Vietnam

[saigonblack]

I will consider giving you some if i have spare HAHA!!!

Im no. 2 in the queue

 

[squan123]

going to HCMC in august. does any1 know where the warehouse sales are? or those super cheap but authentic clothes are (= also, any hotels to recommend that fall between the range of $20-$35/pax for a night for 2 people? wanted to go halong bay but the journey there seems too far and long since i only have 1 week and have booked a return flight from HCMC. any suggestions?

 

[Techadd]

Thanks for the precious informations... Is there any one here who is in Hanoi can provide me a good budget stay near the Cho Dong Xuan and water puppet? I heard Hanoi is the original water puppet show cast... is it true?

there are lots of mini hotels in cau go street ranging from US15-20 per room night, the rooms are small and take note that most rooms do not have windows and are standing showers.

 

[Techadd]

going to HCMC in august. does any1 know where the warehouse sales are? or those super cheap but authentic clothes are (= also, any hotels to recommend that fall between the range of $20-$35/pax for a night for 2 people? wanted to go halong bay but the journey there seems too far and long since i only have 1 week and have booked a return flight from HCMC. any suggestions?

define "authentic"?

 

[Ming1981]

Anyone knows the latest xrate offered by money changers in Hanoi and HCMC?

Apparently, the open market money changers in Hanoi are buying dollars at 17200vnd due to the rush of demand for dollars by locals there. There are recent reports citing that the dong will weaken considerably because of inflation and the growing trade deficit. Forward 12 month contracts are pricing the dong at around 22000vnd to the dollar currently.

Wonder if the money changers are offering a higher rate for sgd as well… if not, it might make sense to bring usd over to Vietnam if you are travelling there soon…

http://www.thanhniennews.com/business/?catid=2&newsid=38858

 

[squan123]

authentic means genuine goods, but somehow or another it got into the hands of some people who got it for free miraculously (= comparatively cheaper by singapore standards will be fine too.

will elios hotel fit the bill? any other recommendations of hotels in HCMC?

 

[saigonblack]

Elios is priced out of $25 to $35 Sing for 2 pax for sure. U have better luck trying the many budget hotels in Pham Ngu Lao with that budget.

If u are prepared to pay $40, u can get a standard room in Lac Vien at Bui Vien. 3 star. Pretty good.

 

[saigonblack]

Elios is priced out of $25 to $35 Sing for 2 pax for sure. U have better luck trying the many budget hotels in Pham Ngu Lao with that budget.

If u are prepared to pay $40, u can get a standard room in Lac Vien at Bui Vien. 3 star. Pretty good.

 

[Techadd]

Anyone knows the latest xrate offered by money changers in Hanoi and HCMC?

Apparently, the open market money changers in Hanoi are buying dollars at 17200vnd due to the rush of demand for dollars by locals there. There are recent reports citing that the dong will weaken considerably because of inflation and the growing trade deficit. Forward 12 month contracts are pricing the dong at around 22000vnd to the dollar currently.

Wonder if the money changers are offering a higher rate for sgd as well… if not, it might make sense to bring usd over to Vietnam if you are travelling there soon…

http://www.thanhniennews.com/business/?catid=2&newsid=38858

well not really Dollar exchange against Dong for US Dollar has gone down today, and that 17200 rate news was last week

 

[Techadd]

authentic means genuine goods, but somehow or another it got into the hands of some people who got it for free miraculously (= comparatively cheaper by singapore standards will be fine too.

will elios hotel fit the bill? any other recommendations of hotels in HCMC?

erm.. i dun understand what you mean by get it for free.. xD , stolen maybe i understand..

parallel importers do sell authentic branded goods but still they are subjected to high import tax for luxury goods items .. thus the price is still not comparatively cheap..

 

[squan123]

yea somewhere along your lines haha..
i'm looking at brands such as a&f, nike, adidas, etc. are they much cheaper?

 

[Ming1981]

well not really Dollar exchange against Dong for US Dollar has gone down today, and that 17200 rate news was last week

actually I read a report in bloomberg today also that said that the rate is 17200 as of now in Hanoi.

perhaps it's a phenomenon for now in Hanoi. Still the financial standing of the dong is not looking too healthy in the short-term.

 

[YelloGorilla]

Juz came back from Viet. From my experience, not talking about the exchange rate but rather the usage rate, they usually take 1 USD = 16,000 VND if you're paying in USD. The rate also varies with different shops and will fluctuates so better to ask first. For cheap and good hotel, I would strongly recommend Madam Cuc. They charge 15 - 25 USD per room. The 15 USD room is small but with air con, TV, mini fridge and toilet. If you're not particular about size and juz need clean bed and towel, this' the one to go to. They also provide b/fast and simple dinner included in the room charge.

 

[Venturis]

business trip to which part of vietnam?

its a huge country...

oops... HCMC. Next week and another week in July.
Will be putting up at Sofitel, I remember its quite far from the good shopping and makan places? So take a cab down will be the best option?

 

[Spock]

Any budget hotels to recommend that has free internet access and private toilets?

 

[xsashimix]

anyone has itinerary for hanoi, sappa etc?

 

[elycia]

Any budget hotels to recommend that has free internet access and private toilets?

you can try district 3. theres quite a few budget hotel that has queen size bed and private toilets. not too sure bout the internet access. try to look for hotels opened by Singaporeans as they're quite cheap there.

no names of these hotels. as this is what my vietnam friends tell me

 

[Techadd]

hi, plan to bring my wife and 3 year old kid to vietnam. mabe 4 day 3 night. which part of viatnam your recom? perfer not to hectic places. Also any good hotel that is suitable for family one? This trip i perfar more a relax one , hopefully bnot spending too much time shopping.

Check with jet star which will cost my family of 3 SSin$750 for to and reture fare so how much will a mid range hotel cost?

thanks

since you'll be going with your kid and wife as a family, i would recommend Elios or Riverside if you are planning to visit HCM City, both are in City Central and rooms are acceptable. Do let me know if you are interested, can make payment into singapore account in S$ dollars to spare you the hazard of credit card surcharge and US Dollar conversion

 

[Techadd]

oops... HCMC. Next week and another week in July.
Will be putting up at Sofitel, I remember its quite far from the good shopping and makan places? So take a cab down will be the best option?

sofitel is a very nice hotel , its not really far off city central, taking a cab would only take 7minutes barring traffic jam, yes, taking a cab would be your best option since if you aren;t familiar with the streets and walking... and if u dun see any cab around at the lobby entrance, ask the receptionist or the bell boy to flag you one..

 

[YelloGorilla]

Any budget hotels to recommend that has free internet access and private toilets?

Hi

The one I stayed had free internet access and private toilet. Quite near to Ben Thanh market also. Can check out their website at http://www.madamcuchotels.com/hotel/components/index2.php?act=main&task=main_show