Vietnam itinerary help for May
Sep 10th, 2016, 08:10 AM
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Vietnam itinerary help for May
Hello everyone. A friend has just asked me to join her on a trip to Vietnam in the spring of 2017. I have been looking over trip reports and weather posts and would love some direction. We are both early 60s, fit, well travelled and travel with a lower budget, not backpacker style but not the hilton. We both love to experience the rural life, meeting people and taking in the beautiful scenery. Big noisy polluted cities are definitely not what we want, nor the bar scene.
I am thinking about the following, my initial planning thoughts.
Fly from Vancouver into Ho Chi Min city the last week of April, around the 26th. Neither of us like cities so will most likely overnight and maybe one more day then head off to smaller places.
I am thinking of a beach for swimming and hopefully snorkelling, maybe around Phu Quoc for a few days to get acclimatized.???
We are considering travelling the country by train.
From there we would head north, Na Trang, Hue and then up to Sapa area and do a couple of days on a junk into Halong Bay. I have read a lot of negatives as well as positives on the Halong Bay trips. Any recent feedback and advice is appreciated. If we go longer do we get further away from the crowds?
We would end up in Hanoi and fly home from there.
Total probably 3 weeks.
Or, should we do it in reverse? Mainly the weather, humidity heat and rain, is what my considerations are for which order we do. I don't know if three weeks will really make that much of a difference.
I have been in this part of Asia before, Laos, Burma, Thailand and Cambodia, but always in Jan/Feb. I have never been this late in the year before .
Changing it earlier is not possible as I have another trip booked and won't be back until March 14. I do need to spend a few weeks with my husband before I take off again.
Thanks everyone for any input.
I am thinking about the following, my initial planning thoughts.
Fly from Vancouver into Ho Chi Min city the last week of April, around the 26th. Neither of us like cities so will most likely overnight and maybe one more day then head off to smaller places.
I am thinking of a beach for swimming and hopefully snorkelling, maybe around Phu Quoc for a few days to get acclimatized.???
We are considering travelling the country by train.
From there we would head north, Na Trang, Hue and then up to Sapa area and do a couple of days on a junk into Halong Bay. I have read a lot of negatives as well as positives on the Halong Bay trips. Any recent feedback and advice is appreciated. If we go longer do we get further away from the crowds?
We would end up in Hanoi and fly home from there.
Total probably 3 weeks.
Or, should we do it in reverse? Mainly the weather, humidity heat and rain, is what my considerations are for which order we do. I don't know if three weeks will really make that much of a difference.
I have been in this part of Asia before, Laos, Burma, Thailand and Cambodia, but always in Jan/Feb. I have never been this late in the year before .
Changing it earlier is not possible as I have another trip booked and won't be back until March 14. I do need to spend a few weeks with my husband before I take off again.
Thanks everyone for any input.
Sep 10th, 2016, 10:23 AM
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May is a pretty reasonable time for the whole country. Great weather in central Vietnam, not quiet so good in the north a and south.
Travelling by train is a great way to see the country but do book in advance to secure soft sleeper beds - highly recommended! www.seat61.com has all the info. Try not to book cabins at the end of carriage ( I think no. 1-4 or 24-28) as those are adjacent to the toilets where all the smokers congregate!
Halong Bay got very busy when we were there last year and it took a very long boring drive to get there. IMO not worth the effort. Perhaps try Bai Tu Long bay instead- similar scenery, less visitors.
We were in Nha Trang in May a few years ago the weather was good but it does get very windy every afternoon which makes sitting on the beach uncomfortable. Apparently, it is now frequented by horses of Russian tour groups with a pre situ for consuming vast quantities of alchohol - or so some Vietnamese friends told us.
The best weather will be in Central Vn. making it a great time to explore Hue. The imperial city and tombs are amazing. Bicycles are easily rents and a great way to explore the tombs.
Long, long time since we have been to Sapa but I understand that, that too, has gotten very busy. Ba Be lakes or Ha Giang will see far fewer tourists and also has beautiful scenery.
