<![CDATA[Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North]]>Hi all,

Planning to do a short trip to Ho Chi Minh with my 4 kids- all below 12. youngest is 2yrs old. any interesting places there? thanks in advance for your tips and advices.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/54857/travel-vietnam-hanoi-amp-the-northRSS for NodeThu, 23 Apr 2026 12:49:11 GMTSun, 31 Mar 2013 14:51:24 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Tue, 12 Jul 2022 03:43:47 GMT]]>

cherubin\" post_id=\"2073952\" time=\"1657475220\" user_id=\"118184:

This is all very useful info and thanks for generously sharing. Am a bit worried as this will be our first trip there, heard the folks there prefer USD but we don't intend to bring too much there. Has anyone recently come back from Vietnam? How's the safety around there?
Vietnam is a safe country. However, you will still need to follow basic common sense, such as not showing too much of your wealth and exposing your money, which may attract unnecessary petty crimes. Most people will probably just go about minding their own business.

If you are sticking around the major / main cities and tourist belt, such as HCM, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, etc, you can use USD without much trouble. The vendors will likely return your small change in VND, which is pretty much useless outside of Vietnam. Do note that the exchange rate used by such vendors are often very poor, although it's convenient as a traveller. If you are there for a short period of time, I don't think the difference will add up much. However, if you are there for a prolong period of time, changing some USD into VND at the money changer / airport is probably a good idea.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2074081https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2074081Tue, 12 Jul 2022 03:43:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sun, 10 Jul 2022 17:47:00 GMT]]>This is all very useful info and thanks for generously sharing. Am a bit worried as this will be our first trip there, heard the folks there prefer USD but we don’t intend to bring too much there. Has anyone recently come back from Vietnam? How’s the safety around there?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2073952https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2073952Sun, 10 Jul 2022 17:47:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Thu, 28 Jan 2021 07:59:03 GMT]]>Vietnam is close to our hearts and we can't wait to be back there soonest.. 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2013480https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2013480Thu, 28 Jan 2021 07:59:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Fri, 17 Apr 2020 08:55:14 GMT]]>Hi, has anyone been to Phu Quoc? How is the infrastructure there? Suitable and safe for a family trip with a two-year-old?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1971592https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1971592Fri, 17 Apr 2020 08:55:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Fri, 17 Apr 2020 08:43:26 GMT]]>

Jadedfox\" post_id=\"1953245\" time=\"1576397281\" user_id=\"180340:

Di Mai Restaurant in Saigon, Vietnam by Les Amis Group.......

https://i.ibb.co/GHF1zDC/IMG20191120215548-01.jpg\">

Bò Nướng Sa (Marinated Grilled beef, Lemongrass, Chili -128,000 VND): B+

https://i.ibb.co/nMKwzpM/IMG20191120215149-01.jpg\">

Cơm Chiên Cà Ri Tôm Dì Mai (Di Mai Fried Rice, Shrimp, Curry, Lemongrass, Basil - 118,000 VND): A+

https://i.ibb.co/V3ZxzyG/IMG20191123164730-02.jpg\">

Bún Thịt Nướng Dì Mai (Rice Noodle, Pork, Spring Roll, Shrimp Skewers, Peanuts - 138,000VND): C

More at https://www.prolificskins.com/forum/chillin-in-the-lounge/overseas-eats-in-photos-by-the-food-dossier
Miss this kind of food!!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1971589https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1971589Fri, 17 Apr 2020 08:43:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sun, 15 Mar 2020 13:29:18 GMT]]>Accommodation featured: King Majestic Suite


A member of the Orient Hospitality Group, O’Gallery Majestic Hotel & Spa which opened in September 2018 epitomizes polished extravagance with a sophisticated blend of moss black, gold and beige white. Spiral stairways, high ceilings alongside curated set pieces extending authentic shout-outs to both Hanoian chic and the ultra contemporary feature prominently on its premises, possibly upstaged only by supremely hospitable, reassuring staff always ready to extend an exceeding measure of warmth and friendship.

https://i.ibb.co/cCPQrHh/IMG20190103161706-03-01-01.jpg\">

Read more at https://www.theluxebrigade.com/o-gallery-majestic-hotel-and-spa

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1967201https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1967201Sun, 15 Mar 2020 13:29:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sun, 15 Dec 2019 08:08:01 GMT]]>Di Mai Restaurant in Saigon, Vietnam by Les Amis Group.......


