I am flying into Hanoi and have two nights there and then five nights --- where else?
Where should that somewhere else be? (Prefferably a train ride away?) Hoi An? Sapa? Somewhere beautiful. I want to go somewhere totally amazing.
Reply to this Hoi An is lovely although very firmly aimed at getting clothes made. It does have some amazing beaches though inbetween Hoi An and Danang. When we went they were doing a lot of building of nice modern looking hotels on the beach. I would say anywhere along Vietnam's coast has lovely beaches and none too crowded either.
Reply to this You should spend your time in Sapa ( overnight on train).Other places that should go are: Halong Bay ( 1 or 2 nights on boat).It's worth spending your time.Have a nice trip.
Cheers
Reply to this I absolutely agree with blur bird. You should consider Sapa. It's beautiful especially if you trek into the tribal villages in the mountains. Visiting these villages is an experience you'll never forget. Cheers.
Reply to this Spiralcma,
You should visit Sapa (trekking to some villages of ethnic minority). I think Sapa is one of highlights of Vietnam. You can go there by car or train (most popular). Train from Hanoi start in the evening and reach Lao Cai in early morning. You must transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa by bus (around 30km).
Otherwise, you can take a short trip to Halong bay (1 or 2 days). It is also great.
You can also visit some villages around Hanoi...
Have a nice trip!
Reply to this Hanoi 2 days, then Ha Long bay 2 days. Maybe spend the remaining time in Ninh Binh town and the surroundings. Ninh Binh is a beautiful area in the northern delta.
Reply to this Agree you absolutely MUST see Ha Long Bay! Walk around Hanoi old town and you'll find lots of tours run by local agencies. Hanoi itself could easily occupy your entire stay as it's such an intricately complex city. Sapa is also nice, but I wouldn't go there without a guide.
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