Just returned from 12 days in Vietnam. We visited Saigon, Danang, Hoi An, Hue, Ha Long, and Hanoi. If I had more time, I’d add a few days in Cambodia for Angkor Wat and maybe some hiking in the north. We skipped all the war sites, but we heard they were interesting. We preferred to stick to the same things you said interest you.
Maybe TLDR, but FWIW my Key Takeaways:
It's a big country. Inter-city flights are easy, affordable, and probably necessary.
We were there at the end of the rainy season and when they say rainy, they mean it with a vengeance. I think mid-March should be dry?
Great local guides through Tours by Locals.
Expect persistent street vendors. Locals ignore them; I ended up doing the same.
Most people under 35 speak English and everyone was really friendly.
Grab (like Lyft) is the go-to for rides, including the option to ride on the back of a scooter if you're up for it.
Saigon (locals seems to call it Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City interchangeably) was interesting, but I'm glad we didn't spend a lot of time there. No more than two days is plenty. The Mekong Delta was stunning for scenery and walks. I'd find a tour; there are plenty to choose from online. It's totally doable as a day trip from Saigon.
Hoi An is historic but a tourist trap. Danang has a great vibe and nightlife—better pace than Saigon. I'd spend a day in Hoi An just to see it (it is really pretty). Danang is worth a day if you're up for the beach and/or nightlife.
Hue’s history and food are exceptional. It's my second favorite city in Vietnam (after Ha Noi.) I'd spend at least a day at the Citadel/Imperial Palace and a day eating!
Ha Long city is empty and dull, but Ha Long Bay is breathtaking. The Surprising Cave is... a cave. Doable in one day/night.
Ninh Binh Province is beautiful and I've been told it's totally worth a visit; it's "Ha Long Bay on Land." We didn't make it and I've been told we missed out on something special.
Hanoi was a delightful surprise; much prettier than I expected. Just like Hue, I'd spend two days: one day touring and one day eating.
Food was amazing everywhere, with spicier dishes in the south. Vietnamese coffee is an everywhere (coconut, salty, and egg varieties). Vietnam has a really great coffee culture. There's amazing fresh fruit everywhere, including a lot that was new to me.
We ate at really local spots without any issues despite the warnings about water, ice, salads, etc.
ATMs are common; many places prefer cash, many places want U.S. Dollars.
Crossing the street requires confidence—just look for a small break, commit to it, keep a steady pace, and let traffic flow around you. The first try at crossing a busy Saigon street was scary, after the third time it was no big deal.
Durian actually tastes good, despite the smell! As the local say, it smells like hell and tastes like heaven.
Hope that helps.
