Vietnam forum

Hmmm.. general impressions I guess thanks brucemoon. We're looking for somewhere clean, relaxed (not overly developed like Nha Trang), good local food and good for swimming. Dont want much, huh?
Hoping to find cheapish(flashpacker)bungalows-on-beach type accommodation.
Also any advice on getting there from Saigon then to somewhere which will lead to Hoi An when we leave the beach would be very helpful.
Thanks

smartlyndy

I first 'did' the beaches north of Vung Tau some 40 years ago (in different circumstances). I s'pose things had to change!!!!! Nevertheless, there are some great beach locations north of Vung Tau, in the area of Long Hai (Loc An, Ho Tram, Ha Coc) and if you go midweek, you'll largely have the places to yourselves.

Note that the Vungers & Long Hai area is a weekend 'retreat' for the Saigonese!

But, Vungers (and northwards) are off the track that takes you to Hoi An . So, its a separate journey. If you are 'into' it, take the boat to Vungers, hire a couple of motorbikes (the 12yo can hop on the back of one) and just 'go'. You'll undoubtedly have to leave a passport with the hire place, but keep at least one for booking into accommodation (law in VN). This way, YOU can be in charge of your own destiny (personal freedom is great in VN - no 'please you buy', 'where you from', etc...)

On a different tack, there is a magnificent beach that runs from Hoi An to Danang, and if you're interested, from north of Danang to near Hue. And, there are islands off Hoi An that have good beaches (and few tourists).

I've made comments about that and water quality at:

http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/vietnam/5968_best-beaches-in-vietnam----

Phan Rang and Cam Ranh Bay (south of Nha Trang ) also have good beaches, and are nowhere near as 'touristed' as Nha Trang . That said, some of the islands out from Nha Trang have great beaches.

I suppose the 'word' is that there are some wonderful beaches all the way from Vung Tau to Vinh. In some places, the villagers have catered to the tourists, in others, its way off the tourist trail.

On villages and locals, if you are interested in getting off the tourist 'trail', perhaps buy a Lonely Planet and just explore.

Cheers

Lyndall

I learnt to ride a moto (at age 60+) while at Hue. Now.... just fun!!!

Getting an auto appears to be the easiest approach. I wrote about this to another at:

http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/laos/3443_motorcycle-rental-in-pakse

I really think if you take your time and do it slowly (at least till you get the hang of it) that you can manage. If everyone else can, why can't you?

If you want to go into the Long Hai area for the beaches, there appear three ways to approach it.

1/.

You can go via Vung Tau (boat) hire moto's, and go. You'll have to return this way.

2/.

Or, boat then bus to Long Hai and hire moto's then go. You can either return to Saigon via Vung Tau, or take a bus to Bien Hoa from Long Hai (this is a goodish road).

3/.

Take a bus from Saigon to Long Hai, hire moto's and go, then bus it back to Saigon or Bien Hoa.

I am advised you can rent moto's in Long Hai, the only hassle might be that there aren't too many automatic moto's.

For an intersting overview, go check out:

http://www.dgifford.com/PDFS/motorbikearticle1.31.07.pdf

cheers

Lyndall

Yep, thought the grey hair on this site didn't quite fit the format. Hoped the cheerfulness would meet the (assumed) expectation.

On more questions, if you send me an email from the travelblog, it'll go direct to me. That way, I can answer any concerns directly.

cheers