Vietnam forum

It sounds like shockster has quite a bit of experience in Vietnam, so I can't say he or she is wrong, but reading that reply would actually make a person much more nervous than when you started.

In my own experience, which is the four months I spent all over Vietnam earlier this year, I never once had any of that stuff happen to me. Admittedly I didn't take too many taxis or motorbike taxis and that kind of transport definitely can lead to those kinds of problems. But with hotels I left my passport with them, just as they always request, and when I paid at the end the price was always what was initially quoted. In fact, I stayed for 15 days at a hotel in Dalat, and when I checked out the owner actually lowered my rate because I stayed so long (and I had asked about it when I arrived).

Airport taxis seem to be the worst offenders, and that's actually true all around the world, so if you want to take one it's probably a good idea to book a hotel (by email) first and have them arrange the ride. It'll be the same price and they are unlikely to screw with you since that would jeopardize your hotel stay.

Speaking of that, you can almost always find a room upon arrival quite easily without a reservation, but nearly every popular hotel will also take email reservations with no deposit. There are stories of some hotels not holding these email reservations, but overall I recommend it because you have nothing to lose and some of the best places do get full in advance.

Shockster's price estimates are right on. I think Hanoi, Sapa, and Saigon are a bit more expensive than all the other tourist cities in Vietnam, but even in those places you can get by on very little if your budget is limited.

Backpacking in Vietnam is very easy, even if you only know English. For example, you can get a load of laundry done for you for around $2 through most hotels or with a short walk down the road. Every tourist city will have loads of restaurants with menus translated into English, and prices are only a bit more than at the locals' places nearby, so yes, filling and delicious meals are usually around $2 to $4. And the average menu at these places is 20 to 30 pages long (no joke) and will have locals dishes and pasta and sandwiches and plenty of other things, so even if you don't like the local food you'll have no problem finding cheap and decent Western food.

How much would you take to vietnam for 3 weeks if u were just gonna stay in beach huts etc and not eat in big expensive places? How much GPB would u take
Katy

What is the currency in vietnam and what is ment by 20 and 30? Is that dollars?

While there are a few scams around in Vietnam, it's no big deal. I'm coming back for trip #4 soon, but I do take a few precautions. I rarely ever take cabs, and when I do, I insist on Mai Linh Group cabs or a cab sent by my hotel to pick me up at the airport. I never accept an offer on the street. I have never been robbed or cheated in this country, and consider it far far safer than my home country (USA). This is Asia, and I expect customs and practices to be different from what I'm used to - just use common sense and you'll love this place! I live like a king on $40. - $50. USD a day (no, I do not tip, as is the custom in SE Asia).

"no, I do not tip, as is the custom in SE Asia"

In Thailand tipping is customary, but it's usually small amounts. Can't speak for Vietnam though.

Posted from within Vietnam.

Don't be nervous! As others have said - it's really easy to travel in Vietnam and is relatively safe. There's a standard tourist route (primarily up / down the coast) which is well organised for bus and train travel and also means you're likely to meet other people on your trip too. I have never felt unsafe here anyway. Just take the usual precautions regarding personal possessions - i.e. keep tight hold of them! - and you shouldn't have any problems. Last year we managed on about £20 per day each on average - but it depends where you're staying and what your standards are like. Have fun!