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SE Asia Includes Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, plus Indonesia
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 28 Feb 2021
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Vietnam plans
I am using the Covid19 lock down time to dream....
Of some trip in the future. If/when thing change

About a trip to/in Vietnam.
Driving from Ho Chi Min City to Hanoi.
And spend quite some time driving north of Hanoi,.
In the Mountains close to China and Laos.
Starting idea is to use one month from start in HCMC to end in Hanoi.
With at least one week north of Hanoi.
But ideas and plans will change.....
But I need something to dream of in this lock own state

The questions is about the south most area of Vietnam

Starting from HCMC towards Hanoi.
Is it worth to make a trip to the south first.
How about the area south of HCMC ?
Anybody that has been driving around there ?
Is it worth to spend a week there, before heading north ?

Is there any useful travel story from that area ?

Thanks
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  #2  
Old 28 Feb 2021
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In brief, the whole country is worthwhile, and in spending a month you're going to have to make some serious compromises IF (big "if") you want to do more than just zip around at the highest possible speed.

This is doubly true of the area north of Hanoi, which is extremely scenic, somewhat less-despoiled, and culturally interesting as well. A week is enough time to get up there, visit a couple of places in a hurry, then race back to Hanoi--believe me, since that's more or less what I did. If you're planning to repeat my mistakes, at least do so knowingly.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
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  #3  
Old 1 Mar 2021
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Erik_G View Post
And spend quite some time driving north of Hanoi,.
In the Mountains close to China and Laos.
That was what I did - the Ha Giang Loop, all the way up to the Chinese border and the northernmost point of Vietnam. Excellent trip, highly recommended. Doable in 3/4 days, but you can certainly fill up a week with side trips. I recommend https://qtmotorbikesandtours.com.vn/ - used them myself, to rent the bike and to stay in a hostel in a village half way into the loop.

Quote:
How about the area south of HCMC ?
Anybody that has been driving around there ?
Is it worth to spend a week there, before heading north ?
Haven't been there but have heard a lot of good things.

But I would actually recommend going north-to-south. Depends on the time of year when you go, but in my opinion you get a better experience... you start with more "authentic", stunning Vietnam in Hanoi, the mountains in the North, Ha Long Bay... and then as you go south, you progressively come to more touristy, interesting and "easy" places for a Westerner - on to HCMC, which is much more like a typical SE Asian megacity. As you get more tired on your trip, you come to easier-to-handle places - and much nicer climate. I did it in December, and it was still rideable in the North, but I certainly enjoyed going from cold in Hanoi and rain around Hue/Hoi An, to sunshine in HCMC!
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  #4  
Old 1 Mar 2021
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Also to echo what Mark said... one thing you have to be aware of in Vietnam is that getting anywhere takes a lot more time than you think. Especially on the roads. Normal traffic speed is 50 km/h if you're lucky - that's outside the city.

Hanoi to Ha Giang is 300 kilometers, and the bus takes 8 hours... and it really does. That's with local drivers who are familiar with the road and go faster than most people.
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  #5  
Old 1 Mar 2021
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Vietnam
Thanks for shearing real experiences.
Very useful.


When I looked at organised tours and tour proposals it looks as

2 weeks is good for HCMC to Hanoi
1 week for touring north of Hanoi

Add 1 extra week for detours/unplanned
=> 1 month.

That was my starting idea.

But it sounds as one should allocate more time
If possible of course. You always want more.

I do not want to driva form A to B to tick of in a box.
But to have time to use the bike to see as much as possible outside major places.

Logistics does not look complicated.
With rented bike and sleeping in small places.
There is no bike to ship.
And no camping equipment to bring.

Nice thing to wish for
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  #6  
Old 10 Mar 2021
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North of Vietnam
I was recomended this tour from persons that did a few years ago

https://www.asiabiketours.com/vietna...nd-tribes.html

A lot of interaction with locals.
Including accomondations as Homestay
Well organized. Local Guide...
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  #7  
Old 10 Mar 2021
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Erik_G View Post
The questions is about the south most area of Vietnam

Starting from HCMC towards Hanoi.
Is it worth to make a trip to the south first.
How about the area south of HCMC ?
Anybody that has been driving around there ?
Is it worth to spend a week there, before heading north ?

Is there any useful travel story from that area ?

Thanks
To start with I echo other posts, in particular just how beautiful the country is, how friendly the people are, and the time it takes to get around by road. We most recently spent two weeks in the north (https://alanymarcemoreexploration.bl...-northern.html ) - Hà Nội, Hạ Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, Yên Đức, Lào Cai and Sa Pa. I also know a bit of Central Vietnam - Da Nang and Hội An, and also know HCMC and the area around it quite well So, to answer your question on visiting the area south of HCMC, with the time you have I would say no - although everywhere has its own magic, this area is not one I would recommend over Central and Northern Vietnam, and you'll find your time limited enough. I'd guess (we're all different of course) 4/5 days in HCMC, 3/4 days in Central Vietnam, 4/5 days in Hà Nội, 2/3 days in Ha Long Bay, and a week in the Hill Country as a base case, with the rest in getting around and a few days to spare for wherever you like best.
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  #8  
Old 3 Nov 2021
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Information about Covid19 regulations
Is there any official source for information about restrictions in Vietnam ??

Link to some government page or similar ?
Where you can find official rules.

If so, please post a link
=
(And please no rumors, second hand info or speculations)

Thanks
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  #9  
Old 3 Nov 2021
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https://vietnam.travel/things-to-do/...avirus-vietnam

Vietnam Tourist Board's official website.
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  #10  
Old 2 Jun 2022
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Location: DinHo Ecotour (Mekong Delta, Vietnam)
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There are many provinces in Mekong Delta so you can start from HCMC to make a round trip.
Check out which provinces in Mekong Delta that appeal to you to make your own plan.
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  #11  
Old 9 Jun 2022
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I'm renting a 150cc bike in Hanoi at the beginning of October and leaving it in HCMC at the end of the month. Figured I'd spend a week in the north then head south with no major plan.

If anyone is going to be riding around the country at the same time, let's meet up for a and share stories/ recommendations.

Bobby
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  #12  
Old 12 Jun 2022
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Vietnam
What are current entry requirements?
Vietnam has been closed and/or required quarantine

Visa procedure for Europeans.
Visa via internet ?

Thanks
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  #13  
Old 13 Jun 2022
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Seems to be open: https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/englis...hp/items/17003

Tourist procedure is that you apply online and pay for the e-visa, then just show up at a major airport with your application number, and they issue the visa and glue it into your passport. A little more faffing about than visa waiver countries, but not hard.
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