How different is Vietnam from China?
 

My family and I have the opportunity to spend two weeks in Vietnam this December. In researching for the trip, though, I'm beginning to wonder if much of the scenery in Vietnam will be similar to what I encountered last summer in China (especially in Yangshuo/Guilin, Longsheng, Lijiang, and Dali.) What do other Fodorites think? Is there a lot to see in Vietnam that will be significantly different than China? (We're not very interested in seeing the museums and other sites focused on the Vietnam War.)

Should we stay with Vietnam or switch our sights to Thailand? My family loves beautiful scenery and interesting villages and temples.

Thanks in advance!

~Lillian

anyone?

I find VN very different from China. There is more Chinese infleunce in the North, but it's still uniquely Vietnamese. I'd suggest you peruse a guidebook and see what catches your eye.

Vietnam is different than southern China. My family prefers Vietnam to Thailand, although we certainly like Thailand as well.

If you like beutiful scenery then go to the north of Vietnam. the dien Bien Phu loop from Hanoi to Sapa, Lai Chau and Mai Haue is spectacular. Also in the far north the area around Ba be lake is amazing - http://www.terragalleria.com/vietnam...a-be-lake.html

Sapa itself is over touristed but if you get out to the villages an do some trekking you will be well rewarded. hanoi is the place for temples. IMO the scenery in Thailand does not compare.

Thanks for all of the responses.

crellston: your galleries of photos are phenomenal and an incredible resource for travelers. The Vietnam itineraries and personal accounts are incredibly helpful.

Thank you again.

Lil1210 the galleries aof photos are indeed incredible, unfortunately I cannot take credit for this as it is not my site. However, I do I agree that it is a very useful site and teh specimen iteineraries have certainly help me a lot in the past.

I can't compare the scenery with that of southern China, but Vietnam has a unique history and culture that are a source of pride to its people - not least their long battle against foreign domination from many quarters. In that sense I found the sites devoted to the American War (as it's known there) of interest. Not that the Vietnamese make a big thing of it - most of the population were born after 1975.

Overall we found travelling in Vietnam easier than China. Proportionately many more people speak at least a little English, and of course a modified version of the Roman alphabet is used. The people everywhere we found a pleasure to deal with - they're friendly, courteous and have a great sense of humour. And the food is great.