A highlight of our last trip was 5 days travelling from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh staying in village homestays along the way. You can pretty much tailor the amount of hiking to suit your desires - we did a LOT, probably too much, but loved it. Some info and photos on our blog https://accidentalnomads.com/category/vietnam/
Maybe consider a few days in the delta ( Chau Doc or Cai Rang) before heading north.
We found booking.com to be the best for booking accomodation. If spending a night or two in Saigon do consider M/s Yang's Homestay - wonderful people and a great location in D3
Travelling by train is a great way to see the country but do book in advance to secure soft sleeper beds - highly recommended! www.seat61.com has all the info. Try not to book cabins at the end of carriage ( I think no. 1-4 or 24-28) as those are adjacent to the toilets where all the smokers congregate!
Halong Bay got very busy when we were there last year and it took a very long boring drive to get there. IMO not worth the effort. Perhaps try Bai Tu Long bay instead- similar scenery, less visitors.
We were in Nha Trang in May a few years ago the weather was good but it does get very windy every afternoon which makes sitting on the beach uncomfortable. Apparently, it is now frequented by horses of Russian tour groups with a pre situ for consuming vast quantities of alchohol - or so some Vietnamese friends told us.
The best weather will be in Central Vn. making it a great time to explore Hue. The imperial city and tombs are amazing. Bicycles are easily rents and a great way to explore the tombs.
Long, long time since we have been to Sapa but I understand that, that too, has gotten very busy. Ba Be lakes or Ha Giang will see far fewer tourists and also has beautiful scenery.
A highlight of our last trip was 5 days travelling from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh staying in village homestays along the way. You can pretty much tailor the amount of hiking to suit your desires - we did a LOT, probably too much, but loved it. Some info and photos on our blog https://accidentalnomads.com/category/vietnam/
Maybe consider a few days in the delta ( Chau Doc or Cai Rang) before heading north.
We found booking.com to be the best for booking accomodation. If spending a night or two in Saigon do consider M/s Yang's Homestay - wonderful people and a great location in D3
Sep 10th, 2016, 06:45 PM
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Thank you Clive. I followed your posts for South America too, we were there just after one of your trips and you were most helpful. We have similar travel styles. I just read your blog and will look into those areas more. I did the hill tribe trek in northern Thailand 10 years ago, but don't think I want to do that again, sleeping 10 abreast in a grass hut on stilts. Once was good.
The few different friends that I know who went to Sapa were all around 10 years ago as well, so we will look at the Ha Giang area instead.
I love booking.com, use it all the time. I especially love the fact that you can change your mind a few days prior without penalty, which I do every so often.
I will also look into the delta too, I had thought about that. I remember doing a day trip on the TonLeSap river in Siem Reap and it was fascinating.
The few different friends that I know who went to Sapa were all around 10 years ago as well, so we will look at the Ha Giang area instead.
I love booking.com, use it all the time. I especially love the fact that you can change your mind a few days prior without penalty, which I do every so often.
I will also look into the delta too, I had thought about that. I remember doing a day trip on the TonLeSap river in Siem Reap and it was fascinating.
Sep 10th, 2016, 08:24 PM
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You can't always rely on past performance with weather, but that's really all we have. I was in north and central Vietnam the second last week of April and first week of May in 2016. It was unbearably hot (> 40 C in Hue). This year was an El Niño event in much of SE Asia so not representative of a normal year. I hope the weather is kinder for you.
The scenery and walking opportunities around Mai Chau and Ninh Binh are fantastic, I took a lot of advice from Crellston also (similar travel styles) and used Ethnic Travel to customise a 3 night tour through MC/NB.
My Sapa advice is old, the mountains were awe inspiring then, bet they still are.
I also really enjoyed Ha Long bay in 2009. I found the drive interesting, but then I like car travel.
I haven't been to Phu Quoc island, although I've seen it from a small boat as we motored past. It looked idyllic and the sea breeze would be a bonus. Also consider the Mekong delta area, it's fascinating and pretty unique.
