Vietnam Master Thread

[solls108]

Likely headed to Vietnam in the next few weeks. Will probably be there for 7-8 days and split my time between Phu Quoc at the JW or IHG (though I heard JW is awesome) and Hanoi and doing an overnight cruise of HaLong Bay.  If I can fit it in, I'd love to do some caving (I'd obv love to do Son Doong, but they have no availability for my dates, aside from the fact that it coss $3K PP, but I'm seeing if we can fit in Hang En cave, for a much more reasonable $330 PP).

Any recommendations for private Ha Long Bay overnight boat tours?

Any other recommendations?

How would you be traveling between phu quoc, the caves, and hanoi? I am trying to plan 7 days into and out of hanoi airport so I would love to hear what you have planned there

[solls108]

Has anyone ever been to Halong Bay from Hanoi? What is the best means of transportation? Any ideas where to stay in Halong Bay? Activities? Etc.

Please let me know

[shwarmabob]

Has anyone ever been to Halong Bay from Hanoi? What is the best means of transportation? Any ideas where to stay in Halong Bay? Activities? Etc.

Please let me know

Most Halong Bay cruises pick you up from the old city in Hanoi.
the cruises are the activities with whatever else they offer (kayaking, fishing etc)

[solls108]

Most Halong Bay cruises pick you up from the old city in Hanoi.
the cruises are the activities with whatever else they offer (kayaking, fishing etc)

Is there anything to do in Halong bay other then cruises?

[BarryLincoln]

Has anyone ever been to Halong Bay from Hanoi? What is the best means of transportation? Any ideas where to stay in Halong Bay? Activities? Etc.

Please let me know

Was there this summer.  While it’s 2-3 hours each way from Hanoi, you can do a day tour with out the need for o/n accommodations.  If you want to go on an o/n or multi-night tour, most people spend the evening on luxurious junks/boat (the only place I’ve ever heard junk and luxurious in the same sentence).

Feel free to PM if you have questions.

[solls108]

Did people get specific vaccinations for travel to Vietnam?

[shwarmabob]

Did people get specific vaccinations for travel to Vietnam?

you should have the standard 3rd world stuff:
be up to date with the routine vaccines, plus Hep A, Heb B shots and Typhoid (pill is better then the shot)
if you are going to the country side for extended period then more may be needed.

[solls108]

Where are the best markets/shopping etc near Hanoi?

[shwarmabob]

Where are the best markets/shopping etc near Hanoi?

it's all fake junk from China. I doubt it's worth your time or money.

[angler]

hey, which part of Vietnam are you going to? I could give some advice

[dvol]

Anyone have information on getting a business exemption to enter Vietnam now?