Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi (17 days) - Suggestions welcome!!
Replies: 6 - Last Post: Apr 19, 2012 4:40 AM Last Post By: mooslie
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Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi (17 days) - Suggestions welcome!!
Hi there!I am planning a trip to Vietnam from late May to early June. My flight arrives in Ho Chi Minh and flies out of Hanoi 17 days later.
I have read a few posts about trips similar to this but have a few questions. I can just about budget in an internal flight if people think it is worth it. But I would like to get the train for some of the way to spend some time between the two ends of the country.
Is there a trip that someone has done around this time of year (around the same length of time) that would be recommended??!!
Initially I am considering the following:
- Ho Chi Minh for 2 days and a night train to Nha Trang
- Nha Trang for 3 or 4 nights renting a bike/scooter to explore with the aim of chilling out on beaches
- Train to Da Nang for 2 days then train to Hue for a night or perhaps two (unless more time spent in South or Central)
- Back to Da Nang and fly North to Hanoi
- Northern region for the remainder of the trip, travel around then flying back out of Hanoi
I would consider diving, motorbikes, jungle, beaches, cities/towns, mountains etc etc. It is just really to get an idea first hand of similar experiences rather than get lost in a guide book (which I do plan to do in the next week or two anyway).
Ideally I'm looking for a route that isn't TOO strenuous but I am realistic about not having enough time to see everything. I would really like to do some justice to a place I have always wanted to visit. Any help/comments/suggestions would be very welcome and a big thanks to anyone who takes time to reply to this post.
Happy travelling one and all!
2
G'day!Some suggestions for your plan:
In Hochiminh:At least 1 full day to visit Hochiminh city +Cu Chi tunnel(a haft day city +a half day Cu Chi);Mekong delta:1-2 days
In Danang:Do you plan to stay here?It's worth staying in Hoi an than Danang.Hoi An is much more interesting.
Hue:You can take the flight from Hue to Hanoi,no need to be back Danang.
Northern:Hanoi city,Halong bay cruise,Sapa/Mai Chau are worth seeing
Happy travelling!
3
You are a beggar for punishment with trains. You will miss nothing by flying from HCMC direct to Da Nang, then do Hoi An, Hue, etc then if you want to punish yourself with a long train trip take the train to Hanoi.Then you could do Halong and Sapa.All tourists find this formula works 5 'H's + 'S' = great holiday
HCMC
Hoi AN
Hue
Hanoi
Halong
Sapa
4
Wow, thank you very much for the prompt replies one and all. This really does help a great deal and I will certainly take on board these suggestions... Couple more things if you don't mind:- Should the time of year (late May to early June) dictate how much I spend in South/Central/North?
- Any thoughts as to the pros/cons of Thai Air compared to Vietnam Air?
Really appreciate you taking the time to post your ideas.
Cheers!
5
I think Mooslie's comments are right on - but I'd skip the train Danang to Hanoi. You'll get plenty of train time back and forth between Hanoi and SaPa. Of course, the south will be the hottest area in May. But, a Mekong trip and a couple of HCMC days are worth a little moisture on the brow. www.eatingsaigon.com can give you some fun leads for HCMC time. Personally, I'd skip the tourist "tunnels." Enjoy!
