'All-in' package holidays (flight,accom,tour) to Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand?

slinga

Sblogz wrote: »

Feel free to ask any questions you like, I've travelled all over the country, most of it on a bike

Hanoi or HCMC?

That is north or south for first visit.
Would rather see an area in some detail rather than squeeze in too much and not see properly..

PompeyPete

slinga wrote: »

Hanoi or HCMC?

That is north or south for first visit.
Would rather see an area in some detail rather than squeeze in too much and not see properly..

I don't think it matters, so long as you pick the right season...

http://www.vietnamtravelguide.com/weather.html

But if you've only got a couple of weeks then keep it simple. Getting your itinerary right and doable will make a difference.

Ballard

overcharged wrote: »

Thanks so much for your feedback everyone you've really given me food for thought here!!!!

Your itineries sounds incredible. A different world! Very brave to organises yourselves without going on a package holiday. Huge savings I see also!

It's really not that brave. There's nothing to be wary of and you'd see exactly what you want to see. I don't generally plan in as much detail as others. I start with an idea of an itinerary but play it by ear on arrival. Other than the first night or two I don't think that I've booked hotels in Asia (with the exception of Japan.

I do a lot of research on transportation in advance so I know how to get around and just look for a hotel on arrival. A lot of people do t this way although it's not for everyone. It does give a lot of freedom though.

I'm sure that if you do it once you'd never book a package again.

I went to Vietnam in 2003 and at that time it was relatively expensive to buy flights whilst in the country but it seems that things have changed.

PompeyPete

Travelling solo, you're on your own, nobody else to worry about or consider, so it's quite easy to cope with most situations. Different scenario when one person becomes two, and changes again if you've got children and their needs to think about.

My Mrs doesn't even have to tell me when she isn't happy with where we are or what 'my' plans are. The way she looks is enough!

Doshwaster

Ballard wrote: »

I went to Vietnam in 2003 and at that time it was relatively expensive to buy flights whilst in the country but it seems that things have changed.

It certainly has. There are lots of budget airline routes in Vietnam now. I don't think I paid over £40 for a one-way ticket. At that price it really isn't worth suffering a 12 hour bus or train ride unless you really do believe that "getting there is half the fun".

You just have to treat their published schedules with a huge pinch of salt and be prepared for delays due to weather and general SE Asian standards of timekeeping. Don't rely on an internal connection to catch your long haul flight home.

Ballard

From memory there was a rule that booking flights once inside the country was something like twice the price if you'd booked it before entering. I'm pleased to hear that it appears to have disappeared.

Sblogz

slinga wrote: »

Hanoi or HCMC?

That is north or south for first visit.
Would rather see an area in some detail rather than squeeze in too much and not see properly..

Hi Slinga,

Definitely a good idea to focus on one area if short on time, although the flights between North & South are cheap and there are numerous ones each day, if you fancy both.

I always say be guided by the weather. I've just found this site, which is better than ones I've used in the past:

http://www.selectiveasia.com/vietnam-holidays/weather/november

Weather aside, though:

Hanoi:

Bit more communist feeling and looking, which might make it feel more cultural. More war museums and museums to visit in general if that's your thing. 'Saltier' food - not what is sounds like, but the flavours are a lot less sweet than Southern flavours. Access to Ha Long bay, Sa Pa, Ha Giang.

HCM:

Bigger streets, brighter city lights. More Western. In general a bigger city. Access to Mekong Delta, Cu Chi tunnels. Locals possibly friendlier, but less polite.

Bonus Extra: Danang:

Less polluted, less crowded, less to do and visit. Beaches. Access to: Hoi An, Hue, resorts. More of a novelty factor being a foreigner.

Doshwaster

Sblogz wrote: »

Bonus Extra: Danang:

Less polluted, less crowded, less to do and visit. Beaches. Access to: Hoi An, Hue, resorts. More of a novelty factor being a foreigner.

I wouldn't stop in Danang itself as there is very little there apart from casinos and "massage" parlours aimed at the Chinese business market. However, the airport is a good gateway to Hoi An and Hue, both of which are worth a few days of your time.

Sblogz

Doshwaster wrote: »

I wouldn't stop in Danang itself as there is very little there apart from casinos and "massage" parlours aimed at the Chinese business market. However, the airport is a good gateway to Hoi An and Hue, both of which are worth a few days of your time.

Danang has got a bittttt more going for it than that - fire breathing dragon bridge (one of 4 pretty nice and interesting bridges), river cruises under those bridges, the road from *THAT* episode of Top Gear, beach (better and less touristy than Hoi An), Marble Mountain, Son Tra Peninsula (motorbike riding, beaches).

You're considerably less likely to be victimised as a tourist as well.

We do seem to agree that there is less to do than the Northern and Southern capitals and that you can get to Hoi An and Hue.

There's only one real casino in Danang, though.

PompeyPete

Sblogz wrote: »

Danang has got a bittttt more going for it than that - fire breathing dragon bridge (one of 4 pretty nice and interesting bridges), river cruises under those bridges, the road from *THAT* episode of Top Gear, beach (better and less touristy than Hoi An), Marble Mountain, Son Tra Peninsula (motorbike riding, beaches).

Stayed in Danang for 4 nights recently [9-12 Sep]. Flew there from Dalat with Vietnam Air @ £45 a ticket.

Our accommodation was right on the west bank of the river [Rainbow Hotel]. £19 a night for a double with breakfast. Had a massive top [6th] floor balcony overlooking the river, with the 4 bridges [2 left, 2 right], which were lit up at night.

The Dragon Bridge was the closest. It's lit up every night, but it only goes through it's fire breathing routine on Saturday and Sunday nights @ 2100. Several bars and restaurants along the river front.

From Danang we got a morning train to Hue. 3rd Class wooden seats @ 42k dong [£1.25, 4 hours]. Great scenic trip.

Danang is about 30km from charming Hoi An. If you haven't got time to stay at both, then I'd definitely choose Hoi An. It might be v.touristy, but it's magical from dusk onwards.