Quick question, are there any pros/cons between VietJet and Vietnam Airlines. This would be form Saigon to Hanoi flight

We used Vietnam Airlines for several internal flights in January. We were mostly in economy, but for one flight we had first class because there was little price difference. Vietnam Airlines is a Sky Team partner of Delta, and I had no complaints with the service, etc.

Re: day tours to the Mekong Delta: We wanted to spend time there but had a really hard time working more than a day trip into our schedule. We ended up with a nice private day tour with VN Bike Tours that was mostly "nontouristy" -- but the drive out and back is long. In particular, the traffic on the way back to Saigon was bad, and it took over three hours. I don't regret doing it and we had a terrific guide, but I wish we'd found a way to spend a night or two locally.

I'm looking at Joy Journeys for Mekong Delta tours, Indochina Junk for Bai Tu Long Bay. Anyone with experience with either of these?

I would choose Vietnam Airlines. Vietjet are renowned for cancellations, delays and poor customer service

I never really use tour operators or agents in Vietnam. We are usually there for extended periods so tend to organise on the spot, usually through our accommodation or walking into a physical office. I haven’t heard of either of those but would suggest doing due diligence and before parting with any cash. Had a quick look at JJ and despite the talk of “non touristy, there tours read like everyone else’s. As I suggested previously, I would look at a few Homestay options in the delta.
Hano and Saigon have v different vibes. Both are manically busy but despite, what your friend says, having spent a lot of time in both, I would say Saigon is much more like NYC ( in a good way!)
There are world class and superb mid range hotels in both cities. Happy to suggest some but Vinpearl won’t be amongst them!

catch23, certainly open to hotel recs in the cities. Normally I like to average < $200/night, but based on the prices I'm seeing, I may easily be able to beat that. Most import is clean, quiet, safe and convenient. Don't need fancy hotel amenities (gyms, room service, etc). Breakfast a plus. Also, want a window, I see rooms listed with "no windows".

Also, exactly what is a homestay. I see it mentioned but unclear exactly what it is, as far as privacy, ensuite bathroom, etc.

Right now I'm considering these hotels: La Siesta Premium Saigon and Minerva Premium Hotel (Hanoi) based on reviews from multiple sights. Minerva I think is fairly new, and because of very reasonable price, can easily upgrade to a nicer suite.

In Saigon I would take a look at one of the historic hotels, The Rex, Caravelle or Majestic all which are in a great location for sightseeing. I have stayed in all of those but not for a while. First choice would be the Rex. I love the La Siesta properties which are a small Vietnamese chain mid to high end and very stylish and good value - several options in Saigon. There are lots of 5 * chain hotels but they now seem very expensive and not in your price range.

I also loved Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery Collection which may be in your price range



Last time in Hanoi we stayed at the La Siesta Premium Hang Be in the old quarter. I am half considering a return in September and that would be my first choice. They have a wide variety of rooms. In common with many hotels in Hanoi some don’t have windows so do check. Otherwise, I would stick to somewhere in the Old Quarter or around Hoan Kiem lake. Hotel de la Opera - Mc Gallery is in the French Quarter and a nice 5*

The big chain hotels are out by west lake which is not great for getting around so I would avoid that area

Re Homestays . They are fairly common in rural areas and vary between a bed in a communal room ( fun but not for everyone! ) to effectively a bed and breakfast n a rural area where they throw in some activities & tours- one of the more well known is https://www.greenvillagemekong.com

So now considering DIY overnight to Ninh Binh. Do we look into stay in Trang An or Tam Coc, possibly a homestay, prefer to be walking distance to a town area where we can do a little wandering, eating, maybe shopping? I see there's trains and limousines (which I assume are private cars??). Ride seems to take a little over 2 hours in most cases. Question is how do we get around once there?

We are late 60s, early 70s, and do prefer some creature comforts (like private bathroom and comfortable bed, at least queen size). We are both fairly active, so can handle walking and some flat terrain biking.

Trang An is the UNESCO site and as such is way busier , esp at weekends. You would need longer boat rides to get to the caves and grottoes - say 2-3 hours

Tam Coc is the place often described as Halong Bay on land . It needs a shorter boat ride and is a lot quieter and fewer caves.

Ideally you would do both, but not in one day. Plenty of hotels in Ninh Binh both in town and homestays out in the country. In town the hotels are a bit like concrete blocks. . I would check out the homestays on booking.com or similar. we stayed in one called Nguyen Shack but that was years ago and not sure if it survived the pandemic - sadly lots of places in Vietnam didn't .

When we have been there we have had the luxury of time and so used taxis, motor, borrowed bikes etc, There are lots of nice easy bike rides around but with such a short time there, to make the most of it I would get a guide at least but probably a tour from Hanoi would yield the best experience $ for $ . I had some good results with Ethnic Travel - also Kangaroo Cafe (though beware of fakes) the real one is run, unsurprisingly, by an Aussie.

