Destinations

We plan on traveling after the wedding. You're more than welcome to join us. More details to come.

Destinations: the wedding is in Sothern Vietnam, for reference #14 Nha Trang is around 1 hour from my hometown. Saigon is 40 min/1 hr from my hometown too. Check out this blog for more content on travel to Vietnam.

+ good travel reference.

Travel Checklist for Vietnam

1. Health Precautions: Make sure you are up to date with your vaccines - reference CDC website here

2. Passport and Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay. Obtain any visas for Vietnam or check your Vietnam visa status

   • Visa processing: one week

   • Use https://vn.usembassy.gov/vietnamese-visas-and-entry-exit/

   • Direct link to apply for the visa online

   • Embassy - site here (BAD LINK - don't use)

3. Money
   Order Viet $$$ at your bank (1-3 weeks before travel). You'll get a better exchange rate in Vietnam at jewelry shops (gold shops).

   • Or bring US $100 to exchange - the BILLS must be NEW with no damages or they will trade for less Viet money

   • Download this money converter app

Before you Travel

What to expect out of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh Airport) ?

1) You can buy a SIM card (cellular + data) for $15 (outside the airport, ~ $10). They will remove and install the new SIM card for you. Keep your US SIM card.

2) There will be salespeople pulling on you to try and get your business. You can ignore them and keep walking.

3) Getting around - use Grab driver rideshare app (car or mopeds) OR a real Taxi with a meter. Use google translator to communicate with the locals.

4) Scenery - Vietnam is a beautiful country and it's also a developing one. Expect beauty and uglyness. Some places aren't so nice :/

• Do not bring valuables, engagement wedding rings etc.

• Bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen

• There will be people selling lottery tickets and they will approach you, you don't have to buy.

• Tipping is not a thing, like it is in America

If you're staying in Saigon, I recommend Alagon Hotel & Spa hotel and/or nearby it.

Travel Cost

Travel booking

Cost - flights will be the most expensive part of the trip. Hotel + food is much much cheaper. You'll barely spend anything on food and activities.

Booking: flights are around $1400 + flying from Austin

Make sure you select 2 stops or less, flight duration should be 26-27 hrs (from Austin) - no more than that. More layovers doesn't always mean cheaper.

Tip - Sunday evening seems to have better prices (google link). Use the google tracker tool to track ticket prices.

How to use Vietnam Money?

And there are also 5,000 VND - 2,000 VND - 1,000 VND - 500 VND cotton notes. It is better to keep some small notes when you use public toilets, which will charge you 2,000 VND/time/person.

Tips:

• Don’t keep a lot of big notes in your wallet

• Hand small VND notes for small payments or for use in off the beaten track

• Double check and count the zeros before you hand the cash in and after you receive your change

• Practice using VND notes before arriving Vietnam

• Use credit card for big purchase to avoid the mistake

How to haggle? What are the standard prices?

https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/vietnam-travel-tips/the-ultimate-guide-to-shopping-in-
vietnam/

2023 prices in my town and other areas

• 20K VND for street coffee

• 40-60K VND for street soup

• 15K VND for sugar cane drink

One of the best shopping in Vietnam is GOLD jewelry, 18 karat. Buy enough and the discount will cover your ticket 😜 . You get the best deal here and there is no negotiations per se. Cost is split by labor + gold market price (they'll have on the wall). I'm happy to go shopping with you!