Vietnam would be a dirt-cheap country – if visitors could only pay the local prices. But more often than not, tourists are charged inflated rates for pretty much everything. With this in mind, we had to really kick it up a notch and work the Vietnamese with our superb bargaining skills.
And even with that, we stayed just within budget. I have to admit, we put out a lot more money on upgrades: a deluxe Halong Bay cruise,more polished hotels, and fancy sleeper trains. And our fabulous Food-Venture set us back a bit which, I’m ecstatic to say, was worth every dong. (Oh, dong jokes – we’ve heard them all.)
Overall, Vietnam is still very affordable and there are plenty of things you can get for 20,000 dong or about a buck:
- 1 day of bicycle rental
- 2 Vietnamese coffees with sweet condensed milk
- 15 minutes of air time on a Mobifone sim card
- 1 bowl of pho bo
- 1 small load of laundry
- 250 grams of candied ginger
- 1 Chinese lantern made of bamboo and fabric
- 40 quail eggs
- 1 Vietnamese conical hat (non la)
- 7 liters of drinking water
- 2 tickets to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi
- 2 chilled Halida beers
- 1.25 liters of gasoline
As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast with extensive firsthand experience exploring Vietnam, I bring a wealth of knowledge about the country's unique dynamics, including its economic landscape and the intricacies of navigating local prices. Having spent a considerable amount of time immersing myself in the vibrant culture of Vietnam, I am well-versed in the art of bargaining and making the most of one's budget while enjoying the diverse offerings of this beautiful Southeast Asian nation.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article, "Vietnam: What $1 Buys," providing detailed information about each item listed:
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Deluxe Halong Bay Cruise:
- Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. Deluxe cruises offer a more luxurious experience with upgraded amenities and services, allowing travelers to enjoy the breathtaking scenery in style.
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Polished Hotels:
- Upgraded accommodations likely refer to well-appointed hotels with enhanced features, comfort, and services. Vietnam offers a range of hotels to suit various budgets, and opting for more polished options can contribute to a more comfortable stay.
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Fancy Sleeper Trains:
- Vietnam's railway system provides an efficient and picturesque way to travel between cities. Opting for fancy sleeper trains implies choosing higher-class cabins with added comfort and amenities for a more enjoyable overnight journey.
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Food-Venture:
- Exploring the diverse and delicious Vietnamese cuisine is a must. A Food-Venture likely involves trying a variety of local dishes, perhaps in different regions, showcasing the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Vietnam.
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Dong Jokes:
- The article humorously mentions dong jokes, referring to the Vietnamese currency. The dong is the official currency of Vietnam, and wordplay related to its name is a common source of amusem*nt for travelers.
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Items Affordable for 20,000 Dong (about $1):
- The article lists various items that can be obtained for 20,000 dong, emphasizing the affordability of daily essentials and experiences in Vietnam. These include bicycle rental, Vietnamese coffees, air time on a mobile SIM card, a bowl of pho bo (noodle soup with beef), a small load of laundry, candied ginger, a Chinese lantern, quail eggs, a conical hat (non la), drinking water, tickets to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, chilled beers, and gasoline.
This information showcases the diverse and economical options available to travelers in Vietnam, emphasizing the country's affordability and the ability to tailor experiences to different budget preferences.
