10 Reasons To Visit Vietnam In 2009
10 Reasons To Visit Vietnam In 2009
Theres 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 bettervalue destinations than Vietnam! Here are 10 reasons why Nam is THE crunchbusting hotspot for 2009
1. Its cheap to get here
Everyones offering flight deals at the moment. A quick Kayak search on HeathrowSaigon threw up plenty of flights at the 700 mark with Air Asia offering an amazing 299 deal. Flying in from neighbouring countries such as Singapore amp; Thailand has never been cheaper.
2. Its cheap to sleep
Vietnams topend hotels may have gained a bad rep for overcharging during the countrys recent tourism boom but the penny has finally dropped and rates are starting to come down. We are being offered rates of under 100 for some of Saigons 5* hotels. And if luxury is less important Vietnam has literally thousands of midrange hotels and resorts along with guesthouses and minihotels where clean and comfortable ensuite rooms can be had for as little as 10 a night. Or for a more adventurous option book a homestay amp; stay with a local family or rent a selfcatering house/flat at VRBO.
3. Its cheap to get around
OK so youve 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 youre 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. Its cheap to eat
Dining in Vietnam is a joy with cheap amp; cheerful street meals available for under a dollar. Most larger towns have traveller cafes where western amp; Asian dishes are available for around 23. Even the 5* hotels do great value buffets with freeflow wine for around 30 expensive by local standards but a snip for many visitors.
5. Its 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 amp; 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 dont mind sitting on a plastic chair on the street. They also sell good food and its a great way to meet the locals who are invariably friendlier amp; chattier after a few beers!
6. Its 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 dont display prices to get your haggling head on and be firm but dont argue over pennies. If youre 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. Its cheap to go bespoke
Always dreamed of having a tailormade suit dress or overcoat? Cant afford Savile Row? Vietnam is the place for you. If I had a penny for every tailor in Vietnam Id be a very rich man indeed. Tailormade 2piece 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. Its cheap to stay in touch
We all love to stay in touch with friends amp; family when were travelling and in Vietnam its 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. Its cheap to relax
Vietnam especially the cities can be hot amp; stressful but they also have lots of spas massage parlours and health clubs where you can cool down amp; relax after a days 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 amp; massage packages from around 35. Many resorts even offer massage on the beach the ultimate in relaxation.
10. Its cheap to be 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 hairwash amp; massage session for as little as 1 or get a new hairdo for 3.
Were 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 wont believe Vietnam has it all. See you soon!
About the writer: For more information on url=http://www.threeland.comVietnam travel/url and url=http://www.roomvietnam.comVietnam hotels/url please visit my website
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