Vietnam and Cambodia: 06/09

June 30, 2009

Vietnam - Paying a Visit

By Sebastian Harley

When considering a trip to Vietnam, it's important to understand that its history is one full of war, colonization, and rebellion. While many of us are familiar with only the Vietnam War, it is only one of many that have taken place in this country, but was by far one of the most brutal. Over two thirds of the population in Vietnam today was born after 1975 but Americans will receive a warm welcome if they decide to vacation here. Many Vietnamese citizens aspire to American culture.

When visiting Vietnam, English is not widely known. Much of the youth have a basic handle on it but Vietnamese is still widely used throughout the country. As for money, the common currency is known as the Dong. It has stabilized over the years but can be hard to use and exchange outside of its borders. The US dollar is still widely accepted, though, making payment easy for many. The exchange rate is 18,000dong to $1US so it's actually better to pay in Dong if possible.

When you are visiting, make sure you take in all there is for food. Food is one of the main staples of Vietnam and plays a major part in their culture. It can be found at the center of their daily rituals to their most major holidays.

You should also make sure you don't miss out on bia ho'i which is draft beer that is brewed daily. It can be found throughout the country and can be found easily. Use it as an opportunity to sit back, relax, and take in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Also, don't think that lodging is an issue, either. You can find some scruffy hotels for as little as $4US per couple to some extravagant, high end resorts all throughout the country.

The crime rate in Vietnam is low, especially since the country is extremely keen on building up the industry. Punishments for crimes against tourists are severe, resulting in it being a safe place to visit. Purse snatching and things of that nature can happen in larger cities so just be sure your smaller valuables are secure. Vietnam hosts a great nightlife, though, so get out there and enjoy the scene! Also, before purchasing souvenirs that portray communistic symbolism, make sure you think about where you wear it. You may offend people back home in places like the USA. Vietnam is on its way from recovering from civil war and is very keen on increasing the tourism industry.
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Sebastian has been traveling around South East Asia for some time and has put together a number of articles on the subject. If your interested in Vietnam then visit http://www.vietnamcares.com

See Vietnam for yourself!

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June 26, 2009

A Glimpse of the Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

© Photographer: Duckingforks | Agency: Dreamstime.com

By Dwight Zimpel

Hanoi, Vietnam is a popular travel destination in itself as well as a "jumping off point" for other tourist attractions in the North. The two premier attractions outside of Hanoi are Halong Bay and Sapa in the mountains near the China border.

The city of Hanoi is located in the Delta of the Red River. Experienced travelers pay attention the weather at their destination. Hanoi is exposed to tropical monsoons consisting of a dry monsoon and wet monsoon. The dry season (or dry monsoon) is between October and April, during this period from January to March, the weather is cold with some light rain. The rainy season (or wet monsoon) is from May to September- it is hot with heavy rains and storms.

Travelers are advised to plan their itineraries with these conditions in mind.

Hanoi has many traditional tourist attractions, some of the more famous are the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Hanoi Citadel, Hanoi Opera House, President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Hanoi contains some stunning lakes such as Hoan Kiem Lake and Truc Bach Lake.

The Old Quarter is located (roughly) in the area north of Hoan Kiem Lake, Phng Hung Street on the west and the Red River dikes on the east - kind of a triangle. Walking or hiring a cyclo will allow the average person to see much of the Old Quarter with no problem.

Originally, The Old Quarter was crossed by a series of 36 streets, each of which was dedicated to the sale of a single product or service. Hang Duong - Sugar Street, Hang Bac - Silversmith Street, Hang Huong - Insense Street, etc. Today the streets are crowded by various vendors of goods and services for locals and travelers.

The buildings are narrow on the street side and long - originally built in this style to reduce taxes. Taxes were levied on the width of the house facing the street. This tradition carries over into today's buildings through-out Vietnam.

Travelers to Hanoi should set aside one day to walk through the Old Quarter when visiting the Hanoi - the Capital of Vietnam. Be sure to get a restaurant recommendation from your hotel or keep an eye on the menus placed in the windows, and enjoy some of Hanoi's food for sure!

