billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

tripadvisor.com

fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York

Of all the places in the world....why would you choose Vietnam. Just curious.

Two Feathers

I hope you post some when you get back. Its been 50 years and some bad memories.

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

You are right. My husband was in the Marines from 60-68. On his second tour to Viet Nam, Tet just started. He was sent home for rehab and a discharge. In fact, I met him his first day out of rehab. He was sent home August 68 he was in rehab until the second week of Jan.69. I was in a bar and restaurant called PJ Clarks with friends from work. It was a Friday night we were going to have a drink and head out to do some dancing. This guy walks up to me and introduces himself. We were married in June of 69 and still are. I know....totaly off topic. When it comes to that country I am always reminded what happened to him. Besides, I do have a tendency to ramble.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Well, not having first-hand knowledge of the area, I'll pass along a friend of mine's platoon Sgt. passed along to him. "If it doesn't look like you, shoot it". Wait, that was back in the late 60s. You might want to rethink that approach.
--Bob

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Personally I wouldn't go even if it was free. USAF 69-73

londonfire Loc: NY to NC

Mary Kate, you're not rambling. A very interesting story.

Bill_de Loc: US

And check to see if there is a hole in the bottom of the bottle that's been filled in.

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markie1425 Loc: Bryn Mawr, PA

The Cao Dai Temple and grounds in Tay Ninh City is an impressive structure.

Approximately 60 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City (i.e., Saigon).
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mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Anthony Bourdain visited there and had lunch in a simple Vietnamese cafe with President Obama. Surprisingly, the citizens were thrilled to see the President. Especially, after 10 agonizing years of war, where both sides suffered. Some Nikon cameras were assembled there. Not too long ago. Have a great trip.

usnpilot Loc: Ft Myers Fl

Back in 65 we shot anything that moved.

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

Tommy, the ghosts followed us home.

Corsica fox

Agree with all the positive comments. No one mentioned the mountains around Sapa, up from Hanoi. Rice paddies, local cultures very different from cities. Agree about trains but it is an adventure. Never felt threatened. Try to be there for the Chinese New Year period.

andywilk38 Loc: Cambridge UK

In December 2011, after a year working in Singapore, I took the opportunity of its proximity to visit Vietnam - a 40-year wait to see a country that ever since June 8th 1972 had left a deep impression upon me. I was armed with plenty of advice before going, regarding the usual things - taxis, beggars, money for photos, sensitivities - I had 16 days in total visiting HCMC; Vung Tau; Hoi An; Hanoi; by train to Sa Pa; Halong Bay; Bat Trang.

I deliberately avoided touristy attractions, because I wanted to be amongst its people, in the alleys, down by the river, in the byways...all places where, IMO, the real hearbeat is.

My trip gave me enough insight to want to go back and see more, including the museums and 'attractions'. Everywhere I went I found the people, with very few exceptions, to be wonderfully friendly and receptive. The standard of food was quite variable, but it takes a little while to 'tune-in' and know what you like and what to ask for.

As a westerner, I knew I could always [afford to]dive into a 5-star hotel for a coupe or three nights if things got desperate, but never found the need to.

VN used to have a slogan 'Viet Nam is its people' - that was my experience. Photo opportunities abound.

Have a great time!

breck Loc: Derbyshire UK

Hoi Ann, Sapa and Houlong bay all superb, beautiful, people lovely friendly and safe