Advice for a first time trip to Vietnam?
Apr 9, 2017, 7:21 am
#32
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,194
I used Uber a bunch of times in Hanoi. Most rides a few kilometers and $2-3.
Cars are air conditioned.
Also they navigate the crazy traffic especially at street crossings better than you can. It's unnerving trying to negotiate the swarms of scooters at first. You get used to it but also good to take a ride back to the hotel or cross the town in one.
There's also Grab Car app. Which seems to be cheaper but I didn't try because I hadn't set it up with credit card like my Uber account. But Uber was cheap enough.
Cars are air conditioned.
Also they navigate the crazy traffic especially at street crossings better than you can. It's unnerving trying to negotiate the swarms of scooters at first. You get used to it but also good to take a ride back to the hotel or cross the town in one.
There's also Grab Car app. Which seems to be cheaper but I didn't try because I hadn't set it up with credit card like my Uber account. But Uber was cheap enough.
Also, the online e-visa that costs $25 for a single entry 30 day visa was brilliant. No invitation letters, not waiting in line for the VOA, straight to the immigration counter. Less than 10 minutes to clear immigration.
Apr 15, 2017, 9:37 pm
#33
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Haze gray and underway
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, HH Diamond, Marriott 'clink clink' Titanium
Posts: 1,784
Any suggestions please. I'm planning a three day weekend in May. Out and back from NRT. I'm a frequently in Malaysia and Thailand but haven't been in Country for many years.
Sep 27, 2017, 4:50 pm
#34
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: SLC, UT
Programs: Delta Skymiles Platinu Medallion, Delta Reserve Card, IHG Spire Ambassador, Chase Sapphire Preferred
Posts: 27
Alright, so my husband and I are planning a 2.5 week trip to Vietnam/China in March. I would appreciate suggestions on our tentative schedule:
4 nights Hanoi (we arrive at 9:40 p.m. so it's really more like 3 days)
Fly to Hue
2 nights Hue
Car to Hoi An
3 nights Hoi An
Fly to SGN
3 nights SGN
Fly to PVG
3 nights PVG
We're in our 30's/40's, so while we enjoy a few cocktails, aren't into partying into the wee hours. We're going for food and culture (mainly food). Does this itinerary look good for a first time visit or are we missing something? The citadel and tombs in Hue sound interesting, but I mostly want to visit so that we can do the drive through Hai Van Pass. Would we be better off staying one night in Hue and adding one to Hanoi? After reading many reviews and talking to friends, Hanoi seems more up our alley than HCMC.
Don't have much interest in Nha Trang but am wondering if we should make Hoi An a beach stop instead of staying in the old town. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Also, we are planning on applying for the 72 hour visa upon arrival in PVG. Has anyone had any issues with flying on Vietnam Airlines to China without a visa in hand?
4 nights Hanoi (we arrive at 9:40 p.m. so it's really more like 3 days)
Fly to Hue
2 nights Hue
Car to Hoi An
3 nights Hoi An
Fly to SGN
3 nights SGN
Fly to PVG
3 nights PVG
We're in our 30's/40's, so while we enjoy a few cocktails, aren't into partying into the wee hours. We're going for food and culture (mainly food). Does this itinerary look good for a first time visit or are we missing something? The citadel and tombs in Hue sound interesting, but I mostly want to visit so that we can do the drive through Hai Van Pass. Would we be better off staying one night in Hue and adding one to Hanoi? After reading many reviews and talking to friends, Hanoi seems more up our alley than HCMC.
Don't have much interest in Nha Trang but am wondering if we should make Hoi An a beach stop instead of staying in the old town. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Also, we are planning on applying for the 72 hour visa upon arrival in PVG. Has anyone had any issues with flying on Vietnam Airlines to China without a visa in hand?