The scenery and walking opportunities around Mai Chau and Ninh Binh are fantastic, I took a lot of advice from Crellston also (similar travel styles) and used Ethnic Travel to customise a 3 night tour through MC/NB.
My Sapa advice is old, the mountains were awe inspiring then, bet they still are.
I also really enjoyed Ha Long bay in 2009. I found the drive interesting, but then I like car travel.
I haven't been to Phu Quoc island, although I've seen it from a small boat as we motored past. It looked idyllic and the sea breeze would be a bonus. Also consider the Mekong delta area, it's fascinating and pretty unique.
Sep 11th, 2016, 01:58 AM
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You are very welcome, live42day. Re the weather in central Vietnam. We were there in July last year and the heat was brutal. We were there two weeks had to move to a hotel with a pool to get some respite! ( The Travellodge). It was in the high 30s!
According to http://www.selectiveasia.com/vietnam...ys/weather/may it is a little cooler in May but as Sartoric points out, past performance of the weather offers no guarantees.
Re the homestays. I want too keen on the communal sleeping arrangements a few years back in Thailand. On our last trip we got curtained off sections and were to only people sleeping there anyway ( apart from the families). Although my back didn't thank me for sleeping on a mattress on the floor! If you ask around I am sure you could do something similar in upgraded accomodation.
According to http://www.selectiveasia.com/vietnam...ys/weather/may it is a little cooler in May but as Sartoric points out, past performance of the weather offers no guarantees.
Re the homestays. I want too keen on the communal sleeping arrangements a few years back in Thailand. On our last trip we got curtained off sections and were to only people sleeping there anyway ( apart from the families). Although my back didn't thank me for sleeping on a mattress on the floor! If you ask around I am sure you could do something similar in upgraded accomodation.
Sep 12th, 2016, 12:43 AM
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Dear, In May 2017 is summer. You should travel in the North & the middle of Viet Nam. The weather is very nice in period. Sapa & Ha Long Bay is the first choice in the North. You can move by night train from Ha Noi capital to Sapa, the air in sapa is so cool. You stay here 2 nights to discover then comeback Ha Noi by night train, too. You can travel to Ha Long Bay by car on next day from Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay about 3.5 hour. Then flight to Nha Trang, Đà Nẵng with long, white beach for swimming.
Phu Quoc is the South of Viet Nam, in May is Rain season so some time maybe will be inconvinence for your vacation but in the first of May I think still be ok for your sunbath
.
Phu Quoc is the South of Viet Nam, in May is Rain season so some time maybe will be inconvinence for your vacation but in the first of May I think still be ok for your sunbath
.
Sep 12th, 2016, 07:24 AM
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Thanks again all. Susiesan I am canadian and not sure yet how this affects me, I have been trying to find out the prices on line, but what ever it is I will have have to pay anyhow I guess.
Daisy thanks for the suggestions.
Doing lots of research and reading. I appreciate all the advice so far.
Daisy thanks for the suggestions.
Doing lots of research and reading. I appreciate all the advice so far.
Sep 17th, 2016, 01:15 PM
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Hi LIve42day! Say,what happened to your Africa trip?
A yr ago, I was in both Ba Be Lake area (thank you, Crellston, for the recco) two nights at a lakeside homestay, great trip on lake to caves, and also HaGaing province . Re: the latter, the scenery is jaw-droppingly spectacular!! But, I wouldnt return, and in retrospect, wish I'd used my limited precious time to go to Sapa instead. Of course, we're all different, and I learned that stunning scenery in and of itself is not enough to make a great trip for me...I need to have a chance to not just meet, but also interact with, friendly welcoming local people. The Ha Giang roads, once you pass Ha Giang town and head farther into the mountainous boondocks, are very, very winding.( If you go, use scopolamine patch to prevent inevitable nausea.) Local people are quite reserved and shy, I found--understandable if you know the history (among other reasons, China which invaded the country in 1979, absconded with local women-- according to my guide). many of the local folks do not speak Vietnamese--so it is essential, if you want to communicate beyond sign language, to have guide with local dialect knowledge for already hesitant shy people. I stayed in variety of accommodations along the way, none "luxe" --which are not available anyway-- ranging from homestay to "ecolodge" to a "1 star" hotel's "VIP Room" complete with disco pastel lights in room!. IF you want just a "taste" of the area, which is beautiful (e.g. mountains, lush green rice paddies--check harvest season for May) you could go only as far as near Ha Giang town and not proceed to the more removed towns like Dong Van and Meo Vac. There's a much longer (and more "positive") report on Ha Giang province on this forum--try the search.
