vietnam confusion

Posted by razeena (457 days ago)

We are a family of 5 (3 adults incl. 1 helper) and 2 kids (aged 2 and 4). We are going to be in Vietnam for 13 nights. Our trip starts and ends from HCMC (cheaper than Hanoi from HK where we live).

Planned itinerary is:
1) HCMC + Mekong Delta (3 nights)
2) Nha Trang (5 nights)
3) Hoi An or Hue (5 nights)

The crucial questions are:
1) Which is better for kids - Hoi An or Hue?
2) Is it necessary to do an overnight at Mekong or can we manage a day trip?
3) Can anyone recommend good, kid friendly 3 or 4-star hotels in the above destinations? Heard Victoria Hotels are good. Anone stayed at Asia Paradise hotel in Nha Trang?
4) Any good Vietnamese tour operators who could arrange things for us?

Please help!! Our tickets are already paid for but we're totally confused about where to go from HCMC!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by ldldjr (457 days ago)

you should be able to arrange a day trip in the delta. They don't motor at night.

Hoi An is a small town with less traffic than Hue, but Hue isn't as bad as HCMC or Ha Noi.

Victoria Hotels are generally very good accomodation - and naturally more expensive.

(I am based in Vietnam)

Posted by razeena (457 days ago)

Thanks, Idljr. You've been a great help. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by DakLak (438 days ago)

Hue is a nice friendly city - children will likely find Hoi An a little boring especially since it is 5 kilometres from the beach.

The rivers are filled with sewage in most towns and cities.

Check the following link for more VN info.

http://vietnam.asiaxpat.com/forums/travel/threads/104175.asp

(I am based in Vietnam)

Posted by jassy67 (430 days ago)

I travel to VN eveey 2 months, as I volunteer in an Orphanage. Mekong Delta you only need a day trip. HCMC is very busy and congested. Hanoi is very nice along with Halong Bay.
I would divide your 5 nights between Hue and HoiAn. HoiAn is small and quaint lots to see The famous China Beach, Marble Mtn. Cui Dai beach, villages My Son and more. Hue has alot of pagodoas (temples) and history.
I would recommend the HoiAn Hotel in HoiAn great location and price, big pool good for young children.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by razeena (429 days ago)

Thanks a lot for your advice, jassy. greatly appreciated. We are spending only 2 N in Saigon, out of which one is a day trip to Mekong.

Decided not to do Hue, but only Hoi An for 4 N - staying at the Swiss Belhotel where we're getting a good deal.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ruth in Canada (423 days ago)

www.handspan.com These folks were very helpful when we visited Vietnam

(I am based in Unspecified)