https://i.ibb.co/GHF1zDC/IMG20191120215548-01.jpg\">

Bò Nướng Sa (Marinated Grilled beef, Lemongrass, Chili -128,000 VND): B+

https://i.ibb.co/nMKwzpM/IMG20191120215149-01.jpg\">

Cơm Chiên Cà Ri Tôm Dì Mai (Di Mai Fried Rice, Shrimp, Curry, Lemongrass, Basil - 118,000 VND): A+

https://i.ibb.co/V3ZxzyG/IMG20191123164730-02.jpg\">

Bún Thịt Nướng Dì Mai (Rice Noodle, Pork, Spring Roll, Shrimp Skewers, Peanuts - 138,000VND): C

More at https://www.prolificskins.com/forum/chillin-in-the-lounge/overseas-eats-in-photos-by-the-food-dossier

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953245https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1953245Sun, 15 Dec 2019 08:08:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sat, 30 Nov 2019 13:29:26 GMT]]>

.zeit\" post_id=\"1950753\" time=\"1575097758\" user_id=\"171271:

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"1950733\" time=\"1575091290\" user_id=\"14025:

May I ask if it is better to bring Dong or USD?

Both. I changed only S$200/pax VND for 5 days. I always bring USD everywhere I go.
You need some VND to drink coffee, pay for museum admission tix & take taxi. Pls hail only the reliable taxis.

https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowTopic-g293925-i8433-k2503444-Tips_for_taking_taxi_in_HCMC-Ho_Chi_Minh_City.html

Zeit
We will be taking a package tour from spore. Guess we may just bring some USD for shopping.

What is worth buying in Hanoi and HCM?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1950810https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1950810Sat, 30 Nov 2019 13:29:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:11:12 GMT]]>

gracey_yeo\" post_id=\"1949219\" time=\"1574672991\" user_id=\"180773:

Will an HCMC DIY travel suitable is we will travel with a 7-year-old kid? I have read from reviews that it is possible since you have grab motorcycle roaming around the city.
See above link though it's 10-year-old info! Take local taxis like Vinasun. I always flag down Vinasun. Very spacious, new and clean. Go by meter.
You want your 7-year-old to ride the Grab motorcycles?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1950755https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1950755Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:11:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:09:18 GMT]]>

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"1950733\" time=\"1575091290\" user_id=\"14025:

May I ask if it is better to bring Dong or USD?
Both. I changed only S$200/pax VND for 5 days. I always bring USD everywhere I go.
You need some VND to drink coffee, pay for museum admission tix & take taxi. Pls hail only the reliable taxis.

https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowTopic-g293925-i8433-k2503444-Tips_for_taking_taxi_in_HCMC-Ho_Chi_Minh_City.html

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1950753https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1950753Sat, 30 Nov 2019 07:09:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sat, 30 Nov 2019 05:21:30 GMT]]>May I ask if it is better to bring Dong or USD?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1950733https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1950733Sat, 30 Nov 2019 05:21:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Mon, 25 Nov 2019 08:27:31 GMT]]>Oh here's another which looks rather classical - Bach suites


A home away from home happens at Bach Suites Saigon, an exceptionally intimate 29-room, 7-suite French colonial inspired hotel offering stylished accommodation courtesy of polished brass fittings, dark lacquer finishes, marble flooring and paneled walls set against a crisp black-white-sage green palette.

https://i.ibb.co/ZVrXKyy/IMG20191119144131-01.jpg\">

https://i.ibb.co/c258d0n/IMG20191119172020-01-2.jpg\">

https://i.ibb.co/fkk1FzR/IMG20191119173041-02.jpg\">

https://i.ibb.co/f8fFRpp/IMG20191120112537-01.jpg\">

More at https://www.theluxebrigade.com/bach-suites-saigon

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1949180https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1949180Mon, 25 Nov 2019 08:27:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sun, 24 Nov 2019 10:43:55 GMT]]>Saw this hotel called Mia Saigon being featured.....think it is brand new?


17 exclusive suites (embellished with high-end amenities, fine linens, ornate fixtures and artisanal Vietnamese craft works) feature alongside 35 spacious, lavishly appointed rooms - add to these an onsite dining establishment, sprawling pool deck, gym as well as full-fledged spa facility.

https://i.ibb.co/GcqqXQ1/IMG20191118072903-01.jpg\">

https://i.ibb.co/9ynsNzr/IMG20191118090530-02.jpg\">

https://i.ibb.co/jLvNxDS/IMG20191118004833-01-1.jpg\">

https://i.ibb.co/GT8xRMz/IMG20191118082553.jpg\">

More at https://www.theluxebrigade.com/mia-saigon

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1948740https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1948740Sun, 24 Nov 2019 10:43:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sun, 17 Nov 2019 16:55:30 GMT]]>

