We asked Travel 2 for the questions its customers most frequently ask about Vietnam.
How safe is travelling in Vietnam? Walking around Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi you feel more comfortable than in many Asian cities. Travellers should take the precautions they would take in any city in the world but beyond that there is no cause for concern. Many people expect a repressive atmosphere but in fact the opposite is true; Vietnam is a very family-orientated country with an atmosphere to match.
Are hotels up to the standards of the west? There is a huge range of accommodation to meet all budgets. Many travellers want to stay in historic colonial properties like Ho Chi Minh City’s Continental hotel, which has been renovated to a high standard. Several of the upmarket hotel chains are now also represented. The quality of many properties is on a par with Thailand or Singapore.
What is the food like? Vietnam is renowned for the quality and variety of its food. It’s much more Europeanised than people expect – you can find French bistros, tapas bars and burger restaurants – while the local cuisine is superb. There’s no need to keep to the hotels to ensure you have a great meal – local restaurants have very high standards of food and cleanliness.
Is Vietnam expensive? Accommodation is very reasonably priced; Travel 2’s rates start at just £16 per person per night in Hanoi and £19 in Ho Chi Minh City.Food is also incredible value for money. You can expect to pay less than £10 for a good meal for two people.
How developed is the infrastructure? Vietnam’s infrastructure is developing very quickly and the roads between the major cities are often in a good condition. It’s not yet possible to do a self-drive trip so organised tours are probably the best way of getting around. Alternatively Vietnam Airlines operates services to many of the major locations. Because English is widely spoken throughout the country – not just in the major hotels – it’s relatively easy to make travel arrangements.