First-Timers Asia Trip - Country Suggestions from the Experts?
Feb 3rd, 2015, 10:14 AM
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First-Timers Asia Trip - Country Suggestions from the Experts?
Hi All,
I am FINALLY making it to Asia this upcoming April 2015 for a 2.5 week trip, and I am hoping some of the well-traveled Fodorites can weigh in on what countries to focus on based on my travel profile. There are just so many great and diverse options that I haven't been able to make a decision yet.
A little about me and my boyfriend: Both 36, athletic, well-traveled (just not to Asia), love adventure, new experiences culturally, heavy focus on culinary when we travel (both fine-dining and anything local), love hotels and seek to include a mix of luxury with off-the-beaten-path options, enjoy the beach/relaxing but only for a few days sprinkled within a trip, travel budget is usually generous .....we are energetic travelers and look forward to experiencing a country in a unique way (i.e. spearfishing in Puerto Rico, hang gliding in Portugal, ballooning in Napa). I am a super prepared planner and do an inordinate amount of research on the front end so that I can let a trip unfold naturally as we go (without missing anything, haha!).
We will start in Hong Kong for 4 days at The Ritz-Carlton for my company's incentive trip and then....not sure. Do I stay in China because it is simply that amazing and I shouldn't pass it up? It has never been a priority for my travels plans, BUT the more that I read the more amazing it looks. The country is just so large though....would I be able to explore many different areas within such a short time period? Don't want to only go to the major cities or get bogged down traveling from one place to another....want to get out into the countryside and smaller towns.
Also considering Vietnam or Thailand following Hong Kong, both of which are VERY high on my travel wish-list. We will have 2 weeks to play with.....Do one of these options provide more accessibility and the ability to see more/do more in that timeframe ? Or maybe there is a way to do both? Or another country I am not even considering yet?? ugh, rescue me from my indecision!!
I know travel is so subjective, but hopefully I have given a glimpse of what we are looking for and I appreciate your suggestions so much. It will help me focus my planning that much quicker
Warmly, Anastasia
I am FINALLY making it to Asia this upcoming April 2015 for a 2.5 week trip, and I am hoping some of the well-traveled Fodorites can weigh in on what countries to focus on based on my travel profile. There are just so many great and diverse options that I haven't been able to make a decision yet.
A little about me and my boyfriend: Both 36, athletic, well-traveled (just not to Asia), love adventure, new experiences culturally, heavy focus on culinary when we travel (both fine-dining and anything local), love hotels and seek to include a mix of luxury with off-the-beaten-path options, enjoy the beach/relaxing but only for a few days sprinkled within a trip, travel budget is usually generous .....we are energetic travelers and look forward to experiencing a country in a unique way (i.e. spearfishing in Puerto Rico, hang gliding in Portugal, ballooning in Napa). I am a super prepared planner and do an inordinate amount of research on the front end so that I can let a trip unfold naturally as we go (without missing anything, haha!).
We will start in Hong Kong for 4 days at The Ritz-Carlton for my company's incentive trip and then....not sure. Do I stay in China because it is simply that amazing and I shouldn't pass it up? It has never been a priority for my travels plans, BUT the more that I read the more amazing it looks. The country is just so large though....would I be able to explore many different areas within such a short time period? Don't want to only go to the major cities or get bogged down traveling from one place to another....want to get out into the countryside and smaller towns.
Also considering Vietnam or Thailand following Hong Kong, both of which are VERY high on my travel wish-list. We will have 2 weeks to play with.....Do one of these options provide more accessibility and the ability to see more/do more in that timeframe ? Or maybe there is a way to do both? Or another country I am not even considering yet?? ugh, rescue me from my indecision!!
I know travel is so subjective, but hopefully I have given a glimpse of what we are looking for and I appreciate your suggestions so much. It will help me focus my planning that much quicker
Warmly, Anastasia
Feb 3rd, 2015, 12:36 PM
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No reason at all to feel obligated to go to China just because you are spending a few days in Hong Kong. If China isn't the place that calls to you, save it for another trip.
You have two weeks on the ground in Asia after your stay at the R-C in Hong Kong (correct?). While I usually suggest Thailand for first-timers in SE Asia, April is the hottest month there. Instead, I'd highly recommend Indonesia. With two weeks, you can spend some time on Bali (a magical place) and you have time for Central Java. On Bali, plan a few days at the beach, but spend the majority of your time inland near Ubud.