You can get a sense of local life though much closer to Hanoi, in the villages around the city of Ninh Binh (avoid the actual city--it's the surroundings at are lovely!) or Mai Chau (which i especially loved--almost like Switzerland with stung valleys..and friendly people.) There are hometays and a wonderful lodge called Mai ChauEcolodge in the are--the latter worth a moderatesplurge, imho.
Re HaLongBay, i want one of the Indochina Junk company boats. These sail to Bai Tu Long Bay, a farther-away section of the Bay. They are not inexpensive, but I think you and your friend would have a blast! You see beautiful scenery, and are well-pampered by the staff. Great fun, but one night was sufficient. I was one of three "solo" females--we met each other there, and had a great time. There was a perfect mix of friends/families/age groups/nationalities.
For inexpensive but delightful accommodations in Hanoi, check out any of the Elegance/Essence chain. I stayed at Essence Hanoi and Essence d'Orient. In the latter, you can get a bal cony room that faces the busy street below, right in the center of the lively old quarter. I believe Sartoric stayed there too.
A yr ago, I was in both Ba Be Lake area (thank you, Crellston, for the recco) two nights at a lakeside homestay, great trip on lake to caves, and also HaGaing province . Re: the latter, the scenery is jaw-droppingly spectacular!! But, I wouldnt return, and in retrospect, wish I'd used my limited precious time to go to Sapa instead. Of course, we're all different, and I learned that stunning scenery in and of itself is not enough to make a great trip for me...I need to have a chance to not just meet, but also interact with, friendly welcoming local people. The Ha Giang roads, once you pass Ha Giang town and head farther into the mountainous boondocks, are very, very winding.( If you go, use scopolamine patch to prevent inevitable nausea.) Local people are quite reserved and shy, I found--understandable if you know the history (among other reasons, China which invaded the country in 1979, absconded with local women-- according to my guide). many of the local folks do not speak Vietnamese--so it is essential, if you want to communicate beyond sign language, to have guide with local dialect knowledge for already hesitant shy people. I stayed in variety of accommodations along the way, none "luxe" --which are not available anyway-- ranging from homestay to "ecolodge" to a "1 star" hotel's "VIP Room" complete with disco pastel lights in room!. IF you want just a "taste" of the area, which is beautiful (e.g. mountains, lush green rice paddies--check harvest season for May) you could go only as far as near Ha Giang town and not proceed to the more removed towns like Dong Van and Meo Vac. There's a much longer (and more "positive") report on Ha Giang province on this forum--try the search.
You can get a sense of local life though much closer to Hanoi, in the villages around the city of Ninh Binh (avoid the actual city--it's the surroundings at are lovely!) or Mai Chau (which i especially loved--almost like Switzerland with stung valleys..and friendly people.) There are hometays and a wonderful lodge called Mai ChauEcolodge in the are--the latter worth a moderatesplurge, imho.
Re HaLongBay, i want one of the Indochina Junk company boats. These sail to Bai Tu Long Bay, a farther-away section of the Bay. They are not inexpensive, but I think you and your friend would have a blast! You see beautiful scenery, and are well-pampered by the staff. Great fun, but one night was sufficient. I was one of three "solo" females--we met each other there, and had a great time. There was a perfect mix of friends/families/age groups/nationalities.
For inexpensive but delightful accommodations in Hanoi, check out any of the Elegance/Essence chain. I stayed at Essence Hanoi and Essence d'Orient. In the latter, you can get a bal cony room that faces the busy street below, right in the center of the lively old quarter. I believe Sartoric stayed there too.
