I've just come back from spending Christmas and New Year in Vietnam and Cambodia. I've put together this trip based on a similar itinerary.
Flights are with Emirates and go from LGW. The outgoing flight has two short stops but I personally think these are better than the flights around £10 cheaper with China Southern as Emirates is a much better airline.
I've included bus and flights where I can but airport transfers aren't included. Most hotels will be able to sort these for you and some offer free pick up but you can also make your own way using local buses or taxi. You will also need to add a visa cost onto this. You will need a visa on arrival when you arrive in Hanoi (I think this was $25). You'll also need a visa on arrival for Cambodia which is $30.
There are much cheaper or more expensive places to stay, but I've included ones with good reviews and some I've stayed in myself. They are all also in good locations too.
Details:
7th June
Leave LGW and commence flight to Hanoi.
8-12th June
Arrive in Hanoi 8th June. You will stay at the Hanoi Guest House for 3 nights. I've personally stayed here and it is right in the middle of the old town and is great value. In Hanoi, you can walk the nearby lake, head to Halong Bay or Cat Ba for a cruise or enjoy the food in the old town. Also consider heading to Sapa which has some lovely scenery, rice fields and traditional villages.
12-14th June
You will catch the train to Hue. Again you can get advice on booking this but it will cost around $35 depending on travel class. Alternatively you can also fly. As there are a range of options here you'll need to add this onto your total price. In Hue you will stay for 2 nights at the Jade Hotel. I've stayed here for 2 nights myself and it is walking distance to the palace and there are also plenty of places to eat locally.
14-17th June
On 14 June you'll travel to Hoi An. Now you have a range of methods to get you here and you'll need to account for this in your trip, but I recommend a motorbike. You will drive the 'Top Gear Road' and the views from the pass are stunning as you head down to the coast. You can also stop en route at Danang and Marble Mountain. In Hoi An you will stay for 3 nights at the Beautiful Moon. In Hoi An you can wander the river and old town, view the lanterns in the evening and also head to My Son temple. If you want a tailored suit, this is also the place to haggle and get one made.
17-20th June
You'll fly from Danang to Siem Reap on 17th June and spend 3 nights in Siem Reap in the Green Park Village (free airport transfer in Siem Reap available). No trip to Siem Reap would be complete without visiting Angkor Wat temple complex. Fight the crowds and get up at 4am to arrive by 5am if you want to see sunrise. I wasn't a fan of Pub Street, but if you want 25 cent beer and cheap massages this is the place to go. Also head into the local villages, hire a bike and get off track and see the local lives of Cambodian people.
20-22nd June
You'll take the Cambodia Post Van (other buses available) for your visit to Phnom Penh. You'll stay for 2 nights at the Sundance Inn. In Phnom Penh make sure you visit the S21 museum and also the Killing Fields, it's such a humbling experience.
22-23rd June
You'll take the Hang Chau ferry (your hotel can help you with booking the tickets $25p) from Phnom Penh back into Vietnam. You won't need a visa as you have a visa waiver. The boat takes around 4hrs. Once in Chau Doc you'll stay for 1 night at the Murray Guesthouse which I've personally stayed at. It is a lovely place with free cycles if you want to explore.
23-25th June
On 23rd you'll take the Futa bus from Chau Doc to Can Tho. I've picked a place I celebrated New Year. The Green Village in the Mekong Delta. It's a homestay and you are in a bamboo hut close to local villages and the river. I loved it here. You won't have hot water and you will see gekos, frogs and probably a mouse or two but you can take the free cycles or their own boat and explore the surrounding area. They also offer tours of the floating markets I a small boat. If you are a bit squemish then look at staying in Can Tho itself. Meals are also included here and they were amazing, some of the best food we had.
25-27th June
On 25th June you'll get the Futa bus to Ho Chi Minh. You'll then spend 2 nights in the Royal Saigon. I've stayed here myself and although it's basic, it is in the heart of the backpacker district and has a restaurant attached which has great reviews too.
