There's a lot of threads on Vietnam, but I haven't found any that really differentiate between the North and South.

I'm planning a trip to Vietnam in February and trying to decide if I should go for the North or South. I only have about 5 or 6 days so that won't be enough time to check out both areas. Anybody have any strong opinions or preferences on either area? Any recommendations on what to do in either place? I'd be using Hanoi or HCMC as my base, but definitely interested in day (or overnight) trips. I'd like to be busy with a lot of sight seeing.

Basically for a first time in Vietnam, what would be best? Any advice appreciated.

In my opinion, head for the north. Hanoi is much more interesting than HCMC - HCMC is really just another vast Asian metropolis but Hanoi has a lot of character. For example, the Temple of Literature, the lakeside and the water puppet performances. From Hanoi you can visit Halong Bay (for a boat trip amongst the islands) and hill tribe villages as short side trips.

If you base yourself in HCMC you can do trips to the Mekong Delta and to the hill station of Dalat. There are also some nice beaches fairly close bye.

If you do decide to go to Hanoi, contact Kangaroo Cafe - they're by far the best budget tour arranger in Vietnam. (Be careful that you go to the correct place - there are lots of fake Kangaroo Travels around town.) http://www.kangaroocafe.com/

I'd also recommend Hanoi...combined with Halong Bay and a night-train to the Sapa area, you'll bet set for a wonderful, diverse trip!

In my opinion, head for the north. Hanoi is much more interesting than HCMC - HCMC is really just another vast Asian metropolis but Hanoi has a lot of character. For example, the Temple of Literature, the lakeside and the water puppet performances. From Hanoi you can visit Halong Bay (for a boat trip amongst the islands) and hill tribe villages as short side trips.

If you base yourself in HCMC you can do trips to the Mekong Delta and to the hill station of Dalat. There are also some nice beaches fairly close bye.

If you do decide to go to Hanoi, contact Kangaroo Cafe - they're by far the best budget tour arranger in Vietnam. (Be careful that you go to the correct place - there are lots of fake Kangaroo Travels around town.) http://www.kangaroocafe.com/

Couldn't have said it better. We went to Hanoi in June 2006 for a week. And as mentioned above the 3 day trip to Halong Bay is fantastic. Be aware that their are all kinds of tours being offered to Halong Bay. We went went with the tour offered by Columbus Travel for around $45 and were very happy with it. Also if you decide on Hanoi be sure to see the Water Pupet show. We stayed at the Viet Anh Hotel in the Old Quarter and I highly recommend it if you want to stay in that area. Here is ther website: www.vietanhotel.com We had a room for three, myself/wife and 15 yo son for around $25 which included an excellent breakfast. Also for a great lunch time buffet go to a place called Brother's Cafe/www.brothercafe.com

If you want to get more info on Vietnam then check out the Lonely Planet website: www.lonelyplanet.com and go to ThornTree and click on the Vietnam thread.

Been to Ho Chi mihn and thought it was great.A must do is the Cu Chi tunnels,really interesting day.Also go down the coast to Vung Tao,got some good bars and such like.Went across to Island Phu Qua,lovely beaches but too quite for me.Vietnam was great.

I like both the north and the south. The people in the south are more friendly I think. Also in February it's very cool in the north. I think 6 days is enough to see both.