Travel

Vietnam June/July 2012

Travel

Posted by: Benji

22nd Nov 2011 02:56pm

We will be spending 3 weeks in Vietnam next year and intend to travel by train to Nha Trang to start with. Does anyone have details of this train trip or any others along the coast. Also has anyone visited Dalat or Hanoi both of which appeal. I would also be interested in hearing from anyone who has suggestion for a great hotel in Ho Chi Min City for 2 to 3 nights on our arrival and any other great small hotels along the coast which can be reached by train. Look forward (hopefully) to lots of replies.


jmfong
  • 23rd Dec 2011 10:13pm

Hi Benji,

I spent about 10 days in Vietnam in July this year....did a tour with Intrepid Travel from south to north. Don't have any train trip details for Nha Trang but we did take the "Reunification Express" from Hue to Hanoi. It's an overnight trip, takes around 14 hours and was surprisingly comfortable. They have sleeper cabins though there's no luxury - it's pretty much what the locals catch so it is roughing it. I had been apprehensive about this part of the trip but really enjoyed it, a few drinks before bed time helps as it's pretty noisy but part of the experience.

We didn't visit Dalat but Hanoi was great....not as in your face as HCMC. Lots to see in Hanoi....A great hotel in HCMC - I stayed a night at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza, it was fantastic. It's cheap (about $140 AU/night) and close to a lot of the tourist attractions. If you are something cheaper then the Nam De Hotel wasn't bad - good location though a little noisy from the traffic.

As part of the tour we did an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. If there's one thing you have to do in Vietnam this is it. Watching the sunset over the islands is spectacular and the scenery is amazing. Because we were part of a tour group we had our own boat to ourselves (10 tourists and 3 staff!) which was great, though I'm sure you can get on a boat which won't be loaded with people.

Hope this helps, if you have any other questions let me know - hopefully I can answer them!

Jason


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