On the 27th June you need to be at the airport around 10pm for your flight which leaves early hours on 28th June.
***Breakdown***
Long haul flights from LGW into Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh to LGW for 2 £767.16 book at Travel Up.
4 nights in Hanoi £82.64 (reduce the number of nights if you want to do a Halong Bay cruise) Book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
2 nights in Hue £24.72 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
3 nights in Hoi An £27.30 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
2 flights from DaNang to Siem Reap £258.98 book at Tripsta (Flights are with Vietnam Airlines).
3 nights in Siem Reap £24.15 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
Bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for 2 people $18/£14.64 book on bookmebus.com
2 nights in Phnom Penh £31.88 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
2 Hang Chau Ferry tickets $50/£40.67
1 night in Chau Doc £21.94 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
Futa bus from Chau Doc to Can Tho for 2 people 100,000 dong each (total £7.22, get hotel to book tickets for you)
2 nights in the Green Village Mekong Delta book direct £62.22/$76.50
Futa bus from Can Tho to HCM for 2 people 100,000 dong each (total £7.22, get hotel to book tickets for you)
2 nights in the Royal Saigon Eat and Sleep £29 book on Ebookers AFFVC0117
Total £1399.75/£699.87
Top comments
WOOTWOOT1 to BrianSewell
8 Jan 1749#13
Looks like the kind of guy who likes to go to Spain and spend the day in a British Pub eating crap British food like pies and sausages all day long and moaning about life. The most adventurous thing he's ever done is try and dislike 'garlic bread' .....
us_agent2012 to BrianSewell
8 Jan 178#10
What a pleasant post.
rachelandgromit to BrianSewell
8 Jan 174#11
That is for 2 nights in the Mekong Delta and if you really want to experience a homestay. You don't have to, and you can easily stay in Can Tho but I'd really recommend it. As far as mixing with backpackers, there is no mention of hostels, shared bathroom or mingling with other people! Similarly, you don't have to get up at 5am. It all depends on what you want to see and do. I'm not sure this is the right holiday for you but Vietnam and Cambodia also have more luxury resorts and tours where you don't have to mingle with backpackers or other people.
roame
13 Jan 173#147
For those expressing reservations about a trip like this, just do it! I'll be in Angkor in May and it's something I face with trepidation for although I've spent quite a bit of time in Cambodia over the years, I've not been back in Angkor since @1998 when it was a very different place, more chickens wandering around the temples than tourists so that will be a shock to the system!
On another point, Rachel said this:
" On 14 June you'll travel to Hoi An. Now you have a range of methods to get you here and you'll need to account for this in your trip, but I recommend a motorbike. You will drive the 'Top Gear Road' and the views from the pass are stunning as you head down to the coast"
She is 100% right, as in so many places in Asia the best way to experience them is by motorbike. Caveat, make sure your insurance covers motorcycle riding, many don't. Even if they appear to, check the fine print, because without exception, they will only cover you if you would be qualified to ride the same size bike in the UK. So if you think you might want to ride a bike on holiday, at the very least take a CBT course to ride up to a 125cc.
Hate to be a killjoy but seen too many people come to grief in SE Asia because they have come off a bike and insurance company says "no". As a result hospitals in the region are very wary about treating people with motorbike injuries without checking first they will be paid. Make sure a copy of your qualification to ride that bike is stored online so that the insurance claims assessors can access it. Generally speaking there is a mathematical equation at work here, the cheaper your insurance the longer you will wait for treatment beyond the very basics.
Last tip, when you are facing an oncoming vehicle in a limited passing area and they flash their lights, it does not mean "come on" as in the UK. it means the precise opposite, (I'm coming through") and that simple misunderstanding has caused more accidents with British tourists than any other,
Have fun :smile:
Great post and break down. Just a couple of questions:
I know these places are great foodie experiences,but do they have/can you find veggie options?
