Top 10 phrases to learn before a trip to Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful place to visit and like the adventurous people that we are, it is better to research on the language or destination before the trip. This will help us communicate better with locals and save us from a pinch. Here are 10 phrases which we think will be useful in learning before heading to Vietnam.



1. Hello! - Xin chao! (sin chow) Greetings are very important.

2. Thank you - Cam on (gahm uhn) Expressing thanks show gratitude.

3. Sorry/Excuse me - Xin loi (seen loy) Useful for apologizing or asking for directions.

4. Do you speak English? - Ban co noi duoc tieng Anh khong?

5. Can you help me? - Ban giup toi duoc khong? (ban zoop thoy duc khom?)

6. What is this? - Cai nay la gi (guy nai la zee)  Clarify what items or food are.

7. How much? - Bao nhieu (bow nyew) This phrase comes up often when eating or shopping.

8. Do you have a cheaper price? - Ban co gia nao re hon khong? (Used in bargaining)

9. Water - Nouc (Water is crucial to survival and being able to ask for some is useful)

10. Where's the toilet? - Nha ve sinh… o dau? (ngha ve sin o dau?) Useful in a toilet emergency.


We hope that this short compiled list will turn out to be of help to everyone. Till next time, safe travels everyone!

Interesting transports found in Southeast Asia

When travelling to South East Asia, there are certainly tons of alternative methods of transport across. From animal carts to crowded mini-lorries, these transportation are easily accessible to those who visit particular regions in South East Asia. Here are some of the interesting transportation methods.

 Cidomo 

Cidomo is a small horse-drawn carriage used in some parts of Indonesia. In the 1960s-70s, it was the main transport used in Bali, Indonesia. The carriage usually can seat up to 4 persons, with 2 person sitting in the front and 2 in the back. Till now, it is widely found especially in Bali and Gili Islands of Indonesia. Riding the Cidomo exploring suburban towns of Indonesia is definitely an interesting experience.

SongThaew

The songthaew , literally translated to English from Thai as Two Rows. This is a passenger vehicle commonly found in most areas in Thailand and Laos. It is actually a pick-up or a larger truck and used as a share taxi or bus. Nowadays, drivers of songthaew especially in Thailand can communicate with simple English resulting to a lot of western visitors actually use songthaew as a mode of transport in places such as Krabi or Phuket.

Tuk-Tuk 

Tuk-tuks or 'sam lor' (three-wheeled) is found in Thailand. Originating from an old-fashioned rickshaw during the second World War, a tuk-tuk is essentially a rickshaw with a small engine fitted in. Tuk-tuks have become one of Bangkok's most recognisable transportation features, and are still popular among tourists and visitors. The typical capacity for a tuk-tuk in Thailand is two average-size people or maybe three.

Trishaws 

The trishaws found in Malaysia are the cousins of Tuk-Tuk from Thailand. The only difference between them is the trishaws found in Malaysia are pedal-powered. Trishaws are a great way to travel through the historical alleys in parts of Malaysia such as Melaka and Penang. Malaysian Trishaws will usually ferry you through narrow lanes, offering closer view of historical sites at a most leisurely pace.

Xe Bo

Xe Bo is known as the bull cart in Vietnam. Visitors travelling to the outskirts in Vietnam such as Ninh Binh and Tam Coc will always encounter these bull carts. Although not the fastest way to travel through the roads, it may be an unforgettable experience to ride on one of these bull carts. As known, no matter it is one bull or 2 bulls pulling these carts, it will always be the same speed.