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Dwight Zimpel, Your Vietnam Tour Guide, is a Vietnam Veteran and has made 7 recent trips to Vietnam. He has lived in the Middle East and traveled the world for the past 20 years. Your Vietnam Tour Guide
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June 24, 2009

10 Reasons to Visit Vietnam in 2009

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By Tim W Russell

There's a global recession on apparently - you may have read about it in the newspapers. Yet many surveys suggest holidays are the last thing people will cut back on. They may eat out less, take fewer short breaks, or not buy so many gadgets, but they will still travel, and this is why destinations that offer good value for money will survive the credit crunch.

And right now there are few better-value destinations than Vietnam! Here are 10 reasons why 'Nam is THE crunch-busting hotspot for 2009...

1. It's cheap to get here

Everyone's offering flight deals at the moment. A quick Kayak search on Heathrow-Saigon threw up plenty of flights at the $700 mark, with Air Asia offering an amazing $299 deal. Flying in from neighboring countries such as Singapore and Thailand has never been cheaper.

2. It's cheap to sleep

Vietnam's top-end hotels may have gained a bad rep for overcharging during the country's recent tourism boom, but the penny has finally dropped and rates are starting to come down. Wotif are showing rates of under $100 for some of Saigon's 5* hotels. And if luxury is less important, Vietnam has literally thousands of mid-range hotels and resorts, along with guesthouses and minihotels, where clean and comfortable en-suite rooms can be had for as little as $10 a night. Or for a more adventurous option, book a home stay and stay with a local family, or rent a self-catering house/flat.

3. It's cheap to get around

OK, so you've arrived and found somewhere to stay, and now you want to see the sights. Well, the average taxi ride within Saigon or Hanoi costs around a dollar. Buses up the coast to Mui Ne cost around $7, or you can hire your own car with personal chauffeur for around $50 a day. Internal flights are a steal - around $80 return from Saigon to Phu Quoc Island or Hoi An. Or if you're either brave or clinically insane, you can rent a motorbike for around $7 a day (though your medical bills might be a bit more!)

4. It's cheap to eat

Dining in Vietnam is a joy, with cheap and cheerful street meals available for under a dollar. Most larger towns have traveller cafes where western & Asian dishes are available for around $2-3. Even the 5* hotels do great value buffets with free-flow wine for around $30 - expensive by local standards, but a snip for many visitors.

5. It's cheap to drink

Travellers who like to let their hair down and have a few bevvies will love Vietnam. Most expat bars charge around $2 for a beer, with local joints charging half that. Cocktails & wine can be had for around $4 a go (more in hotel bars). But for a real bargain, hunt down a bia hoi. Common in the north, less so in the south, these oases charge as little as 25c for fresh draught beer - provided you don't mind sitting on a plastic chair on the street. They also sell good food, and it's a great way to meet the locals, who are invariably friendlier & chattier after a few beers!

6. It's cheap to shop

Shopping is a national pastime in Vietnam - seemingly every family runs a shop of some kind. Bargains include clothing, shoes, lacquerware, luggage and jewellery. Most places don't display prices to get your haggling head on and be firm, but don't argue over pennies. If you're happy with the price offered, take it. Markets are a great place to shop, especially ones outside the main tourist areas, but be careful when buying fake DVDs - they may be confiscated on your way out of Vietnam, or on your way into your next destination.

7. It's cheap to go bespoke

Always dreamed of having a tailormade suit, dress or overcoat? Can't afford Savile Row? Vietnam is the place for you. If I had a penny for every tailor in Vietnam I'd be a very rich man indeed. Tailormade 2-piece suits can be had for as little as $70, dresses even cheaper. Hoi An is king of rapid tailoring; Hanoi or HCMC offer similar prices and higher quality, but you might have to wait a while longer.

8. It's cheap to stay in touch

We all love to stay in touch with friends and family when we're travelling, and in Vietnam it's very cheap indeed. Most tourist hotels have free internet and/or wifi, and there are very cheap internet cafes with VOIP in every town, even in remote Mekong Delta villages. Or you can bring your mobile and buy a local SIM for $5, or even buy a local mobile for $40 and sell it on when you leave. International calls cost as little as 20c per minute.

