Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Asia (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/)
-   -   Is this itinerary doable or Crazy? (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/is-this-itinerary-doable-or-crazy-535091/)

3angels Jun 7th, 2005 06:34 PM

Is this itinerary doable or Crazy?
 
I'm traveling with three of my teenage girls.
Here's our itinerary. Your advise and opinion is greatly appreciated.
Hanoi- 2 nights (fly to Hue)
Hue- 1 night (drive down to HoiAn)
HoiAn- 2 nights (fly to nga Trang via Danang)
Nga Trang- 2 nights (fly to Saigon)
Saigon- 2 nights
Back to Bangkok

laurieco Jun 8th, 2005 03:44 AM

Yes it's doable but you will probably feel rushed and you will be spending too much time at airports. I would try and add a few more nights on to this and spend 3 nights Hanoi, and at least 2 in Hue and another in Saigon if you want to see the Mekong Delta. I haven't been to Nga Trang so I don't know if 2 nights there is enough.

BillT Jun 8th, 2005 04:00 AM

Yes its crazy- now what is your next question?

Guenmai Jun 9th, 2005 07:23 AM

Huh? Is this schedule for real...or is this just a bad dream? Happy Travels!

hastern01 Jun 9th, 2005 09:33 AM

I think it's doable-- we did something similar in January (though without children), and with 4 nights at the Furama in Danang to decompress, instead of 2 in Danang/Hoi An and 2 in Nha Trang (though we've heard fabulous things so I regret it) My suggestion would be to fly straight to Danang from Hanoi and just do a day trip from Hoi An to Hue (which at least will give you one less place to unpack). You should not miss the sights in Hue, but the accommodations and hotels are not great, and if you are ambitious you can easily see everything in a day are return back to a nice hotel on the beach.
I think 2 full days in Hanoi is adequate (we had three, but used the third one to travel to Halong Bay, which is beautiful, but not a must, if you are pressed for time).

BillT Jun 9th, 2005 09:46 AM

In looking at this plan I keep thinking.... If its Tuesday this must be Belgium!.

3angels Jun 9th, 2005 10:11 AM

Thank you.
I just couldn't make up my mind to go to Hanoi or Saigon. I will be coming from Bangkok so it'll only be a 1 1/2 hour flight. Thank you all for responding including BillT :)

Kathie Jun 9th, 2005 11:15 AM

If you are deciding between Hanoi and Saigon, Hanoi is a much more interesting city. Wonderful museums, interesting shopping, a fascinating old quarter... Saigon is much more modern and has lost a lot of the old flavor.

Guenmai Jun 9th, 2005 12:04 PM

Bill...I was JUST thinking about that movie..."If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium"...and wondering if it's available on video or DVD. I used to laugh hysterically while watching it back when it first came out. Happy Travels!

BillT Jun 9th, 2005 12:30 PM

Thats pretty old and I'm not sure the video stores have it. Its not really a classic like Casablanka.

Craig Jun 9th, 2005 12:39 PM

Looks like you can buy it used for as low as $30 in VHS on Amazon. I doubt very much that you'll see it at your local video store.

BillT Jun 9th, 2005 12:47 PM

$30???? Used at that! I would have figured it would go for $10!

WSL Jun 10th, 2005 09:01 PM

Your original itinerary was trying to accomplish far too much within your time frame. A number of people responding have panned Saigon over Ha Noi. I disagree. Each city is quite different--and each has its strong points. If this is your first visit to Vietnam, split your time between Ha Noi and Saigon. Ha Noi is more like
Washington, DC; many parts are pristine, but it is a bit sleepy. Saigon is a major contrast: boom town with everything and eveyone very much alive. Having been to Vietnam many times, when dividing time between Ha Noi and Saigon, I spend as little time in Ha Noi as possible (having seen most of the sights) and spend my time in Saigon, experienceing the people, the restaurants and the life of the city. When you are in Saigon, don't miss QBar (and its sister restaurant, Qucina), right across from the Caravelle Hotel in the ground floor of the Opera House. It's a great happening spot. Good luck.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:37 AM.