Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mikesaidyes]

Totally pumped as I just booked my ticket today for the hagwon vacation week at the end of July....

I only want to spend 2 days or so in Saigon (unless you convince me otherwise). My main questions are:

What's the better beach? Nha Trang or Phu Quoc? I want to be able to go out at night, mingle and meet people (read: bars, not gettin' my freak on at the club) but from the reading I've been doing, Nha Trang is jammed with touts. They don't scare me, but they're a fucking pain in the ass (see: Morocco) . Is the beach/nightlife really worth the annoyance? Phu Quoc isn't that dead is it? Since I'm there in monsoon season, does where I am make a difference for how much rain I'll get?

Also, it seems much easier to fly to Phu Quoc (and less time) than it would be to take a train to and fro, especially when I'm tight on time)...

What's the best Mekong Delta plan of attack for 2 days or so? I would love to do a homestay, but don't want to deal with one of those damned tour companies. Just not my style. Any suggestions?

This is what I'm thinking:

Arrive Sun night at like Midnight.

Sleep in on Sunday (I will actually have major jet lag as I will just have finished two weeks in America and returned to Korea that Saturday).

Sunday afternoon - get to ___ BEACH (3 nights).

Wednesday noonish - leave for _____ in the Mekong Delta (2 nights)

Early Friday - head to Saigon, whoop it up Fri night and then sight see all day Saturday into the evening...

Flight leaves at 12:20 early Sunday AM......

Anywhere I should trim or add?

Thanks!

[ghostrider]

[JustinC]

Nha Trang has average beaches but the Vin Pearl resort is a blast if you like water slides.

Anywhere in Viet Nam be extra careful of your valuables and don't drink beer if you haven't watched it being poured or you opened the bottle yourself (especially in Saigon).

If you like train journeys then check out their first class sleepers; cheap and comfy with stunning views.

I think 2 days in Saigon is easily sufficient, although check opening times for what sights you want to see, as I think some may be closed at the weekend.

[mikesaidyes]

So I'm all booked up.

It turns out I get to go back to the States for two weeks before that (timing of outgoing teacher/her replacement coming early to cover my stuff), so I land in Korea on Sat night and leave for 'nam on Sunday night.

I land Sunday night at like Midnight..... that being said, are taxis really a bitch, too? My hostel in District 1 offered to pick me up for 12 USD one way. While that's not expensive at all, can it be cheaper if I get my own cab?

Then again, I kind of feel like the extra $5 I could save is worth the haggle and confusion and pain in the ass with a tout AND I don't have to stumble around Backpackers Row at 1 AM.

I'm staying the night there and then I'm back to the airport to fly to Phu Quoc. Two nights there, then one night in Can Tho at a homestay. I'm getting in two nights in Saigon as I arrive late after my AM tour in Can Tho, but it's really just two full days still....

And I keep reading about dollars, is it really easier to pay in USD or is that just for taxis/airport?

Oh and any suggestions on places in Saigon for a traveler of one (I presume I'll meet people along the way) are GREATLY appreciated. I just hope I won't be f'd in the restaurant department like solo travelers are here.

[JustinC]

You'll most likely be offered lifts by taxi, motorbike and tuk tuk. Take it easy and give them a Worldly-traveler eye roll if they try to take the piss. There's a small chance you'll get a driver who doesn't know where your hotel is but I find cock-ups make the best memories.

I've been to Vietnam twice and never needed dollars, but a couple of tens on you isn't going to hurt. You'll be able to eat pho until your heart is content, regardless of whether you're alone or not. The street food is absolutely amazing! You might be offered a beer at night by some local guys drinking at a roadside 'bar' - accept with a big grin and offer them one back.

When I travel alone I usually look at a rough guide's 5 day tour and pick out the things that I want to do. I remember the War Museum pretty clearly, as it really makes an impression. Ben Thanh Market was the best market I think I've ever visited - you really could pick up anything there that you didn't realise you needed! Any time left over you have the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame, and the usual assortment of city tours.

[KimchiNinja]

Interesting thread. I hit the Phillipines earlier this year.

Thinking about Pho Quoc for later this year. Heard there is good massage, rent a moto, inexpensive food, clean untouched beaches, not too commercial due to the laws. But yeah is it *too* dead? Any night life at all?