Viet Nam Vacation

[wvjules]

I *think* we are down to deciding between a Mediterranean Cruise or a Viet Nam Vacation in 2024. If it matters, it would be before mid-June since DBF has time he needs to use by then. (Yes, we are "last minute" vacation planners.)

Have any of you taken a vacation to Viet Nam? Did you use a planner? Did you do it on your own? Any tips/suggestions?

 

[goofyernmost]

I had a year long, government sponsored, vacation there back in 1969/1970. I know it has changed a lot since then but I have no desire to ever go back again and really don't understand why anyone, from that era would ever want too, although many do. However, I would not hesitate for another visit for a Mediterranean Cruise again. If you do decide to go to Vietnam, especially South Vietnam be prepared for very hot weather all year round but Monsoon season combines hot with water logged downpours like you've never seen before followed by record breaking humidity. But I may be biased.

 

[mikehn]

Vietnam is definitely on my bucket list. NCL has a cruise that makes a stop there, but Im looking to actually spend some time touring there. More like 2025 or 26

 

[leebee]

Given the language barrier and the different form of government, I wouldn't go to Viet Nam unless I was on a tour with a reputable agency. For the cost, I wouldn't want to miss anything, but I also wouldn't want to "misstep" and run into issues.

[I'm with @goofyernmost when it comes to visiting Nam, but I, too, am a child of the 70s.]

 

[lilmc]

We took a 3 week vacation in 2015 starting in Hanoi, then Ha Long Bay, Hue, Na Thang, Da Nang, Da Lat, Hoi An, Saigon, and Phu Quoc. We planned and traveled on our own, but my husband (mostly) speaks the language. We mostly used Frommer’s and google image to plan where we wanted to be. It was great, but I will never, ever travel to South Asia in the summer ever again. We had school aged children at the time, so were limited by school calendar, but way too humid and hot. Please feel free to ask any questions and I can try to answer.

 

[ronandannette]

I had a year long, government sponsored, vacation there back in 1969/1970. I know it has changed a lot since then but I have no desire to ever go back again and really don't understand why anyone, from that era would ever want too, although many do. However, I would not hesitate for another visit for a Mediterranean Cruise again. If you do decide to go to Vietnam, especially South Vietnam be prepared for very hot weather all year round but Monsoon season combines hot with water logged downpours like you've never seen before followed by record breaking humidity. But I may be biased.

Thank you for your service.

 

[ford family]

We did a river cruise on the Mekong a few years ago.
We flew into Siem Reap in Cambodia and spent a few days there to visit Ankor Wat before joining the ship. We visited Phnom Penh and then travelled into Vietnam.
The ship's excursions were excellent and we went to most places by small boat seeing the country from the river.
The trip culminated with a few days in Ho Chi Min City.
There were about 80 people on the ship, some Americans, some British like us but the majority were Australian.
It was an excellent trip that lives long in the memory.

ford family

 

[goofyernmost]

Given the language barrier and the different form of government, I wouldn't go to Viet Nam unless I was on a tour with a reputable agency. For the cost, I wouldn't want to miss anything, but I also wouldn't want to "misstep" and run into issues.

[I'm with @goofyernmost when it comes to visiting Nam, but I, too, am a child of the 70s.]

All true and I have to wonder, what is there to miss. Anything historical was there 50 years ago and significant only to the locals. Since then everything is new and I can think of nothing worth spending thousands of dollars to see. BTW, I am curious about the language situation. My recollection was that most of the population there spoke at least Vietnamese and English and a very large portion could speak those two and French. I'm sure communication would be no problem.

I know I am a little bitter, but you should see me when I visit the wall in DC. Vietnam is not a place with any fond memories that I can conjure up.

 

[goofyernmost]

We did a river cruise on the Mekong a few years ago.
We flew into Siem Reap in Cambodia and spent a few days there to visit Ankor Wat before joining the ship. We visited Phnom Penh and then travelled into Vietnam.
The ship's excursions were excellent and we went to most places by small boat seeing the country from the river.
The trip culminated with a few days in Ho Chi Min City.
There were about 80 people on the ship, some Americans, some British like us but the majority were Australian.
It was an excellent trip that lives long in the memory.

ford family

Lives in mine too, but with very different memories.

 

[Minnesota!]

My cousin visited a few years ago and said it was the highlight of his life, thus far. He is a chef and did it for the immersion in the food world there, but had some incredible experiences in the jungles and on some animal (elephant, I think?) sanctuaries.

