6 days - Hanoi & Hoi Chi Min
 

I know, I know..it's going to be hectic, but that's an opportunity that won't show up too soon..

How would you split your trip?

Dates: 12/21 to 12/27
Profile: Young couple (25-32 yrs)

I would appreciate all inputs.
Thank you!

Personally, all six days in Hanoi and the surrounding area.

We're planning our 1st trip to Vietnam at the end of this month, and I've been thinking about it for quite a while & doing a lot of research. There seems to be a split between those who prefer Hanoi and those who prefer Saigon. I think we are in the category who will prefer Hanoi, so we are only spending one day in Saigon. But, we are spending lots of time in the Mekong Delta itself because we have heard that is the true essence of southern Vietnam.

Flights between the 2 cities are 2 hours, so travelling will take up at least a half a day unless you do what we are planning to do which is to take an early evening flight and then just settle into our hotel for the night.

There are many, many more interesting day trips out of hanoi than Saigon from what I've gathered, and many of these can be active rather than just plain old sightseeing which I am guessing you may prefer considering your ages. Downside though is that northen Vietnam will definitely be cooler than the south.

I agree with Kathie. We returned from our 4 week trip to Vietnam in October and actually spent 6 nights just in Hanoi and loved it.... I think you will get a better feel for Vietnam if you perhaps spend say 3/4 nights in Hanoi, an overnight to Halong Bay and an overnight/2nights to one of the minority villages.
Hope this helps.
Tracey

3 days in Hanoi is plenty. It's a lovely city. If you decide against HCMC, then a trip to either Ha Long Bay, Sapa (overnight) or Ninh Binh/Hoa Lu/Tom Cuc/Phat Diem (overnight) would be good options for the other days. Flights are 1 hour 40 minutes between the HCMC-Hanoi. Hanoi traffic is crazier than HCMC, especially in the Old Quarter, so be prepared!

yes,
spend six days in hanoi, take a trip to sapa and Halong Bay. 1day to walk around Hanoi
Have a good trip

Thank you so much. This time we'll just do Hanoi then.