There are many posts here about Bali, let me refer you to this one about accommodations: http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...tel-report.cfm
If you might be interested in central Java, here is my trip report from a couple of years ago: http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...n-to-jogja.cfm
If you don't know anything about central Java, do browse through our photos: www.marlandc.com Borobudur and Prambanam and the Ramayana Ballet are all well worth your time.
You have two weeks on the ground in Asia after your stay at the R-C in Hong Kong (correct?). While I usually suggest Thailand for first-timers in SE Asia, April is the hottest month there. Instead, I'd highly recommend Indonesia. With two weeks, you can spend some time on Bali (a magical place) and you have time for Central Java. On Bali, plan a few days at the beach, but spend the majority of your time inland near Ubud.
There are many posts here about Bali, let me refer you to this one about accommodations: http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...tel-report.cfm
If you might be interested in central Java, here is my trip report from a couple of years ago: http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...n-to-jogja.cfm
If you don't know anything about central Java, do browse through our photos: www.marlandc.com Borobudur and Prambanam and the Ramayana Ballet are all well worth your time.
Feb 3rd, 2015, 01:32 PM
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I actually think Vietnam would work very well for you: April is a pretty decent month across the board climate wise in Vietnam (which is saying something considering all the micro climates there) and two weeks is pretty good for sampler of the country.
I think you can definitely check most of your boxes in Vietnam - adventure, cultural experiences, CULINARY for sure, some very great hotel options, and April is a great time for beach on the Central Coast (and if your budget is luxe/generous, check out Amanoi or the Six Senses Con Dao).
If you've never been to Japan, that could also be great to combine with Hong Kong, and since the major areas are so well connected by high speed shinkansen rail service, you can very quickly get from place to place. 2 weeks is a great first trip, and a number of people have had recent topics with sample itineraries you can check. April is also prime cherry blossom season, so you'd get great spring scenery in addition to heavy doses of culture and culinary (OH THE FOOD IN JAPAN, I miss it so much) as well. For beach in April in Japan, you could shrink mainland Japan to 10 days and carve out some time in Okinawa islands, which is a bit more off the beaten path for foreign travelers to Japan, and could give you your dose of active adventure as well. And Japan has some wonderful hotel properties as well, ranging from big name chain hotels with excellent service and amenities (Peninsula Tokyo, Ritz-Carlton Kyoto) to wonder ryokans with traditional furnishings and elaborate kiseki meals.
I think you can definitely check most of your boxes in Vietnam - adventure, cultural experiences, CULINARY for sure, some very great hotel options, and April is a great time for beach on the Central Coast (and if your budget is luxe/generous, check out Amanoi or the Six Senses Con Dao).
If you've never been to Japan, that could also be great to combine with Hong Kong, and since the major areas are so well connected by high speed shinkansen rail service, you can very quickly get from place to place. 2 weeks is a great first trip, and a number of people have had recent topics with sample itineraries you can check. April is also prime cherry blossom season, so you'd get great spring scenery in addition to heavy doses of culture and culinary (OH THE FOOD IN JAPAN, I miss it so much) as well. For beach in April in Japan, you could shrink mainland Japan to 10 days and carve out some time in Okinawa islands, which is a bit more off the beaten path for foreign travelers to Japan, and could give you your dose of active adventure as well. And Japan has some wonderful hotel properties as well, ranging from big name chain hotels with excellent service and amenities (Peninsula Tokyo, Ritz-Carlton Kyoto) to wonder ryokans with traditional furnishings and elaborate kiseki meals.
Feb 3rd, 2015, 02:16 PM
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Wow - thank you so much @Kathie and @inspiredexplorer for your quick and thoughtful replies! I am absolutely open to Bali and we had talked about that as an option actually....about a 5 hour flight from Hong Kong it looks like? I'll have to read more about it from the outdoor activities and culinary scene.....I know it would have beautiful beaches and luxury!
For my China deliberation, I just don't want to discount doing the entire trip there if others agree that it is a "must". I have no basis really for it not being high priority for my travels; it just hasn't. BUT I have been changing my own mind the more research I do....I know that I don't want to get bogged down with tons of travel trying to get to each place worth visiting though.
I think I am more drawn to Vietnam than Japan at this point but thank you for the recommendations (BF is really interested in Japan but he isn't the one who won the trip haha!
