Vietnam - advice please

[Bellenden Belle]

Knowing what a seasoned bunch of travellers frequent this forum, I'm wondering if some might offer some advice.

We're off to Vietnam for three weeks in December. We're spending a fair bit of time in the North, then heading to Hoi An. But how long should we allow for Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)? Is a week too much (allowing for a couple of day trips fitted in?) Should we consider visiting the Mekong Delta too?

Any tips much appreciated.

[martell1]

I personally would spend more time in the North and the coast line. I didn't think that much of Saigon or Hanoi but each to one's own. There's a great little island off the coast called 'Whale Island' that would be worth visiting for a few days of R&R. Definitely Hue, Hoi An & Halong Bay but if you've got time then head to Siem Reap in Cambodia.

[Ladygooner]

Hanoi very hectic but good fun. Don't remember having too much to see in Saigon apart from the Cathedral and the war museum - a very sobering place. Visit to the Chu Chi tunnels was interesting - there was a firing range there where you could fire machine guns - great fun for the boys. If you get a chance visit the Kai Dai temple - first time I have seen flying cows on the roof of a church! I would also second a visit to Angkor Wat and also if you have time my favourite place in Luang Prabanyg in Laos.

[mariannec]

No more than a couple of nights in Ho Chi Minh, that's plenty. I went to an island called Phu Quoc, nearest island to Thailand. It's nice if you want to relax by the beach and quite Thai like for Vietnam. I believe Nha Trang is the best for mainland beaches.

I found the food in Vietnam quite hard to handle and lost loads of weight!

Enjoy your trip

[Ladymuck]

December is a fabulous time to go in terms of climate, and - if I recall - some tropical diseases (though I can't recall which:-S).

Anyway, it's such an interesting place that you'll probably find that 3 weeks isn't long enough - but it will give you a good taster. We spent a month there many years ago and it really wasn't sufficient - to see the place properly, ANYWAY, and to truly immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture - which is very different to our own.

Whilst it would be nice to spend lots of time in both the North and South capital cities, personally I wouldn't - purely because there are far more interesting and more beautiful places to visit (such as Hoi An - which is quite amazing and is - almost - like a step back in time).

My two tips:

1. keep your wits about you - many tourists have been mugged. We suffered two attempted muggings - one incident was relatively frightening because we were surrounded by some five or six people (beware of small groups of people coming up close). Don't get me wrong - there is no need to get paranoid, but just be aware. It is very easy to "over-relax" in such an environment.

2. Try to learn some basic Vietnamese - it will really make a difference to your trip. Also, if you know French - brush up on it as some of the older Vietnamese speak fluent French and they seem to love a good natter with French speaking tourists.

Do ENJOY!

Oh and the cuisine - STUPENDOUS!