We're thinking of planning a 2 week trip to Vietnam and need help.
With only two weeks how much of Vietnam can we see?
We want to see everything but obviously know that is not possible in such a short time.
What are the 'must see' places?
We'd like somewhere picturesque/romantic and preferably by a beach to finish the trip but want as much sightseeing as possible packed into the two weeks.
We both love to learn about a country's history & culture and would like to experience as much of it as possible.
We've heard there are some amazing caves, which are the best?
Help!!! 😊
Reply to this Hi Chris and Nikki,
My Vietnamese colleague said Sapa Mountain is a must-see.
He also said to stay away from chicken sold by the street carts. Said they were rotten chicken bleached with chemicals... Have my doubts but at the same time it's hard to disbelieve a local.
Reply to this Hey Chris and Nikki
In two weeks you have several options:
1. See the whole country on a whirlwind tour.
2. Concentrate on the North - Hanoi for some sightseeing/history/culture, a Halong Bay boat trip (where there are some amazing caves) including a night on the boat, an overnight train to Sapa and a couple of days there trekking and hill tribes, then fly to a beach - consider Danang because then you can see Hoi An too.
3. Concentrate on the South - Ho Chi Minh for sightseeing plus a trip to the Cu Chi tunnels and Cau Dai temple and then another day trip to the Mekong Delta, perhaps some trekking in Dalat and then some beach time in Mui Ne or Nha Trang. You could also see one of the national parks near there.
Phu Quoc island is also lovely for the beach. One of our favourite places in Hoi An as it's a beautiful little town for picturesque/romantic.
Internal flights are really cheap so it's quite easy to get around the country. Check out Jetstar Asia.
We generally avoid chicken, not because of bleaching but because it's often not cooked properly and bits of chicken that we don't usually find edible. I'm not that into the feet or head!
Let us know if you want any more information,
Kate
Reply to this Ditto what Kate said above...we booked a 10 day tour starting in Saigon and ending at Halong Bay for $1000 per person...it was a private tour, just four of us...includes airfare, hotels, food and sightseeing.
We used this place: http://www.vietravel-vn.com/en.aspx
We also used them for a 5 day trip to Thailand that included all the above but in a larger group for only $360/person
There is so much food available, if you don't want to try chicken, you'll still have thousands of choices...😊
For romance/beaches, it's got to be Nha Trang: http://www.vietnamtravel.org/nha-trang
Reply to this Here is some suggested must-see places that you should not miss:
If you're beach lover, you can't miss My Khe beach in Da Nang, Phu Quoc in Khanh Hoa, Mui Ne in Binh Thuan, Halong Bay in Quang Ninh, Nha Trang. They're all marvelous, stunning and inspiring beaches.
Then Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are interesting destination to see.Hanoi is a small city with the combination of tradition and modern whereas Ho Chi Minh seems to never sleep.
If you prefer something peaceful and romantic, let's visit Sapa and Dalat, Hue, Hoi An, My Son.
As you guys prefer caves, i suggest you guys visit Son Dong, the world largest cave. google to find more infor. Halong bay seems to suitable with yr preperence. It consists of a great number of caves and grottoes.
I have to say 2 weeks seems to be not enough to see and truly feel Vietnam. However, I do hope that you can get to know some abt Vietnam culture and Vietnamese people. Hope you have safe and memorable trip.
[Edited: 2011 May 17 11:00 - anhhh123:199583 - add more infor]
Reply to this Hi guys
for the first time travel to Vietnam, should not miss Hanoi, Sapa, Halong bay, Hue, Hoian, Saigon, to cover all those recommended place it would be alittle rush, if you want culture and history trip let concentrated in central land of Vietnam, where you will be able to explore Hue citadel, Hoian,ancient city Myson santuary here is great place for beach break as well, good place for cooking class and try out great vietnamese cuisines. regarding to natural sightseeing and ethnic culture exploration should be Sapa. Halong should overnight on cruises.... i my self thinking just stay shortly in Saigon city, crasy and very westeners impactio....
Reply to this In response to: Msg #134076
2 weeks is the efficient time to see any country. But its depend your departure time. Vietnam is a very beautiful country. you must see the beach. The beaches of Vietnam are amazing. You must visit the museum and see the culture of Vietnam.Do not miss the Hanoi, Saigon and other cities.
Reply to this You absolutely can't miss Halong Bay! I took a 2 day, 1 night cruise there on the Paloma and really, really enjoyed it! Hanoi is crazy but just like Saigon/HCM City, the street life is something very different to most cultures of the world and something to experience in itself! I've travelled to many countries and Vietnamese food is some of my favourite for the freshness, the zest of local produce and plenty of chilli! Of course, make sure you're careful about where you eat - a good clue is to choose places that are popular, especially with lots of other Vietnamese. I spent a birthday few days in Hoi An too - absolutely gorgeous place with unspoilt beaches. The heat was getting a little too much by that time (June) but it was bearable to walk around outside still so it was OK. Enjoy your trip!
Reply to this Oh and just to say, after Hoi An I continued to travel south to Da Nang (near Nha Trang) but the temperatures by mid-to-late June were just too much. After 9pm heat stroke for my friend and I was becoming a serious danger. Be careful and aware of how intense heat can get - the Vietnamese are used to it, but keep covered up from the intense sun and cool with lots of water. Here's the
climate of Da Nang - hope that helps!
Reply to this Best recommended places would be Sapa-Ha Long (2-3 days) then head down to Hanoi (1-2 days). After that you can flight to Danang (3 days) (extraordinary landscape scenes and have really romantic, nice resorts for couple). Then the rest of the time you can flight back to Ho Chi Minh city, browse around the central city - which has nice restaurants, bars and affordable shopping. Hire a tour guide in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh if you like as this person would help you understand more about the history and culture.However i would suggest you purchase insurance to ensure you safety.
[Edited: 2011 Sep 28 09:01 - lucaslu:219230 ]
[Edited: 2011 Sep 28 09:01 - lucaslu:219230 ]
[Edited: 2011 Sep 28 10:00 - Rat on the Road:23681 - URL removed. Please don't post advertising URLs on forums. Thanks]
Reply to this Went to Vietnam and Cambodia last June for 15 days. Visited Ho Chi minh, mui ne, siem reap, and pnom penh, feel free to check travelagys.blogspot.com for more itinerary, budget and travel info.
hope the info helps
cheers
Reply to this Hi 2 weeks in Vietnam is not really a lot of time to see everything. But I would suggest a couple of nights in Hanoi then take a cruise on Halong Bay again I would suggest a 2night if possible. Depends on your price bracket but try to book a boat which does not have hundreds of people on. I personally would not stay in Danang I would take a taxi to Hoi An as it is beautiful. If you want somewhere really quiet which has its own beach I would suggest Jungle Beach - you stay in shacks and are a stones throw or 2 seconds away from your own beach. If you want more info or pictures on any of the above or some suggestions for accommodation let me know and I will send you some further info. Sapa is also good and then you can take a couple of treks - so jealous!
Reply to this In two week you should choose to travel in the North only or in the South only then you will have good choice about must see place.
In the North, trekking in Sapa is a must-do 😉 Besides, Hanoi is a must see too.
In the South you can visit Phu Quoc, Da Lat, Mekong delta tour í also a good choice.
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