. When you say "hot" in Thailand, are we talking miserable? Like South Florida in the Summer? Being North Floridians, we can handle hot but don't want miserable
thanks again - this is already helping!!
For my China deliberation, I just don't want to discount doing the entire trip there if others agree that it is a "must". I have no basis really for it not being high priority for my travels; it just hasn't. BUT I have been changing my own mind the more research I do....I know that I don't want to get bogged down with tons of travel trying to get to each place worth visiting though.
I think I am more drawn to Vietnam than Japan at this point but thank you for the recommendations (BF is really interested in Japan but he isn't the one who won the trip haha!
. When you say "hot" in Thailand, are we talking miserable? Like South Florida in the Summer? Being North Floridians, we can handle hot but don't want miserable thanks again - this is already helping!!
Feb 3rd, 2015, 03:18 PM
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Bali can offer everything on your wish list. You could easily fill up 2 weeks in Bali alone or combine it with another southeast Asian destination. My preference would be Bali+Angkor(Cambodia) or Bangkok, but there are plenty of choices. Or as Kathie notes Bali plus another Indonesian destination, like Central Java.
April is good weather in Bali, though Easter week can be heavily booked. There are certainly no shortage of luxury accommodations in Bali, both resorts and free standing villas. My favorites are the Legian in Seminyak beach, Uma Ubud in the town of Ubud, and Como Shambhala and Alila outside of Ubud. If your budget is really liberal, look at Amanjiwo in Central Java!
For privacy and pampering look at villas in Seminyak.
In the past few years, Bali has become a foodie destination, especially in Seminyak and in Ubud. A few examples: In Seminyak Sarong, Sardine, Metis, Bambu, Mejekawi. In Ubud Mosaic, Locavore, Hujan Locale. Balinese/Indonesian food is also quite sophisticated -- all those spices! Lots of opportunities for cooking classes in Bali too.
As for outdoorsy/adventure travel you can: surf, snorkel, scuba, mountain climb, bike, raft, trek. The natural beauty is phenomenal -- mountains, rice paddies, beaches reefs. All liberally sprinkled with Balinese culture, arts and crafts, spas and wellness and spiritualism
April is good weather in Bali, though Easter week can be heavily booked. There are certainly no shortage of luxury accommodations in Bali, both resorts and free standing villas. My favorites are the Legian in Seminyak beach, Uma Ubud in the town of Ubud, and Como Shambhala and Alila outside of Ubud. If your budget is really liberal, look at Amanjiwo in Central Java!
For privacy and pampering look at villas in Seminyak.
In the past few years, Bali has become a foodie destination, especially in Seminyak and in Ubud. A few examples: In Seminyak Sarong, Sardine, Metis, Bambu, Mejekawi. In Ubud Mosaic, Locavore, Hujan Locale. Balinese/Indonesian food is also quite sophisticated -- all those spices! Lots of opportunities for cooking classes in Bali too.
As for outdoorsy/adventure travel you can: surf, snorkel, scuba, mountain climb, bike, raft, trek. The natural beauty is phenomenal -- mountains, rice paddies, beaches reefs. All liberally sprinkled with Balinese culture, arts and crafts, spas and wellness and spiritualism
Feb 3rd, 2015, 03:49 PM
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I have a friend who describes Thai weather as "hot" or "hell hot." April is hell hot.
I'll admit that China is not my favorite destination in Asia. The air pollution is really horrible in/near all of the big cities.
I'll admit that China is not my favorite destination in Asia. The air pollution is really horrible in/near all of the big cities.
Feb 3rd, 2015, 03:55 PM
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Another vote for Vietnam. A country which has a huge amount to offer; amazing trekking through ghe countryside, a diverse and interestingness culture and history and, arguably some of the best food Asia has to offer. Still very easy to get to places where you will see few other tourists. It takes planning to get the best out of the country but should present no problems for a "super prepared planner"
It will be getting a bit hot in the south but you should bet pleasant weather in the north and central regions. Plenty of accomodation to prions fro lux hotels to staying in ethnic minority villages in the mountains.
Here is a link to our blog of our current trip where we spent 2.5 months in the country
http://accidentalnomads.com/page/2/ not up to date yet but other entries will follow soon
Also a link to our time there in 2008. Vietnam starts at # 13
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/1/tpod.html
Japan is also a favourite and in April you may be lucky enough to catch the cherry blossom
It will be getting a bit hot in the south but you should bet pleasant weather in the north and central regions. Plenty of accomodation to prions fro lux hotels to staying in ethnic minority villages in the mountains.
