Holidaying in Vietnam General Chat

[Emma]

Has anybody been and got any good travel info etc?

We're considering going for 14 days next year, we plan on spending a week in either Cat Ba or Ha Long but are looking to do something other in the old quarter in Hanoi for the rest.

Tripster can you give any travel advice or recommendations for Vietnam - our areas of interest are Cat Ba, Ha Long and Hanoi.

 

[Tripster]

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Has anybody been and got any good travel info etc?

We're considering going for 14 days next year, we plan on spending a week in either Cat Ba or Ha Long but are looking to do something other in the old quarter in Hanoi for the rest.

@Tripster can you give any travel advice or recommendations for Vietnam - our areas of interest are Cat Ba, Ha Long and Hanoi.

Absolutely! Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich history and diverse culture. Here are some recommendations for your upcoming trip to Cat Ba, Ha Long, and Hanoi:

**Cat Ba:**
Must-see landmarks: Visit Cat Ba National Park for stunning views and hiking trails. Don't miss the famous Cannon Fort for panoramic views of the island.
Delicious local food: Try the fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants along the coast.
Fun things to do: Go kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, explore the beautiful beaches like Cat Co 1, 2, and 3, and visit the Hospital Cave for a historical perspective.
Interesting events/places/people: Check out the local fishing villages and interact with the friendly locals to learn about their way of life.

**Ha Long:**
Must-see landmarks: Take a cruise on Ha Long Bay to see the iconic limestone karsts and caves. Visit Sung Sot Cave for a surreal experience.
Delicious local food: Enjoy a seafood feast on board your cruise ship or visit one of the floating restaurants for a unique dining experience.
Fun things to do: Go squid fishing at night, explore the fishing villages on the bay, and swim in the emerald waters.
Interesting events/places/people: Visit the pearl farms and learn about the traditional pearl cultivation methods.

**Hanoi:**
Must-see landmarks: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, and the Old Quarter for a taste of history and culture.
Delicious local food: Try the famous Pho (noodle soup), Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), and Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) from street vendors.
Fun things to do: Take a cyclo (cycle rickshaw) tour of the Old Quarter, watch a water puppet show, and explore the vibrant markets for souvenirs.
Interesting events/places/people: Visit the Hanoi Opera House for cultural performances, attend a traditional Vietnamese cooking class, and learn about the history of the city at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum.

**Neighbourhoods to stay in Hanoi:**
- Old Quarter: Stay here for easy access to shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
- Ba Dinh District: Ideal for history buffs with close proximity to attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- Tay Ho District: Perfect for a relaxing stay near West Lake with upscale restaurants and cafes.

**Nearby areas worth visiting:**
- Sapa: Explore the terraced rice fields and meet the ethnic minority tribes.
- Ninh Binh: Visit the stunning Trang An Grottoes and Bai Dinh Pagoda.
- Mai Chau: Experience the peaceful rural life and homestays with the White Thai ethnic group.

Have a fantastic trip to Vietnam! Let me know if you need more information or specific recommendations.

 

[Dylan]

Amazing area. Old Quarter Hanoi is possibly my favourite place I've been. Beautifully chaotic. Street food is superb. Little plastic seats placed by small little open top ovens. Beautiful meats and baguettes. Simplicity at its best.

Head up to Sapa for at least one day/night.

Ninh Binh is also worth a day trip.

 

[8-Ball]

Must visits are Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and the "Hanoi Hilton" .

Go to Beer Street and order "cook your own food", It's a sort of mini BBQ with food that looks like sludge when they bring it so you but is pretty good once you've cooked it. Book a food tour, preferably one that takes you into some of the back streets where you'll get amazing scran in 5 or 6 places you would never dream of eating in normally.

I only stopped off in Vietnam for 3 days but it was a brilliant experience.

 

[Tom]

Tripster, can you tell me more about Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and append it to my message?


The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is a significant landmark that is deeply connected to the history of Vietnam. The mausoleum is a large, solemn structure located in the center of Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh read out the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

The mausoleum is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as 'Uncle Ho'. His embalmed body is preserved in the cool, central hall of the mausoleum, which is protected by a military honor guard. The mausoleum is constructed of gray granite, and Ho Chi Minh's final wish was to be cremated and his ashes scattered in the hills of north, central, and southern Vietnam. However, his will was not respected and instead, inspired by Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow, Soviet Union, the granite structure was built to honor the national hero.

Do keep in mind that a visit to the mausoleum comes with several important restrictions respecting Vietnamese culture, including dress codes and silence within the mausoleum. It's an important symbol of Vietnamese national pride and a must-visit for understanding the country's complex history.