Vietnam & Cambodia Itinerary
Oct 14th, 2023, 01:49 AM
#21
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The two main carriers in Vietnam are Vietnam Airways, the national carrier and Vietjet , a budget carrier. Neither are up to the standards of major western airline but IMO, Vietnam Airways are by far the better bet. Vietjet seem to have a pretty awful reputation for reliability etc. Elsewhere in Asia and to/from Vietnam I have always used Air Asia and have always been happy with the service and fares.
We have always tended to visit for extended periods and use the overnight trains where possible - worth trying once just for the experience!
We have always tended to visit for extended periods and use the overnight trains where possible - worth trying once just for the experience!
Oct 14th, 2023, 02:00 AM
#22
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Hi
I can get a reasonable flight from SA to Hanoi - and, after travelling to Vietnam, to Siem Riep. I've noticed you mentioned (the last day in Hanoi before flying back) Why is this as Saigon is closer to Cambodia, or is it better (and Cheaper) to pass at the end of my trip from Cambodia to Hanoi than Saigon? I need to know before booking my main trip to and from Vietnam.
This will be my first time travelling Solo (a bit scary)! Would you recommend I book accommodations only for the first few nights or arrange it when I'm there? Or book most of the accommodation as it's peak season?
Do you have any specific recommendations for accommodation and the best way to travel between places?
I can get a reasonable flight from SA to Hanoi - and, after travelling to Vietnam, to Siem Riep. I've noticed you mentioned (the last day in Hanoi before flying back) Why is this as Saigon is closer to Cambodia, or is it better (and Cheaper) to pass at the end of my trip from Cambodia to Hanoi than Saigon? I need to know before booking my main trip to and from Vietnam.
This will be my first time travelling Solo (a bit scary)! Would you recommend I book accommodations only for the first few nights or arrange it when I'm there? Or book most of the accommodation as it's peak season?
Do you have any specific recommendations for accommodation and the best way to travel between places?
Oct 14th, 2023, 02:22 AM
#23
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Two reasons I mentioned a night in Hanoi before flying home to South Africa ( wonderful country BTW - we spent a couple of months there and loved it!)
On a relatively short trip such as this, it would make sense to book accommodation in advance. You can research at leisure and choose the places you like in the right location. I book using booking.com always on a fully refundable basis so if I do change my route I can just cancel 24/48 hours before with no cost (you pay on arrival direct to the hotel for most stays). On longer trips we sometime just book the first few nights and see how we go. on these trips we often change plans. One time we booked three nights in Saigon and ended up staying three weeks. If your route is set then I think it makes sense to book in advance and if things do change, no problem. It is not like South Africa where I remember having to book AND pay for accommodation in advance (indeed that is the only country I have had to do that!)
Apart from Tet, it is very rare not to be able to find a room whether it be in a cheap backpacker hotel or a five star place.
Once you have decide on where you are going and if you would care to provide an idea of the sort of places you want stay/budget, I would be happy to suggest places to stay and how to get between this places.
PS I forgot to mention in my previous post, yes, I would suggest booking flights in advance as soon as you have finalised your itinerary
- I would always recommend staying in the city of departure the night before a homebound flight in case of delays or cancellations.
- I assumed that you would be getting a return flight from SA. If you can get an open jaw ticket then, yes flying out to HAN and back from SGN at no extra (or little) cost then yes, that would be better
On a relatively short trip such as this, it would make sense to book accommodation in advance. You can research at leisure and choose the places you like in the right location. I book using booking.com always on a fully refundable basis so if I do change my route I can just cancel 24/48 hours before with no cost (you pay on arrival direct to the hotel for most stays). On longer trips we sometime just book the first few nights and see how we go. on these trips we often change plans. One time we booked three nights in Saigon and ended up staying three weeks. If your route is set then I think it makes sense to book in advance and if things do change, no problem. It is not like South Africa where I remember having to book AND pay for accommodation in advance (indeed that is the only country I have had to do that!)
