Quintessential Vietnam--your memories
Nov 3rd, 2006, 01:00 PM
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Quintessential Vietnam--your memories
What were the best places you visited, the most interesting things you did, the "wow" experiences, the parts of the trip that really stand out in your mind? Thanks.
Nov 4th, 2006, 03:00 AM
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Sunset cocktails at Saigon Saigon the roof top bar of the Caravelle
Walking around the rice terraces in the Sapa valley.
Walking through the villages in the early morning in Mai Chau valley.
New years eve in Hoi An for the floating lanterns parade on the river
Walking around the rice terraces in the Sapa valley.
Walking through the villages in the early morning in Mai Chau valley.
New years eve in Hoi An for the floating lanterns parade on the river
Nov 4th, 2006, 06:36 AM
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Thanks so much. There is so much in Vietnam that sounds interesting to me and so little time. We're not going to attempt to do it all but rather to spend some quality time doing a few well-chosen things. This will help with making those choices.
Crellston--I think your trip was about the same time of year ours will be. It may be possible for us to be in Hoi An on New Year's (maybe not too), so you are saying this is an experience definitely not to be missed? As interested as I am in visiting the hill tribe markets of the Sapa area, I am thinking of skipping it because of the poor weather in January. What was it like when you were there at that time of year? I have also been thinking of a couple day trek into the Mai Chau valley instead.
tmarkLA--are you just referring to markets in general in Vietnam?
Crellston--I think your trip was about the same time of year ours will be. It may be possible for us to be in Hoi An on New Year's (maybe not too), so you are saying this is an experience definitely not to be missed? As interested as I am in visiting the hill tribe markets of the Sapa area, I am thinking of skipping it because of the poor weather in January. What was it like when you were there at that time of year? I have also been thinking of a couple day trek into the Mai Chau valley instead.
tmarkLA--are you just referring to markets in general in Vietnam?
Nov 5th, 2006, 09:06 AM
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Hoi An at New years was definitel an experience not o be missed. We stayed in Vinh Hung Merchats houes in the old town which is an old chinese hotel full of antiques and right in the centre of town just down from the Japanese bridge. On MYE we had dinner oat one of the riverside restaurants and whre amazed when a flotilla of paper lanterns went right past us down the river- magical! Some would ague that Hoi An id a bit too touristy. Perhaps it is but if I were in the ara I would certainly spend another NYE there.
We were in Sapa in early Jan and the 2days we went trkking is was 25c + blue skies. The when we left for Dien Bien Phu through the mountaisn it was around 10c and thick fog. the next week on the way back to Hanoi it was around 20-25 & fine.
The scenery around Sap is psectacular but Sapa itself is over touristed and the minoritie villager are apparentlty getting a bit agrressive with tourists. Not suprising reall the way some here behaving!)
I loved Mai Chau and the scenery again is spectacular. If I were to go back for the trekking I would choose MaiChau. It is much close to Hanoi but not so overun with tourists as Sapa.
We were in Sapa in early Jan and the 2days we went trkking is was 25c + blue skies. The when we left for Dien Bien Phu through the mountaisn it was around 10c and thick fog. the next week on the way back to Hanoi it was around 20-25 & fine.
The scenery around Sap is psectacular but Sapa itself is over touristed and the minoritie villager are apparentlty getting a bit agrressive with tourists. Not suprising reall the way some here behaving!)
I loved Mai Chau and the scenery again is spectacular. If I were to go back for the trekking I would choose MaiChau. It is much close to Hanoi but not so overun with tourists as Sapa.
Nov 5th, 2006, 01:04 PM
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Best memory is of the 7-night Pandaw Cruise I did along the Mekong from the delta to Siem Reap via the Tonle Sap River and Lake Tonle Sap. It was arguably the best trip I have ever had in visitng some 35 countries. This would be followed by Halong Bay and Hoi An.
Nov 5th, 2006, 03:22 PM
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Dear Crellston: Thanks so much for your info on NYE in Hoi An. We will be spending NYE in Hoi An. So I'll definitely make a reservation at a riverside restaurant. I'm feeling another great pre-trip rush of excitement!
Nov 6th, 2006, 04:51 AM
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We ate at the Brothers Cafe on NYE and had a great meal and a riverside table - it is best to book in advance.
see http://www.elephantguide.com/hoian/h...ng_vietnam.htm
see http://www.elephantguide.com/hoian/h...ng_vietnam.htm
Nov 6th, 2006, 05:27 AM
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Question of the day...what time do people (local and/or tourists) eat dinner in Hoi An. We will be driven from Hue to Hoi An. Since we received great shopping info on this board about Hoi An, we will shop, eat dinner and then go to our beach resort(Victoria Hoi An). But, I think that means an early dinner. Will this work?? Of course, the resort is not that far out of town so we could go back and forth if we want to...
