Christmas 2018 in Vietnam!!

Hi there!!
I am an Argentinean currently living in New Zealand and planning to go to Vietnam for this Christmas 2018!! I was thinking of spending 8/10 days but I would love to hear from more experienced travellers to consider my options! Is it a cheap destination for Christmas?? What are the best places to visit? Which airport should I choose??
I know during Xmas period everything is a bit more expensive, but they told me Vietnam is generally one of the cheapest options in Asia (also these are my only days off from work that I have left so I don't mind paying a little extra).
Something about me: I am a 35-year-old single woman, not a backpacker traveller style as I do love the privacy of my own nice hotel room (and bathroom!!). Saying this, I don't mind travelling cheap or sharing stuff of course! It is just that I am getting old :D
So, anyone that has spent Christmas over there before and can help me a little?? This will be my first time in Asia (and/or Vietnam), I am not looking for a "Christmases" holiday style, on the contrary, I would love to escape all the fuzz. Am I going in the right direction by choosing Vietnam?!?!?!
Thank you!!!! (and if you ever need any tips to travel to Argentina I would love to help!)
Paula

What sorts of experiences do you want to have in Vietnam, after you leave your nice hotel room(s)?

Beach days, Explore history, Trekking in the mountains, or are you a foodie who wants authentic Vietnamese cuisine?
Do you want to see the limestone karsts up in Halong Bay, or would you prefer to do a boat trip see rice paddies in the Mekong delta?

Of course Vietnam is a great (cheap) place for 8-10 days around Xmas. But you'll need to choose a region of the country to concentrate on, and it's hard to say which one without knowing more.

I agree Vietnam is a good choice, if you go to major cities like Hanoi or HCMC they are very busy at Christmas and especially New Years with huge street parties, though if you're a single woman I don't know if that's your thing if you're traveling solo. Vietnam is in fact one of the cheapest places, once you're there that is, but the airplane tickets do get very expensive if you must travel around Christmas. Prices start going up around Dec. 15-19 and go down again beginning of January.

Thank you guys!! You are lovely! I didn't realise Vietnam was that big! I've noticed it while trying to choose my flights arriving in Ho Chi Minh but coming back home from Hanoi (that is Auckland/HCM and then Hanoi/Auckland), I think I won't be able to do that kind of trip with only 8/10 days right?
I am more of a explore history and culture, natural landmarks (the karts are definitely a tick in my list!) kind of traveller. I would really like to visit Ha Long Bay and Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. And also see The Imperial City in Hue... But again, I am not too sure about distances and if it is cheap to flight within the country (so I can save some time while travelling around). I was planning on staying in the big cities only on my arrival and departure day, I prefer little towns.
If I arrive at HCM would it be possible to cover the whole trip to Hanoi, visiting some interesting places like Ha Long Bay and the Phong N. Park? I would obviously consider taking some flights to the distant parts. Or is it better for 8/10 days just to concentrate either in HCM and surroundings or Hanoi and surroundings??
Thank you for all your very kind help!!!!
Cheers
Paula

Vietnam is a magnificent country and one of the safest in the world. Prices are incredibly low, with a GOOD 2-star hotel in Hanoi at 15-25$ and a 3-stars at 30-45, food 5-15$. The North is stunning, with Hanoi, Along Bay and the mountains (Sapa-Bac Ha for ex.)
3 days Hanoi
2 days Halong
3 days Sapa with easy or more sportive trekking
2 days Tam Coc (the superb "Halong Bay on Land")

You will not have time for Hue (which takes 2 full days to visit) nor Phong Nha (3 days), ou you forget Sapa and Tam Coc, which would be a pity

Around 2 millions catholic here among 95 millions people, therefore do not expect any festivities for Chrismas (New Year either, the Viet NY being Tet in February). Beautiful crowded midnight mass in Hanoi

Also mid night mass in Sapa is something to see with the Church/ Cathedral filled with tribes people form the surrounding area

Internal flights are very cheap, especially if buy a few weeks in advance, but 8-10 days is better to concentrate on either the South or North only. The North gives you more options and if you want to see Halong that already puts you there. Hanoi also has almost everything Saigon does and much more too, so between Hanoi and HCMC that's a no brainer.

I am not sure if you are right to select Vietnam over the other Asian countries but there is one thing I am sure about: you are not wrong to be in Vietnam during Xmas holidays. My advice for you is "Southern, not Northern". The Xmas celebrations in the South are bigger, funnier. I was in Binh Thuan on Xmas holidays a few years ago and it was different to what I see in my city. People are very excited about Xmas and they decorate their house for this special occasion. Resorts in Binh Thuan are abundant and very cheap. You should spend at least one night there and join their beach party.

Keep in mind the north is much cooler, and the mountains cold, compared to the south, which is tropical and warm, as VN is a HUGE country. I have been in VN Xmas twice, once in Saigon and once in Hanoi, and the south is much nicer weather and a lot warmer, as well as its very festive in District 1 by the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Hanoi is much cooler and tends to be foggy that time of year, especially as you get up to Sapa.

Covering the entire country in 10 days would be hell. What are your interest, base your trip on what interest you most. I would pick the south that time of year, plenty to see and do between Saigon, Mekong, Dalat and beaches north...

3 days Saigon
2 days Mekong
2 Day Dalat
3 days beach Nha Trang or Mui Ne.

Thats a lot of moving around...

I was in Hanoi last Christmas, and the weather was really pleasant, a welcome break from the summer heat of Asia and freezing Europe. I'm sure it's chillier in the mountains though. Looks like the OP has a hard decision now.

I was in Hanoi last Christmas, and the weather was really pleasant

Indeed. Despite everyone saying how cold it is in Hanoi in the winter, the reality is most days are above 20 degrees.

Wow! You are amazing! Thank you all!! I think I will focus on the North side this time :)
I really like Larsay's itinerary (3 days Hanoi - 2 days Halong - 3 days Sapa - 2 days Tam Coc) but I may change the days in Hanoi (as I will be there for landing and taking off) Weather is fine by me, NZ is pretty wild when it comes to weather and I am a winter person anyway :)
Now I have to start checking for transportation from place to place and accommodation. Do you think that - apart from Hanoi (I'm planning to buy a hotel there together when I buy the plane tkts), is it better to use Expedia/Trivago for hotels in smaller places? I think I should buy the Lonelyplanet guide right!??!? THANK YOU ALL!!!!

Checkout Travelfish no need to book hotels in advance but agree a good idea to book one for when you arrive in Hanoi

Book everything on the go but first and last night in Hanoi.

Have a list for places you like in Sapa...

Take the night train from Hanoi to Sapa.

Ha Long Bay Junks you book in Hanoi and includes transfers/shuttles, as its 4 hours each way.

It is possible to do a circular trip by bus from Sapa to Haiphong, and Haiphong or Cat ba to Ninh binh, or vice versa, without returning to Hanoi in between. Your hotel can sort out a ticket for the next leg of your journey.

No.

But it when you return from Ha Long in shuttle, get a taxi moto to bus station on south end of Hanoi and get a bus to Ninh Binh...many depart hourly...

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