I was just in Thailand (BKK, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui) and Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap) last fall, and I'm interested in visiting Vietnam this fall. Does anyone have any feedback on whether Vietnam is significantly different from Thai/Cambodia to make it worth another trip? Will I be "underwhelmed" by Vietnam after seeing some of its SE Asian neighbors? Basically, I'm concerned about just getting a repeat of last year's vacation (it was awesome, but I want to see some new and different things). Thanks!

VN is definitely different from Cambodia and Thailand. It's certainly a worthwhile destination in its own right. It's varied enough that I'd recommend a couple of weeks there (or more) unless you're just zipping in to see one place.

Vietnam is very different but unless you do your homework (and I mean read more than a guidebook) you may miss what makes the country so interesting and special. And, most important, especially if you are an American, bring your heart and your understanding of what to them was the "American War." If you just go to see temples and beaches you may well be disappointed but that will NOT be because the country doesn't have a great deal to offer.

I didn;t get to vietnam while I was living in china but most of my friends had been there as well as also visiting a host of other neighbouring countries in the region. Everyone just loved vietnam and one couple rated it more highly than going home (USA) for Christmas. They told another mature aged couple that if they ahd a choice between christmas with family back home and vietnam than to take the vietnam option!!!
I laughed.
Oh and don;t ask Garry Glitter if its worth goin!

I visited Vietnam for the first time in the fall of 2003. We spent a week in Hanoi/Halong Bay area. We liked it so much we are returning this spring, and will visit other parts of the country. Vietnam is very different than Thailand and Cambodia, and is very much, IMO, worth the trip.

Everyone is saying Viet Nam is different than Thailand and other S/E Asian countries, but nobody is elaborating. Why is it different; what is so unique about it?

Its history and culture, for a start, are unique. I wish I'd boned up more on the Viet people's long struggle for independence before I visited. Not having visited the other two countries I can't make further comparisons, but I will say that the abiding memory I and I think most people have of Vietnam is its friendly and gracious people.

I like Vietnam because it hasnt quite reached the commercialism of its SE Asian counterparts. Sure, you still get pestered to buy stuff but once out of the immediate tourist traps you will find the Vietnamese people kind and generous.

The culture is very family oriented and respectful to women and the elderly.

My advice would be to spend as little time in Saigon as possible and make your way to the quieter parts of VN such as Hoi ann and Sappa.

Bring two sets of clothes cos it gets hot in the south and midly cooler in the north!