Planning for travel in Vietnam - where to go?

A question asked: where to go in Vietnam?
"We would be flying to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and are wondering where is best to go from there for a well rounded trip (culture, beaches, nightlife). Dont have that much time otherwise we would do both and everywhere in between. "

The answer by Kris and Kate in the forum travel:




How long do you have?

If you have less then two weeks I would recommend that you concentrate on either the North or the South. As Jimmy says, there are many great places to see in Vietnam, and if you move around too much you risk missing out on some of them, or rushing through.

If you flew to Hanoi you could spend some time in the capital, doing the things that Jimmy suggests. You could spend 2-3 days looking around Hanoi. You could then take a cruise to Halong Bay and Cat Ba island; people usually do a 2 night 3 day tour, including a boat trip around the Bay and trekking in Cat Ba National Park. You can arrange this from Hanoi if you want a package. It's also possible to do on your own if you are the adventurous type. You can get a bus to Haiphong and go to Cat Ba on a ferry from there. You can also go up to Sapa, in the far North, near the Chinese border. You get an overnight sleeper train up there. There is good trekking up there and it's really beautiful. You can also visit lots of hill tribe villages. It's worth spending at least 2 days up there, more if possible because it's so relaxing.

From Hanoi you can take an overnight train or bus, or fly if you are short on time, to the ancient city of Hue, the beach city of Danang and Hoi An old town. All of these places are within a 12 hour bus/train ride of Hanoi.

If you have more time in the North you could consider visiting Ninh Binh, home of the Cuc Phuong National Park and Tam Coc (lots of impressive rock formations inland).

If you flew to Ho Chi Minh City you could do the city and Cu Chi tunnels, a tour of the Mekong Delta, a beach break to Nha Trang or Mui Ne and then perhaps a visit to Dalat in the Central Highlands. I'm not so familiar with the South of Vietnam, as I live in the North. I'm sure someone else will be able to advise you.