Our next trip in august 2000 for 3 week: Vietnam. <BR> <BR>I need this information: <BR>- We are only I and my girlfriemd, is it dangerous to round by car? <BR>- What is the best beaches? <BR>- In august the weather is good or bed? <BR>- There are some beatiful island to see? <BR>Thank you for your help. <BR>Roby <BR>

Roby: <BR>Mf wife and I just came back from two weeks by ourselves in Vietnam, we are in our fifties and we felt very safe every where we went. The beaches in Hoi An south of Danang were breautiful. One spot you should go is Halong Bay north of Hanoi, a overnight tour for two with a stay at cat island is very cheap. You cannot rent a car by youself you need a driver and you will see why when you get their. Dont know about weather in August but many travel book should be able to help you out. f you need any additional information E=Mail my. Enjoy vietnam we did immensely. Morgan

--check out Nha Trang about 250 mi up the coast from Saigon...great beaches, food, scuba diving.

You don't mention if you're going north or south. Important because of the length of the place. With 3 weeks, maybe you're taking the Thong Nhat (reunification) train...? <BR> <BR>Beaches in south/central...I loved Ca Na, between Phan Thiet and Phan Rang (my post during the war) which I re-visited in '90. Of course, Nha Trang is world famous. <BR> <BR>In north, go to Halong Bay, but be sure to allow 3 days minimum. We did it in one day and really regretted it. Awesome place, but takes some time from Hanoi to get there. We rented a 65 foot boat with crew for just my wife and I for 1/2 day for $10! This is where you'll see the islands. Great snorkelling, but maybe take your own gear. <BR> <BR>Protect your cash! If anyone puts one of those conical hats in front of your face blocking your view, you're being picked! If anyone comes at you in a threatening manner for cash, throw some in one direction and run the other. <BR> <BR>If you hire a "guide", don't let them be ambiguous about the fee. Come to an agreement and pay them at the end of EACH DAY! Failure to do this can set you up for robbery right before your flight leaves. <BR> <BR>Watch out for black market changers. They can rip you off before you can say "Uncle Ho"! <BR> <BR>Weather in August is oppressive (also typhoon season). December is awesome. <BR> <BR>If you want any more, e-mail me directly. <BR> <BR>Ciao! (I'm going to Toscana in Sept.)

Me and my boyfriend went to Vietnam in October 98 - it was a really fantastic holiday and I was worried too about danger. I was pleasantly surprised and still have found this vacation hard to compete with (even Peru, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Costa Rica) so you get the picture. We started in Saigon (ho chi min) for three nights, there are beautiful restaurants and the food is fantastic. You must go to the Cuchi tunnels - it is a half day trip but you must go - it really is amazing. We took a boat ride up the Saigon river which was nice just to say you had done it. We like to drink and go to nice restaurants so we we really spoilt. We stayed at the Majestic Hotel which is a like a big French Chateau facing the Saigon River - I think we paid then $80 per night for sheer luxury. <BR> <BR>You cannot drive (and you will see why) once you get there so we hired a driver - a small mini van, air conditioned - $40 a day - we drove to Dalat (about 8 hrs away) which is like a little Swiss village on top of a mountain surrounded by a huge lake - very beautiful but we only stayed one day and one night and that was enough. We ate in a Vietnamese restaurant and the food was fantastic. Stayed at the Sofitel Hotel (another palace) for $60 remember that October is off season, but in my opinion, was the perfect time to go). From Dalat we drove to Nha Trang - about another 6 hrs but just seeing the country along the way is well worth it and the people - you really get a feel for Vietnam. We stayed at a magnificant place called the Anna Mandara in Nha Trang - it was the best resort there - right on the beach and we payed $125 a night. Remember that this is our once/twice a year vacation and we are not backpackers and know what we like, although, you can stay in much much cheaper places and eat for nothing. It really depends on what you want. That was our 14 days up and I still pine for Vietnam, next time I go, I will maybe start at Hanoi and work down. You must decide before you go (look at the map) and see how it is shaped and you will then get a good idea as to the places you want to go and the time you have. Buy the Fodors Guide on Vietnam - I swear by these books and they are much better than Lonely Planet. <BR> <BR>The people are the nicest, sweetest people and really go out of their way to assist you. DOn't worry - there is more danger here in LA. Have a fantastic holiday - you will love it. <BR> <BR>Sandy

Has anyone stayed in the timeshares in Vietnam.We are looking at two weeks in Malaysia but don't know where to start and after reading about your experiences in Vietnam now fancy that. <BR>Any suggestions please