misha2

I hesitated to even put this out there because I know most people will (rightly) say that there is too little time to do both countries (or even one for that matter) well in a week. However, we're a family group of 8 (19-80) and the grandparents really want to see as much as possible so that we can (hopefully) visit many other places over the next (fingers crossed) many, many years/decades.

So here it goes--we're planning a one week trip that includes Burma and Vietnam. Last summer we did three European locations in 9 days and everyone was pleased with the pace. This forum was so very helpful.

Day 1-Rangoon
Day 2/3 Bagan or Inle Lake
Day 4- Rangoon to Hanoi
Day 5-Hanoi
Day 6- Ha Long Bay (overnight on boat)
Day 7- Morning on floating village travel back to Hanoi
Day 8- Fly back to the US

Some of the party may be able to add two days at the end. The other part will be coming from a three day visit in Krabi with friends.

Given the constraints what can we do to make it better? We have never been to either place even though we have a family connection to Burma.

Many,many thanks.

Kathie

Choose one country. Yu are quite right you don't really have enough time to see even one of these countries in a week. So, since your European vacation went well, choose three locations in one of the countries for your trip.

You haven't taken transport from one place to another into consideration. If you did, you'd see that almost the whole trip would be in transit.

MmePerdu

Re-do your itinerary, counting the nights, not the days. It will help give you a clearer picture.

misha2

Thanks so much. I'll try to do that.

susiesan

Both countries require visas. Add the cost of both multiply by the number of people in your party and see if you want to spend that much money for such a short time in 2 countries.

MmePerdu

Excellent point, susiesan, not to mention the fiddling.

On the other hand, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong are great visa-free places to spend a few days. I'd choice 2 of those given the time constraints.

misha2

Thanks for all the help. I've taken this back to the group. Let's see. However, it will be hard to argue with the seniors who have a wish list.

MmePerdu

I can't believe what I'm reading...again.

misha2

I am always grateful for the advice I receive on this forum. This time, with great trepidation, I ignored some of the very well-meaning advice regarding our overall itinerary (happily took other suggestions). However,our whirlwind pace actually worked out well even with having a group of eight ranging from college students to seniors. We called it our SEA sampler trip. Had a great time and it left us looking forward to a return trip! Since most people on this forum don't really travel like this I'm not creating a full trip report. I continue to so very grateful for the time and effort wise Fodors travelers offer. Many thanks!

Part of the group spent four days in Krabi Thailand just before this
Day 1 Rangoon
Day 2 Rangoon
Day 3 Bagan
Day 4 Bagan
Day 5 Rangoon-Hanoi
Day 6 Hanoi
Day 7/8 Halong Bay
Day 8/9 Halong Bay/Hanoi
Day 9 Return
Part of the group went to Bangkok for three nights

thursdaysd

Glad you came back. Glad it worked out. Definitely a sampler, but at least you won't need to do Halong Bay on your return visit.

Kathie

Thanks for coming back to tell us about your trip. While it isn't an itinerary I'd recommend, I'm glad it worked out for your group.

CaliNurse

thanks for posting the itinerary. You and your group were happy with it,--that's what matters!!

misha2

Thanks so much. We really were so happy and just loved all we saw! My tips/suggestions (which may reiterate what many have already said here) include:

Using Tony at Ann Tours to help book-- outstanding in every way and reasonably priced
Spending time at the Kalaywa Monastery outside of Rangoon, the nearby nunnery for young girls is fascinating too
Leaving ample time for the Shwedagon Pagoda--we spent hours here.
Splurging for Balloons over Bagan--ethereal
Keeping in mind the mind-boggling traffic in Rangoon when planning
Taking a one-hour Hanoi cyclo ride after dark
Using the Dragon junk boat for Halong Bay to avoid seeing other boats

Restaurant Highlights:
Cafe Sule in the Sule Shangri-La for breakfast!!!!
Rangoon Tea House-- sit upstairs if possible
Pandomar- in Rangoon, sit outside and use their mosquito spray

Hotels:
We would choose the Shangri-La again because of Cafe Sule
Bagan Lodge had terrific accommodations but limited breakfast offerings
Apricot Hotel in Hanoi was a wonderful luxurious-seeming option at a great price.

CaliNurse

Thanks again, Misha. This helps even mor. For example, Apricot Hotel Hanoi has been mentioned here as an option. but you're the first person I'm awry of who actually stayed there. I passed it during a cyclo ride, and the location looked great-- right across from the lake but out of the chaos.

misha2

Thanks CaliNurse! We loved the location. A highlight was coming across a drag show during a late night walk by the lake. It was pedestrian traffic along the road only. Lots of fun!