SPECIFIC PLACES
HO CHI MINH CITY – Divided into districts that you can google for descriptions. We stayed in two different areas and loved the counterpoint. D3 is where I’d recommend if you want an area close to attractions with plenty of activity, lodging and dining. We enjoyed a couple nights at the end down by the river in D1 a lot but it lacked the phrenetic “Saigon-ness” that you really need to experience. Our D3 hotel Sillverland Jolie was a great gem with the best service I’ve ever experienced. Smallish rooms but we didn’t mind. It was just a great stay.
MUST DOs: Get up early and visit a park to see the locals exercising together -Join in, you’ll be welcomed. Independence Palace – fascinating time capsule if you grew up in the war era. Have a coffee or tea drink at an Apartment Cafe- they are everywhere but the touristic building in D1 has a fun collection of them. Central Post Office – Mail a post card under the smiling gaze of Uncle Ho. Take a scooter food tour. So much fun and really a great value. MAYBEs: Book Street is close to the post office and the Notre Dame Cathedral, so walk through and check out the vibe. Notre Dame – currently covered in scaffolding so ??. War Remnants Museum – if your heart can take it, it is supposedly an extraordinary museum. It was just to raw for me but I might visit next time. A nighttime river cruise – our 2nd hotel was on the river so we saw the boats but didn’t have time. You can chose to skip dinner.
MISS: Ben Thanh Market – a crowded tourist trap with a lot of the same crapola. Walk through if you’re in the area but don’t make a special trip. Bamboo Circus – borderline miss. The location in the historic Opera House is cool but I thought the show kinda drags on. My wife loved it so YMMV.
HOI AN – The most western tourist-friendly city in Vietnam. The lantern-strewn lake is really cool, the tailoring is insane, Ancient Town is a fun ramble, the market will scratch your itch for trinkets, the hotels and restaurants are all very helpful. There’s lots to do in Hoi An and in the surrounding area. We stayed for 5 days which was a nice amount. We stayed maybe a 5 minute walk from Ancient Town at a great hotel La Charm. I loved being close, but not too close.
MUST DOs: The Lake/Night Market – It’s breathtakingly beautiful, just be warned that the touts will be relentless. We saw no need to actually take a boat ride. Ancient Town Ramble- It’s just a fun (mostly pedestrian) district with awesome restaurants, fantastic tailors, and local landmarks.
HANOI – The gritty, soulful capital was my favorite city in Vietnam. We made the excellent decision to stay at the Hanoi Pearl Hotel right near Hoan Kiem Lake. The lake is a fantastic morning walk among the groups of exercisers, there’s a great little temple, you’re close to the Night Market, great street food and the water puppet theatre.
MUST DOs: Night Market, Street Pho, Hoan Kiem Lake ramble, Temples, Train Street, Food Tour
TRANG AN – We took the train down from Hanoi. It was a great experience mixing with regular folks but you absolutely can take a shuttle or even splurge on a car if you’re in a hurry. The draw here is the natural beauty and the boat rides through the gorges. We spent 3 nights at the Trang An Ecolodge - beautiful setting, relaxing, and fantastic innkeepers.
MUST DOs: The boat ride of your choice. We chose Trang An Grottoes tour and were not disappointed. Mua Cave is a great day hike if you’re fit enough for the stairs.
MAYBE: Bear Sanctuary was a good day trip. They rescue bears from folk medicine ghouls so it’s a good cause to support.
I loved the country and really can’t wait to go back. 17 days was just enough to scratch the surface, but Vietnam is a big country that takes time to get around. I’d love to see DaLat, the Mekong Delta, the southern coast, Hue, Ha Giang Loop and maybe even a night in Ha Long Bay.
Feel free to DM questions.