Korean Job Discussion Forums

brento1138 · Joined: 17 Nov 2004

Well, I've decided upon going to Vietnam for 2 weeks. Now, I know some of you might think that is enough time to explore both North and South, but it is a big country and I like to explore more "in-depth" than just brushing over some places quickly. So I need to decide. Which area of Vietnam should I go to? North or South? We are hoping to hit some beaches and enjoy warm weather, so should we not consider the North?

Any suggestions? If anyone has been to either, or both, could you give me a few pointers on what you think the most interesting areas to go are?

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

I've been to VN twice, & preferred the north: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay. But in January, the climate in Hanoi is often 10-16c, with drizzling rain. Nha Trang in the south, was nothing to rave about, either.

bucheon bum · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

I'd say north, but as Chris said, weather won't be as nice in North in January.

Halong Bay is pretty awesome and Hanoi probably is more interesting than Saigon.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

Sapa was pretty awesome, too. But cold at night.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

North north north, I second everything Chris said.

dutchschultz · Joined: 01 Feb 2004

I was in Vietnam for one month this past summer. HCMC and Hanoi are big cities with not much to offer. I would say that people are friendlier in HCMC and shops are more willing to bargain in HCMC.

I actually vote for central Vietnam. Hoi An was an awesome place. There isn't much to do but it is a place that everyone ends up staying longer than they had planned. Hue has some nice sites but they gouge the foreigner with more than double pricing at tourist sites.

Sapa was nice, but even in summer it was chilly at night. While Halong Bay is nice, there are just too many boats to really enjoy much. If you do go, make sure that you don't pay too much. Whether you are paying $20 or $100 for a day trip, you are on the same boat.

Sapa · Joined: 05 Nov 2007

Have to agree, go North. Lots to see and do, they have already been mentioned, Halong Bay, Hanoi (great to walk around the old quarter) and of course Sapa and the mountainous region around it. It is stunning up in the northwest, amazing scenery and people.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

The water puppets in Hanoi, were pretty cool, too. The Old Quarter had a lot more character than HCMC, imho.

Sapa · Joined: 05 Nov 2007

Yeah water puppets were fun to go and see.
How about Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum? I found that really interesting and quite surreal. I just remember the silence and immaculately dressed soldiers and uncle Ho glowing in the dark.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

See for yourself:

http://www.trekearth.com/members/ChrisJ/photos/Asia/Vietnam/

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

I hated the North found the people not as nice and Halong bay wasn't all that great.

The south has Saigon and the Mekong Delta.

Hoi An also gets a nod from me.

crazy_arcade · Joined: 05 Nov 2006

Hoi An and Hue are the two best places imho.
Nha Trang has gorgeous beaches and the boat tours are a fun sort of drinking experience.

You're right that two weeks isn't enough for everything. In that time you don't have enough time to delve into the Mekong so skip that. I'd do something like Ho Chi Minh to Nah Trang...from Nah Trang you could hire a motorcycle into the country or something for a couple of days. A couple of days in Hoi An for the history, the custom tailoring, and the nice beaches nearby. Hue is really cool. Do a motorcycle tour of it! You won't regret it.
From Hue..catch a plane (flights are cheap in Vietnam) to the North and fly out of Hanoi.

As for the rest of travel...it really is up to you. Fllights are inexpensive and good. Airports tend to be 30-40 minutes out of cities though so make sure you know about public transportation and mini busses into cities (taxis will rip you hard!). Sleeper trains are a good way to see the countryside and save time and hotel rooms.

Hotels are damn cheap in Vietnam.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

One the funniest things I have read about the place:

demaratus · Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 3:54 pm Post subject:

I would say that the central portion (Hoi An, Danang, Nha Trang, Hue) is the best part of the country. Food, Beaches and atmosphere are great there. If it must be North or South, I would say that the north has more interesting places. Hanoi is more interesting than HCMC, Halong bay is nice, Cuc Phuong is nice and I hear that Sapa is great. But the people in Hanoi were much pushier, and the ripoffs/scams more abundant. HCMC has Mui NE beach very close (its a nice beach that has very good food, and a great chill environment), Cu Chi was neat for a day trip, and the mekong delta is a really nice unique place. What kind of vacation are you looking for a sightseeing vacation? If so go to the north, if you like beaches go to the central area, and if you like a some of both the south is probably the best.