9. It's cheap to relax

Vietnam, especially the cities, can be hot and stressful, but they also have lots of spas, massage parlors and health clubs where you can cool down & relax after a day's sightseeing. Full massages cost as little as $6 an hour (though the cheaper the rate, the greater the likelihood of being pressured into "extras"!), with luxury hotels offering spa and massage packages from around $35. Many resorts even offer massage on the beach - the ultimate in relaxation.

10. It's cheap to make yourself beautiful

Whilst cosmetic surgery tourism is in its infancy here (compared to Thailand), Vietnam is home to literally thousands of hairdressers, beauticians and nail salons. Do as the local ladies do and get yourself a full hair wash and massage session for as little as $1, or get a new hairdo for $3. For full details, email Nhung at Come and Go for expert advice.
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We're all cutting back this year, but we all still need a holiday, so for a break with all the comforts you rightly expect, at prices you sometimes won't believe, Vietnam has it all. Email me at tim@comeandgovietnam for advice on arranging your trip. See you soon!

Tim Russell is founder and marketing director of Come and Go Vietnam, Vietnam's friendliest boutique tour operator. He has lived in Saigon for 6 years and has a lengthy background in tourism, marketing, IT and social media.
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Travel To Vietnam!

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June 23, 2009

Hanoi, Vietnam - Traveling in Vietnam

Hoan Kiem Lake - Hanoi - Vietnam
© Photographer: Duckingforks | Agency: Dreamstime.com

By Jack S Hunter

Hanoi. Once a war torn city that was subject to the fire and flames of war, now it is a commerce center for eastern Far East. This city is a thriving center for the country of Vietnam, full of surprises, cultural heritage, and exotic landscapes. It is astounding the resiliency of humanity shows itself. Often bombed during the Vietnam war, the infrastructure of Hanoi was completely destroyed. But this city has survived worse.
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Hanoi has the imprints of a city that has been ruled by many, and each ruler has left a foot print on the town. Beginning with Ly Thai To, the 1st Ruler of the Ly Dynasty, Hanoi has been renamed and rebuilt many times. In 1408, the Chinese from the Ming Dynasty attacked, and brought with them plenty of the advances that the Chinese had, as well as some of the culture that the Chinese have been seen for. Following the Chinese example, other Dynasties invaded and slipped, the Jap attacked, the French occupied the city, and finally the United States tried to destroy it. Each of these foreign powers left its mark on this remarkable city. Some left Pagodas. Some left Statues. Some left architectural styles. All of them give a unique flavour to the city of Hanoi.

Vietnam travel is a rising industry in the country. Tourism is rising because people are beginning to notice the fantastic thing about a nation that has lain unexplored for so long. One of the most stunning of these locations, Ha Long Bay, is a wonderous sight of limestone marvel. Towers of rock stand as many sentinels for a bay of human inhabitants. The water within the bay is phenomenally calm, the unsettled sea buffered by the towers of limestone that stand tall in the ocean. The formation of this geographical marvel is a fascinating one.

The towers are made of limestone, a rock that is easily eroded by water. Vietnam is a particularly wet area, during monsoon season, with peak precipitation reaching thirteen inches in the month of July. This gigantic quantity of rain causes fast run off and absorption into the ground. The water filters through the ground into underground aquifers that run through much of Vietnam's underground, and is carried by the aquifers out to the ocean. What's interesting though is that the run off in the underground caverns takes some of the walls with it. This erosion process slowly whittles down the support for the roofs of these aquifers, and eventually the ground above the underground rivers collapses into sink holes. When many of these sink holes are created near one another, they can become crammed with water and become lakes. These lakes can at last connect to the ocean, and when this happens you get unusual rock formations, with big towers surrounding lakes that were once sink holes.

Vietnam travel can be phenomenally rewarding for those that take the effort to do their research. You get in what you get out, or so the saying goes. Those that put in the time to get a great Vietnam travel trip will not be disappointed. Vietnam is a beautiful, maybe quixotic landscape, with a folks who know the importance of treating travellers well. After being under an embargo from the US and much of Europe for many years, Vietnam knows what its like to be isolated. To travel there now and see what takes place when capitalism is let in and then left alone, it's really an incredible experience. This once backward country is now on the upwards move, with producing and trade up more now than ever. Vietnam travel is a fantastic education experience.
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I wouldn't miss it.

More info - Vietnam Travel and Culture.

