Decided I would try Asia for the first time. Didn't know where to go, and wanted get out of the mainstream places such as China or Japan. I talked to my travel agent (very knowledgeable about every part of Asia) and he recommended Vung Tau, Vietnam. Said sure. Took a vacation there a last summer. And it blew my mind!!
First, if your flying, don't hesitate to buy first class or upgrade at the airport, its a 17 hour [?, I think] flight from US to Vietnam. Anyways, as soon as I arrived, I was amazed at the culture, scenery, food, and the people. They have so much hospitality there. Everything is so cheap, cause the American Dollar overwhelms their currency. Spectacular scenery, motor-pads, exotic sites, the food was amazing, there are escorts there too (at the bars, clubs, and massages parlors). The beaches are average, if you are willing to travel about 20 miles away, there are fantastic beaches with white sand and blue water.
Shopping was fantastic, took a water taxi for $7 to Ho Chi Min City (known as Saigon), its a bit pricy down there, but if you are willing to look around, you can find some amazing stuff. Anyways, I had a hotel there right next to the beach ($50 a night!!)--- I wouldn't recommend staying at a resort or a famous hotel, there are residents their that construct their own hotels within their residences (you'll find out when you land). Anyways, I had a fantastic time down there, its one of those places that struck my heart and made an everlasting impact.
Added a link, but you can research more for yourself. Oh, I bought a 12 lbs spiny lobster there that cost $140, I never been fulled from a lobster before!! Sounds pricy, but if I would have bought it here in the US, that sucker would have cost $400 plus. Anyways, I did see some surprising foreigners there, most were from Australia, Russia, and the US. Have fun picking your destination!!
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