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Vietnam | Ho Chi Minh - Hoi An - Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
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items I am so excited you are thinking about travelling to Vietnam! We didn’t do a tour, I booked all the activities, hotels and flights and found it really easy to get around. We spent 14 days in Vietnam and we loved it! Below are the places we stayed and...
Sections
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Where we stayed
What we did
How we got to where we were going and other services
APPS we used in Vietnam
What I Packed
Where we stayed
There are so many options to choose from in Vietnam. We stayed at mostly 4 star hotels. The hospitality standards are extremely high in Vietnam.
We stayed at the Hotel Majestic Saigon for our first three nights in Ho Chi Minh City. The hotel location was perfect. It was within walking distances of many restaurants, and tourist attractions. (affliate link)
(Saigon) Hotel Majestic
We chose this hotel because it was just two streets away from Old Town. The room was amazing! I would skip the hotel breakfast and just walk the streets for amazing food. We flew in from HCM to Da Nang and the hotel arranged a car to transfer us to H...
(Hoi An) Bel Marina Hoi An Resort
If you love history - don't miss Hue. If you are wanting beaches and touristy shops maybe give it a miss and extend your stay in Hoi An or Hanoi. Our hotel was stunning.
(Hue) Meliá Vinpearl Hue Hotel
I made a mistake and originally booked the Pan Pacific in Hanoi. It was tired and too far from the Old Quarter. We liked the Melia, it's a little walk to the main action of the Old Quarter, therefore quieter. When we come back we will stay at the Sof...
(Hanoi) Hotel Meliá
For our final night in Vietnam we stayed at this hotel in District 1. This hotel is closer to the markets and is in the heart of the action with out being too chaotic. It was a nice hotel with a sky bar.
(Saigon) La Siesta Premium
What we did
We didn't overload our trip with a heap of tours. What we did do is plan activities in the morning and evening - leaving the middle of the day for resting. You don't want to be out in that heat in the middle of the day - trust me!
Crossing the road in Saigon is a scary, at first - this tour was really informative AND will cure you of traffic overwhelm. Some how everything just flows in the chaos. Oh, and we got our guide to arrange a sim card for us at the Post Office. We were...
(Saigon) I highly recommend this Cyclo tour!
Is it touristy - YES. Is it worth it - YES. Would I do it again - NO. This tour is sobering, it's definitely worth doing. You get a good understanding of how complex the Vietnam War was and how clever the Vietnamese people are… TOP TIP: Take a hand f...
(Saigon) Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City - Book Tickets & Tours
I know it's a cliché - but this hop in hop off bus was just what we needed when we were burning time before our flight home. It kind of glued the pieces of our HCM adventure together. The city that was so overwhelming in the beginning began to less c...
(Saigon) Ho Chi Minh City Red Bus Tour
There are so many restaurants in Hoi An! We loved Nhan's Kitchen.
Hoi An
I did A LOT of research on Ha Long Bay Cruises and I am really pleased we chose this one. This cruise goes to Bai Tu Long Bay which is less touristy than the famous Ha Long Bay, we hardly saw any other boats and there were no other people around when...
(Ha Long Bay) Dragon Legend Cruise
This was fun! Definitely get there early! I recommend getting the audio guide so you can understand what is going on.
(Hanoi) Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
We loved this tour. It really helped us get to understand the city and it's history. We did go to Train street but didn't see the train. You have to time it with the train schedule and our guide said the locals don't like people going there as it is ...
(Hanoi) City Half-Day Private Tour:
How we got to where we were going and other services
These are the flight carriers, Insurance and Visa suppliers we used - travelling from Perth, Australia.
We flew economy from Perth to Ho Chi Minh for this 6 hour flight and I honestly did not expect it to be so good! Just a word of warning when you land the customs lines were LOOOOOONG! So many people were stressing about missing their connecting fligh... I recommend overnighting in HCM or having more than 3 hours before your next connecting flight to avoid being stressed out! TOP TIP: Make sure you have your boarding pass with you when you hand over your Passport & Visa information to the customs...
Vietnam Airlines
This is the best way to get around Vietnam. Forget overnight coaches or trains - VietJet is so good and cheap too! The check-in process at every airport was so efficient!
VietJet Air
For us travel insurance is a must. Southern Cross Travel insurance is the one I chose to go with in the end. We didn't need to use it - but I was VERY happy we were covered.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance
Aspire is a great little lounge to visit when you are travelling on an airlines that doesn't have a lounge in Perth. We were flying Vietnam Airlines and enjoyed a drink and a snack whilst waiting for our flight to be called. Highly Recommend.
Eat, Drink & Relax Before Your Flight at Aspire International Airport Lounge
Don't leave getting your Visa until the last minute. The processing time for the Visa is about 7 days. BUT if there is a mistake on the Visa (my middle name was spelt incorrectly) it could take up to 2 weeks. Be aware I've heard lots of stories about...
Vietnam National Electronic Visa system
APPS we used in Vietnam
We downloaded these apps before we left Australia, they were a game changer.
Most of our communication with hotels and tour operators was through What's App
WhatsApp.com
We used this app everyday of our trip. We tried to use a couple of phrases in Vietnamese but it's such a different language. This app was a life saver. All the locals seemed to use it.
Google Translate
Grab is similar to Uber. We used it everywhere we went. TOP TIP: Make sure your driver ends your trip before you get out of the car.
Download Grab app for transport and food delivery | Grab VN
I booked most of our day tours and airport shuttles through trip advisor.
Tripadvisor
What I Packed
We travelled with a small suitcase each, one backpack, one handbag. My trick is to have a few good basics and add style with accessories. It was hot when we travelled so it was shorts & T-shirts during the day and long BOODY pants in the evening.
During summer this fan goes everywhere with me. It's very elegant.
Watercolour painting fan tassel
I love these scarves, they are thick and luxurious. They elevate any outfit and are great for travelling. I used it on the plane.
Vintage floral jacquard scarf
We play a lot of card games when we are travelling. These storage boxes are really sturdy and protect the cardboard packs. UNO and Monopoly Deal are our favourites.
Clear Storage Boxes for Playing Cards, Perfect Holiday Gift
I have a bunch of these scarves. They really elevate an outfit instantly. Very soft and elegant.
Decorative Neck Scarves
I love BOODY! They are the best clothes for travelling or working from home. The knickers are the best. Also, the socks - oh and the T-shirts are great to sleep in. I am in love…
Boody Loungewear and underwear for travelling or just everyday wear.
I lived in these short. I have them in black and demin. I really liked the mid-rise elastic waistband which gives a smoother shape around your tummy.
Women's Fever Bermuda Short in DNA
I packed 6 T-Shirts for our 14 day trip. I just styled them up with a scarf. We did a load of laundry at the hotel in Hue - the turn around was super fast.
Women's Slim Fit Short Sleeve Ribbed 2pk Bundle T-Shirt - A New Day™ Black/White S: Cotton Modal Blend, Crew Neck