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"1946889\" time=\"1573975957\" user_id=\"14025:

Tks all for replying
Sounds exciting ...
I’m sure the folks here can help to come up with an interim itinerary once you have finalized your destination.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946957https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946957Sun, 17 Nov 2019 16:55:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sun, 17 Nov 2019 07:32:37 GMT]]>Tks all for replying

Sounds exciting …

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946889https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946889Sun, 17 Nov 2019 07:32:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sun, 17 Nov 2019 07:20:10 GMT]]>

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"1946834\" time=\"1573949076\" user_id=\"14025:

Am thinking to save me hassle, booking a tour package here may help.
Like I said, the usual suspects.

Chan Bros, Dynasty, https://asaholiday.com/search.php?sectorId=8&month=0&year=2019&pax=1&day=0-0&budget=0-0, https://super-travels.com/tour-destination/vietnam/

But like .zeit example, if you want to do F&E, it's not that difficult as well.
E.g.
You book tickets / hotels and then arrive on D-day to VN HCM City.
If you plan D+1 you wanna go on a HCM City & Cu Chi Tunnel tour, you can book https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/7437-cu-chi-tunnels-full-day-tour-ho-chi-minh-city/?aid=1018.
Then on D+2, you wanna go to Central Market for some shopping, you can either get a local driver or Grab or taxi. In the evening, you can go to the water puppet show. Again, you can https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/7795-traditional-water-puppet-theater-admission-ticket-ho-chi-minh-city/?aid=1018.
So on and so forth... you get the idea.

It may involve some work, but it's a lot more flexible than sticking to a tour package. You will be glad, especially when you spotted that 'antique' in Ben Thanh Market across the aisle but the tour guide says you only have 1 minute left 😂

That said, it is generally easier to F&E in if you are considering the major hotspots like HCM City, Hanoi, and Da Nang in VN, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in KH.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946887https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946887Sun, 17 Nov 2019 07:20:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sun, 17 Nov 2019 06:28:37 GMT]]>

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"1946834\" time=\"1573949076\" user_id=\"14025:

Am thinking to save me hassle, booking a tour package here may help.
Chan Bros generally has good reviews - just check if the itinerary includes what you are interested in. My daughter and her friends went to Korea on a Chan Bros tour once, and they had a good time. I've booked F&E with them before as well. I guess any of the other big-name companies will be about the same.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946878https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946878Sun, 17 Nov 2019 06:28:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sun, 17 Nov 2019 05:00:41 GMT]]>

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"1946779\" time=\"1573897293\" user_id=\"14025:

Tks for replying.
For these countries, maybe it is better to join guided tours?
If you're more comfortable w a package tour, you can check out Chan Bros. For my maiden tours of both countries, I booked a private driver from my hotel to cover selected districts. I picked Chinese-speaking drivers in both countries and it turned out that my Viet driver was of Cantonese descent, and Cambodian driver was of Teochew descent.

They were not hired to act as my licensed tour guide at the attractions; they were only responsible for transporting me to the agreed destinations for an agreed duration and price. However, they went the extra mile by providing us with extra heart-warming anecdotes (e.g. how their parents escaped from China to Indochina during the civil war; how they survived the genocide; what it was like during Khmer Rouge's regime; what it was like during the Vietnam war) and cultural/social/political nuggets before dropping us off at each attraction.

My Vietnamese driver took me to a famous old-school bakery in old Saigon where locals buy their baguettes to make Banh Mi and where locals eat Bun Cha, while my Cambodian driver took me to an old-school coffee shop to buy coffee powder and restaurants/cafes/bars previously frequented by American GIs and foreign correspondents during the Vietnam War.

Srsly, I don't think Singapore TA tour guide will bring you to Hanoi's old quarter railway track cafes (they will be closed soon) or local hawker centres/food streets. If you follow the SG TA's itinerary, you will certainly miss out many Instagram-worthy hipster eclectic cafes/bars/fusion restaurants in the alleys, old quarters or Mekong riverbank. It's so nice to sip Viet coffee in those French colonial architecture with balconies, French louvres, high ceilings, French floor tiles. The heritage buildings had been refurbished as modern cafes, retail shops, boutique guesthouses that exude character and soul. You won't get to sit by the roadside to eat a bowl of pho bo or BBQ squid either with Chan Bros.

F&E is definitely possible because there're Eng/Chinese and other official lang explanations on attraction signages, including those at the Killing Fields. Otherwise, how do 'ang moh' backpackers and bohemian travellers get around? There are so many of them that you won't feel like you're the only tourist gallivanting in town.

