hxhbk

I don't have any hard facts on the situation with Van Don, but my opinion is that it has no relationship with private airport and airlines not wanting to fly.
I believe that it is a question of economic viability. Bamboo Airways and Vietjet within the last couple of weeks have cancelled a bunch of flights from their hub to smaller airports like Vinh, Pleiku, Can Tho,... and economic reason was cited by both airlines.
I noted that the parent company (FLC Group) behind Bamboo Airways has a share in the funding/construction of Van Don.
So, in my opinion, there is no such conspiracy.

gothamgirl

gothamgirl

kokonutz

Some people love Hanoi. We did not. We found it to have all the same things we did not enjoy about HCMC: hard to walk because of scooters parked on sidewalks, hard to walk because of scooters in the streets. LOUD because the national pastime of Vietnam these days is honking scooter horns. That said, there is plenty to do and see in Hanoi - if you are willing to put up with these drawbacks.

It was too foggy for us to visit Ha Long during our time there, so cannot comment on it.

We lived in Da Nang for just under a month and we found Hoi An to be interesting for a couple days. Be aware: it is VERY touristy. But if you just embrace that fact you and your daughter will enjoy the lanterns and maybe even a night boat ride on the river. Walking around Hoi An during the day you can avoid the tourists...but you deal with the heat! The other advantage of Hoi An is that An Bang beach is just down the road and you can easily do both at the same time. But DONT believe the hype about riding bicycles back and forth. We saw many miserable sweaty tourists attempting this and it looked like hell. A cab back and forth is dirt cheap...and air conditioned!

I have written a couple of blog posts about our time in these places. They may be linked earlier in this thread too. Here they are:

Three Reasons We Did Not Enjoy Hanoi as Digital Nomads

What to Do in Hoi An for 48 Hours

Disclosure Statement: I wrote those blog posts. I earn a little bit of money from my blog whenever someone clicks on an Amazon link and buys something. The information in this FlyerTalk post is meant to stand on its own so you don't have to click on the links to get our experiences and opinions but they are provided in case you would like to.

Nhung Dang

Hi, I highly recommend Hoi An and nearby regions in the middle Vietnam, like Da Nang, Hue, My Son also captivating. I don't know you have been your trip to Vietnam or not. But if you're planning to visit Hoi An this December of 2019, be careful of rainy season.

Most of regions in Vietnam have the Western toilets with sanitary conditions. Also in some remote and mountain areas like the northern Vietnam, there are only Eastern toilets. But the western style is still available in hotels, restaurants and other tourist areas.

Nhung Dang

Hi, I guess you've had your vacation in Vietnam as well. But I would like to recommend some places for your upcoming trip to Vietnam. Like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc has beautiful beaches and luxury resorts to enjoy. For another backup, it would be perfect to combine other beaches in Khanh Hoa province, including Cam Ranh, Dai Lanh (Đại Lãnh) and Diep Son (Điệp Sơn) island - suitable for more experienced seeker.
Should I suggest several beaches in the middle and the north of Vietnam Hope you enjoy it!!

In my point of view, both Hoi An and Halong are worth staying few nights. Except for 5 nights in HCMC for business, you have a week off. Depend on your purpose and preference to relaxation or experience, you'll make a choice between Halong Bay or Hoi An.
Hoi An is a laid-back town, it takes only one full day to explore all around the town and notably don't miss out wonderful night in Hoi An. I think 7 nights in Hoi An are time consuming unless you travel to nearby regions like Hue, My Son and Da Nang.
Ha Long is absolutely perfect for summer vacation in July. You could enjoy the beach, take a cruise to Cat Ba island, Lan Ha bay or Tuan Chau island. Moreover, people usually combine Halong and Hanoi into a journey because of the international airport in Hanoi. It takes only 2 hours to transfer between two cities.
In general, Hanoi streets are quite like HCMC's, except for the old quarter. It's more peaceful and tranquil in the central of one-thousand-year-old capital.
So, take all in consideration, I'd prefer Halong Bay and it's favorable for your kid as a teenager.
Hope you'll enjoy your trip in Vietnam!!

Davvidd

I am looking for a white sandy clear and clean water(Lagoon) beach resort in Vietnam. You know the ones like you get in the Maldives but I know it may never get that good but anything close would be most welcome. All advice would be much appreciated.
Thank you

Daawgon

Maybe Quy Nhon:

Davvidd

Thank you very much.

5khours

Bai Sao Beach on Phu Quoc is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Very limited accommodations near the beach though.

Davvidd

Yes I am looking for a resort in Phu Quoc that has a very good private beach in the sense that I do not have to go for a fair distance to get to the beach and the resort is there.

maverick17

In my limited Phu Quoc experience, bai sao was very nice but bai khem where the Marriott is was better. Some recent reports suggest that might not be true anymore. Phu Quoc beaches get some trash washing ashore, with more depending on seasonal currents, just fyi. Khem and sao are cleaned daily though I believe.

Many of the best looking beaches if you search online are off limits to foreigners, so if you find pictures I recommend doing at least some googling before making plans.

Davvidd

Thank you very much Maverick.

joe_miami

I’m currently in HCMC as part of a long Asia trip and I’m a couple days ahead of schedule. I’ve heard there are some scenic train rides in Vietnam but I’ve seen conflicting opinions on which areas are the best.

I’m already going from Danang to Hue by train. How are Danang to Nha Trang and Hue to Hanoi? Would you recommend either vs. the cheap flights? If so, which one? (I know I’d be doubling back to the south if I go Hue to Nha Trang.) Thanks.

seks

I came back from VN about 3 weeks ago. First time there.

Stayed in district 1 in HCM during the first week. Street food readily available everywhere. Ben Thanh market and a dozen other places within walking distance.

After HCM, Danang for almost a week. We rented scooters for a few days ($6 cad/day). We packed minimally and took the scooter to Hoi An and stayed there for one night (I recommend doing this) and came back to Danang.

Been to Thailand a half a dozen times before Vietnam. Honestly, I find Vietnam better.