SPECIFIC PLACES
HO CHI MINH CITY – Divided into districts so google descriptions. We stayed in 2 different areas and loved the counterpoint. I’d recommend D3 if you want an area close to attractions w/ plenty of activity, lodging & dining. D1 is great, but lacks the phrenetic “Saigon-ness” you really need to experience. Our D1 hotel Silverland Jolie was a gem with the best service I’ve ever experienced. Smallish rooms but we didn’t mind -- just a great stay
MUST DOs: Get up early and visit a park to see locals exercising -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're everywhere but the eponymous place 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's close to the post office & Notre Dame Cathedral, so walk through and check it out. Notre Dame – currently covered in scaffolding so?? War Remnants Museum – if your heart can take it, it is supposedly extraordinary. It was just too raw for me but maybe 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. 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 the surrounding area. We stayed 5 days which was a nice amount. La Charmes Hotel was a 5 minute walk from Ancient Town at a great hotel. I loved being close, but not too close
MUST DOs: The Night Market – It’s breathtakingly beautiful, just be warned that the boat touts are relentless. We saw no need to actually take a boat ride. Ancient Town Ramble- just a fun (mostly pedestrian) district w/ great restaurants, fantastic tailors, and local landmarks. Hoi A Memories Show - awesome! Check weather and get your tix the day before. Choose the middle tier
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. They rescue bears from folk medicine ghouls so it’s a good cause
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.