worthy10 Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 We did Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - back to Hanoi for night sleeper train - Hue - Hoi An - Saigon. Wanted to get to Sapa but didn't have enough time. Sounds very similar to us, when did you go, any advice? Ta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Bock Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 Vietnam is a great country. My route as Ho Chi Minh - Dalat - Hoi An - Hanoi I would recommend Hoi An, it's absolutely stunning, especially in the evening when the lanterns are all lit up down the river. It's also a place where they can make you absolutely anything, I had 2 pairs of trainers made for about £10. Also good for tailored shirts/suits. Eat lots of Pho by the little stalls by the road, try the Viatmanese iced offee it's made with condensed milk and it's lethal! Drink the local Bia Hoi which is basically fresh beer that they make in their kitchens and sell on the street at about 20p a pop (although it gives you a massive headache, it's worth it for the experience). I thought Dalat was quite boring, it's essentially a tourist resort for the well off natives. Also the Vietnam War Museum is a must! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Zico Posted September 8, 2014 Author Moderators Share Posted September 8, 2014 It's really easy to get around. Are you hoping to do some travelling or stay put? I thought the central and northern parts were more interesting than Saigon. Hanoi especially is nuts! If you're feeling adventurous, there are loads of motorbike tours where you can go inland with a guide. Cost about £20 per day and gets you off the beaten track and into the heartland. Awesome place, lovely people and the best food you'll ever eat. And wait till you try their coffee! something along these lines http://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/tours/small-group-tours/classic-vietnam-hanoi-ho-chi-minh-city going to fly to Ho Chi Min though and more than likely go to Hanoi and then whatever is good inbetween cheers for the responses so far, v helpful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
no balls Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 Saigon is a great nightlife city so probably it's best to do it either first or last depending on your preference Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junot Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 We did Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - back to Hanoi for night sleeper train - Hue - Hoi An - Saigon. Wanted to get to Sapa but didn't have enough time. Sounds very similar to us, when did you go, any advice? Ta We went late November, returning in December. Weather was pretty good, around in Hanoi and over 30c in the south. The only rain we had was near Hue when we were visiting some old battle sites and tunnels etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worthy10 Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 What are the visa options Seem like a bureaucratic puzzle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junot Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 What are the visa options Seem like a bureaucratic puzzle?I took the visa I took the visa on arrival option and sorted it via our hotel. There was some fee to pay on arrival at Hanoi airport but it was straight forward to sort out. I think we had to pay in US Dollars, that may have changed by now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
no balls Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Visa on arrival last time I went too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Zico Posted September 9, 2014 Author Moderators Share Posted September 9, 2014 looking like it might be easier to fly in / out of Ho Chi Min, and get an internal flight to/from Hanoi (£34) - rather than fly into one and out the other well that's on sky scanner anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny G Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 I took the visa on arrival option and sorted it via our hotel. There was some fee to pay on arrival at Hanoi airport but it was straight forward to sort out. I think we had to pay in US Dollars, that may have changed by now? Easiest thing to do is obtain what is called a letter of invitation from your travel provide. This isn't a visa, its a fast track method of securing your visa upon arrival. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Zico Posted September 10, 2014 Author Moderators Share Posted September 10, 2014 Just Vietnam on it's own, or as a tag on to Thailand? Zico, i know things you would like to you know? tell me about the lady boys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmyjoojar Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 In and out of Ho Chi Minh is the cheapest option. I'd do as you said and have a few nights in HMC, it's a brilliant introduction to Vietnam, then fly north and use the train. It's slow but fucking ace. IMO you need a min of 3 weeks to do a good spread of places but in a busy two weeks you could HMC, Hanoi, Sapa, Hoi An. Fuck trying to do Thailand too, it's expensive and past it's best in terms of travelling experience. I'd be more tempted to nip over to Cambodia and see Ankor Wat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
no balls Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 I'm going to Laos in a few weeks. Kent, have you been? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent_white Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 I'm going to Laos in a few weeks. Kent, have you been? Yeah where abouts are you going? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
no balls Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 Yeah where abouts are you going? I'll find out the details when I'm back in blighty & let you know. Ta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent_white Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 I'll find out the details when I'm back in blighty & let you know. Ta It's a lovely country. You can't really go far wrong in that part of the world! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Zico Posted September 12, 2014 Author Moderators Share Posted September 12, 2014 thinking might go against the grain and head south to the mekong delta anyone been there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny G Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Nha Trang is were you want to go mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent_white Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 thinking might go against the grain and head south to the mekong delta anyone been there? I've been there from the Cambodian side. Was very, very basic - all the leccy went out at 5 till 9 the next morning. Might be different on the Vietnam side? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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