Hello from the Pacific North-West!

[Miguel]

haha I think it might be different now. And I'm going with someone from Singapore who has been to most the countries I will be visiting. But what do you mean exactly? Is there a way to get on their good side? (or keep from getting on the bad perhaps..)

I too was in Vietnam during the "not so fun" era (66-67) but returned with my daughter a couple of years ago. We had a blast, in fact she went a second time and continued through Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. You will find the people incredibly friendly and the country sublimely beautiful. They have a group called the Easy Riders who for a very reasonable fee will take you around the countryside on the back of their motorcycles for single or multi day trips. They will stay with you acting as a guide and interpreter. They are very trustworthy and reliable. My daughter and her female friend spent several days riding through both the Central Highlands and parts of the Mekong Delta with them. Many are former military officers from the war and speak english fairly well.

Here's a link to photos of our trip. http://good-times.webshots.com/album/557167662GlZmtI

Have fun, miguel

[kc7fys]

I wish to corroborate what Miguel said about The Easy Riders. If you don't have your own motorcycle--which IMHO is the ONLY way to travel--Easy Riders are reliable, cheap, knowledgeable, and you will have an authentic experience and see nooks and crannies of Vietnam. Negotiate the price, because they will start slightly (but only slightly) high, expecting a bit of negotiation.
Great photos, Miguel!

[Miguel]

I wish to corroborate what Miguel said about The Easy Riders. If you don't have your own motorcycle--which IMHO is the ONLY way to travel--Easy Riders are reliable, cheap, knowledgeable, and you will have an authentic experience and see nooks and crannies of Vietnam. Negotiate the price, because they will start slightly (but only slightly) high, expecting a bit of negotiation.
Great photos, Miguel!

Thanks...I really enjoyed yours! I regret not renting our own bikes and if I went back would certainly do so. I was a concerned about breakdowns, especially traveling with my daughter. Your crash as a result of an old beat up tube sort of confirmed my suspicions. Looks like you guys had a fantastic trip.

Miguel

[kc7fys]

If you search YouTube for KC7FYS you will find dozens of videos from my trip there. One, "Conflict Resolution Water Buffalo" has gotten tens of thousands of views in Vietnam, for some reason.

[X-Lem]

Cralls - welcome to HF from eastern Washington!

[creativeKayt]

Welcome, Cralls! From another PNW'er. Glad to see you here. In addition to the January WA hang, check out the Trip Planning forum for info on upcoming neighborhood hangs. Can't wait to meet you in person and check out your rig!

[Visionmonger]

Welcome Cralls. You have found a most welcoming community of awesome people!

[olzeke]

While I have not been here long, myself, Welcome! I live in Salem, and also Have a tarp I would be willing to loan out. 8 x 10 Siltarp 2 by Integral Designs. Sorry, but I do not loan out my OES.