Here is a link to our blog of our current trip where we spent 2.5 months in the country
http://accidentalnomads.com/page/2/ not up to date yet but other entries will follow soon
Also a link to our time there in 2008. Vietnam starts at # 13
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/1/tpod.html
Japan is also a favourite and in April you may be lucky enough to catch the cherry blossom
Feb 3rd, 2015, 05:27 PM
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Kathie is totally correct. Hong Kong is Hong Kong, China is China. There's no obligation to visit China only because you are in Hong Kong. And you still need to get a separate Chinese visa anyways ($140, good for 10 years). No visa needed for HK.
But if you do want to visit China, then there's no reason to feel 2 weeks is too long or too short. You'll never see it all, but it doesn't mean you can't see quite a bit in 2 weeks.
But if you do want to visit China, then there's no reason to feel 2 weeks is too long or too short. You'll never see it all, but it doesn't mean you can't see quite a bit in 2 weeks.
Feb 3rd, 2015, 08:21 PM
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Wherever you go, get out of cities and tourist resort areas. In the two weeks you have, go through some truly rural territory.
Also, climate is not all the same within a country. April temperatures are hot in Thailand, but humidity in Chaing Mai is only aobut 60% while it's 77% in Bangkok.
www.climatetemps.com
Also, climate is not all the same within a country. April temperatures are hot in Thailand, but humidity in Chaing Mai is only aobut 60% while it's 77% in Bangkok.
www.climatetemps.com
Feb 4th, 2015, 07:04 AM
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Thank you for the additional votes and suggestions! @kathie "hell hot" sounds pretty miserable, haha I will check out the climatetemps website and get a good idea there too.....we have a Ritz-Carlton in Phulay Bay Thailand which is tempting, but again, I want to be trekking and getting out and about and humidity, oppressing temps and bugs(?) would be a huge deterrent from selecting Thailand for this trip.
Thank you @Marmot for all of the Bali suggestions and names! It definitely sounds like I have some reading up to do....I think seeing some of my friends honeymoon there and the Eat, Pray, Love movie gave me the impression that it was simply all beauty and less brains i.e. culture, culinary and outdoors stuff. Sounds like we could have it all though!
And thank you @crellston for sharing your blog and photos of Vietnam....the rural villages, friendly culture and absolutely stunning countryside are calling to me. Plus the opportunity to mix in the culinary scene and beach resorts at some point....
The trip will be here before we know it and I am feeling panicked to make a decision and get going on research....which is like a 2nd job, but one that I love doing! Because of your great opinions, I think we will be leaning towards either Vietnam or a Bali combo destination. Thank you!
I will check out the climatetemps website and get a good idea there too.....we have a Ritz-Carlton in Phulay Bay Thailand which is tempting, but again, I want to be trekking and getting out and about and humidity, oppressing temps and bugs(?) would be a huge deterrent from selecting Thailand for this trip.Thank you @Marmot for all of the Bali suggestions and names! It definitely sounds like I have some reading up to do....I think seeing some of my friends honeymoon there and the Eat, Pray, Love movie gave me the impression that it was simply all beauty and less brains i.e. culture, culinary and outdoors stuff. Sounds like we could have it all though!
And thank you @crellston for sharing your blog and photos of Vietnam....the rural villages, friendly culture and absolutely stunning countryside are calling to me. Plus the opportunity to mix in the culinary scene and beach resorts at some point....
The trip will be here before we know it and I am feeling panicked to make a decision and get going on research....which is like a 2nd job, but one that I love doing! Because of your great opinions, I think we will be leaning towards either Vietnam or a Bali combo destination. Thank you!
Feb 4th, 2015, 07:40 AM
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Let me highly recommend you choose just one country, not two. Two weeks is a bare minimum for getting an overview of VN, IMO, and would be a good amount of time for a Bali/Java combination. This is an area of the world that rewards slow travel.
Getting from place to place takes longer than you expect. And - anywhere in the world - each time you change locations you use up a half a day to a whole day of your trip (think from checking out of one place and checking into the next place). So it takes three nights somewhere to get two full days.
Happy planning! I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip.
Getting from place to place takes longer than you expect. And - anywhere in the world - each time you change locations you use up a half a day to a whole day of your trip (think from checking out of one place and checking into the next place). So it takes three nights somewhere to get two full days.