Apart from Tet, it is very rare not to be able to find a room whether it be in a cheap backpacker hotel or a five star place.
Once you have decide on where you are going and if you would care to provide an idea of the sort of places you want stay/budget, I would be happy to suggest places to stay and how to get between this places.
PS I forgot to mention in my previous post, yes, I would suggest booking flights in advance as soon as you have finalised your itinerary
Oct 14th, 2023, 07:19 AM
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The best time to travel to Vietnam for the best weather is Spring (March - April) and the months between Autumn and winter (October - December):
- Avoid storms in July and August that affect your trip negatively. Your trip may be canceled/ delayed due to bad weather).
- Avoid the super hot summer (from May to August), and the rainy season in the South (from May to October).
- Freezing and dry climate in the North and Center (from the end of December to January).
Oct 14th, 2023, 07:25 AM
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Vietnam , being a long thin country affected by various monsoons, has complex weather patterns. This tour operators website will help you pick the right month https://www.selectiveasia.com/vietnam-holidays/weather just click on a month/region for a more detailed explanation. Jan to April should be good for most areas. December could also be good - in these days of climate change, it's hard to tell! December will probably be a bit wet in Central Vietnam (Hue & Hoi An) and it will likely be cool in the north.
Oct 19th, 2023, 07:08 AM
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Hi everyone,
I eventually convinced hubby to come along and I booked our flight from SA to Hanoi and a return flight 27 days later from Saigon to SA (Johannesburg). It looks like a 29 day Itinerary but keeping in mind the overlay in Dubai it's more 26 days. We are usually tired after our arrival seeing that we cannot really sleep on the plane and so on.
Unfortunately my hubby is not the planning type and don't give his opinion and leave it all up to me, saying he knows he will have a great adventure (I guess I I'm used to that by now - I'm the only one with the Wanderlust gene's).
I wanted to spend a few days in Sihanoukville but read that there is a lot of construction going on and not a pleasure - there are other great beaches but I've read on a top travel blog that they had a huge problem with sand so that they felt sick. So I guess I must forget about that region.
After all my research it was clear that for transport in Vietnam and Cambodia, I'll have to look at other transport (our ZAR are very weak against he US$, Euro and GPD) - I wish!
And let's face it all the tour Co's are out to make money and cater for thos who earn dollars and Euros.
I'm happy with what Crellston suggested (and the few others who commented), thank you. To incorporate a hike what would you suggest, I also need suggestions on travelling from one place to the other and so on. Thanks guys/girls - I'm getting super excited now and are looking forward to your feedback and advice!
I eventually convinced hubby to come along and I booked our flight from SA to Hanoi and a return flight 27 days later from Saigon to SA (Johannesburg). It looks like a 29 day Itinerary but keeping in mind the overlay in Dubai it's more 26 days. We are usually tired after our arrival seeing that we cannot really sleep on the plane and so on.
Unfortunately my hubby is not the planning type and don't give his opinion and leave it all up to me, saying he knows he will have a great adventure (I guess I I'm used to that by now - I'm the only one with the Wanderlust gene's).
I wanted to spend a few days in Sihanoukville but read that there is a lot of construction going on and not a pleasure - there are other great beaches but I've read on a top travel blog that they had a huge problem with sand so that they felt sick. So I guess I must forget about that region.
After all my research it was clear that for transport in Vietnam and Cambodia, I'll have to look at other transport (our ZAR are very weak against he US$, Euro and GPD) - I wish!
And let's face it all the tour Co's are out to make money and cater for thos who earn dollars and Euros.
I'm happy with what Crellston suggested (and the few others who commented), thank you. To incorporate a hike what would you suggest, I also need suggestions on travelling from one place to the other and so on. Thanks guys/girls - I'm getting super excited now and are looking forward to your feedback and advice!
