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3 weeks in South Vietnam - where would you go?

Mariedk

newbie
Posts: 2

We've booked a flight from Denmark to Bankok in late December - hoping to find a flight from there to HCMC.
We've been told, that we should stay in the South of Vietnam because of the nice weather at that time.. We're looking for local culture and food, nice and quiet, relaxed beaches and beautiful nature..Where would you go? We've been recommended to go to Phu Quoc, because we love islands - but isn't it big and crowded? Flights seems also quite expensive (from HCMC and Bangkok).
Since we haven't got more than 3 weeks we have to do a bit of planning before leaving..
Thanks a lot :o)

#1 Posted: 18/10/2009 - 23:53
somtam2000

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Hi Mariedk,

Look into cheap flights from Bangkok to Saigon with AirAsia -- they're easily the cheapest carrier on this route, and, booking ahead may get you a better price.

Phu Quoc is big, but not crowded (well, most of the accommodation is on Long Beach, but there is PLENTY of deserted beach).

With three weeks, I'd suggest something like four nights in Ho Chi Minh City, four nights on Phu Quoc Island and the remainder of your time spent travelling through the Mekong Delta. For eg:

Saigon -> My Tho -> Ben Tre -> Vinh Long -> Can Tho -> Rach Gia -> Phu Quoc then fly back (or overland back through another route).

Hope that helps!

#2 Posted: 19/10/2009 - 07:33

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Husko

flashpacker
Posts: 34

Spent 3 weeks in Nov 08 and our route was Saigon->Chau Doc->Ha Tien->Hon Chong->Phu Quoc->Rach Gia->Can Tho->Saigon-> Mui Ne ->Saigon

Mui Ne is more busy and developed than Phu Quoc.

The Delta is fantastic - you could drop Mui Ne if you have enough beach in Phu Quoc - plenty of culture, food and not too touristy in the Delta, but easy to get around.

Enjoy!

#3 Posted: 19/10/2009 - 14:02
somtam2000

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Husko,

Sounds like a good trip -- how did you get from Chau Doc to Ha Tien? Did you go by bus or take that long, slow boat trip?

Cheers

#4 Posted: 20/10/2009 - 14:00

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Mariedk

newbie
Posts: 2

Thank you so much for your replies - they're really helpfull! Even though we enjoy staying in a nice plays for at least a week it sounds great to go through the Mekong Delta. Still other people tell us to go North - is the north more beautiful - is the South boring or just not "hot" at the moment??

#5 Posted: 20/10/2009 - 22:30
somtam2000

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Both the north and south are terrific, but you've only the time to do one in any depth. The north is better known for the hilltribes, Ha Long Bay and mountain scenery, the south for riverine scenery, the food and the beaches.

#6 Posted: 21/10/2009 - 08:44

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Husko

flashpacker
Posts: 34

Hi Somtam2000,

Apologies for the late reply. We hired 2 guys with motos and we rode on the back from Chau Doc. Stopped at Ba Chuc and Tuc Dup hill on the way to Hat Tien, as well as a few cafe sua da stops. Then to Hon Chong and off the Phu Quoc.

Great trip, want to spend more time in the delta!!

Cheers
Husko

#7 Posted: 26/10/2009 - 14:41
somtam2000

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By Moto! Wouldn't have thought of doing that -- it's quite a long haul on two wheels!

#8 Posted: 26/10/2009 - 15:27

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Husko

flashpacker
Posts: 34

Yeah sore bum, but best way to see the delta and a highlight of the trip (apart from the rest of the trip if you know what I mean). Left at 8 am and got to Ha Tien at about 4 or 5 but we had plenty of stops so not too bad. We were lucky to meet these guys and have them give us such a great trip. Heading back in March next year and working on new itinerary for trip no.3.

#9 Posted: 26/10/2009 - 16:03