I love to write!

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June 17, 2009

Talking to Kids About the Vietnam War

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By Julianna McLean

Vietnam War anniversary: a chance to javascript:void(0)talk to your kids about war

As a mother, I'm always looking for inspirational stories to share with my children. April 30 marks the 34th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Whether it's on the TV or computer or in school, they'll hear stories about the war and conflicting views about whether it was just or unjust.

Difficult as it may be, I think this is a good time for parents to talk to their kids about the consequences of war. If parents or grandparents have war stories to share, especially tales of heroism that inspired them, this is a great time to share those stories.

Today, as we honor the heroes who fought in the war, let's also honor the unsung heroes, the Vietnam citizens, including many mothers and children, who as American supporters after the war had become the new enemy inside their own country.

Here is an inspirational Vietnam War story I recently shared with my kids:

In 1978, five years after the Vietnam War ended, Kim Le was just six-years old. She remembers taking her mother's hand and heading into the darkness of Saigon, not understanding why her family needed to leave. Le and her four-year-old brother Quang clung to their mother as they stepped inside a bicycle-propelled rickshaw and journeyed to a nearby river, praying they wouldn't be captured by military police and sent to a 're-education' camp.

"We had no idea where we were going," Le says, noting that the movie The Killing Fields comes closest to depicting the intensity of the times.

Back then, Le couldn't have imagined that the excitement of the evening would soon turn into a years-long nightmare of realizing she'd lost everything-her home, father, three older brothers, grandmother, and even more inconceivably, her country.

Nor could she have guessed that the near-starvation and extreme poverty she would soon face would embolden and inspire her years later to succeed beyond her wildest dreams.

An underground army leads the way

Though her memory of her escape from Vietnam is sketchy, she recalls certain details vividly, such as how her mother kept hushing her and her four-year-old brother Quang to stay quiet inside the rickshaw as they sped toward a nearby river.

She remembers watching in wonder as the rickshaw occasionally stopped for her mother to receive directions from strangers, who seemed to be guiding them on a mysterious adventure.
Later Le would learn these strangers were part of an underground army of volunteers, who had helped ensure the safety of their clandestine journey.

Her mother brought no luggage and had dressed them all as plainly as possible. "She wanted us to look like we were on our way to visit our grandmother in case we were stopped and questioned."

Le didn't feel scared. "For me, it was fun to be out at night. I had no clue what was happening or how scary it must have been for my mother to have left everything behind."

Trading gold for freedom

Fortunately, Le's mother, then 34-years old, had gold, which she used to buy their passage to freedom. At the time, printed currency was worthless in the country due to hyperinflation, so people bartered with gold and silver or useful items, such as produce or livestock.

The gold, exchanged before they left for the trip (so they couldn't be captured with it on them) bought the three of them a ride on a tiny, overcrowded fishing boat, which they boarded along with a dozen other families and headed out onto the open seas.

History would soon refer to them as the "boat people."

Le doesn't remember much about the boat ride itself except that after a week, they'd run out of what little rice they had and water. Their throats were parched and their stomachs ached with hunger.

"My mom tells me I kept asking her 'Why did you take us here?' I missed my danh tá»« (my grandma) and didn't understand why we couldn't be back home with her."

Years later Le learned that her dad and three older brothers had been captured by military police a few days after her escape.

They were sent to a 're-education camp,' where they would remain hidden for years in the wilderness of Vietnam, along with thousands of other prisoners, most of whom had committed no crime other than supporting Americans.

Hunting for the Promised (or any) land

After staring out at nothing but sea for seven days, Le remembers how exciting it had been to see the first glimmer of land in the horizon. "We were all shocked; we had no idea we'd found Malaysia. We just knew wherever we were headed had to be better than where we were coming from."

Le only vaguely recalls jumping off the boat into the icy cold water and swimming to shore. "I still don't know how we did that. I didn't know how to swim, and my mother and brother didn't either."

They lived in a United Nations-sponsored refugee camp in Malaysia for a year, surviving on UN donations and rations and sharing a makeshift tent with several other families.

Rations included mostly rice and dry food that they received once a week. Vegetables were a special treat. "My brother and I got very excited about those rare occasions when we got to eat vegetables."

