Request advice on planning a trip
 

Hi, we are in the process of planning a trip to Vietnam for October this year and would really appreciate any advice. <BR>1. I would particularly like to know if it would be better to pre book internal flights and accomodation or to book when we arrive. I have read on this site that it is best to book tours when you arrive.<BR> 2. When you are only able to speak english is it very difficult to organise getting transport etc. yourself when in the country.<BR>Thank you in advance for any assistance.<BR>Nicole

My wife and I spent 6 days in VN in March and had a wonderful time. We hired a privite guide and car in advance. It worked out very well. Email me for more info.

Nicole.<BR>my wife and I went in Vietnam in december (28 days). We made all of our travel arrangements on site and we didn't have any problem at all for flights, bus or hotel bookings. The are a lot of travel agencies that can arrange your travelling needs and as for hotels just walk at their reception desk and negotiate your rooms. If you need more infos send email<BR>Daniel

Thank you both for your replies and for your kind offer's of more information via e-mail. I may take you up on the offer.<BR><BR>Nicole

Dear Nicole,<BR><BR>You may find some helpful information about going to Vietnam from Griswalds Vietnamese Vacations or give me a call.<BR><BR>Happy to help.<BR><BR>Madeline <BR><BR>

Hi Nicole, <BR><BR>My wife and I spent a few weeks in Vietnam last summer, and it was excellent. We did not really plan ahead, and it was not a problem. Once in Hanoi, we were able to book a variety of internal flights and tours. (I'm not sure that we got the best prices, but it didn't seem too bad). <BR><BR>We got around fine with English. There are certainly lots of places where nobody speaks it, but you can usually make yourself understood. <BR><BR>I don't know the budget you're operating on, but I would suggest that if you're going the economy route you mix it up with a few blow-outs. We loved Vietnam, but it was a fairly high-intensity trip, and it was great on occasion to flee to the sanctuary of a nice hotel. In Hanoi, we really liked the (somewhat unfortunately named) Hanoi Opera Hilton - great location, very nice and quite affordable by U.S. standards. (You can see a performance at the old Hanoi Opera House next door for peanuts - really cool). In Nha Trang, we stayed at the Ana Mandera, which is a really spectacular beach resort. Ultra-lux, and you pay for it (although, again, it's relative - I think we were at $150 US a night, which would get you a dump in San Francisco). We went more budget in other places. A few other thoughts: really liked Hoi An, which had maybe the best food of the trip. Go see the markets wherever you are, they are unbelievable. I could take or leave Saigon (or HCM City), but Hanoi was pretty. Liked the Perfume Pagoda trip. Didn't get to Halong Bay, unfortunately. <BR><BR>Have a great time! K