Vietnam advice please?

Zascar

Going to head to Vietnam in early October. Plan is to fly to Hanoi, do a 2 night cruise in Halong Bay - and then spend about 10 nights in the south - probably in 2 different places - just looking to sit on the beach and explore the surroundings. So far a few places recommended are Hoi An, Da Nang, Na Thrang, Mui Ne. Can anyone give me some advice? I was told down south would be better for the weather.

For anyone who has been, where would be some good places to go for nice beaches, good food and exploring the local area? I'm interested in getting some suits made also. Can you do this anywhere in Thailand?

I'm probably booking through trailfinders, should I get them to do my visa or do it online?

Any other tips would be appreciated from anyone who has been.
Thanks.

Lyle Lanley

Zascar wrote: »

Going to head to Vietnam in early October. Plan is to fly to Hanoi, do a 2 night cruise in Halong Bay - and then spend about 10 nights in the south - probably in 2 different places - just looking to sit on the beach and explore the surroundings. So far a few places recommended are Hoi An, Da Nang, Na Thrang, Mui Ne. Can anyone give me some advice? I was told down south would be better for the weather.

For anyone who has been, where would be some good places to go for nice beaches, good food and exploring the local area? I'm interested in getting some suits made also. Can you do this anywhere in Thailand?

I'm probably booking through trailfinders, should I get them to do my visa or do it online?

Any other tips would be appreciated from anyone who has been.
Thanks.

Vietnam is a well worn path, you don't need to go through trailfinders for anything.

Hoi an is the perfect place for suits, it's a town of tailors. Some are reputable, some aren't, do your homework if you want good stuff. You can get suits in Thailand either but Hoi An will be cheap and you can get good stuff.

There are decent beaches around Hoi An and Mui Ne if I remember right. Na Thrang is a ****hole, full of Russians.

Lastly, you are a biker and you're not planning to ride through Vietnam??! That's a massive mistake imo. Get yourself a Honda Win and do it right!

conor_ie

Lyle Lanley wrote: »

Vietnam is a well worn path, you don't need to go through trailfinders for anything.

Hoi an is the perfect place for suits, it's a town of tailors. Some are reputable, some aren't, do your homework if you want good stuff. You can get suits in Thailand either but Hoi An will be cheap and you can get good stuff.

There are decent beaches around Hoi An and Mui Ne if I remember right. Na Thrang is a ****hole, full of Russians.

Lastly, you are a biker and you're not planning to ride through Vietnam??! That's a massive mistake imo. Get yourself a Honda Win and do it right!

I don't think I could agree with this any more, if you want any more tips feel free to private message me!

MarkY91

I didn't think much of nha trang. Full of Russians and crap nightlife. I can't comment on other places outside of saigon but I would imagine they're far better than nha trang

dvd

hi, i went to hanoi last october. got visa on arrival, paid €5 to these guys http://www.vietnamvisapro.com and then $25 cash at the airport . the biggest disadvantage was the wait for the visa at the airport about 90mins.
weather was brilliant in hanoi last october, maybe too hot.
stayed in hanoi little town hotel, who arranged our taxi from the airport and trip to halong bay. couldnt recommend them enough.
i found the cheapest way to book flights was flight from dublin and return to london and leave from a different asia airport. got ba direct flights for about 350 return.

dvd

just a quick update, since febuary this year you can get a visa for vietnam online in advance $25.
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/vietnam.html

jwcurtin

dvd wrote: »

just a quick update, since febuary this year you can get a visa for vietnam online in advance $25.
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/vietnam.html

Would highly recommend this, you arrive with your slip, and your passport is stamped. No waiting time.

One of our four colleagues did the VoA method, and we in turn waited an hour for him to come through :rolleyes::rolleyes:

The Buster

Was in Vietnam a few weeks ago. Got the visa in advance as per dvd's link. Got through immigration in a couple of mins. It's the same cost as VOA so definitely get in advance

Would recommend Hoi An- lovely own and plenty to do. Food is brilliant there and only a few miles to the beach. Most hotels have bicycles which are great way of getting around

Watch out for taxi scams especially at the airport. Taxis are not regulated and some have dodgy meters. I got done once but after a long argument we came to an agreement! If in doubt contact your hotel in advance and ask for airport pickup. Price is a couple of dollars more but you have comfort of knowing price etc in advance

I loved Halng Bay. Did one night trip. There are loads of options and easy enough to book when you get to Hanoi if you want to wait.

If you are into history the Hanoi Hilton (prison) museum and the women's museum are both enjoyable. They are very close to each other, and close to the big lake in centre of Hanoi so you can spend a half day there. Also walking distance to old town where I guess you will be staying

skeleton_boy

dvd wrote: »

just a quick update, since febuary this year you can get a visa for vietnam online in advance $25.
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/vietnam.html

Is there still a stamping fee involved with this method or is the $25 all you need to pay?

Do you need 2 passport photos using evisa?

The Buster

skeleton_boy wrote: »

Is there still a stamping fee involved with this method or is the $25 all you need to pay?

Do you need 2 passport photos using evisa?

You just pay the $25

You include photos with the application but they are selfies you upload. No need for passport photos

frink

As far as tailors goes, I'd recommend Kimmys in Hoi An, I've gotten shirts and a jacket there. Its close to the centre.

tieng anh

I live in Hanoi.
I'm in Ireland.
If I can help just email me.

tieng anh

also ..Vietnamese in Ireland.
Need help here.Does anyone know of a Vietnamese Forum here in ireland.I need to speak to some Vietnamese and ask some advice regarding a girlfriend visiting me here from there?Thanks in advance.

Pablo_

Got two 'Loose Leaf Visas' from UK based Vietnam embassy. I paid enough for them so hope wont have to pay another 25 dollars on arrival. Anyone have any experience of loose leaf type visas? Heading in December

tieng anh

Never heard of these visas but if they are issuing them then Im sure youll be find.Have a ball.

Tipperary animal lover

You'll be fine Pablo, just go straight to immigration line and que up. No more to pay.