Oct 19th, 2023, 10:26 AM
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Not entirely sure what you mean by "After all my research it was clear that for transport in Vietnam and Cambodia, I'll have to look at other transport "? Anyway buses, minibuses and trains are cheap in both Cambodia. Even taxis are quite reasonable. Flying used to cheap but in common with most countries has increased significantly post covid. I appreciate the the Rand has fallen in value in recent years but, even so, I think you will find that costs on the ground compare very favourably with costs in SA.
The cheapest way to book tours is to do it in country and pay in Dong not $, £ or € - it is illegal in Vietnam to sell stuff priced in foreign currency.
You couldn't pay me to go the Sihanoukville - ruined by Chinese money, development and gangsters. Some nice beaches on the islands but not easy to get to. Frankly, after the beaches in South Africa, you will find those in both Vietnam and Cambodia a huge disappointment!
Enjoy your planning and anything we can do, just ask.
The cheapest way to book tours is to do it in country and pay in Dong not $, £ or € - it is illegal in Vietnam to sell stuff priced in foreign currency.
You couldn't pay me to go the Sihanoukville - ruined by Chinese money, development and gangsters. Some nice beaches on the islands but not easy to get to. Frankly, after the beaches in South Africa, you will find those in both Vietnam and Cambodia a huge disappointment!
Enjoy your planning and anything we can do, just ask.
Oct 19th, 2023, 04:42 PM
#34
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Vietnam Airlines is an EXCELLENT airline, as good as any, which I use regularly (3-4 times a year) since 15 years, including a round-trip Hanoi-Paris); PLUS, beautiful stewardesses.
Oct 20th, 2023, 12:20 AM
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Hi Crellston
My apologies; I meant the flights are pretty expensive, but as you say, the ground transport is very affordable. I haven't checked all the flight companies yet, but those I've checked, for example, Siem Reap to Sihanoukville, were half of what I paid for my return flight from ZAR to Vietnam. Thanks for your comment on Sihanoukville - I'm no longer interested in going there. Still not sure about Sapa and Mount Fansipan - now that we have more days, I'd like to have your opinion - what would you add to the Itinerary you suggested before?
We now first need to apply for a multiple entry Visa and also a Visa for Cambodia which I hope won't be a problem.
My apologies; I meant the flights are pretty expensive, but as you say, the ground transport is very affordable. I haven't checked all the flight companies yet, but those I've checked, for example, Siem Reap to Sihanoukville, were half of what I paid for my return flight from ZAR to Vietnam. Thanks for your comment on Sihanoukville - I'm no longer interested in going there. Still not sure about Sapa and Mount Fansipan - now that we have more days, I'd like to have your opinion - what would you add to the Itinerary you suggested before?
We now first need to apply for a multiple entry Visa and also a Visa for Cambodia which I hope won't be a problem.
Oct 20th, 2023, 12:24 AM
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Sorry but Vietnam Airlines is not an "excellent airline". I would describe it as average at best, so don't expect too much. It is fine for short haul within Vietnam but not a patch on Emirates that you seem to be using for your flight from South Africa. We used Vietnam Airways from London to Sydney last year when our flights via Japan were cancelled last minute because of the pandemic and were very disappointed even in Premium Economy (but then, the beauty or otherwise of the cabin staff has never been a key criteria for me!)
Oct 20th, 2023, 01:13 AM
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No need to apologise Mimmiehuman. Probably just me being dense!
As far as flights are concerned, I doubt you will actually need that many. We have probably spent in excess of a year travelling around Vietnam and Cambodia and I can count on the fingers of one hand, the number of flights we have taken. Trains are a great way of travelling through Vietnam. Not luxurious by any stretch but fine in soft sleeper compartments where you have the added benefit of saving on a nights accommodation cost.
If your flights are return CT to Hanoi then you would only probably need a flight back from say Phnom Penh to Hanoi to pick up your homebound flight. A quick look on Skyscanner show direct flights in march for around $160 US and around half that with Air Asia via KL or Bangkok (but clearly that takes. few hour more)
As for where to go and what to do, this really depends upon your specific interests, all I can do is make suggestions on what I would do with that time which is necessarily my subjective opinion. other will have different priorities. sadly this forum no longer sees that much participation (for all sorts of reasons!) If you head to the Vietnam forum you will see LOT more activity and varied opinions and suggestions.