Secondly, are the accommodations you mentions shared (like a hostel shared bathrooms etc) or private with en suite etc?
rachelandgromit to K0YS
8 Jan 173#3
We had some lovely vegetarian meals in Vietnam, this restaurant in particular in Hoi An was lovely. Also, lots of tofu in Vietnam too which I love.
All accommodation is private en-suite rooms although you can opt for cheaper rooms if you wish or alternative accommodation. I've stayed in many of these places on this deal though so I feel confident recommending them.
tom6195
8 Jan 17#4
What's the weather like this time of the year?
rachelandgromit to tom6195
8 Jan 171#5
In June it is summer so really good weather. If you mean now, when I was there December/January it was cooler in the North of Vietnam but down South was hotter and a muggy 30 degrees most days. Cambodia was lovely and sunny.
ramit
8 Jan 17#6
Great post
p-e-t-e
8 Jan 173#7
Did Vietnam last year.... can't recommend it enough, lovely place, lovely people, lovely food.... love to go back!
snoopy86 to p-e-t-e
8 Jan 171#29
Same to me, cant say enough about Vietnam, amazing country,people,food,scenery. New KING KONG s just finished filming there last year 2016!
supersue
8 Jan 17#8
Missed your posts Rachel! Not been this far before (other than Australia but that's too 'familiar' to FEEL far) but you're whetting my appetite! Anything to be wary of? We're not in the best of health...
rachelandgromit to supersue
8 Jan 171#14
I've been away for just over 3 weeks to escape the Xmas chaos! You can easily get about with buses and tuk-tuks but I'd perhaps suggest hiring a driver if you want a more comfortable experience (depending on your health). I'd say the hotels I've recommended in this deal will be able to make some recommndations for you. All the people we encountered at the hotels and guest houses were lovely and really helpful. The motorbikes can be a bit crazy in Hanoi and HCM and when we arrived in Hanoi it took some getting use to crossing the road, but we soon adapted. There were people of all ages in Cambodia and Vietnam travelling about and you should certainly go for it. If you want a little bit of luxury we did the Orchid overnight Halong Bay cruise and visited Cat Ba. It's a new cruise and really lovely.
BrianSewell
8 Jan 172#9
Getting up at 5am, staying in bamboo huts, no hot water, constant traveling, mixing with backpackers... Your idea of a holiday is my idea of hell
us_agent2012 to BrianSewell
8 Jan 178#10
What a pleasant post.
rachelandgromit to BrianSewell
8 Jan 174#11
That is for 2 nights in the Mekong Delta and if you really want to experience a homestay. You don't have to, and you can easily stay in Can Tho but I'd really recommend it. As far as mixing with backpackers, there is no mention of hostels, shared bathroom or mingling with other people! Similarly, you don't have to get up at 5am. It all depends on what you want to see and do. I'm not sure this is the right holiday for you but Vietnam and Cambodia also have more luxury resorts and tours where you don't have to mingle with backpackers or other people.
pew41 to BrianSewell
8 Jan 17#12
looks like hotels with hot water to me
WOOTWOOT1 to BrianSewell
8 Jan 1749#13
Looks like the kind of guy who likes to go to Spain and spend the day in a British Pub eating crap British food like pies and sausages all day long and moaning about life. The most adventurous thing he's ever done is try and dislike 'garlic bread' .....
patrick_000 to BrianSewell
8 Jan 171#34
I take it you're not the real Brian Sewell, just imitating his misery guts and whingey attitude.
thebuzzer
8 Jan 17#15
Great Post Rachel. Some great travel and flight bargains at the moment. Expedia.co.uk seem to work well for us on flights and hotels
thebuzzer
8 Jan 17#16
Have you any Expedia codes or vouchers ?
rachelandgromit to thebuzzer
8 Jan 17#18
Not sure I don't think so but the code for Ebookers should work as Expedia and Ebookers normally have the same price as they are part of the same company I think. I also like that Ebookers also has their own rewards scheme so you get money off hotel bookings.
