Vietnam - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 346

Price Ranges
The following price ranges refer to a double room with bathroom in high season. Dorm-
bed prices are given individually.
$ less than 525,000d (US$25)
$$ 525,000d to 1,575,000d (US$24 to US$75d)
$$$ more than 1,575,000d (US$75)
ACTIVITIES
Vietnam's roads, rivers, sea and mountains have ample opportunity for active adventures.
Asia Outdoors ( 031-368 8450; www.asiaoutdoors.com.vn ) Climbing instruction is Asia Out-
doors' real expertise, but it also offers excellent, well-structured boating, kayaking, biking
and hiking trips.
Handspan Adventure Travel ( 04-3926 2828; www.handspan.com ) If you're really keen on
kayaking in Halong Bay, contact specialist operator Handspan which runs professionally
organised trips, has qualified guides and operates two beach camps.
Sinhbalo Adventures ( www.sinhbalo.com ) Specialises in cycling tours to the Mekong Delta and
beyond, plus trips to the central and northern highlands.
BOOKS
» The Quiet American (Graham Greene; 1955) Classic account of Vietnam in the 1950s as
the French empire is collapsing.
» The Sorrow of War (Bao Ninh; 1994) A deeply poignant tale told from the North Viet-
namese perspective.
» Shadows and Wind (Robert Templer; 1999) Snappily-written exploration of Vietnam.
» Catfish & Mandala (Andrew X Pham; 1999) Biographical tale of a Vietnamese-Amer-
ican.
» Vietnam: Rising Dragon (Bill Hayton; 2010) Candid assessment of the nation today.
CHILDREN
Children get to have a good time in Vietnam. There are some great beaches, but pay close
attention to any playtime in the sea, as there are some strong rip tides.
Kids generally enjoy local cuisine, which is rarely too spicy; the range of fruit is stag-
gering. Western comfort food from home (pizzas, pasta, burgers and ice cream) is avail-
able in most places.
Baby supplies are available in the major cities. Cot beds are rare, and car safety seats
virtually non-existent. Breastfeeding in public is fine.