FWIW , given the time you have, I think I would not necessarily add any additional locations. The best advice I can give for SE Asia is to travel slowly - less really can be more. You will want a few days in Hanoi come what may , it is an amazing city. I would also include some sort of visit to the countryside in the north. Sapa would not be my first choice however. Having done many rural treks etc in Northern Vietnam, I think the one we did with Ethnic Travel would suit - you will find it on our blog which I linked previously . Not necessarily the easiest travel but more unspoiled, few other tourist and very rewarding.
Heading south you can largely go by overnight trains the link to seat61 that Thusdaysd posted earlier has all the info you need. Once you get to Saigon you then have options to go through the delta by land and boat or bus direct between HCMC and PP.
Anyway, off on my own travels shortly down to darkness Cornwall.
As far as flights are concerned, I doubt you will actually need that many. We have probably spent in excess of a year travelling around Vietnam and Cambodia and I can count on the fingers of one hand, the number of flights we have taken. Trains are a great way of travelling through Vietnam. Not luxurious by any stretch but fine in soft sleeper compartments where you have the added benefit of saving on a nights accommodation cost.
If your flights are return CT to Hanoi then you would only probably need a flight back from say Phnom Penh to Hanoi to pick up your homebound flight. A quick look on Skyscanner show direct flights in march for around $160 US and around half that with Air Asia via KL or Bangkok (but clearly that takes. few hour more)
As for where to go and what to do, this really depends upon your specific interests, all I can do is make suggestions on what I would do with that time which is necessarily my subjective opinion. other will have different priorities. sadly this forum no longer sees that much participation (for all sorts of reasons!) If you head to the Vietnam forum you will see LOT more activity and varied opinions and suggestions.
FWIW , given the time you have, I think I would not necessarily add any additional locations. The best advice I can give for SE Asia is to travel slowly - less really can be more. You will want a few days in Hanoi come what may , it is an amazing city. I would also include some sort of visit to the countryside in the north. Sapa would not be my first choice however. Having done many rural treks etc in Northern Vietnam, I think the one we did with Ethnic Travel would suit - you will find it on our blog which I linked previously . Not necessarily the easiest travel but more unspoiled, few other tourist and very rewarding.
Heading south you can largely go by overnight trains the link to seat61 that Thusdaysd posted earlier has all the info you need. Once you get to Saigon you then have options to go through the delta by land and boat or bus direct between HCMC and PP.
Anyway, off on my own travels shortly down to darkness Cornwall.
Nov 1st, 2023, 12:42 PM
#40
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Hi,
Eventually, we received the Visa, and I got to have some (sort of) an itinerary. Please let me know your thoughts - also, on Transport in between - any input - thanks, guys!
Over all the years, I've organized many travels, but this is the first time that I'm stuck - I mean, Peru and Turkey are both very diverse Countries - but perhaps because Vietnam is so very different to all other places (I think) - that I'm overwhelmed.
After some research about my job with little time left, I've decided on the following: I booked nothing except for the Flights to Vietnam and back. Based on Crellston's Itinerary (thanks Crellston). How would you change this itinerary? - All input is very welcome.
I might never revisit Vietnam, and because of the freezing weather in December, I'll skip the Trekking in the region.
Arrive in Hanoi on 3/12
1 Hanoi
2 SAPA (take the morning bus to SAPA) - on day 3, take the overnight train back to Hanoi.
3 Hanoi
1 Halong Bay (2 days Halong Bay Cruise)
2 Hue/Hoi An
2 Saigon
Mekong Delta
2 Ben Tre
1 Can Tho
3 Chau Doc
Boat to
2 Phnom Penh
2 Battambang (Crellston why do you recommend 2x Battambang?)
4 Siem Reap
fly back to Saigon / Ho Chi Minh
1 Saigon
before flying back to SAHi,
Eventually, we received the Visa, and I got to have some (sort of) an itinerary. Please let me know your thoughts - also, on Transport in between - any input - thanks, guys!
