Hi Everyone, My wife and I (actually she's not my wife yet,but will be then,it'll be our honeymoon) are spending first 2 weeks in October in Vietnam, followed by 2 weeks in the Phillipines, and judging by a lot of posts, and our own research. It seems like Vietnams best spots are mostly in the north, we were originaly planning on flying into Hanoi, and out of ho chi minh, but we definately want to do Ha Long Bay, and Sapa and surrounding area, and are beginning to think that the trip down south is a waste, although we would like to hit a beach at some point. Has anyone got any advice about all this ? and maybe suggestions of more places around the northern half that we could also go to instead of flying down south, it's not a lot of time, so we want to make the most of it. Thanks a lot in advance,
happy travels,
Gavin
Reply to this Hi Gavin
Halong bay and Sapa look very nice .you try contac with
Hope you will have good time for your honeymoon
Long, Reply to this hi
Halong bay and sapa and Hanoi are very worth to visit, But if your time is ok, you'd go to Hue-old capital of Vietnam, and Hoi An - ancient town in the centre, and down to Ho Chi Minh city.
Have a good trip!
Reply to this Check one of my articles before you make your decision in Vietnam:
South of Vietnam
Unlike the North and the Center, the South of Vietnam is much younger than its two brothers in term of history. Nevertheless, it boots an unparalled charm compare to other regions. This holds the most fertile land of the country, the biggest river system with distinguished everyday river lives. Moreover, everyone seems to have heard of the Vietnam War as much as they heard of Sai Gon, the biggest city of South Vietnam. Well, having to describe it all in one word, it would be “alluring”.
1. Ho Chi Minh city: The biggest city in South Vietnam, the most populated, the economic muscle of Vietnam. And that’s not everything. The city was the capital of Cocochina, thus it present a fine colonial architecture that you can see in the center of the city. Sai Gon was the brain of the South during the Vietnam War, and, hence, it is the most Americanized one.
2. Cu Chi tunnel system +Cao Dai Temple: This was a famous name during the Vietnam War. It shows up how resistant the local was in the war. Come and witness a system of hundreds kms digging deep in the ground. It’s only 75 km from Sai Gon and this place should not be missed. Watch out before you make your decision of getting though the tunnels, you’re not gonna lose your way but it’s easy for you to get stuck. The trip can be combined with a visit to Cao Dai temple, a colorful one where the local practise their unique cult.
3. The Mekong Delta River. The South of Vietnam is where the Mekong river system flows into the sea. And this makes a special part of Vietnam’s picture. A trip or several days will bring you on a row along the matrix system of canal fensed with fruitful coconut trees, and then be in the middle of the famous floating market where hundreds of vessels heavily loaded with fruits and vegetables meet and exchange. Get yourselves lost in the local orchard where you can be lazy sleeping on the hammock or taste fruits hanging lowly from the trees above. This is one of the highlights during your
4. Phu Quoc Island and Con Dao Archipelago: The touristier the country is turning, the more tourists seek for privacy from their travel mates, of course, that doesn’t mean the new places are of any less beautiful. Phu Quoc and Con Dao are heavens for that purpose. These are both one hour fly from Sai Gon, they offer ideal sunny quiet beaches, with fine sand, coconut trees. Lots of travellers have highly recommended these places to possess top beaches in the world. Phu Quoc is slightly touristier than Con Dao.
If you need further infor on your , please let me know. Enjoy your :-) Reply to this I think you can add Ninh Binh, just 2 hours south of Hanoi. Ninh Binh has some world-class sceneries, at least 2 days, Cuc Phuong national park is also very nice. Parfume pagoda is a good one day trip.
If you still have time after the North, spend 1 full day in Saigon, and 2 day Mekong Delta tour, home stay is recommended.
Hue and especially Hoi An are worth 2 days each, but unfortunately you don't have enough time.
Phillipines has better beaches than VN, so you can skip the beach in Vietnam.
Have a nice trip and good luck!
Apparently #2, #3 and #4 didn't read the OP. I wish they'd give more helpful and relevant advices or informations.
Reply to this Hi Gavin,
October in Vietnam often have heavy rain and some storm. November is better. September is OK.
2 week in Vietnam - You should take fly by Cebu from Philipine to Hanoi - Vietnam.
Hanoi arrival (1 day)
Hanoi - Halong (2 day 1 nite)
Halong - Hanoi - Sapa (overnight on train): 2 day.
If you like adventure tour - spend more time in the Northwest Vietnam likes: Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh, Cuc PHuong.... for history tour: take tour to Dien Bien Phu, Mai Chau....
For the central of Vietnam: by flight to Hue or Danang. To Hue for Cultural tour with Imperial Citadel and Nguyen Dynasty tombs, old pagoda. And coastal of Danang with relaxing on the beach. Discover Hoi An Trading Old Town.
It takes 4 or 5 day in central.
And final is the South of Vietnam - Pearl of Far Eastern - with floating market in Mekong Delta.
Best regards,
Reply to this Hi all,
I have read your advice, but I am going to Vietnam in December for 5-6 days and Im not sure where I should go? I do love going to the beach, but do you recommend that I skip the beach scene? What should I definately go and see?
Reply to this Hi Gassi,
In Halong, you having a night on boat - floating on the sea.
The Danang - coastal city with very nice beach _ China beach famous with Furama resort.
And aslo in HOi An: charming beach : Palm Garden resort (ver nice) - Golden Sand resort - victoria Hoi An(deluxe hotel), .....
If you like to travel to Sunny Beach: NHA TRANG - for diving - sunlight hotel, Yahsaka or Anna Mandra, Vinperl Land.
And final beatiful beach in Vietnam : PHan Thiet famous with dune.... Victoria, Novotel, .....
If you have 5-6 days, you can enjoy the beach scene in Halong and combined tour in Hanoi with Sapa.
Hope you have good trip.
Kim Uyen
Reply to this Thanks for the helpful info Kim😊 Do I organise this night boat in Halong Bay before hand or should I just rock up and ask around? Will I be able to visti all those places in 5-6 days?
Reply to this December is high season, so you should organise every things before. You should choose a travel agent and get your trip more precious than memories.
Reply to this Dear!
If you go to vietnam for honey moon or travel, U shoulded visit HaLong Bay, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, Sam Son(in summer) and Sapa, DaLat(in other seasons).
In oder to see more infomations, you can visit
to read vietnam travel guide, and visit for book tours and hotels.
have a good trip Reply to this Wow! Thanks a lot everybody for all your advice, it's really very very helpful, Hoi An is definately on our list now and I'll let you know what else we decide!
Reply to this Hi Gavin,
October is belong to Autunm, it's so cool,have sunny but no rain either the North or the South
there are very many nice sightseeings in Vietnam both the North and the South.I think you should make atrip through Viet Nam, 2 week is enough for Viet Nam trip from the North to the South.If you pass any places, you'll regret especially Ha Long, Sapa, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang or Mui ne where the beach is very clean and nice.
Good luck and have fun.
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