Now I'm thinking of 2 nights in Ninh Binh. As I'm looking through the homestays on booking, and reading the reviews, 2 nights seems like the way to go. I still haven't booked my flight between Saigon and Hanoi, so can make it work.

Two nights in Ninh Binh is worth it. We had three and felt it was just right. Have a look at Tam Coc Garden Resort. It's not on the main street but about 2 miles away. Easy to get to the main street by bike (available for free for guests) or Grab (local taxi app). Our hotel arranged our excursions, which were private.

Did you arrange your excursions on the spot or in advance?

Two nights will give you one full day of sightseeing plus change. Get your timings right and you should be able to fit in Tam Coc and Trang An plus some light biking.

whether you do this as an independent trip by booking each component individually or as a tour is a matter of personal choice; the cost difference is likely to be minimal. Private transfers can be arranged on the spot in Hanoi and NB ( or even use Grab or similar) . NB accommodation will arrange a guide or tour for you. Just be clear on what you want/ expect.

In advance, but I saw other guests do it the evening before and it was fine.

I think how we'd do it is hire a driver in Hanoi, for the early morning. We can then get to Ninh Binh area late morning, so would have all afternoon to do something. From what it sounds like I can just ask my Hanoi hotel to arrange the car service, and do same on the other end to return to Hanoi. Also, from what I gather, we can probably hire a guide/driver for our full day in NB through the hotel (or homestay). I generally do these kind of arrangments in advance, but it seems that that's not even necessary here. I will probably contact whereever I book in advance about a guide for the full day in any case.

Any suggestions on how best to spend a full day in the area with a guide/driver? Also, I noticed on Booking that the homestays seem very cheap, even when I filter for private bathroom, A/C, breakfast and 9+ reviews. Is this too good to be true, or can I really spend (in some cases <) $50/night and have a decent room with A/C and breakfast?

Just renewed my passport (it was expiring in a year) and received our VISAs so we're in good shape.

My suggestion would be to contact your hotel in advance and make the arrangements. They won't charge you until you arrive or in most cases that we experienced, after the conclusion of the day / tour, or they can even add it to your hotel tab.

Re Homestyays - No it is not "too good to be true" the reviews are no different to any others on booking; in order to post a review the individual has to have stayed there (unlike say Tripdavisor where anyone can post a review).

As for what to do in day. I would probably focus on Trang An and a boat trip along the river and through the caves etc. the earlier the better. Afthe that list bich Dong Pagoda. That should take up the morning. After lunch head to Hang Mua for great views of the karst around Tam Co (quite. few steps involved). Perhaps a sunset ride on the river. perhaps on your final morning hire some bike and explore solo.

Thanks for all the advice! Catch23, I booked a homestay in Tam Coc, a short distance from the town (want that convenience), but in a more secluded area of rice fields. Your suggested day itinerary looks good. Is this something I should check with the homestay about arranging a guide for that day or can I just use Grab (or have people call for taxis) to get around. Bich Dong Pagoda is about 2 miles from homestay and Hang Mua is about 3. I'm leaning towards the Trang Am boat ride. Is that something I need to get tickets for in advance?

We would plan on leaving Hanoi around 8-9am, so should get to Tam Coc before lunch. I'm hoping we can drop off bags at homestay then maybe visit either the Pagoda or Hang Mua. The full day we'd head to Trang An for the boat ride. I see there's also multiple routes for the boat ride, any particular one recommended?

Unfortunately, given our schedule, this will be a weekend, so not sure if that complicates things.

Just curious, do regular taxis take credit cards, or cash only? I'm guessing Grab works llike Lyft and Uber. Also is it risky to flag down a taxi, or safer to have someone call for one? I plan on arranging my airport transfers, probably through my hotels.

Regular taxis much prefer cash. Some will have card readers but may be reluctant to use them of claim they are broken. Yes , grab is like Uber and take cards.
I have used taxis extensively all over Vietnam and have never had a problem hailing on the street. Sometimes you will encounter rip off artists, mainly at airports so best to go to the official booth there or as you say, best ask your accommodation to arrange transport in advance (cost difference is negligible (unless staying in 5* hotels). Any hotel and most restaurant will call a cab for you but not really necessary. (it is not like say Africa or South America!).

As you only have a day, I would strongly recommend engaging a guide for the day. It is not just about where to go but when, especially at a weekend when you may be dodging the crowds of Hanoians escaping the city. Sorry, I cant recall the boat routes but again, a guide will help and negotiate with the boats for you.

I’ve also heard great things about spending two nights in Ninh Binh. A lot of travelers seem to appreciate having that extra time to slow down and really take in the scenery, especially after the bustle of Hanoi.

The notes about the boat rides are super useful too. I've seen some people say that Trang An can get pretty packed on weekends, so Tam Coc might be a better pick if you're hoping for something a bit more relaxed.

Also, if it helps with planning, I came across this guide recently that gives a good overall picture of Vietnam’s tourism scene - stats, popular spots, and travel tips all in one place https://gowithguide.com/blog/tourism...vel-guide-5696 Thought it might be a handy reference.