Vietnam forum

Hi Emma-Jane,

I would suggest you fly in between places and go from HCMC to Hue , see there and take a couple of days in Hoi An, then fly from Hue to Hanoi and from there take a trip to Halong Bay. This would give you a few days in each place and also let you see the main tourist trail. You don't want to spend all your time travelling, so don't try to do too much...

Have fun, Vietnam is a great place

Chris

Emma-Jane

Like Chris, I suggest fly between a couple of places

To my way of thinking, the most significant word in your request is cram.

If the purpose of your trip is to see as many places as possible, then cram yourself into a plane every other day and stay a day at half a dozen or so places.

If the purpose of your trip is to experience a series of vignettes of Vietnam, then plan to stay 2 or 3 days at several locations, and fly between.

As you'll note from the contents of the post here you will need to make a trade-off between racing across the countryside or enjoying yourself.

In 12 days, at (say) 3 days a piece, that means 4 locations (at best). So, two options...

city/mountain/beach/city

3 days Saigon (HCNC),
3 days DaLat (fly SGN - DAL)
3 days Nha Trang (bus from DaLat)
3 days HaNoi. (fly from Nha Trang)

city/town-beach/city-Halong

3 days Saigon
4 days Danang for Hoi An (fly SGN - DNG, bus Hoi An)
5 days HaNoi (fly from DNG) [including overnight on HaLong Bay]

Obviously, there are other options, but these two offer an insight into how I suggest you fashion your travel so that you enjoy yourself, and at the same time experience a slice of Vietnamese life.

Cheers

Hi all,

Thanks for the varied suggestions, it is good to get different points of view and the posts have gave me a lot to think about.

I wasn't really considering flying in Vietnam but I think now this may have to be added in.

Originally we were not going to be visiting Vietnam,due to my travel partner not being keen, although now I have mangaed to persuade her.

This is the reason we do not have long in the country. I would rather spend a few days experiencing each place and don't want to cram too much, just so I can say we have been there. There is always plenty of time to come back again.

What is considered a good budget airline in Vietnam?

Thanks xx

Emma-Jane

Somtam is right when he writes that for domestic travel in Vietnam, Jetstar are generally cheaper than the alternative - Vietnam Air.

Interestingly, Vietnam Air is a full cost carrier, but often matches the Jetstar flight prices. So, don't only look at http://www.jetstar.com. also look at http://www.vietnamair.com.vn/wps/portal/vn/welcome/ (sometimes its best in IE7+). That way, you get to choose best price / best flight times.

If you fly into Vietnam on Vietnam Air, they have a discount (of up to 50%)...

Air Vietnam offers a pass in conjunction with international flights that allows for a discount of 50% on domestic flights to fifteen different destinations. Airpass is not mentioned at website and you will have to speak with Vietnam Air for more information.

Cheers



Cheers