JackGlasser

I have heard very opposite things about both cities. Some people say HCHC prettier, livelier, more interesting than Hanoi, others say the exact opposite. The same about the North versus the South. I wish to get some opiinions from those who have been to both places recently. thank you

merckxxx

I was in both all of February and Hanoi is by far the more pleasant of the two. Prices are lower, hotels are nicer and less expensive, many, many nicer restaurants, and I think more to do and see in Hanoi. A drawback is the noise and difficulty in walking. But most visitors deal with this by spending 2 days in Hanoi and taking a day trip out to get away from the noise & traffic. I wouldn't even have visited HCM if I knew there was so little of interest there.

ekscrunchy

Saigon is one of my favorite Asian cities! But for the first time visitor, Hanoi holds more interest.

marya_

My reply is based on having spent 28 days in Hanoi and 13 split among Hue, Danang and HCMC. If summer 2008 counts as recent, read on, otherwise discount. Also, I don't speak any Vietnamese.

I think that there is much more for the casual traveler to do and see in Hanoi and environs, yet I found the people friendlier and the cultural vibe more appealing in HCMC. Whether that observation would hold up on a longer visit to HCMC, I don't know. I loved the central coastal area -- Hue, Danang, etc. -- as well.

Why do you frame your question in a north v. south manner? Do you have limited time and need to choose one destination?

JackGlasser

I am going with a number of collegues: there are two options: a long tour of 11 to 12 days (full 11 days on the ground including HCMC and An Hoi) or a short version 8 full days, leaving on day 9 excluding the South. Both do Siem Reap-Angor Wat. I figuered if I dont go with these friends, I will be unlikely to really consider visiting this area. Also, considering on the way to Viet Nam possibly spending two full days on the groung in hong kong. The long version starts in HCMC.

lcuy

You are talking about the capitols of what used to be North Vietnam and South Vietnam. Hanoi has a lot more historic buildings still remaining, Saigon is in the midst of a huge building boom. Saigon is the center for entrepeneurs and capitalisim, and the water culture is still alive, though I wonder for how long. Hanoi has a lot more of the old style communists, so change comes more slowly up there. Two very different cities.

in this instance, I think you need to choose based on your time and your budget. You can't see everything; unless you have unlimited time and money, in which case you should also go to Laos, Bhutan and Burma, since you'd hate to miss them!!

butch

We have visited both and enjoyed them equally. Hanoi is small and quaint. There are great restaurants, shopping, Hoan Kiem Lake, and we thought Hanoi Hilton and Ho Minh's mausoleum were both worth seeing. Easy drive to beautiful Ha Long Bay for a get-away.

We also read that HCMC was not worth seeing but we have visited three times and cannot figure out why people say that! We agree with Marya, the people seem friendlier and there is more of a buzz going on (we are 53+65 so take 'buzz' with a grain of salt!). There are great restaurants, museums, and we loved the markets.

I don't think you could go wrong with either of your options. You can always go back if you leave HCMC off the trip. We have been 4 times and are considering going back again. Hoi An is definitely worth going to as well. AND . . .you will love Siem Reap/Angor Wat. Have a terrific time.

JackGlasser

thank you. This group is staying at the Nikko in Hanoi which has mixed reviews

daawgon

I love Hanoi much more than Saigon (more intimate, and I have friends there too). Saigon is interesting, but I consider it the LA of Vietnam, and Hanoi more of the SF of Vietnam. By the way, you're cheating yourself by staying in big hotels - the small guesthouses are the real way to go. They might not have all the frills and whistles of a Hyatt, but you're experiences will be far far greater. I never pay more than $30. for an excellent room with just about everything including breakfast, but no elevator. (small is better in Vietnam)

dogster

'...I wouldn't even have visited HCM if I knew there was so little of interest there...'

Ahhh, merkxxx, true to form. I do enjoy your contributions. lol lol lol. I heard you were starring in a play called 'Grumpy Old Men' on Broadway. I guess the season must have finished. But your brief bits of 'performance art' in here more than make up for it. See you soon.

merckxxx

dogster - my apologies for not stating it in 10,000 words and in the 3rd person and failing to mention "penis" several times. Let us see: He gazed into the brown water while she wore that orange mumu apparently without ever noticing him, and he thought that she might have at least symbotically grew one too and HCMC was just one more rustng corrugated metal and new glass tower city next to brown water passing him... blah, blah blah where are his servants blah blah blah

lcuy

Actually, there is a lot to see in Saigon. It just takes more effort to find it.