I am planning a 2-3 week trip to Vietnam for Jan or Feb. I am planning to visit HMC, Hue, Hoi An, and Hanoi. I have a couple of questions at this point in my early planning. I am sure I will have more as time progresses. For now-

1- Has any one flown China Airlines from LA-Taiwan-VN? Any comments?

2-Is Dalat worth including in the itinerary ?

3-Is it too cold to visit Sapa during this time? Any alternative recommendations in place of Sapa for beautiful scenery.

4-If you have visited Thailand and India (which we loved) could you say how you felt about those trips compared to Vietnam in terms of interesting sightseeing opportunities.

imo, VN cannot hold a candle to either of the other two....its way behind in development and tourist organization...

as far as beauty, i was disappointed, but i was only in the north...

CORRECTION:
2010 TET HOLIDAY is on **2010** FEB 10

I would go back to India in a heartbeat, don't feel the same about Vietnam.

Sapa would be very cold, but wether or not it's worth braving the elements depends on what you're looking for.

I enjoyed my visit to Thailand, India not so much, but then I didn't really design my India tour as well as I could have. I enjoyed visiting Hanoi and Sapa in Vietnam.

Note that BMT replied to 1 threads yesterday. mostly maligning various travel agencies in VN. Take what BMT says with a very large dose of salt.

Vietnam has entered my blood more than any other country I have visited (including India and Thailand). That's mainly because I have spent a lot of time getting to know the Vietnamese people and have made some firm friendships, but the scenery is beautiful too, especially if you make the effort to get off the well-trodden tourist path.

Sapa will undoubtedly be cold, and probably wet too. Unfortunately there is no equivalent of Sapa further south, where it will be much warmer.

I like Dalat very much, but whether you should add it to your itinerary depends on what you seek in a destination.

Like REDKITE, Vietnam stole my heart and I can't wait to go back! We have also visited Thailand, by the way, and enjoyed it very much. However, I don't think it's fair or reasonable to compare countries this way. Every country is different and unique; its people and its culture should be experienced and enjoyed on its own merits.

Having said that, I get off my soap box and dare to recommend to you that, if you haven't done so, contact a LOCAL tour guide/operator to help you navigate thru the sites which will help you enjoy your visit without the hassles and worries of how to get from one place to another or deciding where to go and where not to go.

I happen to know a guy who, until not long ago, used to work for a major US tour operator and how has his own company. He combines the experience and knowledege obtained from that experience with his knowledge and love of his own country. He can tailor your visit to suit your wishes and offer expert advise. Please visit his website, http://indochinavoyages.com
and give him the opportunity to help you.

Would love to hear about your experience when you return.