Many urban dwellers can speak conversational Eng and Chinese. The old generation had 'served' American GIs in simple English during the war. Younger Vietnamese can speak Eng better, especially those with immediate / distant relatives who had moved (illegal immigrants or war refugees) to Australia, US, British HK and Europe in the 70s. FYI, there are many ethnic Chinese in HCMC, Hanoi, PP, given their historical ties with China.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946875https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946875Sun, 17 Nov 2019 05:00:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sun, 17 Nov 2019 00:04:36 GMT]]>Am thinking to save me hassle, booking a tour package here may help.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946834https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946834Sun, 17 Nov 2019 00:04:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sat, 16 Nov 2019 23:46:51 GMT]]>

floppy\" post_id=\"1946830\" time=\"1573933087\" user_id=\"97579:

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"1946779\" time=\"1573897293\" user_id=\"14025:

Tks for replying.
For these countries, maybe it is better to join guided tours?

You should be able to do F&E / combine with local tours if you are visiting the main cities / points of interests, such as:
Vietnam - HCM, Hanoi, Sa Pa, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang
Cambodia - Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
You can read up all you can before the trip if you want to skip a local guide, but a good local guide can provide some additional context to what you are seeing.

If you decide to step off the beaten path, you will definitely need to be guided.

I agree with floppy. I usually book a local tour from the hotel or nearby at the destination as we like to hear about the history and other info. Otherwise, even if I've done a lot of reading up, I find I have my nose in the notes instead of looking around! Especially in places where we don't speak the local language, it's useful to have a guide, and it also saves time finding your way around. I've been to both VN and Cambodia, and I don't recall that there was a lot of compulsory shopping stops or heart-rending stories - I think if you go on a group tour instead of private, and not the ultra-cheap ones, they don't try all that stuff?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946833https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946833Sat, 16 Nov 2019 23:46:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sat, 16 Nov 2019 19:38:07 GMT]]>

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"1946779\" time=\"1573897293\" user_id=\"14025:

Tks for replying.
For these countries, maybe it is better to join guided tours?
You should be able to do F&E / combine with local tours if you are visiting the main cities / points of interests, such as:
Vietnam - HCM, Hanoi, Sa Pa, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang
Cambodia - Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
You can read up all you can before the trip if you want to skip a local guide, but a good local guide can provide some additional context to what you are seeing.

If you decide to step off the beaten path, you will definitely need to be guided.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946830https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946830Sat, 16 Nov 2019 19:38:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sat, 16 Nov 2019 14:53:20 GMT]]>Star,

My family went F&E in HCM & Hanoi except for 2 days with guide fr a close frd whose retired parents brot us to seafood & countryside fresh air. We visited quite a few orphanages, cu chi, killing fields, etc just engaging some local guides which are plenty to choose fr near where we stayed in the city. Shopping & food is a breeze.

I’ve not gone to Cambodia on my own tho. Was on guided tour but they always bring us to places where the locals fleece us. I’m good at resisting but not many Sporeans coz all very “kind” hearted buying photocopied pics of Cambodia history, culture, etc posting US$10-20 w/o batting an eye. Most feel it’s OK to donate to their poor life until I pointed out how some of these kids hv mothers following (with thick gold necklaces)!

Hope holidays planning, Star!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946823https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946823Sat, 16 Nov 2019 14:53:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sat, 16 Nov 2019 09:41:33 GMT]]>Tks for replying.

For these countries, maybe it is better to join guided tours?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946779https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946779Sat, 16 Nov 2019 09:41:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel : Vietnam - Hanoi &amp; the North on Sat, 16 Nov 2019 08:04:50 GMT]]>

starlight1968sg\" post_id=\"1946726\" time=\"1573876380\" user_id=\"14025:

Any travel agency to recommend for a short trip to Vietnam or Cambodia? Thank you.
I only do F&E for these countries. Book LCC and hire a private driver at hotel concierge to take me to those farflung places like AKW, Killing Fields, Tuol Sleng, Cu Chi, etc.

Did you know Klook also sells half or full day packages to some attractions, but in the early years (90s and 00s), there was no Klook or the like so we had to resort to pte hire.

Private hire is good because I don't need any tour guiding service. I bought some history books from Cambodia and Vietnam bookshops to read leisurely at my hotel poolside. Our pte driver was at our beck and call at each attraction. He also recommended some famous colonial restaurants, handicraft factories, markets, latest malls, bakeries and Chinatown to us.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946765https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946765Sat, 16 Nov 2019 08:04:50 GMT