Vietnam : Post #6 Back In Malaysia

I am writing this from PC in Malaysia. I am still on leave today but will be busy running around doing various chores.

My 17 days trip to Vietnam (10 Dec. to 27 Dec.) was generally enjoyable and free of problems. Unlike in 1995 and 1997, travelling in Vietnam nowadays is much easier. There are many travel agencies offering competitive products like tours , tickets etc.

Places like Hanoi and Hoi An which used to have a severe shortage of hotels now have hundreds of hotels. Room prices can be as low as USD 6.00 and for this you get a hot shower, TV, bathroom a clean bed in a individual room.

Language is sometimes a problem but much less so nowadays. Back in 1995 and 1997, I met a few young Vietnamese learning English. Nowadays there are more people learning English. The hotel staff English skills has certainly improved.

On the downside, there are more tourists more than ever in HCM City. I even spotted a few tourists from Africa although they are all young (20's) and I am not sure what they are doing in Vietnam. In Bangkok, many African tourists are buying goods to sell back in Africa. They are mostly older (30's) people but the younger ones I saw in HCM City are either genuine tourists or may be peddling drugs or scams.

I now have to start my training for the KL International Marathon just 2 months away. I am feeling the pressure already.

On a side note, the Internet is great for travellers. I could call Malaysia from HCM City using an Internet phone at the many Internet phone shops for just RM 0.40 per minute. This morning I checked what Telekom Malaysia rate for calls to Vietnam ; 10 times more at RM 3.50/minute.
I think I have to set-up an Internet phone at my house.