Insider's guides Insider's guidesAbout Robert Reid, our Vietnam insider:Vietnam has been something of a second home to Robert for the past 15 years. He left a New York magazine job in the 90s for Saigon, teaching English and writing for travel magazines and guidebooks.

The guides that help you live like a local

Want to experience a place just like the locals do? Meet our team of Insiders — real people who know their destination backwards and actually call the place home. They're here to share the do's and don'ts, the scams and the secrets, and get you beneath the surface before you even hit the road. Leave the touristy stuff at the door, and get Inside.
Where not to go There's nothing worse than being shanghaied by a pushy cyclo driver who fills your time with shopping stops as Vietnam's real local flavour lingers just out of reach. The last thing you want to do is squander precious holiday time dragging yourself around somewhere that sucks. Luckily for you, Robert has already done exactly that, so here's the lowdown on where NOT to go. Near the beaten track We all know which beach the tourists flock to and what to expect when we book a tacky travel company's budget tour; avoid these and other pitfalls by hanging out near the beaten track, but not quite on it. Robert has put together some of his favourite haunts to ensure you get inside Vietnam and get the most out of your holiday. Itineraries Vietnam has over 3,000km of coastline, and that's before you even think of heading inland. So even if you only have a week or a fortnight, it's important to plan ahead. Our insider, Robert, has put together a couple of itineraries so you don't have to worry about retracing your steps or missing something vital. Lists With so much to see and do in Vietnam, some easy-to-use lists can help you break down the top spots and how to best experience them. Feel like splashing out and making the most of this affordable destination's luxurious options? Or leaving those comfy confines for an outdoors adventure? Check out Robert's lists to learn how. The boring bits In addition to all the fun stuff you need to know before you hit the road, there are a few boring bits to cover off as well. Do you need to get a visa before you go? What kind of electrical plugs do they use in 'Nam? What's the time zone? How about that Vietnamese funny money? And when's the best time to plan your trip? Robert has the lowdown for you. Awesome links There are loads of great resources on the Web that will make your trip to Vietnam even better. Robert has put together a list of favourite links that locals use all the time. So make the most of your web surfing and follow the way.
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