My husband and I are planning to spend three weeks in Vietnam this July. He's had a pretty crazy work schedule lately and is really looking forward to (and desperately needing) some relaxation, but at the same time we do want to include some sightseeing and adventure (after all, we're not going to the other side of the world to ONLY laze around!).
We're flying in to Hanoi (after an extended 26-hour layover and fast sightseeing in Tokyo), and would like sightsee around that area and do an overnight in HaLong Bay before heading south.
After that, we're not really sure - a potential itinerary from there includes:
- a domestic flight to Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang area
- another flight to Nah Trang or Mui Ne. I've heard Mui Ne is nicer in terms of seclusion, but we'd really like to do some scuba diving and apparently there aren't facilities for that in Mui Ne. I have my PADI certification, but my husband would be getting his while on this trip so PADI facilities are essential. We'd like to stay at a bit more upscale resort while we do our scuba/beachy/lazy portion. Is there an area you recommend more than Nah Trang?
- Then a third flight down to Ho Chi Minh City to sightsee a bit more (including a day trip to the Mekong Delta) before flying home.
My question is this: which places would you recommend for lingering, and what would you skip, if any? We don't want to be moving around every night and would rather have a few "home bases" from which we could explore the area in a bit more leisurely pace.
Thank you so much in advance for your help!
3 weeks Vietnam - Advice for mix of adventure/relaxing?
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My first thought is that July is not the best time to visit Vietnam as it is typhoon season from July to November in the central and northern regions ( although it does vary slightly from year to year). Do check out one of the weather sites for more detailed info.
subjetc to weather issues, iI would spend maybe. 3 - 5 days in Hanoi as there is so much to see and take a side trip to the Mai Chau valley for a homestay for a day or two. Not luxurious but on elf the most relaxing places I have ever been and amazing scenery.
Nha Trang is the premier resort for scuba. We used Jeremy Steins Rainbow divers, a British owned and run outfit who are very good and the diving is not bad at all.These days NT is very busy and a bit too heavily touristed but if you are just relaxing in a hotel then that does not matter too much . We found the Ana Mandara to be excellent but that was 6 years ago.
From Nha Tran I would fly to Da Nang and get the train from there to Hue. The train ride is one of the most scenic in the world as it winds its way along China Beach and through the Marble Mountains. www.seat61.com has full details.
Hue is good for a couple of days, lots of tombs, temples and, of course the Imperial city as well as some of the best food in Vietnam. H oi An can be reached by taxi and is a quaint, picturesque but very busy town. I preferred staying in the old town but there are some nice hotels out by the beaches.
HCMC is one of my favourite cities in Asia with lots of recent, if tragic history, some beautiful buildings and buzzing markets.
As I mentioned the weather could be an issue so you will need to tailor your plans accordingly.
Haven't been to Nha Tran, but other than that pretty much agree with Crellston. I loved Halong Bay and subject to weather would try to do an overnight on a junk. The karst formations are beautiful.
Because you're really needing some relaxation, I suggest visiting some nature-beauty but not busy destinations in the North such as Ninh Binh, Moc Chau...Hue and Hoi An should be also good for lingering before heading to the South. Hope this useful!