I will be in Hanoi in mid November....I will be teaching conversational English for several weeks. This will be my third trip. I would like some suggestions for a three day break I will have. I am able to fly or take a train or bus. I am not looking for a pool or a resort....but rather seeing some interesting things. I am willing to travel independently or take a tour with a guide.

air asia to bangkok for a nice few days

I assume you've been to Sapa? May be a bit too cold and foggy that time of year though. Bangkok is a great suggestion. Siem Reap is another.

Luang Prabang in Laos maybe?

Have you thoroughly explored Hanoi and the surrounding area? May not be necrssary to travel far. What are your interests?

Mai Chau Valley is 1/2 days travel from Hanoi and definitely worth a couple of days at least. we did a homestay there and had a great time. Some photos; http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...8042/tpod.html

Alternatively, a bit further away is the Ba Be lakes area in the far north. It is very beautiful and very remote but IMHO worth the trip. can be done by bus but probably better arranged with a tour operator in the Old Quarter (we used Kangaroo Travel) More info on our blog; http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...2280/tpod.html

We were there in Feb and it was cold - not sure about the weather in November.

Thank you for all your suggestions...I have been to Cambodia and Thailand...although they are great ideas! I have spent several months in Hanoi so I have explored every nook and cranny. Laos.....that might be a good idea....just not sure if a few days is enough time to be there...what are your thoughts?

I don't think a few days is enough for Laos. I spent nearly three weeks in the north and would like to go back but Luang Prabang provides a good introduction to the country.

Hi, for 3 days in Hanoi, why don't you try going to Hoian - the ancient town in the centre of Vietnam, (if you have not been there,the train can take one night and the flight take just two hours, you can go by flight or combined train and flight because two ways both by train will be tired & rush)

yes, for three days why don't you go to Halong Bay? it is very beautiful places and it is worth to see