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Weekend Trips Outside of HCMC

Replies: 10 - Last Post: Jul 9, 2012 10:41 PM Last Post By: mooslie

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erin_marie

erin_marie avatar

Jul 6, 2012 10:59 PM
Posts:  5

Weekend Trips Outside of HCMC

Hello!

I just moved to HCMC to teach for two years and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on trips in Vietnam that could be done in a weekend (I don't mind staying overnight at my destination, but I have to be able to be at work Monday morning). I prefer destinations that have physically active components - (hiking, swimming, kayaking, etc.), but I'm open to seeing most anything!

I know one really popular weekend trip are the Cu Chi tunnels, but I'm not sure I would enjoy them. I get claustrophobic and I'm not a huge Vietnam war buff - I'm more into experiencing the culture/nature of Vietnam.

Also, I'm a young woman, and I might be traveling on my own - I've heard it's pretty safe (as long as you're aware) in SE Asia, but thats one of my considerations in planning trips as well.

Thanks for your insight/sharing your experiences :-)

hanno

hanno avatar

Jul 7, 2012 12:26 AM
Posts:  1,328

1

Da Lat for Canyoning, hiking, mountain biking (regular flights).

Vung Tau, Ho Tram, Mui Ne for swimming.

Phu Quoc for swimming, snorkeling (regular flights).

Cat Tien for hiking.

violets

violets avatar

Jul 7, 2012 1:32 AM
Posts:  180

2

Get a bus to Can tho and go for an early morning boat trip to the floating market. Another time go to nearby Vinh Long and stay overnight in a homestay on the river. You could go to a different town in the Mekong to stay over many weeks though walking or cycling would be your main activity.

ae123456

ae123456 avatar

Jul 7, 2012 4:12 AM
Posts:  1,803

3

OP: I shouldn't worry too much about the tunnels.
Firstly, it is not compulsory to enter, the guide will understand.
Secondly, the reach of tunnel for the exploration is enlarged for us (fatter) westerners.
Thirdly, there are a few exit points. The first is a few metres only from the entrance.

Should you go there try to combine it with a trip to the extraordinary Cao Dai temple.

You could also go to Vung Tau by hydrofoil. Tickets can be bought on the day from the kiosk on the riverfront in HCMC.

Most women solo travellers I have spoken to have found Vn very safe.

Roadking95

Roadking95 avatar

Jul 7, 2012 7:44 AM
Posts:  1,786

4

There is also an indoor climbing place that I think also does external climbing.

westwood

westwood avatar

Jul 7, 2012 3:38 PM
Posts:  9,254

5

Typical of a guy!! Basing fear on gender isnt so stupid!! As a woman, I'm always more wary if on my own in some unknown place.

erin_marie

erin_marie avatar

Jul 8, 2012 6:33 PM
Posts:  5

6

Awesome! Thank you so much for all your insight!

I've also been researching hiking Nui Ba Den in Tay Ninh - it seems semi-complicated to get there, but it's advertised in the Lonely Planet book so I figure it has to be relatively popular among travelers. Anyone been?

Roadking95

Roadking95 avatar

Jul 8, 2012 8:49 PM
Posts:  1,786

7

Its easy to get there catch a bus from Saigon to tay Ninh then get a xe om to take you there.

erin_marie

erin_marie avatar

Jul 8, 2012 9:49 PM
Posts:  5

8

Great! Thanks for the help! :-)

indochinatraveller

indochinatraveller avatar

Jul 9, 2012 7:57 PM
Posts:  66

9

as #3 mentioned, if you would love to visit Tay Ninh, you should plan a trip combined with visiting Cao Dai temple. it's a worth-seeing cultural site.

but in my personal opinion, if you're on a weekend holiday, you can opt for some quieter places to relax. i prefer Hon Chong - quite a nice retreat and a great escape for weekend. been there last year and couldn't forget about the peaceful scenery :)

mooslie

mooslie avatar

Jul 9, 2012 10:41 PM
Posts:  2,270

10

You could also try Con Dao Island-short flight with Mekong Air.
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