In April this year I'm traveling over to Vietnam to see my Dad who works there, I'm 15 by the way if that helps. Was just wondering about things i should know about going over there, do they speak much English over there? (I'm Australian) and what are some things you recommend doing over there, apart from shopping of course! I'll be on my own a lot as my Dad will be working most in the days and its only me going to visit him. So any tips and help would be much appreciated, also any tips on some basic language I should learn would be helpful
Thanks xxx.
if it helps in staying in Ho Chi Minh city

my school is offering a school trip to france and vietnam next year. you can only go to one of these countries and i really want to go to one.
but i have slight dilemmas.
- i've always wanted to go to france, but the thing that puts me off is staying with a host family for 4 days i think. its the whole different language thing and having showers etc at a randoms house.
- would i have a better time going to france with my family? cause i don't have to follow a bunch of school kids around.
- when shopping, am i going to be pressured that i have to leave at a certain time and follow people into the stores they want to go in.
- all of my friends want to go to the vietnam trip. only five or six girls in my class can go to france. is it better off being with my friends in vietnam?

ahhh, its so confusing.
can someone please help?

thanks.

"5" star boutique hotels or best accomodations, eco lodges, local markets, meet local people, good food, culture sites, suggest itineraries, highlights. Starting point Hanoi, ending Cambodia. Plan to hire driver/guides with excellent references and command of English language:(suggestions ?), take boats and trains. Any and all suggestions welcomed. We are seasoned world travelers and love to "wing it", get lost, explore, take millions of photos and mostly avoid other tourists ! Please don't send me shopping; I'll do that in Paris !
Thanks all !

I know there are many little areas in DC that claim to be China-esque or Vietnamese-esque. but I was talking to some friends who say that there is only one specific spot that is the best for shopping and the culture.

Any ideas?