We are planning a holiday to Vietnam in August this year. We are mid age, but enjoy doing our own thing. This is the itineary we have come with, talking to travel agents, reading guide books etc.
Has anybody been or know any hotels / stayed at them or make any suggestions on somthing we should not miss.. add-on to itin or change. Also looking for value for money .. any booking agents reccomendations.
Arrivie Saigon -5 nights at Grand Hotel Saigon
Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
Transfer to Saigon Airport
Domestic flight from Saigon to Nha Trang with Vietnam Airlines
Transfer to Nha Trang Accommodation
3 nights accommodation at Ana Mandara Hotel Nha Trang
Trsf to Nha Trang Airport
Domestic flight from Nha Trang to Hanoi - Vietnam Airlines
Trsf from Hanoi Airport to Hanoi
2 nights accommodation at Hilton Opera Hotel Hanoi
Trsf from Hanoi to Halong Bay
3Days/2nights Dragon Pearl Cruise Halong Bay
Then 1 more night at Hanoi Hilton b4 flight to Saigon to connect to Intl flt.
2007-02-19 12:55:15 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Vietnam ➔ Other - Vietnam
I just have a few random things;
-First of all I would reccomend only doing a 2 day/1 night cruise at HaLong Bay. While it is beautiful, one night was enough. HaLong Bay is way more touristy than you can ever imagine, there is a dock filled with boats and tourists are constantly coming and going. The boats are little and simple, but very fun. And HaLong Bay had the most amazing sunset I have ever seen.
-Secondly, be very careful of taxi drivers. Vietnam was the only place I ever had a problem with taxi drivers attempting to scam us. I thought that getting at taxi from the desk inside the airport would be the best way to not get scammed, however this didn't help.
The first driver told us that our hotel was no longer there due to construction, however he would not drive us by it to see for ourselves. Instead he dropped us off in front of his friend's hotel. We ended up walking and finding the hotel we wanted in perfect condition after a stressful 20 minute walk. (this was in HCMC)
The second time we pulled up to a hostel we were interested in and someone on the street said something to our driver and he started taking us to a different hotel. We finally got him to stop and we ended up staying at the City Gate Hotel in Hanoi, which has one of the most helpful staff's ever. The hotel is a little out of they way, but the staff was amazing.
So BE CAREFUL OF TAXI DRIVERS AND MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!
-If you get the chance Sapa is an amazing place to see, as well as Hoi An (this is a great place to get things taylored for very very cheap) and it's a beautiful coastal town.
- I hope you have a great time in Vietnam, even though we had a few difficulties I really enjoyed my time there. PS be prepared for the craziest driving you have ever seen!
2007-02-19 18:58:17 · answer #1 · answered by heppeee 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My suggestions:
Stay in HCMC for 2 or 3 nights only.
Fly from Nha Trang to Danang and spend a few days in Hoi An. Great ton for walking, eating, lots of history and cultural stuff. Plus a great beach.
All the hotels you have listed are great, especially the Ana Mandara and Hilton Opera!
As someone else suggested, an overnight tour of Halong Bay is probably enough.
Enjoy Vietnam!
2007-02-21 15:58:27 · answer #2 · answered by vietnaminfocus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with heppee 2 nights in Halong Bay is enough.I also think a definite 'must see' is Hoi An. We loved this place. Full of history and the best part not so much traffic.We stayed at the Riverside resort, a little bit more expensive but worth every cent.The Riverside is a few k's out of town, but you can use their shuttle bus or hire push bikes from across the road. There is also a great little cafe/restaurant next door, only open at lunch time, worth going to. The laundry service across the road is also very good and heaps cheaper than the resort.When in Hanoi you must see the Water Puppets , a delightful evening.Enjoy your trip .
2007-02-19 19:53:49 · answer #3 · answered by ado 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would cut your nights in Saigon/HCMC down to 3. Here are a few highlights to consider there:
War Remnants Museum - This is a must-see.
Reunification Palace - This building is a bit tacky, but the guided tour provides some interesting historical perspective, particularly of the closing days of the Vietnam War.
Cu Chi Tunnels - Sounds like this is already on your list.
Jade Emperor's Pagoda and Hindu Temple - Both are worth a short visit if you have some free time. Try going during the late afternoon when it cools down a bit--just be sure to find out their hours.
As for Nha Trang, I think two nights are enough there. The Long Son Pagoda (giant white Buddha on the hill) is worth a visit.
Hoi An is very touristy, but it's one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam. Lots of cafes and excellent restaurants, as well as dozens--if not hundreds--of tailors to choose from. If you're up for it, rent bicycles and ride them out to the beach.
There's a lot to see in Hanoi. Some highlights:
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - It takes a while, but it’s worth it to stand in line and see Uncle Ho.
Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”) - Much of it has been torn down, but you can still visit part of this famous POW prison where John McCain and Pete Peterson were held.
Temple of Literature - This is a quiet, peaceful place to check out and relax at for awhile.
Final note: not all restaurants in Vietnam are equal. Find information on the best places to eat (for instance, Miss Ly Cafeteria 22 in Hoi An). Dining out is very cheap almost anywhere you go--so you might as well eat at the best places.
2007-02-20 07:13:07 · answer #4 · answered by adam 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You have had good advice,the hotels you have chosen will pick you up at the airport if you ask them,if not !0usd max into Saigon and 15usd to Nha trang.My only suggestion is 5 days in Hcmc is to much and 3 days in Nha Trang not enough,you will love the Anna Mandra,i live 20 meters from it.If you need any advice especially on Nha Trang please ask.
2007-02-19 22:25:09 · answer #5 · answered by smiler 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Accommodation in Vietnam is as "cheap as chips" even at the highest quality levels.
All the hotels listed on this directory have been graded and are backed up by an international service desk. This may come in handy if you end up with customer service related issues later on.
My advice is to match up your itinerary to any special offers that correspond, and look out for location , free inclusions and facilities - time is probably best spent doing the things you wantto without the inconvenience of trying to find something when you are there.
2007-02-19 17:18:10 · answer #6 · answered by Snowman1234 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of things in Vietnam are very cheap, so no worry
2007-02-20 20:54:52 · answer #7 · answered by Neighbour 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