supersue
8 Jan 17#17
Thanks Rachel. What's the health support like, should we need it? Always scared of being ill abroad!
rachelandgromit
8 Jan 17#19
Ooeer I don't know, was lucky not to need it!
supersue
8 Jan 17#20
Does anyone have any experience of healthcare in these regions please? I know to take out health insurance, but how accessible/high quality is it?
roame to supersue
8 Jan 172#23
Low for anything but basic care in Cambodia. Anything serious requires a medivac to Thailand. Vietnam is only slightly better. I worked in the region for several years and Thailand is streets ahead for medical care.
thebuzzer
8 Jan 171#21
Thanks Rachel
spatter
8 Jan 17#22
the best hotel I've ever stayed in is in Hanoi! forty quid a night. love Hoi an too
lynne1
8 Jan 17#24
Great post, Rachel. Just finalising our trip in March to Vietnam (on your recommendations before you went).
Thanks again.
supersue
8 Jan 171#25
Thanks Roame. A bit worrying!
Gollywood
8 Jan 171#26
What a life! Honeymoon in Iceland, now this! :smile:
rachelandgromit to Gollywood
8 Jan 172#27
Off to Thailand, NZ and the Cook Islands in April :-)
Gollywood
8 Jan 171#28
That's just digging the dagger in further :laughing:
Immoraliste
8 Jan 172#30
Definitely look into the motorbike food tours in Saigon. Well worth the cost to be driven through the mad traffic to districts you wouldn't reach as a tourist and try local specialities. If they offer you balut (fertilised duck egg), say no!
Hoi An is unique. Beyond the old town, rent bicycles and ride out at leisure on the country roads; you'll find the idyllic rural scenes you'd imagined of Indochina. Cycle to the white beaches at Cao Dai. Just go a little further than the resorts and there's noone there but the occasional restaurant and DaNang on the horizon.
Careful of scammers in Phnom Penh. It really wasn't an attractive city but as a Westerner accustomed to liberal democracy visiting Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields REALLY is something worth experiencing just to comprehend that stuff like that actually happens when we stop believing in our societies and demand radical alternatives. I'd be the first to decry faux-angst from transient western tourists, but witnessing what happened there is truly heartbreaking and a motivation against complacency.
Worth reading up on Wikitravel / Wikivoyage pages before you go for info on what transport to use (which cabs are legit) and what scams to be aware of. People there are amazingly generous and good-spirited but like any travel to the developing world there are many scams aimed at tourists.
Oh, and the sleeper train from Hue to Hanoi is worth looking into if you have time.
Hope to go back some time!
bignutter
8 Jan 171#31
great post really helpful as were flying out there at the end of the month and we still haven't sorted our itinerary. thanks for taking the time to post this Rachel :sunglasses:
skiingmary
8 Jan 171#32
Took a trip to Vietnam last year, suggested by Holiday Pirates. It was amazing. Was very wary at first but no need. People were fabulous, cities
were amazing and the island of Phu Quoc was an incredible experience. Thank you for posting this, not for us this year methinks but next year!
usetheforceluke
8 Jan 17#33
not my cup of tea but brilliant post and i am sure is a hot deal.
patrick_000
8 Jan 173#35
(Ah, you're definitely not him as it appears he died).
roame
8 Jan 172#36
A lifeguard at my local outdoor swimming ponds, (Hampstead, London) and a veteran of 15 marathons worldwide dropped dead from a heart attack last week at home at the age of 48. S**t happens. For anyone in reasonable health, no reason not to undertake such a trip. If you have never been to that part of the world then the experience will blow your mind so much any lurking fears about the health systems will disappear into infinity. Many elderly people not in the best of health make this trip, particularly popular with Vietnam vets, and return home having had a wonderful experience. The largest number of casualties in the region by far are amongst the 18-25 age group, most often from getting aboard a motorcycle for the first time in their lives, closely followed by those who go overboard on drugs.
