub was packed, hundreds of people, mostly guys and Thai freelancers. What split would you say? 50/50 for guys here for alcohol and sex to families and package holiday makers? 60/40, or 70/30. It's a hard one (excuse the pun)

In any case, a recent poll taken in the PG showed Bangla Road to be Phuket's number one tourist attraction and all that happens there is drinking and picking-up. Take Bangla Road out of Phuket and all those guys, bar girls and freelancers go elsewhere, probably Pattaya. The place would be pretty quiet.

Edited February 16, 2012 by NamKangMan

[waza]

I am going to Vietnam with my Thai Mia, luckily she works outside of Thailand and is more receptive to other cultures. We spend time traveling around Australia but for me its been there done that, so we usually stay and holliday in Thailand, but it has become increasingly more polluted, unfriendly and expensive. Samui was ok for a while then became too backpacker and loud for an older couple. Phuket was nice at first as well, I even have my name carved on the Big Buhda, but now its over priced, full of touts and with very polluted beaches. Next we went to Hau Hin, I liked it but the Mai hated it. We both like Samet and get cheap accomadation as relatives have a resort there but there isnt a lot to do. I love Ubon but it hasnt a beach. So last time we traveled to Phnom Penh. I liked it, they make a decent beer but the Mia says the people are dirty. Now we will try Vietnam.

[NamKangMan]

I am going to Vietnam with my Thai Mia, luckily she works outside of Thailand and is more receptive to other cultures. We spend time traveling around Australia but for me its been there done that, so we usually stay and holliday in Thailand, but it has become increasingly more polluted, unfriendly and expensive. Samui was ok for a while then became too backpacker and loud for an older couple. Phuket was nice at first as well, I even have my name carved on the Big Buhda, but now its over priced, full of touts and with very polluted beaches. Next we went to Hau Hin, I liked it but the Mai hated it. We both like Samet and get cheap accomadation as relatives have a resort there but there isnt a lot to do. I love Ubon but it hasnt a beach. So last time we traveled to Phnom Penh. I liked it, they make a decent beer but the Mia says the people are dirty. Now we will try Vietnam.

Have you considered Langkawi in Malaysia? A beautiful tropical island that has been made tax free by the Malaysian Government to promote tourism, so, very affordable. Malaysia have one of the best set of laws and regulations that allow for foreign ownership of property in the region. The island is well serviced by Airasia and a large boat to Penang. The beaches are beautiful will small bars right on the sand. It's not on the backpacker trail and prositution is very minimal, so, you don't get the hoardes of sex tourist. Traffic is minimal. No touts to bother you. Obviously, climate is comparable to here. Malaysia give a 90 day visa on arival stamp. Most expats get the boat over to Haad Yai in Thailand and then back again. No need for 800,000 baht in the bank etc. The island has fast internet, ATM's and shopping centres. Despite being an Islamic nation, alcohol is readily available and the locals are friendly. Just something for you to consider.

Edited February 17, 2012 by NamKangMan