I would love to go, but I am NOT a good flier. 2 hours is about my limit before I just want to beg someone to take me off the damn plane. I would love to go everywhere, to experience life in that place, so vastly removed from mine.

 

[wvjules]

Thanks all. If we do go, it will definitely be with a tour. No way can we navigate the country on our own. I am concerned about the heat and humidity so that needs to be a consideration for the time of year we go. (I do not like being hot and sweaty. I hate summer.)

goofy - if this thread is trigging, then you should probably avoid it. My father served in Vietnam as well so I can understand your feelings but that should not be a reason for everyone else to not visit the country.

 

[VandVsmama]

If one is visiting Vietnam in the summer, then one should definitely expect to sweat profusely. And if you don't like to be hot and sweaty, then don't go during the summer.

Depending on what part of the summer you go to the Mediterranean, it can be hot and sweaty then, too, but if you're going, for example, in May, then it's probably not so bad.

 

[wvjules]

If one is visiting Vietnam in the summer, then one should definitely expect to sweat profusely. And if you don't like to be hot and sweaty, then don't go during the summer.

Depending on what part of the summer you go to the Mediterranean, it can be hot and sweaty then, too, but if you're going, for example, in May, then it's probably not so bad.

We are thinking spring for either vacation.

 

[DisneyOma]

We have family that lived in Vietnam for many years, and the photos of all the places they go to on vacation are gorgeous. Would you like a resort or a tour?

 

[cabanafrau]

All true and I have to wonder, what is there to miss. Anything historical was there 50 years ago and significant only to the locals. Since then everything is new and I can think of nothing worth spending thousands of dollars to see. BTW, I am curious about the language situation. My recollection was that most of the population there spoke at least Vietnamese and English and a very large portion could speak those two and French. I'm sure communication would be no problem.

I know I am a little bitter, but you should see me when I visit the wall in DC. Vietnam is not a place with any fond memories that I can conjure up.

It's completely understandable that someone with your experience would be adverse to travel back somewhere that was undoubtedly an incredibly challenging portion of your life. Thank you for your service.

ETA It's not a destination on my bucket list for a few reasons, but I absolutely very much enjoy traversing the cuisine often.

 

[goofyernmost]

Thanks all. If we do go, it will definitely be with a tour. No way can we navigate the country on our own. I am concerned about the heat and humidity so that needs to be a consideration for the time of year we go. (I do not like being hot and sweaty. I hate summer.)

goofy - if this thread is trigging, then you should probably avoid it. My father served in Vietnam as well so I can understand your feelings but that should not be a reason for everyone else to not visit the country.

I didn't say it was a reason for others not to go and so many people have heard the name Vietnam for many years that weren't even alive when the little police action was happening. What I was saying is that for those that had been there, I couldn't understand or wrap my brain around why they would want to go back. It's not like a trip to WDW where from the very first visit it usually meant happy, fun memories, and that is what I was asking without really asking. I don't understand why anyone would want to go there after what they experienced.

I know a lot of veterans have made the trip to the beaches of Normandy, but don't forget that war, although horrendous as all wars are, at least had a heroic ending. If I recall, we didn't have that and it also took many decades before those of us were ever even acknowledged along with the 57,000 that died on that land. That is all I am saying. From the pictures it is obvious that it isn't the same place it was 54 years ago, but it is not a place that I, personally, remember fondly nor wish to reignite those memories. But, you are correct, and I will stop my comments at this point.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We did a trip thru Gate 1 travel several years ago to Cambodia and Viet Nam. It was a wonderful experience except for the propaganda film at the Cu chi tunnels which my husband walked out on. And the stupid Americans climbing all over an American captured tank and taking photos. Apparently they forgot our soldiers probably died in it. Otherwise it was very interesting trip. We had a terrific guide in Viet Nam. My fav memory of him was telling our group of about 12 to stick together like sticky rice when crossing the streets in any big city. Thousands if cars, bikes, motorcycles all coming together at once. When crossing the street it’s a matter of nerves. Never make eye contact, never stop, just keep moving. The drivers of ievwey conveyance have timed pedestrians to the min second. It’s only if you stop where you get hit. So much fun!
And we cruised thru the river villages in Cambodia. Fascinating.
The Pho soup and other food was fantastic.
My favorite spots were Hoi a beautiful little city and Ha Long bay.

The people were charming everywhere. It was a memorable trip. I’d highly recommend.