CFW

Current itin for Feb is

Saigon overnight

Mekong - 2 nights

Hanoi - 4 nights and 3 and a half days

Hue - 2 nights and 1 and a half days

Hoi An - 3 nights and two and a half days

Saigon - 1 night and 1 and a half days

Trying to decide where to add another day - Hoi An or Hanoi. We have enough time but have decided not to go to Halong Bay or Sapa for several reasons. We want to have time to get out into the countryside, though and visit a village. Maybe "ancient village" (having a "senior moment" and can't remember the name) outside of Hanoi, or carpentry or farming village outside of Hoi An?

What do you all think?

dgunbug

I personally would add another night in Hanoi. We did the pottery village, but unless you want to shop, I don't recommend it. You can do a day trip to Nihm Bihm. We didn't because we were tired of driving for long hours after returning from Halong Bay. If you are not going to Halong, that can be an alternative. May I ask why you have opted not to go to Halong Bay? Sapa I can understand as you probably don't have enough time unless you skip the Mekong. If you have been to Cambodia and have spent time on Tonle Lake, I would recommend skipping the Delta on this trip as they are very similar. IMO Sapa was more interesting.

Bisbeee

I believe you meant Ninh Binh. If you go, go early before all the big tour buses show up (or stay overnight there as another option).

dgunbug

Yes Bisbeee - thanks for the correction.

rhkkmk

i hate to suggest this but maybe add a day to HCMC (you seem light here) just in case rob's back needs some rest?

CFW

Thanks for the responses. Dgunbug, We have not been to Cambodia, so haven't been to Tonle Lake. We really wanted to spend time on the Mekong as that seemed very different than anyplace we have been. We decided not to go to Halong Bay because we spent time in Phang Nga bay in Thailand, snorkeling an seeing the Karsts there, and Halong Bay would really require two days away from Hanoi, which we thought would make it rushed. Bob, we were actually thinking of giving Rob's back a rest, which is why we were thinking of another day in Hoi An since we're staying at the Victoria on the beach, though it may not be beach weather. But we wanted to make sure we have enough time in Hanoi so we're not too rushed running around to sights & shopping, and have enough time for a day trip outside of Hanoi. We are light in Saigon, but everyone seems to like Hoi An and Hanoi so much more... So, what do you think -- another day in Hanoi or in Hoi An?

Anyone else?

CFW

Just looked at Crellston's photos of Mai Chau (and have seen others), so we may add the extra day to Hanoi and consider going to Mai Chau. Too many places to see, too littler time -- the usual dilemma.

dgunbug

Are you flying from the Mekong to Hanoi? We found that very convenient rather than having to return to Saigon. There's an airport in Can Tho.

CFW

Yes. In fact it was your terrific trip report that gave me the idea...

dgunbug

Please be sure to post your report when you return.

rhkkmk

i was not advocating another day in hcmc, i just thought it looked light.....i don't think there is much there....another day at the beach would be nice, but so would a day in and around hanoi....we loved the pottery town...

Katyt

We were in Mai Chau in Feb. and stayed at the Mai Chau Lodge for two nights.We had a great time cycling and hiking.We enjoyed the lodge but there are lots of homestays in the area if you prefer that type of experience.We saw very few other tourists here.
I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip what ever you do.

mohan

We did a 2 day/1 night Ha Long bay tour and a Ninh binh day tour and we like both. Ha Long Bay is relaxing, you get to swim so that's good for the back. If you don't want to kayak or walk up to the cave, it's up to you. The bus that bring you to the boat stops in the mid point for 30 minutes so you get to stretch and eat and do whatever. With Ninh Binh, If you like to ride bikes, choose a tour that give you that option. Dh thought that was the highlight. I rather enjoy the boat ride but the boat people did try to sell stuff. The more I shook my head, the more persistant they become. I got a nice massage from the Massage school for the blind people in HCMC. Had a really good one in Hoi An. If you want to the name, I might be able to find it.

CFW

Mohan, Thanks -- I'd love the name of any place with good massages.

Bob, didn't know you had previously been to Vietnam. When did you go? Where did you go? And where is your trip report???

Dgunbug, on your recommendation we're also going to use Vietnamdrive for the drive from Hue to Hoi An. Was interested to note that you preferred the tunnel to Hai Van pass. I think you said you thought it was more scenic. Interested to know the differences, because the tunnel route is shorter. I also understand the touts at the look-out on the pass are really persistent.

crellston

I do feel that you are short changing Saigon. There is a lot to see and do there to say nothing of the fantastic restaurants and street stalls that abound. Personally I could spend a day just wandering around Cholon. In your OP you mention "We want to have time to get out into the countryside, though and visit a village". Whilst this can be done in many places throughout Vietnam (although I believe many villages are still off limits to tourists), the Mai Chau valley is spectacular and probably the most convenient being only a few hours drive from Hanoi. There are numerous homestays there (no real need to book) and one lux lodge depending on the level of comfort you require. The people are really welcoming and my walk at dawn through the valleys to nearby villages still ranks as one of the top travel experience of my life!

Otherwise, I do feel that with the time you have available 3 nights in Hoi An is a little to much (unless you want to factor in some beach time). That said, it takes only a day to see the town but there are lots of opps for boat trips on the river or bike rides into the surrounding countryside. I spent a couple of days in the Mekong delta and enjoyed it but do make sure of where you are going - some trips will only take you to very touristy locations (& yes I do know that we are all tourists!) but the real beauty of the delta is slow travel along the river, meeting the people and maybe staying in a homestay. Make sure you visit the Cao Dai church in the delta - a very interesting alternative religion whose saints include Victor Hugo, Shakespeare, Louis Pasteur, Napoleon e, Joan of Arc, Winston Churchill, Lenin!!

CFW

Thanks Crellston. The problem is we just don't have enough time so we had to make choices, so opted to cut time from Saigon and added to Hanoi so we could go to Mai Chau. Your photos of Mai Chau were the real clincher for that. Just beautiful! We also wanted to keep the time in Hoi An to allow for some down time and relaxation on the beach. Thanks for your tip about the Cao Dai temple on the Mekong. Any suggestions for a guide for the Mekong? I have received info from Jason (Nguyen), who has received great reviews on Trip Advisor. I also received information from Come and Go Vietnam, but it was very expensive and the plan was for stops at SIX local factories - brick-making, food processing, etc. -- which seemd a bit much. I may post a separate post asking about Mekong.

dgunbug

CFW - we were not bothered by touts on the pass and the views were nice, but we have seen more beautiful mountain views in our travels - especially in Turkey along the coastal route. The shorter route through the tunnels had nicer vistas of the coast line and we were surprised that we both enjoyed it more.