Asia - Asia FTers: Help me plan week in late January w. Mrs - Vietnam, Thailand or elsewhere

Hello,
Seeking your advice on a suitable option for Jan 24-31 or thereabouts, before we set off to CMB.

Vietnam (SYD-SGN) is #1 preference to begin with.
Thailand (BKK at least) is #2
Seeking other suitable options (eg KUL), which have a decent number of flights ex-SYD and which we can have options to buy C fares to CMB (eg. SGN-sin-CMB looks good!).

We have someone in SGN who might be abvle to show us around, which is a part of our preference - plus we LOVE Vietnamese food! (Partner doesn't like Thai food much at all).

Any other recommendations? Indonesia?

I've read a little about the risk of crime in Vietnama nd notice HCMC hotel prices have skyrocketed.

for a week's sightseeing that isn't overly strenuous (we're mid 30s so seek some tours but not one big long hike), what do you recommend?

Seeking other suitable options (eg KUL), which have a decent number of flights ex-SYD and which we can have options to buy C fares to CMB

KUL would be perfect for you.

For a cheaper option, but multi carrier,
SYD-KUL on Jetstar
KUL-MAA-CMB on Jet Airways

OR Malaysian will do both legs direct.

I've read a little about the risk of crime in Vietnama nd notice HCMC hotel prices have skyrocketed.

I wouldn't worry unduly about this. One of the main risks is from motorbike thieves who will grab stuff hanging of your shoulders. So be particularly careful with handbags, cameras etc as you walk down the street. Frankly another risk is from blokes who are not accompanied by their Mrs and end up getting scammed as they enter the shadows, if you get my drift.

January will cooler in the north. If you could squeeze it in, I'd highly recommend a trip to Hanoi as a respite from heat of the other destinations on your list. Hanoi is on a much more human scale. Its nice to wander around the old quarter, Hoan Kiem lake etc.

Yes, hotel rates in HCMC are going through the roof. Just got my corporate rates for the Sheraton for 2008. In 2007, I got the Deluxe City View Room for $140/night. For 2008, they're charging $205/night:eek:

Vietnamese, like the Chinese celebrate the Lunar New Year (first week of Feb 2008). Many companies have their year end banquets, outings, etc and hotel room prices skyrocket.

I had to visit last year around this time for business, paid $450 for suite as only room available. This was in Hanoi - which as Jimbo posted, has the best weather in Jan/Feb (another reason for high season).

Prices in HCMC will be correspondingly high, and tight.

Thailand's high season is also usually Nov to Jan.

Bottom line - make your bookings...might even be too late!

Thanks, dannyr, jimbo, SaigonCyclo and dtsm - I hadn't checked the lunar calendar but that makes a huge difference regarding what is available (if at all and at any price!).

Further complicating matters is the partner's Passport - Vietnam, Thailand & Singapore require 6mths left on the passport, so that's job#1...

Further complicating matters is the partner's Passport - Vietnam, Thailand & Singapore require 6mths left on the passport, so that's job#1...

That is very important I must say, especially Thailand where I understand from reliable contacts are very,very particular about the 6month min validity.

To be on the safe side and ensuring a hassle-free vacation, get that passport extended.

All the same,have a good and safe journey and happy holidays!

you really dont have enough time to do vietnam. doing it in two weeks is rushed. you're asking the impossible.

there are other better shorter choices.

Among them:

--Singapore and the malaysian part of borneo. See the orangatangs, go on a class three rapids, walk around the kota kinabalu mountain. It would be a bit rushed but not as badly as Vietnam. Also reasonable in price.
--Do Cambodia, Angor and Phnom Peng. Angor is like 3 nights minimum, take the boat one way or the other to Phnom Peng.

Anything else requires you to basically pick among choices.

--In Thailand, you might have time to do Bangkok and one other city, but not much else.
--In Vietnam, it's probably Hanoi and Halong Bay, or Saigon and something, but you won't really time for both Hanoi and Saigon unless you miss obvious nearby sites.