Travel with kids forum

Welcome to Travelfish snllfamily,

Money question first:

The charges you'll face on ATM withdraws in a foreign country vary according to your bank in the UK -- you'll need to contact them and find out what they charge -- some (albeit very very few) banks have no fees at all, others charge like a wounded bull in a Pampalona alleyway.

Travellers Cheques are fine in most large tourist centres in Vietnam. You'll be charged a commission per cheque, so if you go with travellers cheques, get them in large denominations (eg 100 pound).

You can't get Vietnamese currency (called dong) outside of Vietnam -- and for that matter don't take it home with you unless you're planning on wallpapering the garage -- it is a non-convertible currency outside of Vn.

Safe adventure ona flashpacker budget -- travel by train. Look into the major centres running down the coast -- Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Lat (inland by bus) and Saigon. With a side trip up to Sapa (again by train), to Ha Long Bay (by bus), and, if time allows a trip into the Mekong Delta. All can be covered in four weeks. The train is moderately priced, safe and great with kids as they can get up and run around. It's also far more interesting than being cooped up in a tourist minibus.

Hope that helps!