Has anyone holidayed in Vietnam and is it safe for a family trip?

Question

We have been to Thailand and love it there but now it's a bit touristy, we have heard that Vietnam is the Thailand of 20 years ago - any experiences, good or bad will be most welcome. Thanks

Answer 1

It is very safe to travel in Vietnam. English is widely spoken so that shouldn't be much of a problem.

I love Vietnam and spend there already many months for vacation.

Unlike somebody else said, you can easily organize trips yourself and do what you want to do, go where you want to go. Talking about the war is something I won't do unless they start talking about it.

Answer 2

Well, which part of Vietnam u r planning to go for your holiday? I would like to suggest to you to come here in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) first. It's really nice to be here in Saigon.

Me myself also had a same Question before I came here. But when I reached here, it's really safe. U can even walk alone! Most of the Viets is willing to help you.

The problem here if u are in the sub-urb area is only the communication. But if u r in HCMC itself, English is quiet common although it's not as good as Thailand. There are many foreigners here in HCMC. So...Dont worry.....

Thailand 20 years ago? I doubt it! Come down here first to experience....Well...for HCMC info, browse here http://www.hochiminhcity.gov.vn/eng

And I do strongly agreed with Roti-Prata statement

Answer 3

It is safe country but as many country in the world. Viet nam also have bad people and good people so you have to take care yourself

Answer 4

yes lots to see and not expensive

Answer 5

Vietnam is pretty safe BUT (mostly depends where you go)

Dont bring a purse or anything that people can easily steal.

Bring misquitoe repelent.

BECAREFUL while crossing the big streets.

Answer 6

It's very safe in Vietnam. Vietnam is divided into 3 parts.. Northern, Central and Southern. The main city center is southern part. Central part has beautiful beaches, and Northern part has 4 seasons.

I'll say the English level in Vietnam is about the same as Thailand, not everyone on the street speaks English, but you can get by using sign language.

Checkout this website. They are one of the biggest tourguide agencies in Vietnam.  www.saigon-tourist.com/

Answer 7

oh yeah its safe..happy journey

Answer 8

I have been to both...and viet nam is not as fun, clean, friendly and as safe as it is in most parts of thailand IMHO. HCM city is pretty run down and not much to see to be honest. The only +ve is that it is even cheaper than thailand, food, accomodation, and shopping wise. There are some new theme parks so it might be fun for the kids and family...not too cheap though.

Come to think of it, i didn't like it at all during my visit. Nha Trang, and Dalat are worth seeing (but i weren't go scuba diving...unfortunately due to lack of conservation effort, there's nothing much to see there.

But heard the central part and halong bay are worth visiting.

Answer 9

It is safe but still you should be careful.

It is pretty much safe but it also depends on what neighborhood you live in.

Answer 10

I was born in Saigon now HCMC then left in '79. Returned and met my wife there. We had our wedding at Omni Hotel in HCMC it was quite nice...similar to 3 stars in NA. The most beautiful place I visited was Halong Bay where they filmed a Bond movie a while back. You can haggle for a boat (Junk) for the day $100USD don't order any pre-menus that they offer wait till the captain takes you to live fish market in the bay it is really good for another $100. Bring scuba gears and lot of suntan as my tour guide(wife now) let me cook like a lobster(in August) and lots of batteries or rechargables. Food are great where ever you go. I ate Pho (rice noodles) in HCMC on the side street stall did not get sick but there are very nice french styled cuisines and trendy restaurants in both Ha Noi and HCMC. The beach resort area are very beautiful as well. Just remember don't tip too much...and you don't need to tip in taxi as most people think.

Answer 11

Present Vietnam is a "must visit" country in South East Asia. It's safe for a family trip but of course you have to be street smart. Don't be fooled by the many touts and wonder around in the back street at night.

Vist Ho Chi Ming City (Former Saigon) and you'll be amazed by its friendly people, culture and history, though the streets and atmosphere are quite to similar Bangkok but with much less traffic congestion's and touristy.

Being there many times and looking forward to my next trip there

for business and pleasure.

Answer 12

It's about as safe as thailand, but not as touristy. It's still not a free country :( so you can't wander off and do your own thing much. a friend of mine went last year and enjoyed it.

Oh and don't mention the war!

Answer 13

We have been to Vietnam quite a few times and have enjoyed each time more that the first.  English is spoken in all the larger cities and even in the country.  I would recommend spending my time Hue, the old Imperial Capital and Hanoi.  Both are very beautuiful cities and have good shopping, site seeing, friendly people and good food.  We will be spending a month there again this summer. Highly recommend a holiday to Vietnam for your family.