Frank

Hi All - I want to spend 3- 4 weeks in Vietnam and would like some advice. Is 3 - 4 weeks too long? Should I start in Hanoi or HCM? This'll be my first time. All the stuff i've read about the place sounds facinating. Also, what about tour operators? <BR>Thanks. I'm planning to be there round xmas. Is that a good time to go? Thanks again.

Alan

Hi, Frank!<BR>Wish I were you! Vietnam is just great! I think you have chosen a good time of year.. I was there in November, and Hanoi was delighfully cool, Ho Chi Minh still quite warm, and not much rain anywhere. <BR>I wish I had had 4 weeks, as you have, for in Ho Chi Minh City I found tour operators offering short trips to Laos, Cambodia, and (I think) Thailand which made my mouth water, but we didn't have time to take up the offers. My advice to you is to make sure that your visas to these neighbouring countries are in order, and then go as the spirit of the moment, and you budget, dictate.<BR>Hanoi is a far nicer city than Ho Chi Minh, which is (apart from the beauty of the people) indistinguishable from most other sprawling Asian cities. Hanoi, on the other hand, has a very French feel about it (wait till you see the Opera House!), and is small enough to be quite manageable... after a few days you will feel you know it. Stay in, or close to, the old quarter (The Dong Xuan, above the markets, is a fascinating place to stay and extremely cheap). The girls in their ao dais are the most beautiful sight in the whole world... they glide by on their pushbikes, their straight black hair flowing behind them, and you know that the Bible is true when it says that Man was made in the image of God. Well, His angels, anyway. You won't need to plan a tight itinerary, as when you get to know the people, you will want to simply "seize the moment". (Do, however, visit Mama Tina's orphanage in Ho Chi Minh City, but be warned... you may never want to leave!)<BR><BR>Some people on this forum have expressed distress at the number of beggars and the extent of the poverty in Vietnam, so be prepared for this. But it's no different in this respect from any other poor country (and, personally, I have found the beggars far more aggressive in the USA.... the worst I ever saw was in Las Vegas!) and you will probably find that they are eager to perform some service, however trivial, for the money. Whether you agree or decline, their smiles seem genuine, and you walk on safely. Buy your postcards from the licenced street orphans... they need the money and their prices are better than the competition. <BR>The food is beautiful, and the French cake shops will drive you crazy! You are in for a great time! Want a companion?

Frank

Thanks Alan - It all sounds great and I appreciate your reply. I have thought about visiting some of the other countries such as Laos and Cambodia. Hanoi sounds like it could be a good place for a first impression as I love French-colonial architecture. Also I believe there are tour operators in Hanoi who sell boat tours out to some of the islands. My wife found a company called Indochina Tours and another called Griswalds Vietnam Vacations. Maybe you've heard of them? I'm sure there are lots of others out there. So thanks again.

Madeline

Dear Frank<BR><BR>I was just cruising around the fodors site and I'm from Griswalds Vietnamese Vacations. <BR><BR>If you would like any help please send me an email at [email protected] <BR><BR>Madeline

Mary Anne Cook

I have traveled with Indo-China tours for the past 2 years They do customized tours which is really good for a first time person. Their guides (who meet you at the airports and get you to your hotel) are excellent. You can schedule free days to do whatever you like. Hanoi is also one of my favorite cities in Southeast Asia. If you have this much time you can easily do Vietnam from Saigon,down to the Mekong Delta, up to Danang-Hue area-even Nha Trang-one of Vietnam's best beaches and then to Hanoi or vice versa. First trip I went through Cambodia on the way to Saigon. Siem Reap is not to be missed where you can visit Angkor Wat and other temples. Last year we opted to go to Laos after the Vietnam visit going back through Phenom Phen and then to Vientianne and up to Luang Prabang which is a very charming small town. I will be back to Vietnam for my 3rd visit this year. I have made friends there which make it very special. Maybe you have found the Vietnam Indochina website(www.indochinatours.com) If other questons please feel free to email me. You have a great trip in store for you.

Frank

Thanks everyone for all your help. Now I can't wait to get on that plane!

Amy

Hi, Frank!<BR>I just returned from Vietnam and want to add that four weeks would be great! There are so many trips available out of Hanoi and HCM City from the various cafes, and the prices are very reasonable (like $15 for two days on the Mekong Delta, including a night's hotel stay.) Overnight on Halong Bay was a personal highlight. Many people recommend Sapa, but as I was in the north for only one week I didn't have time to go. It should be easy to arrange your day or overnight trips once you get there.<BR>I travelled through Untours, giving me an apartment in Hanoi and one in HCM City, as well as some support staff on arrival. I stayed in Hue and Hoi An for a few days, and went into Siem Reap, Cambodia, out of HCM City. <BR>It is a fascinating country, but you do need to be able to "go with the flow". I was definitely not ready to leave!