Hello

[BlurSotong]

Hi everyone !

This is my first posting in this forum cos I just discovered it and hope can get as much help as possible from the kind people here. :mrgreen:

I intend to visit HCM mid -Oct and will be my very trip to Vietnam and will be a single traveller.

Coming from Singapore, the most economical way to go is via the budget airline TigerAirways.

I was recommended by some friends in Singapore to stay in the back packers area..however I still prefer some creature comforts and have shortlisted the following accomodations.. Phoneix 74 hotel, Le Le Hotel or Southern hotel

Which would you recommend.

Also, I understand that there is an airport bus service to town..where is it located and cost ?

What currency is more commonly used ? US$ or Dong ?

Sorry for being so long winded..and I still got lots more questions to ask & appreciate any form of assistance :oops:

[abc]

Hi I will try to answer some of your questions:
- The most used currency is Dong. Don't use dollar, or people will cnvert it with a low rate. Curency exchange can be found easily at the airport.
- Take a "correct" taxi to go to the town. The most "correct" ( =honest) taxi company is "VinaSun" (white color with telephone number in bark blue). Don't take a taxi from some guys who wait for you at the exit. They are private (back market) taxi and you will be charged much higher.
- The back packer area (Pham Ngu Lao Street) is very good. If you don't like, go to Le Thanh Ton Street and you can find good hotels. If you stay long time there, take a hotel at Pham Ngu Lao Street foir one night, while you can find another better one.
- For travelling, Open tour offered by Sinhcafe (sinhcafe.com) is very good.
Hope these informations are helpful for you.
Good luck


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[BrandomJR]

amazing post :D:) (http://hometown.aol.com/valium1valium/)

[okijapan]

But, be caraful when you take a xe om. You must ask the price before go. I paid one time many money because I don't ask. :(

[saigon]

But, be caraful when you take a xe om. You must ask the price before go. I paid one time many money because I don't ask. :(

You are right, Oki. And if you have to live long time in VN, it' better to make acquaintance with a xe om, get his phone number and call him whenever you want to go out. I have a mate in SG, he is very kind. I have been in this house and talked with his parents. We then become friends and I always pay him good things. With him, I learn a lot of Vietnamese words.

[LNP]

What currency is more commonly used ? US$ or Dong ?


It's way more convenient having VND with you, especially for the smaller purchases or things that you made need to bargain for. Food, travel, entertainment - all Dong. However, if you were to buy something relatively expensive, like a digital camera for instance, then most electronic shops and plazas take USD and give very fair exchange rates. Obviously it depends now how much $ you are coming here with. I'd still take a stash of USD somewhere, it often comes in handy.

[Ryan4]

Lonely Planet is a good book for you to understand more about Vietnam. You can search themes like Vietnam taxi scams, Vietnam travel by bus, Vietnam travel for more others' experiences...