Vietnam Reccomendations

[Wesley Crusher]

Hey All,

I am planning a trip to Vietnam in January. I am flying into HCMC and plan on staying there for 4-5 days, but I'd like to explore some other places, preferably somewhere a bit more laid back for 3-4 days. I am thinking of Da Nang and then taking a side trip to Hoi An.

I work with some Vietnamese people and they also suggested Dalat, Vung Tau, Nha Trang, and if I want to venture north (not something I really want to do this trip), Hanoi and Halong Bay. I'm not looking for a party scene, just someplace cool with good food, scenery and maybe some shopping.

TRF has so many well traveled people so I'd like to hear your suggestions!

Thanks guys!

[Andad]

Hi Wes,

My wife and I went to Vietnam via Singapore last year.

We stayed in Hanoi for three days but couldn't see much for the pollution.
The Rolex boutique at Trang Tien had a 116610LV in stock but its not a Rolex I want and the price was marked up a bit I think.

Next stay was the Vin Pearl resort at Ha long Bay and the hotel was excellent but again the pollution was pretty bad.

Would not go back and we probably should have stayed in Singapore.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Hi Wes,

My wife and I went to Vietnam via Singapore last year.

We stayed in Hanoi for three days but couldn't see much for the pollution.
The Rolex boutique at Trang Tien had a 116610LV in stock but its not a Rolex I want and the price was marked up a bit I think.

Next stay was the Vin Pearl resort at Ha long Bay and the hotel was excellent but again the pollution was pretty bad.

Would not go back and we probably should have stayed in Singapore.

It sounds like you didn’t have a very positive experience. Too bad! I’ve heard a lot of good things about Vietnam (I’m sure there are some not so good things too, as with any country). Hopefully there isn’t as much pollution in the south?

[NKflyer]

You really should head north and inter-country flights are dirt cheap. I did a 2 week vacation a few years ago. Definitely enjoyed the central and northern areas way more than HCMC. I wouldn't budget a ton of time on HCMC although a day-trip/tour of the delta is certainly worth doing.

Do not miss Hoi An! It's magical at night with all the lanterns and there are tons of great restaurants, many of which offer cooking classes which are popular activity. You can also rent a bicycle and ride to the beach through the rice fields.

I'd also add Halong Bay to the must-do list. We had an awesome overnight cruise, stopping at a massive cave as well as a more beach-y island. Our boat was pretty mid-range but the food and accommodation (private bath) were still quite good. If you want to spend a day or two in Hanoi (and you should) coinciding with the Halong Bay cruise, you can buy a cruise package including transportation from Hanoi to/from Halong Bay.

[oldman2005]

Since you have only few days, Da Nang and Hoi An should be good. Personally I would do Hue and Hoi An, there's more too see in Hue.

I did bicycle touring at Sapa at Northern of Vietnam bordering China last November and had a great time, People are friendly, Enjoy!

[Burlington]

Vietnam is a wonderful country. I have spent a lot of time in HCMC and the surrounding areas, but never managed to get further north, although it’s very much on my to do list !

[indexmatch]

Originally Posted by oldman2005

Since you have only few days, Da Nang and Hoi An should be good. Personally I would do Hue and Hoi An, there's more too see in Hue.

I did bicycle touring at Sapa at Northern of Vietnam bordering China last November and had a great time, People are friendly, Enjoy!

I agree with Hue, really enjoyed the city and food. But were it me, I'd do Hue and Da Nang, but either way all great recommendations and options