In terms of medical insurance, you get (or not) what you pay for. Cheap travel insurance is a rotten economy, they will try what they can to avoid paying out, read the fine print. L&V are not the the cheapest but have one of the best reputations.
patrick_000
8 Jan 17#37
I'd definitely agree re scammers in Phnom Penh - there's been a spate of tuktuk drivers offering free tours who then talk you into a dodgy card game and threaten you into paying thousands. Order tuktuks through your accommodation and don't accept unsolicited offers.
The trip sounds amazing. I love both Vietnam and Cambodia. Ha long bay isn't cheap but it's well worth it (despite the excess of tourist boats) - truly one of the world's most amazing sights.
rachelandgromit
8 Jan 17#38
I second Roame re LV. Have the premium insurance policy and although never claimed, comparing like for like with other annual policies they cover a range of activities and seem really good value.
Never had problems with scammers in either Vietnam or Cambodia. Phnom Penh felt a little seedy in places particularly around the memorial and Royal Palace.
The only other minor niggle we had was when we were riding cycles around the Mekong area. We just went off on our own with a map and two women cycling around sunset seemed to be quite a novelty for the locaks and there was two motorbike riding men around 50 who passed us around 4 times, kept touching our arms as they drove past. They then stopped in front of us and insisted we were going the wrong way which we knew we weren't and then laughing. Just didn't react and cycled on and they soon got bored. I was more offended by some of the antics on Pub Street by other tourists :stuck_out_tongue:
supersue to rachelandgromit
8 Jan 17#40
Yeah thanks all. May think about for next year. Doing Montenegro (following one of Rachel's posts last year) for the second time, this year. Beautiful and as yet under-developed but that won't last long....... Still outside EU for phone networks etc, not covered on any travel plans so something like £1.50 a minute, and wifi coverage is patchy. Some of the intensely (local)- tourist areas were as risky as some of the situations I've seen on here about Vietnam, - not to mention the suicidal-car-body-wrecking drivers who freaked me out while I was trying to protect our hired-car; conversely also had some of the sweetest and kindest support from complete strangers and locals as we've ever had. Back with most of my extended family this year, to show them how to step off the beaten track a bit :-)
spatter
8 Jan 171#39
you'll probably get more trouble in Newcastle or wherever city centre than you will in Hanoi! And if you go to beer corner it's 12p a glass.....
exel1966
8 Jan 17#41
Sounds like a great trip, but just remember that June is one of the wettest months to travel to Vietnam with 3/4 of the month being doused in very very heavy rain showers....albeit warm rain which lead to streets regularly being temporarily flooded. You'll be very lucky to avoid an afternoon without heavy rains in June which may curtail your plans somewhat, however the bars are aplenty and a great place to take cover and sit it out ;-) or get wet and get a real feel for V.
rachelandgromit
8 Jan 17#42
We had a few hours of rain in Hoi An in December and the old town flooded, good job it was our last day! We had good weather when we arrived for 3 days but we were lucky as 2 weeks prior to our arrival it has rained every day for 2 weeks.
The weather is also different in the North compared to the South but June *should* be warm and sunny based on past forecasts online I found!
cheeky_ash
9 Jan 17#43
I would add that these 2 countries are great to travel. Sounds like you had a great time...so much to see from Sapa in the North through to the mehkong delta in the South.
if people are afraid to travel on their own then I would recommend a company like Intrepid travel....and coincidently there is a sale on now which ends tomorrow - 20% off if this helps....
correction...I mean flights from the UK aren't included.
loop
9 Jan 17#45
Is there a single person supplement for this? Deal seems to be based on 2 people going then just divided in half for price each.
foes4you
9 Jan 17#46
How much for the helicopter version with guide ?
cheeky_ash
9 Jan 17#47
there is a single person supplement if you're not wiling to share a twin room I believe
cheeky_ash
9 Jan 17#48
and price is per person
leaih
9 Jan 17#49
Great post, I am very tempted <3
bluep
9 Jan 17#50
Great post! Heat from me. Any advice on suitable for me (female) to take my 12 year old daughter for a shorter trip - 7-10 days on part of this itinerary - just the two of us? I did a fair amount of travelling when a student so comfortable backpacking myself and tempted to start widening her horizons but not been to that part of the world before.
