Any tips for traveling in Vietnam?

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ong jon

from sai gon to ha noi take the plane ,your time is more valuble than $$s. from the ariport ha noi to town , about 1hr ride you can take taxi $10-$15 us , a van to the old city is about $3 per person , or bus, next to nothing..too far for a moto bike ride with bagage. ask around look around after you exit the airport be patient but dont wait till all the busses have left.. from ha noi to hue i'd take the overnight train , sleeping car.. its fun esspecially if your w/ friends. bus would be cheaper..not so much fun. from hue to da nang bus or train if you take bus or car over that very scenic pass TAKE DRAMIMINE ! da nang/ hoi an to sai gon take a plane direct or train and stop in nha trang for a day or three.[ you'll like nha trang]
doesnt sound like you'll have time to visit sapa from ha noi, but you can and should take a day trip to ha long bay. in hue take a dragon boat trip up river visiting 1 or more "temples/ pagodas"/tombs.. i like "to duc" best and you can also get a moto bike to take you there[or any other place].. da nang does not have much for tourist, go straight through to hoi an, great shopping eating in this quaint but heavely tourested [ is that a word ?] area if you have a free afternoon go back by moto bike to marble mt near da nang, you should also see "my son" ruins [ many ways to go there; see local tour guide or hotel desks..] its cheap and well worth it, go down to the "cam island" bridge[ you'll find it ,every hotel gives out cards w/ maps] its near the market, get some woman there [ they will find you ] to take you on a late afternoon boat ride..
your going to love this trip and you WILL go back so dont feel you have to do everthing, go at your own pace and you will enjoi everything you do. if you stop in nha trang, its right on the beach, plenty of resturaunts, late night bars great people and access to a number of nice day toures. take a plane to sai gon [ air port has bus cabs moto bikes , bargin ! stay in district 1 "back pack area[ unless you want to stay at any one of the 5star hotels, same area. there are markets , bars ,eateries all around pham ngu lau and de tham streets..
i'm eating my heart out in envy.. you are going to have a ball. stay causious ,esspecially crossing the streets. be polite to everyone , trust no one. take antibiotics , cold meds with you maybe a tetnus shot.. everything else you get there..

rick m

Ong Jon, as usual, has given you great advice. The only tips I would add would be to either add a week to your itinerary, or eliminate a destination. You are going to be bouncing around the country like a pinball!
You don't indicate where you are traveling from, but if it is a long flight (mine is usually 28 hours), get your doctor to prescribe sleeping pills for the trip and the return. Also, take advantage of the travelers showers in Seoul, Hong Kong, etc. They're well worth the price.
Lastly, Chocoholic, bring your own supply. Viet chocolate is OK tasting and cheap, but the good stuff is imported and fairly expensive.
If you pass by my house, give me a shout, I'm making chocolate ice cream for the kids on Saturday, although at the pace you're setting for your trip, I'll probably have to toss it to you as the bus roars past. (^_^)

don't flash jewelry in hanoi or saigon(HCMC)

genius4sure

Definitely bring some sunblock on your trip.
When you're in Hoi An, they have very nice lanterns so don't forget to check them out.

sole_hn

Hi my friend,

That's would be better if you get useful information before traveling. You should visit some travel websites.

Enjoy your trip in Vietnam

samonosu

Do not drink the water. Do not drink anything with ice in it.
I promise you will get sick if you do, terribly sick.

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