(When I told my kids about this, I added: "See? Some kids don't have iPods and XBoxes - they are happy if they get vegetables." Preachy, I know, but I couldn't help myself.)

Nearby wells supplied water, she added, but it was a limited supply. "If we waited too long, the water might run out for the day. Long lines for water started early in the morning."

Saved by a stranger

In 1979, someone from the US sponsored Le's family, allowing them to immigrate to the States. "I will be forever grateful to this kind man. Many other families had to live in that camp for as long as five years."

When they arrived in the US, they moved in with their sponsor, who graciously welcomed them to his home in Columbus, Ohio. They later moved to Tucson, Arizona after learning a distant cousin lived there. "We rented a tiny one-bedroom guest house and received public assistance."

At the time, no one in her family knew a word of English.

To support the family, Le's mother worked minimum wage jobs. "She always told me that getting an education would be the only way to get out of our situation."

Education leads the way out of poverty

Le was only too happy to focus on her studies. Though her mother still struggled to learn English, Le took on the role as family translator. In grade school, she'd have to write her own excuse notes on days she had a flu or cold.

Craving more control over her destiny, she stepped up her game in college. "I would sit down and rewrite my notes after each class and do my homework then, too, while it was all fresh in my memory. That helped a lot."

Supporting herself through college, she went on to graduate summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a 4.0 GPA and bachelor's degree in accounting.

Finally, the happy ending

In 2003, Le, now the mother of two, started on her own accounting consulting firm, A2Q2 LLC, serving publicly traded companies.

At the end of 2008, A2Q2 employed 10 people and generated revenues in excess of $1 million.

Le adds, "Poverty is a great motivator. I had to succeed because I didn't ever want to live like that again."

Today, she offers her largely Asian staff business etiquette training, to help them understand and feel more comfortable with American customs. For example, she says, "In Asia, it's acceptable to slurp your noodles. But if you do that during a business lunch here, you are considered rather rude."

When other immigrants ask her for her advice, she encourages them to "'Dream big.' There will be those who tell you that you can't do it-don't listen to them. It will be harder than you think but not as hard as others tell you it will be."

Julianna McLean is an award-winning, accredited business communicator. She is the SF Single Parenting Examiner at Examiner.com.

Kim Le is president, A2Q2 LLC in Santa Clara, CA. She can be reached at kle@a2q2.com / http://www.a2q2.com or 408-420-9108.

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June 12, 2009

What's Your Tripping Style?

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Check out the new “Tripping” Travel Blogs for tons of great information, travel tips and location reviews!
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The new series is my latest project and current predications are of the scale! Once these ones are set up and running, I hope to add a few more. So if you have any idea's or would like to contribute an article, simply email Adam.

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In the mean time, choose your Tripping Style and travel the world with some great tips written by travelers for travelers!

Whether your into cycling, trains or traveling on budget, it's all here!

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June 10, 2009

Restaurant Review - Lang Nuong Thai Restaurant

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Where:
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Lang Nuong Thai Restaurant - 14 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, District 3, HCMC

Food:

A fairly extensive menu is on offer at Lang Nuong with a mix of both Thai and Vietnamese foods. We went for the chili vermicelli salad with tiger prawns, chicken roasted in pandana leaves and some good old fashioned Tom Yum Soup.

While all the food was nice, I have to say, I have had better.

Cost:

Overall it’s a fairly inexpensive night out! Most meals fitted between the 30,000 – 90,000vnd range, with hotpots and a few seafood dishes pushing over the 100,000vnd plus mark.

Drinks were reasonably priced with beers going for 20,000vnd and fruit shakes etc similar.

Fav Food:

As I wrote at the start, all the food was ok but definitely not something I would write home about. But importantly, the beers were cold!

Out of 10:

6/10 – Food
8/10 – Service
8/10 – Setting/Location

The Good Oil:

The Thai restaurant, Lang Nuong was just ok for me. The restaurant staff were friendly and attentive, while the setting is quite nice; you can dine indoors with air-con or sit outside and enjoy the street views (which we did).
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Busy with locals, I will give it another go one day. But when it’s all said and done, there really are too many other great places in HCMC to hurry back.