rachelandgromit
9 Jan 17#51
You could cut Cambodia out and just focus on Vietnam. It really depends on what you want to see and do.
bluep
9 Jan 17#52
Thanks - but a relatively streetwise woman and 12 year old should be ok? (as much as two females on their own are ever ok..!?!). I've taken her to Marrakech, trekked across a bit of the arctic circle with her, Egypt, Turkey etc... just not got a feel for what Vietnam is like. Sounds amazing though so I'm tempted to go for it!
maclennanneil
9 Jan 171#53
Love these types of posts.
You get so many great tips on everything including travel insurance
Trying to talk the missus into this trip now but may have to go on my own and treat her to something else.:smirk:
Lynx
9 Jan 171#54
I would pass straight through Hue and spend the extra time in Siem Reap instead. Siem Reap is most definitely the highlight of this itinerary.
rachelandgromit
9 Jan 171#55
You'll be absolutely fine. We saw a single parent with her 10yr old who was visiting Vietnam and having a great time and on the boat trip from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc the staff let her 'drive' the boat. I was surprised how geared up for tourists it is. You'll have no trouble, in my opinion.
rachelandgromit
9 Jan 17#56
I think it depends, I really enjoyed Hue and the Imperial City. Siem Reap I spent 4 nights, of course Angkor is great and the surrounding countryside and villages were lovely to cycle around but you can easily adjust this itinerary.
bobtastic
9 Jan 17#57
Great post . Would love to go one day, shall refer back to this in the future. Thanks
woldranger
9 Jan 17#58
Haha! At that time of year, unless you're up in the mountains (Sapa was by far my favourite place in Vietnam and isn't on this itinerary for some strange reason) it's going to be HOT and VERY WET! It's summer here but SE Asia is a tropical climate and in June expect high humidity and heavy rain. A couple of places in central Vietnam should be fine but for the rest of this, break out the brolley and wellies. I normally start to head home in late may when I'm away, as by that point the weather is normally on the turn.
rachelandgromit
9 Jan 171#59
We did go to Sapa from Hanoi and spent time there. It's easily done as a side trip, and we did enjoy it, but we found it very touristy and it's experiencing something of a boom of huge hotels being built. Avoid Cat Cat village if you can get which is overrated and a tourist trap in my opinion and if I was doing it again I would love to head further into the hills and mountains and away from the tourist areas. It reminded me of parts of Bali. You can easily adjust the itinerary to suit what you want to see and do. Everyone will have different interests and it's good for people to get an idea of what they can see and do. For example, this trip doesn't include PQ, Con Dao and there are other islands too - Con Dao was originally on my itinerary but as I then included Cambodia I had to scrap it. Another trip maybe.
topazz
9 Jan 17#60
Did a similar six week backpacking trip last year across Thailand and Vietnam. Booked trains and internal flights as we went. Vietnamese people without exception were lovely. Never once felt unsafe.The country is going hell for leather for tourism so it won't be long before they adopt the slighty cynical commercial attitude that I sometimes came across in Thailand. So now is the ideal time to do it. Our favourite was Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), found Hue a bit boring TBH, see one temple, seen 'em all.
woldranger
9 Jan 171#61
If you actually read my comment, you'll see that I said that, "Sapa was by far my favourite place in Vietnam", ie I've already been there. I don't go away for a couple of weeks so I have the chance to do a little more than scratch the surface.
I do think that water spending all the time you did putting your itinerary together you should mention the weather at that time of the year. If the rain isn't an issue (and the delays associated with it) then the humidity may well be.
xbox360man
9 Jan 17#62
Vietnam great country, people and food, I would recommend staying in 5* as for the price it is cheap compared to elsewhere
sidog
9 Jan 171#63
Visa is not required for UK (and a number of other citizens particularly European) if spending less than 15 days in Vietnam.
