Vietnam advice

Going to spend 3-4 weeks traveling in Vietnam (including a few days in Cambodia) any must visits ?

There was a thread on this earlier

Indeed there was…Having only been in and around Hanoi, here are my reccos…

Ha Long Bay

Green Tangerine Restaurant in Hanoi

Hanoi “Hilton”

Temple of Literature, Hanoi

I recall the earlier thread and there has been some wine-related stuff on E-bob in case anyone cares. Short version of that story: not a lot of wine action. Beer is the drink of choice.

I go to Vietnam twice a year (about two weeks each) and I think you are smart to plan for 3-4 weeks; lots to see and it is actually a fairly large country when you get out of the big cities. I like the Hanoi suggestions above, but I’d add the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This is pretty touristy, but fascinating; besides the tomb, etc. his houses and cars are on display. He lived an ultra simple life, never married, and devoted his life to his country. Also in Hanoi, I’d recommend the Museum of Ethnology; they have a wide variety of displays (houses, kitchens for example) on the various ethnic groups in the country. The stock exchange in Hanoi is worthwhile.

Ha Long Bay is a day trip from Hanoi and you can stay longer, including on boats if that’ of interest.

In the South, there are many interesting sites in Ho Chi Minh City, including the War Museum, the Presidential Palace, the old Post Office, and a variety of markets and temples. You could spend a whole day at the War Museum; there are rooms set up for the war with France, various aspects of the war with the U.S. (like an agent orange exhibit) and there must be 10,000 photos on display from Life magazine, etc. Many restaurants that cater to Westerners are in this area.

Downtown HCM is also worth a look; there is a notable skyscraper (designed by a famous architect) where you can ride to the top and get a good view of the city. There is also now some high end retail in the downtown area, even some wine shops. Saigon Place is an office/retail complex.

Also in the South, you could tour the Mekong Delta; again, very interesting. The Mekong actually turns and runs into Cambodia, so that would be a good entree if you want to go there. It is more rural. I have not been to Cambodia. Rivers are everywhere in Vietnam. The Saigon River runs out to the ocean and is a big time river (a la the Ohio) with a lot of industry along the shores.

Since you have so much time, you could visit Hue (ancient capital), Da Nang (famous from the war with the U.S. but now a large city), various destinations in mountainous areas, resorts (Vung Tau) along the South China Sea (this is turning into big business). I could go on and on. Also, you are very close to Manila and Singapore and Hong Kong, should you decide to add those destinations. Feel free to send me a message with any specific questions.

where you going in cambodia? I absolutely hated the capital (Phnom penh), there was nothing to do there and I’m glad we only stayed one night there. Siem Riep was nice but ultra touristy.

for a fun night in Hanoi:

find a hole in the wall for bun cha hanoi; then grab a little red stool for numerous bia hoi, before heading to Ho Guom Xanh.

Also, get a haircut or shave.

Angor Wat in Cambodia was astounding (assuming you like majestic old stuff). You can fly directly to Siem Reap (where the hotels are) from Vietnam.

Yes Siem Reap is touristy, but I had some great meals there. Recommend Le Meridien Siem Reap - especially affordable if you have Starwood points, I think it is only 3k/4k points per night.

Thanks for all the suggestions and the plan for Cambodia is only Angor Wat.