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June 09, 2009

Angkor Wat - It's Not the Only Thing to Do in Siem Reap, Cambodia

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By Debra Corbeil

There is no doubt that tourists flock to Siem Reap, Cambodia for the plain reason that it houses one of the greatest temples on earth; Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire, it has caught the publics interest and it is wowing travelers from around the world.

It wasn't long ago that you could walk through these ruins without seeing another person for hours.

This majestic complex consists of hundreds of temples covering 500 acres of land. Where once it was abandoned and looted of precious pieces, it is now a thriving attraction receiving over a half a million visitors a year. With admission being $20 per day it is a real deal by western standards.

Mother nature has done her work well reclaiming the land once ruled by a great empire. The
jungle had almost swallowed up the temples of Angkor, until great efforts were made in restoration. In recent years many temples have been restored to their original grandeur. The Main Temple of Angkor Wat is well preserved and a breathtaking sight. Its five main towers jut into the air as high as 66 meters (215 ft) from its 1.6 km (1 mile) long base.

You can witness the strength of nature by visiting the temple of Ta Prom. Left in its original state, vines and roots twist through the complex breaking apart solid rock as trees rise through its roof far into the air. Not to be missed is Angkor Tom. Imposing statues of 54 Gods and 54 Demons line the causeway leading up to the temple.

One can spend days exploring the temples of Angkor. Whether you walk up to the top of the main temple of Angkor Wat, take a hot air balloon ride over the ruins, examine the intricate carvings on its walls, or sit high on Bakheng Hill to watch sunset over the complex, you will be mesmerized by its scope and beauty.

Angkor Wat isn't the only sight to see in Siem Reap, this town is quickly becoming the fastest growing city in Cambodia. One can check out beautifully restored Colonial Buildings in the Old French Quarter. Stop at a caf and enjoy a coffee and baguette and feel as though you are in an historical corner of France rather than South East Asia.

You will be quickly jolted back to reality once you pop into the Old Market; lines of stalls filled with everything you could possibly need, vie for your business. Live fish and fresh meat, fruit and herbs will ignite your senses. Tourists and locals mingle together and you can find all of the souvenirs that you need at a fraction the price of the other stores in town.

Cambodia is one of the most heavily land mined countries in the world and you can learn about the affects that decades of war have had on its people at the Cambodia Land Mine Museum. Located 12km out of town, it was founded by Aki Ra, a soldier who has been clearing mines since 1995. Starting out as a small display in his hut, this collection of decommissioned mines has grown over the years prompting the construction of a new building and a proper museum.

It is estimated that there are four to six million unexploded land mines in the country and it is sadly estimated that 40,000 people are living as amputees. The Land Mine Museum has become a must see destination for tourists and government officials alike.

Siem Reap has everything a tourist needs. A tropical destination, it can be enjoyed any way you want. Stay in world-class hotels and relax by the pool, eat in fine dining rooms and splurge on a massage. Others may choose to stay in small guest houses and munch on street meat while mingling with the local people. You can shop at craft stores and silk boutiques or barter in the local markets.

Take a tuk tuk out to see the beautiful countryside and you will witness time standing still. Farmers wearing traditional conical hats walk with their oxen down the street, women work in the rice paddy fields and children fish in the river. Take a tour of a nearby silk farm or watch exotic birds thrive on Ton Le Sap Lake. South East Asia's largest fresh water lake, it is home to an important bio reserve for threatened large water birds.

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Whatever you desire, this exotic destination will excite and move you and leave you with fond memories for years to come.

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Debra Corbeil is one half of Canada's Adventure Couple. Together with her husband Dave, she has traveled to over 35 countries on 5 continents. They have taken on extreme adventures from Cycling from Cairo, Egypt to Cape Town, South Africa and Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Every new adventure takes them to remote corners of the world where they paddle, hike, scuba dive and trek their way around the globe.
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http://www.theplanetd.com - http://www.picturetheplanet.com

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June 05, 2009

Gear For The Backpack

When you travel, everyone has their own idea of what you need to pack. Some like to pack everything including the kitchen sink, while others take the bear essentials and hit the road.

However there are a few items that I like to pack, items that won't change your life, but they can make it much easier!