Over all the years, I've organized many travels, but this is the first time that I'm stuck - I mean, Peru and Turkey are both very diverse Countries - but perhaps because Vietnam is so very different to all other places (I think) - that I'm overwhelmed.
After some research about my job with little time left, I've decided on the following: I booked nothing except for the Flights to Vietnam and back. Based on Crellston's Itinerary (thanks Crellston). How would you change this itinerary? - All input is very welcome.
I might never revisit Vietnam, and because of the freezing weather in December, I'll skip the Trekking in the region.
Arrive in Hanoi on 3/12
1 Hanoi
2 SAPA (take the morning bus to SAPA) - on day 3, take the overnight train back to Hanoi.
3 Hanoi
1 Halong Bay (2 days Halong Bay Cruise)
2 Hue/Hoi An
2 Saigon
Mekong Delta
2 Ben Tre
1 Can Tho
3 Chau Doc
Boat to
2 Phnom Penh
2 Battambang (Crellston why do you recommend 2x Battambang?)
4 Siem Reap
fly back to Saigon / Ho Chi Minh
1 Saigon
before flying back to SA
Eventually, we received the Visa, and I got to have some (sort of) an itinerary. Please let me know your thoughts - also, on Transport in between - any input - thanks, guys!
Over all the years, I've organized many travels, but this is the first time that I'm stuck - I mean, Peru and Turkey are both very diverse Countries - but perhaps because Vietnam is so very different to all other places (I think) - that I'm overwhelmed.
After some research about my job with little time left, I've decided on the following: I booked nothing except for the Flights to Vietnam and back. Based on Crellston's Itinerary (thanks Crellston). How would you change this itinerary? - All input is very welcome.
I might never revisit Vietnam, and because of the freezing weather in December, I'll skip the Trekking in the region.
Arrive in Hanoi on 3/12
1 Hanoi
2 SAPA (take the morning bus to SAPA) - on day 3, take the overnight train back to Hanoi.
3 Hanoi
1 Halong Bay (2 days Halong Bay Cruise)
2 Hue/Hoi An
2 Saigon
Mekong Delta
2 Ben Tre
1 Can Tho
3 Chau Doc
Boat to
2 Phnom Penh
2 Battambang (Crellston why do you recommend 2x Battambang?)
4 Siem Reap
fly back to Saigon / Ho Chi Minh
1 Saigon
before flying back to SAHi,
Eventually, we received the Visa, and I got to have some (sort of) an itinerary. Please let me know your thoughts - also, on Transport in between - any input - thanks, guys!
Over all the years, I've organized many travels, but this is the first time that I'm stuck - I mean, Peru and Turkey are both very diverse Countries - but perhaps because Vietnam is so very different to all other places (I think) - that I'm overwhelmed.
After some research about my job with little time left, I've decided on the following: I booked nothing except for the Flights to Vietnam and back. Based on Crellston's Itinerary (thanks Crellston). How would you change this itinerary? - All input is very welcome.
I might never revisit Vietnam, and because of the freezing weather in December, I'll skip the Trekking in the region.
Arrive in Hanoi on 3/12
1 Hanoi
2 SAPA (take the morning bus to SAPA) - on day 3, take the overnight train back to Hanoi.
3 Hanoi
1 Halong Bay (2 days Halong Bay Cruise)
2 Hue/Hoi An
2 Saigon
Mekong Delta
2 Ben Tre
1 Can Tho
3 Chau Doc
Boat to
2 Phnom Penh
2 Battambang (Crellston why do you recommend 2x Battambang?)
4 Siem Reap
fly back to Saigon / Ho Chi Minh
1 Saigon
before flying back to SA
