Vietnam

Whilst I certainly like Vietnam, there has always been one thing that really irked me, and that is the display of all sorts of animals (including, but not limited to, Bears, Gibbons, Macaques, and a wide range of birds) as so-called tourist attractions. Many restaurant and hotel owners have the mistaken notion that Western visitors would like to see nothing more than an animal in horrible condition in a much too small cages (some Vietnamese tourists do, but that is a different story).

Thanks to…

Does anyone know of a good travel agent in Hanoi where we can purchase tickets to the USA? Thinking of going to BKK to buy them but would rather do so in Hanoi, if possible. We are looking for discounted consolidator fares. Thanks in advance.

Hi out there

Planning a trip from Hanoi to Sapa to Dien Bien Phu then across the border into Laos. Just wondering if it is possible to travel from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu without having to go back to Hanoi.

My daughter and I are planning a trip to Vietnam and Laos at Christmas. We want to fly to Hanoi and cross into northern Laos near Sam Neua. it looks from the map as if Highway 6 (Hanoi to Dien Bien Phu) has a branch west to Sam Neua via Viang Xai but is it an open crossing point? Alternatively, can one travel from Dien Bien Phu to Udom Xai by road?

I plan to teach abroad for a year starting this autumn. I am leaning toward choosing Vietnam, but am also heavily considering China or Taiwan. Which country out of these 3 would you choose? Also, if you would choose Vietnam, which area? Thank you for your response.

I am looking to organise a school tour group to Vietnam in late November early December next year ( 2008) - yes I know it's a way off yet but that's what we do.
The group will be about 40. Probably 6 or so adults and 34 high school kids aged 13-18. It is a band and it wil be a performance tour .
I'm interested in recommendations for tour companies both in Australia and Vietnam;
Any experiences of similar tours;
Ideas and suggestions of itinerary particularly recommendations of schools/community…

Trying to pre-arrange a private daytrip from Hanoi to Halong Bay for myself, husband, 2 yr old and 8 mth old. A lot of people seemed to have recommended Handspan but it looks like they just operate out of HoChi Minh. Any recommendations for local reliable family friendly tour operators out of Hanoi? Have also cross posted on "Kids to Go" branch.

Hi all, i will be arriving in HCMC in a couple of days and to be honest, i would not have a clue where to stay. I would love some advice as to what area i should stay in and if anyone has any advice on budget hotels/guesthouses it would be greatly appreciated. Ideal budget for a room is $8-12 US. I am in Hanoi at the moment and am staying in a pretty good joint for $10 (air con, cable and newish room).

Even if you could advise me on what area i should concentrate on eg. Old Quarter in Hanoi…

Has anyone out there purchased an airplane ticket in Vietnam from HCMC to Hong Kong??

Hello
I am 6' 2" tall and weigh 190 pounds. I wear a us size 12 shoe. Will I have a problem buying clothes that fit in Vietnam??
Thanks in advance