If I only have 3 or 4 days to spend in Vietnam, should I go to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?

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barry c

I think Ha Noi is more interesting than Sai Gon. It's older, and there is more of the old stuff left; it's prettier: a lot more trees, a lake in the center of the city...

Beautiful scenery is everywhere in Viet Nam, but of all the spectacular scenery, Ha Long Bay, 4 hours from Ha Noi heads the list.

Viet Nam, from top to bottom, is one of the safest places you can go on Earth. They're both equally safe. They are also both roughly the same as far as being cheap.

I'm don't know what you consider fun. Ha Noi is a lot more interesting to walk around (as well as being more compact). The night scene in Sai Gon is good, but I'm sure Ha Noi also has stuff going on.

I'd go to Ha Noi if I was as time limited as you are. It's too bad you don't have more time.

Izzy_Cool

More interesting places?
Both have a lot of those, but Hanoi still retains a lot of the original French architecture, has the temple of literature and you can go to Ha Long Bay.

Temperatures - Right now Hanoi is cold as hell in the morning. You need a jacket and gloves. If the sun comes out it's beautiful.

HCMC is always hot. Sometimes hot and wet, or just hotter than hell.

Both are safe for the most part, but HCMC has motorcycle thieves who try to grab your gold chains in traffic.

For fun, HCMC.

It all depends on your taste.
Think of Hanoi as Boston and HCMC as Los Angeles...

You'll have a good time regardless of where you go here in Vietnam.
Come and enjoy yourself.

Gerald J

I think Hanoi is a much prettier city with more interesting tourist sights, and I think HCMC is a more fun city with a much better nightlife. Both cities are safe (except for crossing the streets) and are comparable in price.

...

I've been to vietnam and personally i liked hanoi better. the city is beautiful, with lakes scattered throughout. There are a lot of temples to visit and good shopping, too.

Dang N

Ho Chi Minh

nusantara

I would suggest Hanoi

From Hanoi you could visit Ha Long bay and Cat Ba island. 2 hours drive from Hanoi city. The site was chosen to be a World Heritage by UN.
Other site is Sapa. Its up on the mountain. You would need to arrange with local tourism service, for you to catch the 2 AM o'clock train to Sapa.
You'll arrived at 8:00 AM. But wonderful site though.
The two site mention above need a good preparation and arrangement.

Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) is a little hotter compare to Hanoi.
The tour site are:
Cu Chi tunnel (ex Vietnamese War tunnel that are very.. very small size)
Cha Da temple (sort of Bahai religion. A unique group that combine several religion in to one believe)
War Remnant Museum (and other site to honor the Vietnamese struggle towards independence)
National Heritage Meuseum

Nothing from the two is cheaper.
But these Cities are full with Motorbike, I meant...Millions of them. Very crowded.

Safer? Both city are metropolis. Some area are not to be visited. But the tourist area are consider to be save. Me and wive stroll the city up to 23:00 o'clock, no problem
But do carefully pick your Taxi
Some Taxi are just a rip off. The meter would charge a seriously ridiculous prize.
If I'm not mistaken, only take: Vina Taxi and My Vinh. The only thing I remember is that it was withe colour.

Have a great fun

..

Ilana G

Ha Noi.Ho chi Minh smells and is incredibly hot!

Anna=D

Ho Chi Minh is the name of one of the generals in the Vietnam war so it would be really interesting.

skiman

Why would you go there unless you went to look for MIA'S from the war. That place is disgusting.

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