Happy planning! I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip.
Feb 4th, 2015, 08:06 AM
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thanks @Kathie....I completely agree. I am fast moving, but never like to gloss over a place. I am thinking all Vietnam or your suggestion for the Java/Bali trip (I would never have thought to do Java - good food for thought!)
I welcome any further suggestions and I am sure I will ask for more guidance once I narrow things down.
I welcome any further suggestions and I am sure I will ask for more guidance once I narrow things down.
Feb 4th, 2015, 02:53 PM
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Bali has a lot of different personalities and you can go as deep into the culture as you like. The temple ceremonies, festivals, processions, offerings are a prominent part of every day life, everywhere in Bali. You simply can't help but be impacted, both by the religion and the arts and performing arts adjuncts, like dance, music, masks, puppets, architecture.
If you look at a map of Bali you'll see that the developed areas -- the southern beaches and the Ubud area -- only take up a small part of the island. There's a lot of nature and village life out there for exploration.
Java is less developed but at the same time highly populated. Java's Islam is less given to overt spectacle than Bali's Hinduism, but the ancient sites and mountains are mysterious and alluring.
I would plan a few nights in Yogyakarta and the Borobudur area (try to stay near Borobudur for some of them) and a few nights in the Bromo area (definitely stay in the mountains). You could start in Yogya, fly to Surabaya, then fly to Bali.
Really, though with your interests I don't think you'd have any problem filling up two weeks in Bali alone. What is unique about Bali is its compactness -- you can explore those different personalities -- culture, nature, adventure, food, wellness, arts -- without leaving the island.
If you look at a map of Bali you'll see that the developed areas -- the southern beaches and the Ubud area -- only take up a small part of the island. There's a lot of nature and village life out there for exploration.
Java is less developed but at the same time highly populated. Java's Islam is less given to overt spectacle than Bali's Hinduism, but the ancient sites and mountains are mysterious and alluring.
I would plan a few nights in Yogyakarta and the Borobudur area (try to stay near Borobudur for some of them) and a few nights in the Bromo area (definitely stay in the mountains). You could start in Yogya, fly to Surabaya, then fly to Bali.
Really, though with your interests I don't think you'd have any problem filling up two weeks in Bali alone. What is unique about Bali is its compactness -- you can explore those different personalities -- culture, nature, adventure, food, wellness, arts -- without leaving the island.
Feb 5th, 2015, 08:37 AM
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@Marmot - Wow, thank you! Your descriptions make it sounds so lovely and you definitely highlighted everything that I am interested in. Knowing that Bali is compact and has those many 'faces' is really attractive....and the wellness angle is great too! I am going to take a look at flights and the cities you mentioned this weekend to get a better feel....and we just opened up a Ritz-Carlton in Bali too which would be nice to check out!
Feb 5th, 2015, 09:29 PM
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I haven't been to the new Ritz Carlton in Nusa Dua yet. I wouldn't especially recommend the area, but Im sure it's an extravagant luxury resort experience.
Wellness can mean yoga (I think Bali has become the yoga center of Asia), cleanses, raw food, massage, spa treatments or even traditional healing. Indonesia -- both Bali and Java -- has vast resources of traditional medicine and spiritualism.
Wellness can mean yoga (I think Bali has become the yoga center of Asia), cleanses, raw food, massage, spa treatments or even traditional healing. Indonesia -- both Bali and Java -- has vast resources of traditional medicine and spiritualism.
Feb 11th, 2015, 10:20 AM
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Hi, Anastasia.
Don't stress about it. If you are coming to Asia you won't be disappointed.
Some people here say "do this, do that," but you can't possibly do everything. You could stay in one street and spend weeks with the most interesting people and families and food.
We have done it an unfathomable number of times, and always wonder why we have never gotten on to the next place, but are never bothered about it. Asia is like that. There is always another person who wants a chat, and another little stool to squat on while sharing a bowl of soup.
Just go with the flow. Enjoy yourselves.
Don't stress about it. If you are coming to Asia you won't be disappointed.
Some people here say "do this, do that," but you can't possibly do everything. You could stay in one street and spend weeks with the most interesting people and families and food.
We have done it an unfathomable number of times, and always wonder why we have never gotten on to the next place, but are never bothered about it. Asia is like that. There is always another person who wants a chat, and another little stool to squat on while sharing a bowl of soup.
