Ask us about Vietnam
Jan 8, 2019, 5:35 am
#107
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: TLV
Programs: UA Platinum, Avis Chairman, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, GA Pilot
Posts: 3,225
One of our favorite things about Saigon was getting oriented through a motorcycle tour - we did two of them - one tour and one food tour. Booked on GetYourGuide
Jan 8, 2019, 8:06 am
#108
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,674
For a 5 or 6 day trip to visit Hue and Halong you should be flying everywhere, or if you take the train, it better be a night train.
Jan 8, 2019, 4:11 pm
#109
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: SAN
Posts: 54
Taking a night train seems to be the best route after considering our short stay. A bunch of options in the evening for Hanoi to Hue, per Vietnam-railways.
Jan 11, 2019, 8:10 am
#110
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YEG
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 755
Hi there, I got in on the Cathay deal and will have 2 afternoons/nights in HAN as a result
basically from 1500 Hrs one day to 1000 Hrs the next on each occasion
I realize my time is extremely limited, but any suggestions on one or two things I should do or see in that time, also any suggestions for a good meal would be helpful too (I booked a hotel on a tripadvisor friends recommendation La Storia Ruby was that a good choice)
THANKS
basically from 1500 Hrs one day to 1000 Hrs the next on each occasion
I realize my time is extremely limited, but any suggestions on one or two things I should do or see in that time, also any suggestions for a good meal would be helpful too (I booked a hotel on a tripadvisor friends recommendation La Storia Ruby was that a good choice)
THANKS
Jan 11, 2019, 11:08 am
#111
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,674
Jan 11, 2019, 11:22 am
#112
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Silver, Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Platinum
Posts: 2,375
I visited VN last year and absolutely loved it. So much so I'm going back in March, for 3 WEEKS, with a view to moving there at some point in the future.
My trip last year, I hired a guide in Hanoi, who was incredible and has become a friend. I'm more than happy to recommend him to anyone. We spent ages chatting on WhatsApp before I arrived so he could figure out what he thought I might like to see.
This year I'm spending a lot of time relaxing by the beach, and pool, than I did last year.
The only thing that's new this year is that I'm arriving and leaving from HCMC, and I'm looking forward to being there to see. I'm attempting to get a tour guide for HCMC, but that's proving a bit more troublesome.
My trip last year, I hired a guide in Hanoi, who was incredible and has become a friend. I'm more than happy to recommend him to anyone. We spent ages chatting on WhatsApp before I arrived so he could figure out what he thought I might like to see.
This year I'm spending a lot of time relaxing by the beach, and pool, than I did last year.
The only thing that's new this year is that I'm arriving and leaving from HCMC, and I'm looking forward to being there to see. I'm attempting to get a tour guide for HCMC, but that's proving a bit more troublesome.
Jan 12, 2019, 12:45 am
#114
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Programs: No programs & No Points!!!
Posts: 14,222
We did a food tour and a get to know the area tour on foot. It really gave us confidence to go out everywhere and eat at a million fantastic places.
Jan 12, 2019, 11:22 am
#115
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: EWR, SLC, SGN
Posts: 1,113
I visited VN last year and absolutely loved it. So much so I'm going back in March, for 3 WEEKS, with a view to moving there at some point in the future.
My trip last year, I hired a guide in Hanoi, who was incredible and has become a friend. I'm more than happy to recommend him to anyone. We spent ages chatting on WhatsApp before I arrived so he could figure out what he thought I might like to see.
This year I'm spending a lot of time relaxing by the beach, and pool, than I did last year.
The only thing that's new this year is that I'm arriving and leaving from HCMC, and I'm looking forward to being there to see. I'm attempting to get a tour guide for HCMC, but that's proving a bit more troublesome.
My trip last year, I hired a guide in Hanoi, who was incredible and has become a friend. I'm more than happy to recommend him to anyone. We spent ages chatting on WhatsApp before I arrived so he could figure out what he thought I might like to see.
This year I'm spending a lot of time relaxing by the beach, and pool, than I did last year.
The only thing that's new this year is that I'm arriving and leaving from HCMC, and I'm looking forward to being there to see. I'm attempting to get a tour guide for HCMC, but that's proving a bit more troublesome.
Jan 13, 2019, 7:33 pm
#116
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: TLL
Programs: AY Platinum
Posts: 66
I was under the impression you could only apply for a 2nd E-Visa after using the 1st E-Visa. Are you sure both issued E-Visas are still valid?
Please clarify as I'm in the same situation with 2 entries via HAN within 5 days of each other.
Jan 13, 2019, 9:31 pm
#117
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YEG
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 755
Am I correct in assuming you bought both E-Visas before travelling??
I was under the impression you could only apply for a 2nd E-Visa after using the 1st E-Visa. Are you sure both issued E-Visas are still valid?
Please clarify as I'm in the same situation with 2 entries via HAN within 5 days of each other.
I was under the impression you could only apply for a 2nd E-Visa after using the 1st E-Visa. Are you sure both issued E-Visas are still valid?
Please clarify as I'm in the same situation with 2 entries via HAN within 5 days of each other.
I then applied again for the date of my second trip, 10 days later, and it was approved, so I printed that PDF
I have 2 separate evisa's both with different dates, which are the dates I will be in Vietnam
Jan 13, 2019, 10:04 pm
#118
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: TLL
Programs: AY Platinum
Posts: 66
Yes I went to the website and filled out form for evisa. Got it approved and printed the PDF
I then applied again for the date of my second trip, 10 days later, and it was approved, so I printed that PDF
I have 2 separate evisa's both with different dates, which are the dates I will be in Vietnam
I then applied again for the date of my second trip, 10 days later, and it was approved, so I printed that PDF
I have 2 separate evisa's both with different dates, which are the dates I will be in Vietnam
My only point of continuing concern is the validity of back-to-back E-Visas. The offiical website https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/web/guest/faq makes mention under Pt. 5 of the following condition;
"5. What if I want to enter Vietnam before my e-Visa validity period?
You must completea new e-Visa application. The previous e-Visa application will be cancelled once the new e-Visa is issued./."
If your dates somehow overlap then perhaps wise to check the 1st issued E-Visa has not been cancelled?
Jan 14, 2019, 8:07 am
#119
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,674
I agree with you though, I was under the impression that there was a time period you had to wait for, but I searched the pretty basic website and could not find the info. Hopefully it works out for whitethunder and if not hopefully whitethunder posts back here about the experience.
Jan 30, 2019, 10:12 am
#120
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: ELP
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLAT, Marriott Titanium/LT PLAT
Posts: 4,120
Visa approval letters and entry into Vietnam
My friends (Indian passports) and myself (USA passport) are planning on heading to Hanoi in March for a quick guys weekend. We have booked a tour of Halong Bay with Paradise Cruises for one night. They offer an invitation letter that you can use to enter the country as a tourist without having a visa or stamp prior to arrival. A few questions on that:
1) Will the airlines flying us into HAN let us fly without an actual visa in the passport?
2) Should we get an E-Visa approval just in case?
3) Is there any text online which we could print and take with us just in case we have issues at the airport?
The company told us that all we would need are TWO passport photos, $25 for visa fee and the letter upon arrival.
1) Will the airlines flying us into HAN let us fly without an actual visa in the passport?
2) Should we get an E-Visa approval just in case?
3) Is there any text online which we could print and take with us just in case we have issues at the airport?
The company told us that all we would need are TWO passport photos, $25 for visa fee and the letter upon arrival.