First Trip To Vietnam

[bish]

I am going to Hanoi by air from Bangkok in August for a holiday; I have never been to Vietnam before. Any advice on what or what not to do would be appreciated.

[PhilHarries]

How long are you going for?

If you are going to Ha Noi then Ha Long bay is a must see for a couple of days.

[bish]

How long are you going for?

If you are going to Ha Noi then Ha Long bay is a must see for a couple of days.

10 days

[PattayaParent]

All depends on your budget.

Ha Long Bay, you can spend a few days there just seeing everything but might get fed up with being on and off boats all the time.

Or take one of the Hal Long Bay / Cat Ba boat cruises.

Perfumed Pergoda for a day trip.

And seeing the sights of Ha Noi will take a few days.

Do Son for the casino and P4P.

[Trevor]

Vietnam is a country one only needs to visit once.

Get the picture?

[Buzby]

Ninh Binh. 2 hours by bus south of Hanoi. Has been described as Halong Bay in the paddy fields. Hire a bicycle and enjoy the stunning countryside.

[beammeup]

Ninh Binh. 2 hours by bus south of Hanoi. Has been described as Halong Bay in the paddy fields. Hire a bicycle and enjoy the stunning countryside.

1 or 2 days is enough for Hanoi, then head out maybe take a train south to Hue and see Hue, Danang (cham museum) and Hoi Ann. Hoi Ann was the highlight of my holiday there. I did the Halong bay boat trip and It was great too.

[hanno]

Hoi An is indeed good, but I would take the plane from Ha Noi, the train ride is long and not very interesting. Do visit the museum of Ethnology in Ha Noi, well worth it.

[technocracy]

Firstly and most importantly don't get scammed by the age old 'hotel is full' scam. Each time I've been they've tried it.

It's goes like this - even though you've booked your hotel and have a reservation the taxi driver will take you to seemingly your hotel when a person outside will say 'sorry the hotel is full' the taxi driver will then say 'I know hotel' and will try to take you to a different hotel. Obviously the taxi driver and guy outside hotel get financial reward from the shitty hotel they try take you to.

Pain in the arse and I can guarantee they'll try it.

[dhind1]

I recently spent some time in Vietnam.

The usual cautions apply, watch out for scams re the amount of money you should pay and the amont of money you are asked to pay. Bargening is acceptable in the markets just like anywhere else in Asia.

Beware of traffic as you are walking about. Traffic rules do not appear to apply. If you are a single man walking around then be prepared to be proposed by folks on motorcycles about a "good time" after a short trip on the motorcycle. I know people who did this and came away with a pleasant experience and I know others who were relieved of their cash after a similar pleasant experience.

There are numerous hotels with massage related facilities in Vietnam and those facilities share similar services with some "massage" venues in Thailand.

The Bangkoktonight forum has more information on Vietnam.

[Buzby]

Hoi An is indeed good, but I would take the plane from Ha Noi, the train ride is long and not very interesting. Do visit the museum of Ethnology in Ha Noi, well worth it.

I think there is also a 'Sleeping bus' thats goes to Hoi An (definately to Hue). About 15 hours overnight although If your nearly 6 feet (180cm) tall or over its an uncomfortable ride. All the travel/tour agents in Hanoi can fix you up with tickets (about $15-20)

The Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi is good fun too. Go to ticket office early in the day for front row seats of an evening performance.