Just go with the flow. Enjoy yourselves.
Feb 11th, 2015, 10:43 AM
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Giving further thought, may I suggest Malaysia?
Kuala Lumpur is well worth a visit. If you like a history of architecture, it is there. If you like food, it is there. If you are a shopaholic, the shopping malls will blow your mind Think Dubai.
However, there is a side to Malaysia in Malacca and Penang that encompasses 1000 years of Chinese, Indian, Portugese, Dutch, English, Arab involvement.
Malacca and Penang are two of my favourite places in Asia. But then, Saigon. Or Singapore. Or Bangkok. Or...
Kuala Lumpur is well worth a visit. If you like a history of architecture, it is there. If you like food, it is there. If you are a shopaholic, the shopping malls will blow your mind Think Dubai.
However, there is a side to Malaysia in Malacca and Penang that encompasses 1000 years of Chinese, Indian, Portugese, Dutch, English, Arab involvement.
Malacca and Penang are two of my favourite places in Asia. But then, Saigon. Or Singapore. Or Bangkok. Or...
Feb 17th, 2015, 05:34 AM
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@mareeS55 thank you for your thoughts and suggestions! It sounds like you have a lovely way of approaching travel and I always look forward to 'going with the flow' as well .....but my pre-trip personality is very different from my travel personality! haha. I am really so very excited......I have been blessed with great travels so far, but mainly to europe, central america (costa rica) and the Caribbean islands. I know that Asia will be such a departure culturally from everything I have experienced so far and I can't wait to get lost and immersed in it.
@marmot Bali sounds so wonderful.....everything you mention (cleanses, yoga, spiritualism, traditional medicine, temples) sounds exactly what I am looking for.....and then punctuated with the ability to be active outdoors and eat, eat, eat
I am dedicating this weekend to some serious deep diving into potential itineraries for (1) Thailand (2) Vietnam and (3) Bali and Java....hope to emerge with a decision!
.....but my pre-trip personality is very different from my travel personality! haha. I am really so very excited......I have been blessed with great travels so far, but mainly to europe, central america (costa rica) and the Caribbean islands. I know that Asia will be such a departure culturally from everything I have experienced so far and I can't wait to get lost and immersed in it.@marmot Bali sounds so wonderful.....everything you mention (cleanses, yoga, spiritualism, traditional medicine, temples) sounds exactly what I am looking for.....and then punctuated with the ability to be active outdoors and eat, eat, eat
I am dedicating this weekend to some serious deep diving into potential itineraries for (1) Thailand (2) Vietnam and (3) Bali and Java....hope to emerge with a decision!
Feb 19th, 2015, 05:09 PM
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I had the occasion to visit the Ritz-Carlton in Nusa Dua. The positives are that it's well designed -- nice rooms and restaurants, gorgeous pool, potentially beautiful landscaping once it takes hold. The negatives are that it's very big, only half open and right next to a huge construction site. Even by 5 star standards, the food was inordinately expensive. The real downside though is the beach, which is skimpy and shallow even at high tide and inaccessible at low tide. Some enterprising soul was offering camel rides along the shore!
Nusa Dua itself is mostly bereft of Balinese culture, which is okay for those looking for a generic luxury resort, but for a luxury + beach experience there are better options.
Nusa Dua itself is mostly bereft of Balinese culture, which is okay for those looking for a generic luxury resort, but for a luxury + beach experience there are better options.
Feb 20th, 2015, 05:22 AM
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Hi!
Vietnam is a very interesting place to visit. I read a lot of blogs before traveling there so I could figure out what cities to visit (and which to avoid). One great blog I found is Togetherinthailand.com. They have an article on several cities in Vietnam (Ha Noi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang) and Cambodia they visited and their experience. They live in Thailand right now and have visited several cities within Thailand so that could help you as well. Here it is if you would like to check it out for some ideas:
http://togetherinthailand.com/vietnam-trip-nutshell/
Vietnam is a very interesting place to visit. I read a lot of blogs before traveling there so I could figure out what cities to visit (and which to avoid). One great blog I found is Togetherinthailand.com. They have an article on several cities in Vietnam (Ha Noi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang) and Cambodia they visited and their experience. They live in Thailand right now and have visited several cities within Thailand so that could help you as well. Here it is if you would like to check it out for some ideas:
http://togetherinthailand.com/vietnam-trip-nutshell/
