1

It would help if you read the FAQ and also told us what you're interested in..... Some people like to party, some like to listen to the rice grow...

Then come back with questions.

2

For visas, get a pre-approved visa online, either with Vietnam Visa Pro $10, or Hotels in Vietnam $14. I couldn't get onto the first website so went through the second one. They will send you an approval letter which you show when you arrive at the airport. It's easy and painless.

Cheap place in Sai Gon? What do you call cheap? I can recommend this place - Madam Cuc - I stayed at Hotel 184 and greatly enjoyed it. Included is breakfast, free tea,coffee and fresh lemon juice, free fruit all day plus dinner. Well worth it.

Must see places really depend on what you like doing.

3

Oh, that looks like a nice hotel!

Op you are going just before Tet so everything will be more expensive, from buses to hotel to things at markets. A lot of places close for Tet and transport gets fully booked with locals going home. Find a good place to stay during Tet.

What do you like to do?

4

OK I hear you guys. Thanks for your replies so far ...

First up i'm a 30 year old male from Australia and will be travelling on my lonesome more than likely ... I'm physically fit and enjoy being active so trekking, fishing, swimming, partying is all ok ... I'm a fairly serious photography enthusiast so opportunities for photographs are welcome and wanted ... I'm interested in the history of Vietnam and would like to stay somewhere in the vicinity of District 1 (the tourist hub ?) ...

I like nice beaches, different types of architecture, yummy food, and exploring ...

I'd like to travel out of HCMC too. I hear phu quoc, halong bay, nha trang, hanoi are all wonderful places to get too ...

I've got around AUS $1500 to spend for that time, give or take.

I guess I'm asking if you've been to Vietnam and done something or know of something that really made you sit up and take notice, please let me know ...

Sorry i'm maybe being a little vague (i'm new to this) but just trying to feel out some ideas ...

Forest

Ps. Thanks Captain Courageous for Visa info and Madam Cuc ...

;)

5

Sorry - Also because i'm travelling close to 'Tet' (I think Feb 9?), does that mean travelling in and out of HCMC is super hard? Impossible ... Does that mean accomodation will be tricky?

6

Does that mean accomodation will be tricky?
Yes you are travelling during the peak, peak peak season for Vietnam-by far the busiest of the year because the whole country is on the move. Most of the cheap hotels that Vietnamese will stay in raise their rates accordingly-many even triple their rates.
Stick to the 5 'H' s
HCMC
Hoi An
Hue
Hanoi
Halong

7

Well, you won't have any problems with photo-opportunities. From architecture, street scenes, scenery to everything else.
Some great places to see in the Central Highlands.
You could also try Ninh Binh area, just three hours by train from Ha Noi.
And Dong Hoi area and go inland for the caves.

8

For a genuine trip up in the Northern provinces of VN, skip Sapa and head to Ha Giang Province. The scenery is unreal and you'll be off the regular tourist path. Google up some reviews on Ha Giang and you'll see what other people have to say about it.

I'd recommend renting a motorbike to really see the sights on your own schedule. It's very doable solo, so long as you take your time as guesthouses and homestays are generally easy to manage for foreigners as many people up North are curious about you and want to extend their hospitality.

I live in Hanoi and use Phung Motorbike for servicing my Win. They deal in all Honda makes 50cc cubs to 250cc offroad bikes and Minsks. Definitely not a fly-by night type of shop as the owner, Phung has been a mechanic for Minsks for 20yrs and does tours as well. You can read what other people say about his shop on 'The New Hanoian' expat blog under Top Spots.

Good luck with your trip!