Anonymous wrote:Yes x 1000.

I traveled around Europe with a friend at age 17. With no cell phones (in 1999).

I can’t believe how kids are coddled these days!

Vietnam is more difficult to travel in than Europe. I’ve done both. I’d probably encourage the boys to do the hostel route in Europe, maybe pay for their Eurorail tickets as an incentive/early grad present.

Nope. Otto Warmbier

Yes x 1000.

I traveled around Europe with a friend at age 17. With no cell phones (in 1999).

I can’t believe how kids are coddled these days!

I would— be a great experience for them

If you have an ounce of hesitation, and you do otherwise you wouldn't post here -- why not wait until it's their decision, as adults.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has no one seen Brokedown Palace?!?

So don't try to smuggle 50 pounds of heroin.

Also Kiss if the Spider woman

Well OF COURSE knowing Vietnamese would be extremely helpful, but you don't NEED it to get around.

There are many hostels, hotels, tours, restaurants for every budget. They are used to backpackers. That's what I mean by extensive infrastructure. I've been going to Vietnam since 1996.

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to speak Vietnamese to get around Vietnam, for chrissakes. There is an extensive tourism infrastructure and non-Vietnamese (or even non-Asian) backpackers are everywhere. It's a well-trod destination for young people.

My spouse and I spent a month traveling up and down all of Vietnam. It was awesome and perfectly safe, and we loved it.

But the idea that there’s an “extensive tourism infrastructure” and that not knowing Vietnamese wouldn’t be extremely helpful is off base.

Anonymous wrote:Has no one seen Brokedown Palace?!?

So don't try to smuggle 50 pounds of heroin.

Has no one seen Brokedown Palace?!?

Yes. With these caveats:

Install a VPN on all devices.
Download Telegram and Signal as sometimes different apps are blocked.
Read the travel advisory on travel.state.gov Make sure they register for STEP https://step.state.gov/STEPMobile/Default.aspx
Advise them to do no drugs, not get involved in politics. Have a good talk on sex safety.
Get medevac insurance for the trip.
Honestly, Gen X er here who traveled a lot with no iphone and a quarter to make a phone call if I ran into trouble. They will be fine.

Anonymous wrote:OP here.
this this would be over the summer. They're rising seniors, will turn 18 in the fall.
They've arranged the entire itinerary. Will pay for it themselves with money they've made.
Nothing has been processed yet.

Can two minors legally make hotel reservations?

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to speak Vietnamese to get around Vietnam, for chrissakes. There is an extensive tourism infrastructure and non-Vietnamese (or even non-Asian) backpackers are everywhere. It's a well-trod destination for young people.

You are honestly not allowed anywhere English isn’t spoken.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do they speak vietnsmese?
Are their contacts adults living there and part of the community? Family?
Then yes

My first question is this. It don’t speak the language, I don’t even get to any other questions.

That’s ridiculous. You only travel to countries where you know the language? How limiting.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this their first international travel? Are they trustworthy and independent? Plenty of 18 year olds take trips abroad but Vietnam isn’t the easiest country. I think I’d hear them out about their travel plans, how they are going to keep their money & passports safe, etc.

They've both been overseas at least a dozen times, including to Asia (but with parents).
They are trustworthy and independent. Not risk takers.

Then yes. The communist rules are still pretty strict. I’d only let my kid go if he (and his friend) fully understand and aren’t apt to break rules.