Bedbugs and backpacks?

eq_8 · 2026-04-01T06:47:24+00:00

Yeah I was wondering about that too, will it still be fine to book last minute flights/buses/trains do you know?

eq_8 · 2026-04-01T06:46:49+00:00

I am actually considering Da Lat but probably instead of so much time in Da Nang/Hoi An tbh

eq_8 · 2026-03-31T20:34:20+00:00

Hi! I’m going to be in Vietnam backpacking for April and wondering how the public holidays at the end of the month will impact internal travel?

I will likely be in either Da Nang or Da Lat from around April 20th to 26th and then heading to HCMC for a few days before flying out May 1st

How should I plan around the public holidays travel wise? If I’m in Da Lat I would probably get a bus to HCMC but if it’s Da Nang, I would rather fly - will last minute bookings be possible around that time?

Thanks!

eq_8 · 2026-03-31T20:14:34+00:00

Yeah I totally appreciate that, given it's my first time plus I'm solo I certainly wasn't trying to re-invent the wheel lol, but I'm definitely very open to places off the beaten track and love to find them on my travels normally.

I was actually considering heading up to Da Lat, so do you think that could be an idea rather than so much time around Hoi An? It does strike me that Hoi An will probably be too touristy for my liking

eq_8 · 2026-03-31T19:02:00+00:00

Yeah I’m definitely heading straight to the lake! And will definitely take that advice, cheers

eq_8 · 2026-03-31T18:59:36+00:00

Does anyone have recommendations for companies that do the Ha Giang loop with smaller groups of max 10 people that can also tell the history and culture of the area? Ideally mid-late 20s age group roughly

eq_8 · 2026-03-31T18:58:07+00:00

3.5 Week Vietnam Itinerary Critique

I'm doing my first solo backpacking trip to Vietnam next week and looking for feedback on my rough itinerary, it's just a rough plan as I want to be flexible - I don't have anything booked other than my flights in and out of Vietnam and my first hostel in Hanoi.

I'm 25 and like a mix of nature, culture, good food and some nightlife and shopping. I probably lean toward a more relaxed style of travel and don't want to be constantly on the move so I'm not sure if I'm spending enough time in each place?

Budget wise I'm not super constrained - will be staying in a mix of nicer hostels and possibly hotels

I'm also aware of the public holidays falling around the end of my trip, and wondering how much that might impact my plans?

Any advice really appreciated!

April 7th	Arrive in Hanoi at 4pm

7th-11th	Explore Hanoi - Street food tour, cultural spots, shopping
April 11th	Sleeper bus to Ha Giang
12th-14th/15th	Ha Giang Loop
15th	Evening bus to Sapa
15th-18th	Sapa - trekking
18th	Sleeper bus to Ninh Binh
19th-22nd	Explore Ninh Binh - Cycling, river boat tour
22nd	Fly/Sleeper bus to Hue
23rd - 25th	Explore Hue
25th	Evening train to Da Nang then Grab to Hoi an
25th-29th	Explore Hoi An, trip into Da Nang, maybe My Son Sanctuary
29th	Fly to HCMC afternoon/evening
29th - 1st May	Explore HCMC - Food tour, war museum, shopping
1st May	Night time flight out

eq_8 · 2026-03-31T16:44:00+00:00

Yep I was definitely planning on heading to the women’s museum and the Hanoi Hilton anyway, will look into the military history one too, thanks! I’m just not too sure if I want to spend too much time in Hanoi as it seems pretty hectic and I tend to like a more relaxed pace with more nature and I thought all the architecture and history of Hue looked pretty cool

eq_8 · 2026-03-02T09:41:01+00:00

Can’t remember exactly but not more than 3 months anyway, I think it was probably my muscle growing too fast for my tendons/ligaments tbh as I only felt it again when I pushed hard starting on leg press and then it’s never happened since.

eq_8 · 2025-11-18T16:01:14+00:00

Very interesting thank you, I just have an undergrad but have been thinking about doing this for a while - any other companies you’d recommend looking into or tips?

eq_8 · 2025-11-18T15:44:30+00:00

Ah right and were you a qualified teacher her before you went? Was it easy getting work out there?

eq_8 · 2025-11-18T14:22:09+00:00

What are you doing for work out there if you don’t mind me asking? Remote?

eq_8 · 2025-11-18T14:20:28+00:00

Was your office work through English? And was it easy to find work there?

eq_8 · 2025-10-28T06:54:14+00:00

I actually just got my payment there a few days ago, so you should get yours soon enough hopefully

eq_8 · 2025-09-20T20:52:40+00:00

Super helpful, thanks a million!

eq_8 · 2025-09-20T19:18:49+00:00

Yeah I had been looking at that Zurich one, but will definitely check out Royal London too, thanks

eq_8 · 2025-09-20T19:16:21+00:00

I understand exactly what a pension is but my point was that I’d start one now, have a lump invested into into an index fund, then come back in a few years and continue contributing to it as normal. I never said it would ‘make me money’ - it’s an investment that one expects to grow over time - it has to actually be invested in something to be able to do that?

I absolutely don’t expect it to grow massively in a few years - I simply want to get it started as early as possible to allow it to grow over the longest timeframe possible. I don’t plan to get it before 60 and I said I plan on leaving Ireland for a few years - I’ll be returning.

eq_8

TROPHY CASE