Joanna James
As much as you are bound to find Vietnam generous and hospitable, just like any other holiday destination, the Southeast Asian nation isn't without its scams and petty crimes. Being watchful, sceptical, and making yourself aware of such grifts could only make for a worry-free getaway in Vietnam.
Picture this; it is a lovely afternoon in Vietnam, and you are indulging in an aromatic cup of coffee at a fantastic streetside cafe when a scooter with a pillion passenger pulls up next to you and grabs your belongings and leaves in a heartbeat before you even could comprehend what just happened. This is a brief yet comprehensive description of classic speed thieves, who are pretty common on the streets of almost all major cities in Vietnam. If avoiding street-side seats entirely is too big of a sacrifice, invest in a bag with a clasp catch, or a sturdy shoulder strap, which can save you a whole lot of trouble than you may think.
Cities with the likes of Hoi An and Saigon are well known for their top-notch handmade leather garments such as bags, belts, and shoes. More often than not, the merchandise on display at most shops are created with genuine leather, but that's not always the case with the garments that are actually sold to customers. Therefore, be sceptical of whatever garments that are presented to you and inspect them thoroughly before making your purchase.
When we said, "wandering taxis", we didn't mean taxis meandering through the city looking for passengers in need of a ride. More often than not, tourists, especially foreign tourists, don't really know the shortest or the best route to get to their destination. Taxi drivers in Vietnam are known for swindling tourists of their unawareness and taking creatively long and circuitous routes and deceptively racking up a much higher fare than what it actually takes for the ride. Therefore, always keep in mind to pull up Google Maps on your phone and navigate on your own along the ride.
Picture the scene; you are enjoying a mellow stroll, taking in the atmospheric scene and wonderful sights around you when a man suddenly stops you and tries to say something, pointing at your shoe but you can't quite understand. While you are busy trying to understand the man's words, he lifts your foot and takes off your shoe before you even know it and now you are being handed a repair bill for a repair you never asked for. So, don't let anyone take off your shoes on the streets of Vietnam.
One of the best things to do in Quy Nhon as well as in other parts of Vietnam is to get a taste of the country's mouth-watering local cuisine. However, the foodie inside of you should also be aware that restaurant menus with missing prices are a common scam in the country, where customers are being handed a hefty check after the bill. Sticking to trusted and well-reputed names the likes of Avani Quy Nhon Resort is one of the best ways to savour delectable local delicacies while keeping yourself from getting ripped off.
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A travel writer who has a pas...
