Hanoi vs. Ho Chi Minh

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peas
peas

Hello,

My boyfriend and I are thinking about going to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh for about 5 days in January and are finding it really hard to decide which to visit. It's our first time to Vietnam and 5 days is probably not even going to scratch the surface but that is all we have and so I was wondering if anyone had some recommendations of things to do that would give us a bit of a flavour of Vietnam in such a short space of time. Which city would be better for that sort of thing?

Because we only have 5 days we don't want to pack in too much and constantly be travelling about, but we were thinking of maybe two days in the city and then perhaps some kind of trip out to some surrounding areas either on a boat trip, train or bus.

We are completely open to ideas, but one thing that I have found that sounds good would be a 3 day boat trip in the Halong bay (though I'm sure this is very touristy but the bay looks amazing) and then the rest of the time in Hanoi just exploring.

Are there any trips like that you can recommend around Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi that are similar to the above?

Sorry this is not a very specific question but it's intentional as I'd like to see if anyone has any ideas we have not come across!
Thanks a lot for any information!

Peas

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ae123456
ae123456

Difficult, I like both ends of the country. This is a win-win situation.
But put a gun to my head and I would say Hanoi. The city itself is beautiful and with the added attractions of the maze of the Old Quarter. The French Quarter, Hoan Kiem (that's the lake to the south of the OQ, Ho Tay (West Lake) as well as parks like Lenin Park.

You are right five days is not enough. For trips most would say Sapa and Halong Bay. Also Perfume Pagoda (though in my opinion the trip is more impressive than the pagoda) and Ninh Binh/Tam Coc.

Whatever you choose enjoy!

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stillwithus
stillwithus

Hanoi. Stay in the Old Quarter. Temples, mausoleums, museums (of Ethnology especially) good walking, funky shopping, excellent food, cheap, fun blend of old and new. 2-3 day trips to Halong Bay (be sure to grab the sea-kayaking option!) and/or Sapa (sleeper train up and back) for those who have a full week or more; it can all be arranged in Hanoi.

Been there half a dozen times; hope to be there a 1/2 dozen more.

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straightnochaser
straightnochaser

To visit for 5 days perhaps Hanoi....to live for 5 years Saigon for sure.

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froude1
froude1

HCM,besides the city itself several sights within short distance from city that are worthwhile to see also.I agree with others in that this is win win either city

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sakya
sakya

HaNoi

A one day trip to Halong Bay, its a long day , as most will say but you will get to see a part of the bay and my understanding is that most 2 day trips leave to come back after lunch on the second aday
A one day trip to Ninh Binh which will take in Tam Coc or one of the newer canal trips and Hoa Lu
3 days exploring Ha Noi , including a couple of Bia Hoi afternoons at different locations , water puppets, museum of ethonology , temple of literature, jump on a bus , sunrise walk through the streets up to the Long Bien Bridge and zigzag back thru the streets and have breakfast by the lake etc etc

Cheers

Well, the clock says its time to close now
I guess Id better go now
Id really like to stay here all night
The cars crawl past all stuffed with eyes
Street lights share their hollow glow
Your brain seems bruised with numb surprise
Still one place to go
Still one place to go

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chrisr
chrisr

Hanoi for me ...

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gcanuck
gcanuck

I would say, HCMC. much more interesting city in my opinion. throw in the tunnels and a delta tour and you have a taste of Vietnam.
i found hanoi boring, halong, ninh binh and sapa are fantastic but they are a ways from the city if you are short on time.

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drtraveller
drtraveller

Hanoi

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solohobo
solohobo

Ha Noi

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