Advice for Family Trip to Vietnam at Christmas

[TownIdiot]

A couple of years ago we decided we were sick of our extended family Christmas celebrations so we went away to Barbados and really enjoyed it. Last year it was Venice and that was even better.

This year we are looking at Vietnam for two weeks. So arrive there at the latest 23rd of December for two weeks,
The "we" is me and my wife and our 2 "kids" who will be 25 and 22. Possibly their Boyfriend and Girlfriend for a part of the trip.

Currently thinking a week in a City followed by a week on a beach. Will need 3 rooms and would prefer a nice hotel but doesn't have to be Four Seasons level.

Any advice on where to go? Must see places and experiences?

Would consider breaking the trip up.

I wanted to go to Northern India and got outvoted.

Thanks in advance.

[daqinggregg]

We’re big fans of Vietnam, of the two major cities we prefer Hanoi over Ho Chi Minh, more history and character, the later seems to be going for full on development, but that’s progress.

December, is the end of the rainy season, temperatures in the North may not be that warm, Hanoi 15ºC to 25ºC, obviously in the mountains a fair bit cooler.

A beautiful country, with a huge variety of things to see, excellent beaches, breath taking vistas, interesting cities, all backed with a mix of Asian and French culture.

The highlands in the North are spectacular; the central belt has lovely beaches and Hanoi well worth a visit.

Domestic travel by train is easy, rolling stock fairly old but pleasant enough, we only traveled in the day (travel forming part of the holiday). Internal flights are cheap, sometimes cheaper than the train.

Beaches, most people go to the historical (touristy) town of Hoi An, but there are so many other choices, best to do a bit of research and see what suits your needs. Obviously the further South the warmer (quite noticeably) it will be

Motorcycle hire also cheap and plentiful (recommend an international license) police do sometimes check. Hai Van Pass (Top Gear Vietnam special) is well worth riding (near Hoi an) can be done in a day.

Hotels are available for any budget, clean and well equipped, last time we travelled (for 5 weeks) we spent around, £30 per night (some with pool), clearly the more you pay the plusher you get. Cuisine is the highlight, both local and foreign, great breakfasts and dinners, the coffee is really something special.

Money, outside of the major cities credit cards are not widely accepted, always best to have some cash as a backup. Connectivity in general is excellent, better than parts of the UK. Grab (uber) is widely available. Communication with apps easy.

[TownIdiot]

Thanks for the reply - great info.

Is Airbnb a decent choice to check out apartments in the region or is there a local option that offers more choice/better prices?

I am beginning to think an apartment in Hanoi for the duration then trips by train or air with less baggage might be a better option

[plenty]

Airbnb in Vietnam is excellent. And incredible value. If you go with Western hotel brands you'll pay closer to Western prices.

For the beach resort experience, look into Phu Quoc in the south.

[TownIdiot]

That's great thanks