Vietnam- Where to add an extra day?

Vietnam is a very impressive country to visit. Having only experienced Hanoi and area, it would be very rewarding to add the extra day there before your cruise on Lan Ha Bay.

Thank you! Still deciding though.

FWIW, depending on when you're going, it rains pretty often in both Hanoi and Saigon. I'd probably add the day up front due to jet lag recovery, but there is plenty to do in both places to fill another day.

This is just personal preference- but having been to both Hanoi and Saigon, I feel like there's a bit more to do in Hanoi.

Thanks! 2 good comments, on rain and jet lag to consider.

What about Da Nang on the Coast? Don't know if the distance is too much.

This place claims it's the new "...digital nomad hub of Southeast Asia". Never been myself. The beach looks nice in the pics. The other areas as well.

With the big Bay there and that Peninsula sticking out it does look attractive.

https://www.nomadicnotes.com/da-nang-digital-nomad-hub-of-southeast-asia/

I heard that it is still the rainy season in Da Nang in November.

We went this last November on a tour, starting in Hanoi and finishing in Saigon, with lots of time at places in-between. When I was reading the first part of your post, my initial thought was you could have one worthwhile night somewhere between those two cities, but seeing that you’re not doing that, I’d say go with Hanoi. The motor scooter traffic is maddening in Hanoi, but I found many more interesting sights and attractions there.

Saigon’s a tidier, more modern city, but Hanoi felt more exotic, in addition to having so many places to see, and things to do, including a market/cooking class at Blue Butterfly. Some in our tour group were in Vietnam for shopping, and Saigon was their highlight. In Hanoi, I particularly liked the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, some distance west of the Hanoi Old Town. The whole time, we had a little rain a couple of days, but the only drenching rainstorm was one evening in Hanoi, starting about 5 PM and lasting for 3 hours.

I would also say Hanoi - if you are arriving from the U.S. or Canada. It’s a long way and jet lag is a real factor. There is a lot you can do or see in or from Hanoi. But this is one of those questions that probably doesn’t have a wrong answer. You may just have to sit down with yourself and take a look at your priorities of what you want to see.

"I heard that it is still the rainy season in Da Nang in November. "

You're certainly right. This claims the rainy season is divided in three parts with October/November being cooler and the rainiest.

[snip]
The second period, characterized by storms and cooler temperatures, extends from October to November. The temperature of this city drops to an average of 24 to 25 degrees Celsius in the fall. In October and November, average precipitation shoots up to 650 mm and 432 mm, respectively, making these months the wettest of the year.

https://houserentaldanang.com/best-time-to-visit-danang/

IF you were to consider a central place between the two big cities, which would still involve transportation getting to and from there, I’d suggest Hoi An, really great to visit, and their floating candle “festival” happens every night now, not just the night of a full moon; or Dalat, in the mountains, with a different culture and climate than the rest of Vietnam.

Thanks, that’s what I thought. Still need to decide between Hanoi and Saigon, though the idea of adding an extra day upfront for jet lag makes sense. Have to make sure I can push the cruise back a say.

I spent five weeks in Vietnam in November- December 2023, traveling from Hanoi to Saigon with several stops in between.I would add time in Hanoi. The temps were more pleasant in Hanoi than Saigon (it’s always hot in Saigon whereas Hanoi has a “winter” with milder temperatures.) We only experienced a few rainy days over the course of five weeks. I liked the older feel of Hanoi and there was plenty to see. I especially liked the Women’s Museum and walking along the lake nearby. You might want to take a street food tour in Hanoi. I loved Vietnamese food!

Thanks, I think we will extend Hanoi. I definitely agree with you about the food. We ordered Vietnamese tonight and loved it.