IPods

A music lover, I have to carry my IPod where ever I go. These gadgets are small, light weight and are magic for those long bus trips. If nothing else, pack your IPod! Check out some cool IPods on Amazon.com

Business Cards

You might not be making business contacts, but you will meet people! Carrying business cards is a simple and easy way to give away your contact details without having to hunt around for pen and paper. They are also easy for people to stash in their bag safe and sound.

String

If you wash clothes yourself while traveling a piece of string is ridiculously handy! Tie it up and you have a simple clothes line for drying your clothes. There are fancy ones on the market that cost less then 10 bucks, but string also does the trick.

Power Adopter

Traveling to other counties can mean different power sockets. Get an adapter so you can charge your camera, laptop, phone etc.

Plastic Bags/Self Sealing Bags

Not good for the environment, but a travelers best friend! If you have dirty clothes, smelly shoes or have wet swimmers from hanging out at the beach, plastic bags are your best friend! Chuck your gear in a plastic bag and then shove it in your backpack and hit the road!

There are also great for protecting bags/gear if you need to walk around in wet weather. You can buy self sealing bags at most supermarkets.

Boardies

The good old board shorts are the best piece of travel clothing you will ever find. Light, easy to pack, quick drying and never need ironing. You can wear them to the beach, to the bar or while tripping around a new town. Do I need say more..........!

Sarong

Along with boardies, a sarong is a great thing to carry traveling. It can be used as a cover, towel, blanket, scarf etc. You can also use it while visiting religious sites, to cover shoulders. Sarongs are light weight, dry super quickly and cost next to nothing.

Pens

Pens are so small and light you might as well carry two! If you’re crossing borders, you need to fill in arrival cards and other forms. If you need to write something, inevitably you will not be able find a bloody pen! So chuck one in your day bag and keep it handy!

Wet Wipes (wet towels)

These wet wipes (like the ones for babies) are invaluable! With them you can clean hands before eating, wipe your face on a hot day, clean scratches if you’re hiking or even clean your travel gear with them.

So there are just a few handy items you can throw in the backpack before beginning your next journey. Do you have any favorite items you must have when traveling? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

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June 04, 2009

Hotel Review - Hoa Binh Hotel - Tay Ninh - Vietnam

Name:

Hoa Binh Hotel - 384, 30 Thang 4 Street , Tay Ninh

Contact:

Phone – 820 304
Fax – 822 345

What’s On Offer?

The Hoa Binh Hotel is meant to hold a 2 star rating, but I guess being Government owned and operated it can do just that!

With around 100 rooms, the Hoa Binh Hotel is by far the largest in town. The rooms are basic, but clean. Each has cable TV, fridge and air-con. Electric hot water systems are installed and most rooms have balconies and large windows providing plenty of light and fresh air.

The staff was friendly enough, but as with most Government Hotels, everything seems to be a hassle, even when you want to pay the bill or simply check in! The hotel has a restaurant (not so good!), local cafe out the front with nice coffee and a massage parlor outback.

The Good Oil:

Located just 70km from HCMC, Tay Ninh is not exactly the greatest place in Vietnam!

Most travelers visit on either day tours to visit the Cao Dai Temple or overnight before heading into Cambodia. Tay Ninh is also a popular stop for those cycling through Vietnam and Cambodia.

The Hoa Binh Hotel is cheap and serves a purpose, clean bed and hot shower. Not classy, not worth 2 stars, but a good option if your hanging out in Tay Ninh for a night or two.

Rooms go for around 300,000VND per/room and this includes an OK breakfast.

Out of 10:

7/10 – Rooms
6/10 – Service
4/10 – Hotel Food (good local food next to hotel, turn left when walking out the gate!)

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Images From The Hoa Binh Hotel
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Top - Front of Hotel. Middle - Twin room with baloney. Bottom - Bathroom

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Travel Resources:

June 01, 2009

Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations - In Vietnam

While surfing the net, I was checking out the ever popular blog Noodlepie.com and come across links to a few video's on youtube.com from Anthony Bourdain.

Bourdain may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think he's darn funny and highly recommend you check this series of videos from Vietnam. Below is the No Reservation - Vietnam Part 4, set in Ha Long Bay. Follow the links to view the rest of the series.

And remember - at the end of the day, if you don't watch it, you miss out......!