Southeast Asia forum

travelingchinese

It's very tight, but (as Somtam says) 'do-able'.

However, I suggest the weather may be against you for Halong Bay. This is the wet time of year. For more on seasons, go to:

http://www.travelfish.org/vietnam-weather.php

Though it is the early part of the wet season, it MAY be sunny, showery, rainy, or some combination.

Last week, the whole area was covered by dense cloud. Today was sun everywhere early, and now the afternoon rain clouds have set in.

Go see at:

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=HaNoi,%20Vietnam&wuSelect=WEATHER

If you 'right click' on the small picture to the left side to open in a new tab/window, you'll see just how dense the cloud really is. Halong Bay is about where the 'g' is in Hai Phong (on the right side).

But, in a weeks' time, it may all be sunny again - that's weather.

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To be frank, Halong Bay is such a nice place when clear and sunny (even overcast), but I wouldn't waste my money if it was going to be wet, or foggy. You just wouldn't see anything to justify the expense.

Given this, I think I'd suggest that you skip HaNoi and head straight for Luang Prabang.

I'd then give at least another day to Siem Reap and break the templing up a little by heading to Tonle Sap for a day. Tonle Sap was/is the lifeblood of the Angkorian empire. Go to:

http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-siemreap-guide-other.htm

and scroll down to look especially at "Kompong Khleang".

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And, in the event that you spend more time at LP, you may entertain taking the boat up the Mekong & Nam Ou to Nong Khiaw and spending a day or two in that area. You can return to LP by bus or boat.

Cheers