Hi! I really need some help for a Thailand and Vietnam Trip for July 2025
I've been pouring over guidebooks, blogs and instagram posts but it's becoming a bit overwhelming and I could use some advice. First timer to either country. Mid-price traveler. Want to relax a bit. Considerate of July rainy season. 2 adults.
Here's what I have:
Fly from Toronto
2 nights Bangkok (adjust to time zone)
4 nights Chiang Mai (with day trip to Chiang Rai)
2 nights Hanoi
1-2 nights Ha Long Bay cruise (I've been reading mixed reviews on this- a must do?)
1 night Hanoi
1 night Da Nang
4 nights Hoi An (with a couple beach days)
2 nights Bangkok before flying back to Toronto
Thoughts-Should I add? Change?
Thank you!
Kara
I've been pouring over guidebooks, blogs and instagram posts but it's becoming a bit overwhelming and I could use some advice. First timer to either country. Mid-price traveler. Want to relax a bit. Considerate of July rainy season. 2 adults.
Here's what I have:
Fly from Toronto
2 nights Bangkok (adjust to time zone)
4 nights Chiang Mai (with day trip to Chiang Rai)
2 nights Hanoi
1-2 nights Ha Long Bay cruise (I've been reading mixed reviews on this- a must do?)
1 night Hanoi
1 night Da Nang
4 nights Hoi An (with a couple beach days)
2 nights Bangkok before flying back to Toronto
Thoughts-Should I add? Change?
Thank you!
Kara
First if all Happy 50th!
How about 3 nights Bangkok upon arrival and one night before leaving as this will give you more time to adjust.
Two nights in Da Bang and three in Hoi An.
A guide we used in HCMC is in Da Nang now and it seems there is much to see.
Have fun!
Larry
How about 3 nights Bangkok upon arrival and one night before leaving as this will give you more time to adjust.
Two nights in Da Bang and three in Hoi An.
A guide we used in HCMC is in Da Nang now and it seems there is much to see.
Have fun!
Larry
A few observations.
Weather
When you say "Considerate of July rainy season.", appreciate that, with the exception of Central Vietnam it is going to be very wet in a lot of those places. Of the locations you mention, I would almost certainly avoid going to Hanoi and Halong Bay and Northern Thailand at that time. Storms and heavy rain are common. I have walked the streets on Hanoi ankle deep in water at that time and the chances of seeing much in Halong are pretty low.
Central Vietnam will see great weather at that time. Da Nang is one of the less interesting cities in Vietnam. In the central region I would look at Hue, Hoi An and perhaps Phong Nha The Be for the magnificent cave systems. The rainy season n Southern Vietnam is not so pronounced and you will see quite a few blue skies in between the rain. Maybe consider Saigon and the Mekong Delta.
I would definitely avoid Northern Thailand at that time. Indeed , if there is any possibility of your changing your travel dates, I would look at that. The advantage of travelling at that time is lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.
Transport
Each time you change location you are going to lose at least half a day. In some cases, e.g. Chiang Mai to Hanoi, there won't be direct flights so you will have to change which will likely increase that to a whole day lost to travel. Time spent on google maps and flights now will be well rewarded and save you a lot of time and enhance your trip no end. bear in mind that two nights anywhere will only allow one full day of sightseeing , three, two and so on.
Other
Jet lag is going to happen regardless of where you are so I wouldn't let that be a major factor in setting your itinerary.
Looking for an "open jaw " ticket into one location and out of another could save time, money and backtracking so I would certainly consider that.
4 nights in Chiang mai would be a lot in good weather but in the rain? I prefer Chiang Rai but again the weather. It is 2 hours each way from CM so hardly worth it .
Not trying to be unduly negative but it is best to be aware of the issues before going too far down any route.
Would you look at other destinations for your dream trip (congratulations BTW!) ? Borneo and parts of Malaysia or Indonesia (inc Bali) have great weather at that time and have a lot to offer
Weather
When you say "Considerate of July rainy season.", appreciate that, with the exception of Central Vietnam it is going to be very wet in a lot of those places. Of the locations you mention, I would almost certainly avoid going to Hanoi and Halong Bay and Northern Thailand at that time. Storms and heavy rain are common. I have walked the streets on Hanoi ankle deep in water at that time and the chances of seeing much in Halong are pretty low.
Central Vietnam will see great weather at that time. Da Nang is one of the less interesting cities in Vietnam. In the central region I would look at Hue, Hoi An and perhaps Phong Nha The Be for the magnificent cave systems. The rainy season n Southern Vietnam is not so pronounced and you will see quite a few blue skies in between the rain. Maybe consider Saigon and the Mekong Delta.
I would definitely avoid Northern Thailand at that time. Indeed , if there is any possibility of your changing your travel dates, I would look at that. The advantage of travelling at that time is lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.
Transport
Each time you change location you are going to lose at least half a day. In some cases, e.g. Chiang Mai to Hanoi, there won't be direct flights so you will have to change which will likely increase that to a whole day lost to travel. Time spent on google maps and flights now will be well rewarded and save you a lot of time and enhance your trip no end. bear in mind that two nights anywhere will only allow one full day of sightseeing , three, two and so on.
Other
Jet lag is going to happen regardless of where you are so I wouldn't let that be a major factor in setting your itinerary.
Looking for an "open jaw " ticket into one location and out of another could save time, money and backtracking so I would certainly consider that.
4 nights in Chiang mai would be a lot in good weather but in the rain? I prefer Chiang Rai but again the weather. It is 2 hours each way from CM so hardly worth it .
Not trying to be unduly negative but it is best to be aware of the issues before going too far down any route.
Would you look at other destinations for your dream trip (congratulations BTW!) ? Borneo and parts of Malaysia or Indonesia (inc Bali) have great weather at that time and have a lot to offer
I appreciate this honesty.. Unfortunately my vacation time is not flexible at all! There was a good part of me that thought, "what the heck, I'll be 50, how bad can this rain be?" However water up to my ankles doesn't sound too "dreamy' at all. I did Bali for my 40th. To be honest, hadn't thought about Malaysia or Borneo but I will look at that.
I'm so glad I found this travel board.
I'm so glad I found this travel board.
Malaysia and Borneo are well worth considering. There are a few posts on our blog @ https://accidentalnomads.com/category/malaysia/ which may provide an idea of what to expect. Lots of options in terms of beaches , rainforest cities etc . Some terrific 5* hotels at more than reasonable rates to help you celebrate!
if up for a bit of adventure, have a look at the Indonesia section of our blog. On one trip we flew into Jakarta and travelled down through Java visiting some terrific place before getting the ferry across to Bali.
if up for a bit of adventure, have a look at the Indonesia section of our blog. On one trip we flew into Jakarta and travelled down through Java visiting some terrific place before getting the ferry across to Bali.
Will you fly Danang to Bangkok? If so, stay 4 nights in Hoian first and the last night in Danang before a flight out.
You can consider doing a flight from Cat Bi airport/ Hai Phong to Danang (After cruise) and moving onto Hoian for 4 nights.
You can consider doing a flight from Cat Bi airport/ Hai Phong to Danang (After cruise) and moving onto Hoian for 4 nights.
Thank you all!! I've taken out the northern Vietnam parts and added Koh Sumi for now. Will still go to Hoi An/DaNang for 5 nights. And then once I can travel in January (when I retire), I will do it all up!!