Sep 17th, 2016, 11:40 PM
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Hey Cali. Still doing Africa. Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya then Europe for two weeks on the way back. That is from Feb 4 to March 14.
Another friend just asked me to go to Vietnam too, I just can't say no! We are booking the flight tomorrow. China southern has flights from Vancouver into Ho Chi Minh and out of Hanoi for $ 688 CDN all in and good times and connections too. so we are flying out late April for three weeks. I have a very understanding husband who knows I need to travel and not wanting to do so himself right now. I am so blessed and to also have friends who want to go with me too.
This will be a much less expensive trip than Africa, that's for sure!
I really appreciate your suggestions. We will most likely just book the beginning and the end with a rough idea of what we want to do and just wing it while there. I definitely want to do the 2 night cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay. I really like the idea of finding out about the local people and way of life. This friend came to Burma with me a few years ago so I know we travel well together and have the same style of wanting to experience the lifestyle of the locals.
I will look at the other places you mentioned as well. Thanks again. If you think of anything else please let me know
Debbe.
Another friend just asked me to go to Vietnam too, I just can't say no! We are booking the flight tomorrow. China southern has flights from Vancouver into Ho Chi Minh and out of Hanoi for $ 688 CDN all in and good times and connections too. so we are flying out late April for three weeks. I have a very understanding husband who knows I need to travel and not wanting to do so himself right now. I am so blessed and to also have friends who want to go with me too.
This will be a much less expensive trip than Africa, that's for sure!
I really appreciate your suggestions. We will most likely just book the beginning and the end with a rough idea of what we want to do and just wing it while there. I definitely want to do the 2 night cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay. I really like the idea of finding out about the local people and way of life. This friend came to Burma with me a few years ago so I know we travel well together and have the same style of wanting to experience the lifestyle of the locals.
I will look at the other places you mentioned as well. Thanks again. If you think of anything else please let me know
Debbe.
Sep 18th, 2016, 07:19 AM
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One more thing Cali. I loved reading your concerns about toilets and home stays. This is how I plan a lot of my trips now ����. Where is the bathroom? I remember the exact scenario you described doing the hill tribe trek out of Chaing Mai.. Lovely, but once was enough and I was a mere child of 50 then!
Sep 20th, 2016, 12:42 PM
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Live42day...You are blessed indeed! Your Africa itin is making me sooooo envious!! Have you posted discussed it more on the Africa board or elsewhere? I LOVE it all...including Uganda , and am so glad it is in your plans, while many others don't make it there on an E Africa trip.
But I digress...
Speaking of toilets If you book on the Dragon Legend (Indochina Junk Company) ship which goes to Bai Tu Long Bay, you will LOVE the en suite bathrooms. Huge bathtubs by the big window, so you can watch the sea and rocky outcroppings as you soak! Separate small shower too in the large bathroom.
Since I haven't yet figured out how to post with Shutterfy, if you'd like to see photos, and IF you feel safe/secure doing so, perhaps post your email address here and i can email them to you.
But I digress...
Speaking of toilets
If you book on the Dragon Legend (Indochina Junk Company) ship which goes to Bai Tu Long Bay, you will LOVE the en suite bathrooms. Huge bathtubs by the big window, so you can watch the sea and rocky outcroppings as you soak! Separate small shower too in the large bathroom.Since I haven't yet figured out how to post with Shutterfy, if you'd like to see photos, and IF you feel safe/secure doing so, perhaps post your email address here and i can email them to you.
Sep 20th, 2016, 01:41 PM
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Absolutely. [email protected]. No I in Debbe.
Sep 22nd, 2016, 01:02 AM
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If you are beach lover, Phu Quoc is a good choice. Besides beautiful beach, there are many interesting activities including fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Another point is that traveling by train is quite safe but it will be more convenient to catch buses/coaches. When coming to Hue, you should spend time in Hoian.
Sep 22nd, 2016, 04:38 AM
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Will you also be going to Hoi An? While very touristy, it is a charming town to wander for a few days and it is easy enough to get from Hue. It's very picturesque. Have a great time. Wish I could get back to Vietnam.
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