Vietnam Tips

Hi.. Need some travel tips for vietnam for trip of approx 8 days in december
In specific:
1. How good is vietnam airlines for internal transit?
2. Does it make more sense to take separate packages for north and south vietnam?
3. Any must-do/ recommended things?

Thanks
Prerna 

Hi,

Hope this helps

1. How good is vietnam airlines for internal transit?

Its decent enough. I took three flights and each one of them was on time. The aircrafts were also well maintained and its unlikely that they will start coming apart mid-air.

2. Does it make more sense to take separate packages for north and south vietnam?

Don't know what you mean by this. Please clarify

3. Any must-do/ recommended things?

I would recommend a trip to Hoi-An. Its recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The town comes alive in the evenings with traditional chinese lanterns everywhere and almost no traffic. Good for walking around the streets and some excellent gourmet restaurants which are quite affordable.

The other activity of course is a halong bay cruise in a traditonal vietnamese junk....

Makes sense to take package tours focusing on the mekong delta...though river is dirty, diesel fumes everywhere and the guides will spend an inordinate amount of time at local handicraft shops which you can get dime-a-dozen in india :)

Vietnam Airlines is good for internal travel. There are many good places in Vietnam and N to S, it is a big country. Do not miss Halong Bay, which in itself may need 1-2 days.

Shopping for lacquer items in Hanoi is worthwhile and anything else you may like. while driving from Hanoi to Halong bay, there is a kind of good arts craft emporium, where you can get good stuff. 

Food wise: be careful on where you eat. Veg food may sometimes be a challenge, but if you are ok with fried rice, tofu, veg soup, etc, it can be manageable.

cheers