I am planning a trip to S.E. Asia this Summer and wondered if anyone had an opinion whether I should visit Vietnam or Malaysia. If Vietnam, Saigon or Hanoi? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I strongly suggest you go to Vietnam. The tourists are flocking there and soon the place will be one large spoiled tourist trap. I have been to Vietnam about 15 times in the past 3 years and love it. Strongly suggest HCMC, Hue, Da Nang, and maybe a day trip from HCMC to Can Tho in the delta. Hanoi is all right but not anything like HCMC. But if you have enough time go to Ha Long Bay, and to do that you will need to fly into Hanoi. <BR> <BR>I have spend a lot of time in both Hanoi and HCMC and as far as thing to do nothing is better than HCMC. The nightlife in Hanoi is there but you need to know where to look for it, whereas in HCMC it is everywhere. <BR> <BR>Not sure what you are looking to do in Vietnam but if you have further questions, just drop me a line. <BR> <BR>Brad <BR>

Brad, I keep on seeing really good things about Vietnam. Tell me, how would you comapare it with Thailand?<BR><BR>Thanks<BR>Toni

Brad: <BR>My wife and I had plan to visit next February, HCMC & Hanoi. Both 3 nts & 4 days. Is better to deserve more nts & days to HCMC than Hanoi. <BR>What is the best hotel in both cities. <BR>Is safe to travel there independently.Luis

Have travelled independently in both countries-Vietnam without a doubt.Flew into Saigon-linked into Sinh Cafe-provide cheap/comprehensive coach travel putting down/picking up on well trodden routes with mini tours also available.We did 2/3 day trip to Mekong Delta (a must).From Saigon went to De Lat to Nha Trang to Hoi An to Hue.Overnight train to Hanoi.Trip to Halong Bay inc 1 night on Cat Ba Island. Return to Hanoi then 2 day trip to to Mai Chau/minority tribe.return to Hanoi before flying to Bangkok.Wonderful tour/friendly people/cheap/reasonable accom/food/travel.Sinh cafe tours on www.vietnamtourism.com/vietnamopentour <BR>E-mail[email protected] <BR>Contact if require details of accom/places to eat

Hi Justin. Hope it is not too late to reply. My friend went to Vietnam a couple of days ago and came back with bad memories. Don't plan to visit if you're not into the third world scene. It is like Bangkok 20 years ago. He especially like to caution the driving and the smog! There are many rip offs targetted to tourists (especially western ones) by the army or people with uniform. Be warned. They are charging 4,000 dong to see HCM's body whereby it should be free (according to guide books)! Buy the paintings, if you have the budget (good collector's item one day). <BR> <BR>Malaysia is a complete opposite than Vietnam. More cosmopolitan and with all the ease and comfort. I won't discount going there.. worth a visit! <BR>Email me if you want details <BR> <BR>

Justin, <BR> <BR>I would definitely vote for Vietnam--especially Hanoi. I think it's the most beautivul capital in all of Southeast Asia. If you are at all concerned about being ripped off, I would make sure to stay at a reputable hotel whose staff could make your trip a lot more comfortable. That said, I recomment the Metropole Hotel (in Hanoi) which is, IMO, the best hotel in the world. Not only is the hotel beatuiful, but the staff is excellent. They can make any extra travel arangements for you and can even help you resolve any greivances/problems that you run into elsewhere. They are incredibly hospitable and will address you by name after the first day. If you do go there, stay in the section where the rooms have more old world charm. The new section is also nice, but much more modern. Again, I cannot overstate the significance of a good hotel in Vietnam--it'll make all the difference in the world. <BR> <BR>As for Saigon, the pace of life there is very different from Hanoi. Saigon is more like Bangkok and very vibrant. Whereas Hanoi is more serene and laid back. Use either city as your base for shorter trips into the country side. From Hanoi, you could make trips to Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, even Hue. From Saigon, go to the Delta, Nha Trang, Da Lat, or Vung Tau. The options are endless. <BR> <BR>Bon Voyage!