Peter Greenberg: The Basics of Visiting Vietnam

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2009-07-07

Q: Hi Peter. We are four women, all senior citizens, going on a trip to Vietnam. Should we convert any money before we leave the United States, and if so, how do we do that? What kind of clothes are best to wear? Are there any specific things we should see? We are going from north to south. Do the hotels usually have laundry services?

–Sandy, Surprise, Ariz.

A: May through October is monsoon season in Vietnam, a time when it is hot, rainy, and humid. Temperatures average between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels hovering around 90 percent, so wearing loose, lightweight cotton or linen clothing is a must. The rest of the year, the country is pretty dry but still warm. In the high-altitude areas and in the far north, the climate can be a little cooler, so you'll want to bring a coat and long pants if you're going there. The Vietnamese are more conservative in their dress than Americans, particularly around sacred sites, so wearing shorts near the beach is tolerated, but when visiting a temple or pagoda, the less skin the better.

I'm not a big fan of changing money in the United States. If you have an ATM card, you'll have no problem getting what you need—with a much better exchange rate—when you arrive in Vietnam and throughout your journey. Just as backup, exchange a little money at home so you have some cash on hand and in case something goes wrong with your ATM card upon arrival. 

If you want to do laundry while you're there, you'll be pleased to know that most hotels that are mid-priced and higher offer laundry services. To find out whether yours does, it is best to check the hotel's Web site (if it has one) or a site like TripAdvisor.

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a bustling urban center that is becoming increasingly developed and Westernized compared to a decade ago. There are many karaoke bars, fast-food restaurants, and shopping venues. A visit to the "Big Market" in District 5, with its large Chinese population, will give you a glimpse into a different side of the city. There are also many houses of worship, including the 260-year-old Giac Lam (Jade Emperor) Pagoda in District 1, which is one of the most beautiful.

The less-traveled city of Hanoi is divided into sections that display its communist, French, and Chinese influences. If you're so inclined, you can pay your respects to Ho Chi Minh at the mausoleum where his body is preserved. There are also many beautiful lakes around the city, including Bay Mau Lake.

Central Vietnam offers many coastal activities that are appropriate for the nearly constant 90-degree weather. China Beach, near Da Nang, was a major landing spot for soldiers during the Vietnam War, but it is now a quiet and peaceful place to spend a day at the beach.

The northern part of Vietnam is less visited and is a good place to see the natural wonders of the country. Be Be National Park has incredibly diverse wildlife and includes a lake and an evergreen forest.