watakeet

we're planning for spending 3 whole days in a vietnam city for this christmas. which has more charm and is more tourist-friendly, hoi an, hue or danang. we'll be arriving from danang airport and love heritage and photo-taking. i appreciate any advice.

thursdaysd

I found Danang interesting because it isn't a tourist town, but I wouldn't recommend three days. (But do visit the Cham Museum.)

Hoi An is hopelessly touristy. It's worth a look but only spend three days if you're an avid shopper and want to buy lots of made-to-measure clothes. (But do visit My Son nearby.)

Hue is the clear winner in my mind, with lots of atmosphere, plenty to look at, and good food, but I hope it stays dry for you. I think I just read that they had finished renovating the citadel - don't know if that will be good or bad.

watakeet

the climate information on the internet that i could find about these three cities is non-conclusive. can anybody advise whether they are all in wet season with plenty of rainfall expected around christmas?

katrinab

I agree with thursdaysd. We found Hue to be really fascinating and the royal tombs and the Citadel were far more interesting than any of the sights in Hoi An. Hoi An feels like it is overrun by tourists, mainly because its so small. But if you want to purchase a new wardrobe full of tailormade clothing, Hoi An is the place to go.

http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/

allenberger544

I would definitely see the Citadel and then head straight for Hoi An. It is small and just lovely. And there must be a reason tourists go there; how about because its a wonderful place to visit!! We were there a year and 1/2 ago and plan to go back and stay this Christmas there.
Good luck with your decision and enjoy wherever you go!

watakeet

so clearly hue is the winner. but is the probably torrential rain a deterrent?

thursdaysd

I was there in December (though early December) and the rain wasn't so much torrential as persistent. Still enjoyed the place, though.

good_life_traveling

Hoi An, Hue and Da Nang are really close to each other, it only takes you around 1 or 2 hrs to travel from Da Nang to Hue or Hue to Hoi An. From Hoi An to Da Nang, it takes you approx 30 mins. Thus, you can spend 03 whole days to enjoy 03 places!

crellston

Having spent time in all three places you mention I would forget about DaNang as there is not a great deal to keep you there for three days.

Hue has some great restaurants and, apart from a handful of exceptions, some pretty mediocre hotels. The citadel is worth half a day as are the tombs. The trip by train from Da Nang is one of the great train journeys of the world.
The drive over the Hai Van Pass is also spectacular, although the weather may not allow you to enjoy the views.

On balance, and although I am not a fan of overtly touristy places, I do feel you time would be better spent in Hoi An. It is not too far to travel and there are lots of good places to eat and loads of photo ops (the markets, river, people, buildings etc.) We spent NYE there and the floating lantern display on the river was magical. If the weather is ok then hire some bikes and cycle out to the beach or into the countryside.

Have fun it is an amazing country!

watakeet

thank you all for your wonderful advice!