After several holidays in Thailand , and watching the country self-implode with corruption and sleaze, it is time to move on. Vietnam , here we come!
I am a little concerned about how Vietnam is written up by some of the so called "experts" on the Thai forum, in particular the scam and not-so-happy reports that appear. I would like to get the opinion of regular travellers to Vietnam, about the general warmth and character of the Vietnamese people, and are they inclined to scam any more than the Thais? Also, my partner and I have noticed a huge increase in the sleaze industry around the tourist destinations in Thailand, and we have found it to be quite off putting.
Where is the best beaches etc to enjoy with little discomfort by hawkers and exposed prostitution? No, it isn't that bad at all! Scams are everywhere as is corruption in this world. Just use your gray matter to look for deals that are too good to be true and avoid them, and never but never take the advice of an offer you get on the street. I found very little sleaze, but perhaps I didn't go looking for it either.
If you like beaches Phu Quoc or Hoi An will fill the bill quite nicely. Take the advice you get from informed people on this forum check to see what kind of post history they have and you will be fine. For the most part, the Vietnamese are a very hard working nation of friendly people, but every culture has it's thieves and con artists.
Don't try to go too low in saving money, but you can have a wonderful trip in VN for very little. Here are a few excellent resources:. I love my country Vietnam , but there are corruption and sleeze in Vietnam as well.
