Just back from Vietnam and Cambodia
 

Hi all.

We just got back from 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia. As always, I will build a new page about this trip on my web site:
www.travel.stv77.com

In the meantime here are the basic details and of course, I will be happy to answer any specific questions.
We were 3 couples and I contracted with a Vietnamese company called "First Choice" for arrangements on the ground. Here is their web site link -
http://www.mekongdelta-travel.com (They seem to have 2 names - Mekong Delta, managed by First Choice)
We built the program together, and they made the hotel reservations, and provided a guide and driver at each location. Everything went like clockwork and we had absolutely no complaints.

We started in the north, visited Hanoi, Sapa, and Halong Bay, then to Hue, Danang and Hoi An. After that, HoChiMinh City, the Mekong Delta (Can Tho and Chao Doc), and then to Phnom Penh by "high speed" boat. From Phnom Penh, a flight to Siem Reap for the last 2-3 days.

We had a great time. Now is the time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, before they turn into Thailand!

anxious to read all about it..

We took far too many pictures. It will take me a month or two to build this page.

We will be spending three days in the Mekong Delta. Do you think it is worthwhile going all the way to Chao Doc, or would you base yourself in Can Tho and explore the region from there? We are not going to Cambodia on this trip. Would you do My Tho on the way to Can Tho, or is it not worth going there?

Looking forward to your report!

If you are not going to Cambodia, then I there is not much reason to visit Chao Doc. I think the only reason to get to Chau Doc is to take the high speed boat to Phnom Penh, which is a real experience in itself.

Can Tho is a far more lively city.

Welcome back Sssteve! Looking forward very much to reading about your adventures!

A fan of your website, I'll patiently wait to enjoy your latest experience.

I look forward to hearing more. Very curious about the high speed boat trip.

Ssteve- I land in Hanoi on Monday 2/15 with three girlfriends (average age 39) and leave Ho Chi Minh City on Friday 2/26. Can you give me an idea of how much you spent for private drivers, etc?

Also, we are thinking about going straight to Halong when we land at 6:30p. Good idea? Should we spend the first night in Hanoi and if so any recommendations?

Sbrasny,

I suggest you spend the first night in Hanoi. It's a 3 hour drive to Halong Bay, and after flying to Hanoi, you will appreciate the rest. Hanoi is a wild noisy city and worth a visit.

As for drivers, I paid everything up front to the tour company who arranged for drivers and guides. In any case, It shouldn't be too expensive. On Halong Bay, we went with a local sailing company and we were on the "Dragon 2", and we enjoyed every minute.

How long till the trip report is up and running? Anxiously awaiting!

We took too many pictures...

It generally takes between 4 and 6 weeks for me to put a page together.

Please be patient, but as I said in my original post, I'll be happy to answer any specific questions.

Never too many pictures. I will wait patiently. Can you tell me what hotels you stayed at in Hue & Hoi An and how you liked them? Do you suggest the beach or town for Hoi An?

In Hue we stayed for 2 nights at the Asia Hotel, and in Hoi An, we stayed at the Hoi An. Both were fine, although the Hoi An is a large sprawling with no elevator. At the Hoi An, 3 of our group had a cooking lesson with the hotel chef at 8 PM. They had a great time and we all enjoyed the food they prepared.

In Hoi An, the main attraction is the town. The Hoi An Hotel was about a 7 minute walk to the river. Some will say it's too touristy, but that's the attraction. It's lively and great fun in the evening.

Where did you stay in Hanoi and how was it, please?

In Hanoi, we stayed at the Luxor. It was fine and well located.