Originally Posted by Evita_FT (Post 36728250)

Received following message from my hotel:



Is this worth?

Originally Posted by worldiswide (Post 36729775)

What city.. what hotel provided you that information.

Originally Posted by NBwoodstock (Post 36680550)

Hi! I am heading to Vietnam in January 2025. I am planning on visiting Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, and DaNang, and then I will travel to Laos and Cambodia for a bit.

I am unclear on how to best travel between these areas within Vietnam and its border countries. When traveling, I typically fly in, rent a car, and road trip it all, or take express trains, walk around local cities, and then take quick flights to neighboring countries.
I am largely not comfortable in taxis or buses. I am willing to travel on public transport under the right conditions. I have taken an overnight ferry to Crete—a good experience; a cross-country day train in Norway—a great experience; several express trains throughout Europe—varying experiences; and a sleeper train in Sweden—a poor experience. I see very mixed reviews on the Reunification Express. Does Vietnam have good, clean, reliable, comfortable trains? And if so, is this the best route? Or should I fly between each destination?

Once I reach these cities, how best to navigate them? I find many blogs/videos by backpackers using motorbikes and tourists taking tour buses. I am not interested in either avenue. Is a private driver the best route? Will one drive us throughout Vietnam? Or do I need to schedule them individually throughout? Will any go into neighboring countries? And what range of cost might this be?

Thanks for any assistance!

Originally Posted by NBwoodstock (Post 37108723)

Thanks so much for the info! Would you be willing to share the company you used?

Originally Posted by NBwoodstock (Post 37115991)

Hi! We were originally planning to travel in January 2025, but our plans have now shifted to late October through mid-November. In Vietnam, we plan to spend a few days in Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City (with a possible Mekong Delta day cruise), as well as possibly Hoi An.

Originally Posted by NBwoodstock (Post 37115991)

Hi! We were originally planning to travel in January 2025, but our plans have now shifted to late October through mid-November. In Vietnam, we plan to spend a few days in Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City (with a possible Mekong Delta day cruise), as well as possibly Hoi An.

Originally Posted by dinhoecotour (Post 37127756)

If it happens from late October to mid November, you should make a plan B for Hue and Hoian in case of bad weather (Typhoon and flood season).

Originally Posted by FS_FRA (Post 37130162)

I'm looking for restaurant recommendations in Hue.

We're celebrating a birthday and we're looking for upscale options that are not touristy (no live acts, live music performance, costumes, etc.). Just great food, service and location.

Originally Posted by skitraveler (Post 37132768)

Aimed at tourists but doesn't have any of the negatives you listed. Food is pretty good and when I went there were only two other tables occupied. I think with a bigger group be better as I was solo and only had an appetizer and main.
https://www.ancienthue.com.vn/facili...ng-fine-dining

Originally Posted by FS_FRA (Post 37133716)

Thanks! I've made a tentative reservation there.

Any other suggestions?