Tips and What You Need to Know About Travelling in Vietnam and Thailand (PitStop in Taipei)

 Vietnam and Thailand

There are so many things I could tell you but I've narrowed it down to the Top 10 just to help you get started if you want to visit this fascinating part of the world.

Navigating the streets in Vietnam

1. Arrange Your Visa Before Arriving in Vietnam (make sure the name is exactly as shown on your passport...trust me). This is the official website to use:   https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt You do not need a visa for Thailand or Taiwan.

2. Use a local tour company to help you plan transfers and it's best to fly in Vietnam. Flights are inexpensive and save you a lot of time. We used Vietnam Airlines to fly to Danang and Hanoi and Asia Tours for help planning. 

3. Be Prepared for the Heat.  It's so hot, like really hot (and I love the heat) ... pack easy dry clothes and very light material. Laundry is really cheap you can get a full bag of clothes washed and dried for $2-3 dollars.

4. Crossing the Street is Terrifying. Don't think too much just slowly walk across, traffic will just go around you. If you wait for them to stop they won't so just be confident and keep walking if you stop they will hit you! Trust me you get use to it!

5. Get a Vietnamese and Thai SIM Card, very inexpensive and it has unlimited data for about $15 for 15 days. Great for using maps and finding places to see and eat at.

6. It's Really, Really Cheap. Vietnam ($Dong) is cheaper than Thailand ($Baht) but both places are definitely bang for your buck. You will need to get the local currency to purchase items in both places there as they don't really take American Dollars unless it's a tip.

7. Toilet Seats... all the places we visited had attachable bidets/hoses and some with seat-warming functions which they have adapted from Japan.  Great way to stay fresh and clean and also makes it easy to clean the toilets too.  Pretty smart I think! When out and about always bring your own toilet paper, definitely a good tip.

8. Sidestep Scams.  There is always someone trying to rip you off so be aware. Don't trust random people, check with local guides for information. Always agree on a price before getting into a TukTuk or Taxi and keep your belongings close to you.  We always felt safe but it's important to be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are these days!

9. Savvy Streetfood and Markets Are A Must.  Vietnam and Thailand had amazing Streetfood and it was astoundingly cheap and delicious. Be smart, eat where there are crowds; a faster turnover means fresher food and drink bottled water. Surprisingly the only time one of us got sick was on the five star river cruise, go figure! Visit all the local markets both day and night, not only do they have the best food but lots of local souvenirs too. Remember to negotiate, I usually go with half of what they are offering.

10. Be Adventurous.  You didn't travel halfway around the world to experience nothing.  Try the food even if you don't really know what it is (trust me there were times I didn't but everything was so delicious), enjoy the massages, take in the special shows, talk to the locals even if it's just through hand gestures, walk the cities, participate in the culture, respect and admire nature, appreciate the animals big and small but most of all make memories!

Our Last Day In Thailand …Sunsets, Sand and Sea 💯

One Day In Taipei, Taiwan

We had a 22 hour layover in Taipei on our way back. So we tried to see as much as we could and take in some of the local cuisine along the way.  It was very easy to get from the International Airport to the city using the MRT. Our hotel was right near the Taipei Main Station making it easy to get around. After some sleep we woke up early and walked around to visit Temples, Markets, Memorial Hall, and realized that English was not easy to come by.  We were not sure of what we were ordering but we just went with it!  It was also a lot more expensive than I had imagined.  The cost of 10 strawberries was about $18 Canadian, just to give you an idea. We happened to be there on a Monday, which we now realize is not a great day as many tourist attractions and restaurants were closed for the day. Something to keep in mind if you are limited on your time...try to avoid visiting on a Monday if you can! The country side of Taiwan looks absolutely beautiful, if we had more time we definitely would have gone and done some hiking and enjoyed the hot water springs. As the saying goes, "you can't do it all in a day". Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the airport and begin our 15 hour flight back to Toronto. 
Famous Taiwanese Fried Chicken

Braised Pork Rice Bowl

City Tour Taipei Botanical Garden

Confucius Temple




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