Good post though. I spent Christmas in Vietnam (Nhà Trang) and New Year in Cambodia (Sihanoukville). Currently in Siem Reap.
vinnyirl
9 Jan 17#64
Never been but have three weeks off work at end of January so it's a possibility few questions
Hate long haul flights is there somewhere I could stop off half way for a day or two each way
Is it advisable to book hotels as I go along in case my travel plans change while there
What websites best to book on
I will be departing from London
Also traveling solo not that it should matter prob just a bit more expensive
blabla17
9 Jan 17#65
Heat added
ahigham01
9 Jan 17#66
hello, can i kindly ask whom you went with with ( was it a package deal ) many thanks in advance
andrewkayll
9 Jan 17#67
Great Post! Excellent detail
HEAT:)
_taurus_
9 Jan 17#68
That's what I want to do! Thanks!
egrey88
9 Jan 171#69
SO closed minded... These are two of the most interesting and beautiful countries in the world, it's worth every minor inconvenience to see them, trust me!
xfaxfa
9 Jan 171#70
Not bold enough to give cheesecake a try though?
rhinopaul
9 Jan 171#71
Would definitely recommend hiring a bike around the Angkor Wat temples. You can easily spend 2 days seeing the whole complex.The bikes are basic unisex so if you have padded cycle pants use them. Also take a towel to wrap around your neck as you will sweat a gooden.
I stayed in at the Bou Savy Guest House , Siem reap, a good location for cycling to the temples and close the city centre. http://www.bousavyguesthouse.com/
If you like curry then the Amok curry is divine.
woldranger
9 Jan 17#72
I took one of the free bikes from the guest house where I stayed and spent three days cycling around the temple complex. It was one of the highlights of a 6 month trip round SE Asia. But do yourself a favour, take a headlamp!! I stayed out for the sunset each night and coming back in the dark was, interesting! I also did the sunrise on my last day and it was hilarious seeing the faces of the fat, lazy tourists slumped in the back of tuk-tuks as I overtook them on my "old ladies shopper bike" in the pre-dawn dark - you could see the most effort that they put into their whole trip was to haul themselves up and out before breakfast! Each to their own though....
taza98
9 Jan 17#73
Garlic bread???? Gar-lic fuc£in bread?!
daskapital
9 Jan 17#74
Went to Vietnam. Got robbed. Still think it's a nice place to go, but don't go flashing your phone/rolex/camera/money nothing. Wouldn't advise you to take children either. FYI I didn't flash the cash or anything. I was on a beach, some locals approached us, I thought they wanted to sell us crap, turns out they wanted to rob us.
spongebob1913
9 Jan 171#75
and prob voted for brexit :wink:
BenderRodriguez
9 Jan 171#76
Yeah, because if you don't like sharing bedroom with smelly students, cold showers and diarrhea, you've got to be the guy drinking Stella with your full english at the airport's Wetherspoon.
What a moronic argument, got any more of your golden thoughts to share?
spongebob1913
9 Jan 17#77
when was this? and what beach? Must have been horrific! were they threatening?
spongebob1913
9 Jan 17#78
Almost literally half way if you go with Emirates is Dubai. 7/8 hours there, then another 7/8 hours to Nam
WOOTWOOT1
9 Jan 17#79
Nah, you've just inadvertently proven my point, QED old chap!
spongebob1913
9 Jan 17#80
and 3 weeks is 21 days?
spongebob1913
9 Jan 17#81
OP - So odd, Im off to vietnam for 3 weeks any day now, I decided to go from Ho Chi Minh, all the way up to Hanoi (maybe via train, unsure yet..) then flying back to Ho Chi Minh and back home. Is 3 weeks too long for Nam? Also, I've looked on lots of hotel booking websites, and wondered if its cheaper often to get the hotels out there, rather than book in advance? and lastly... did you get the Japanese Encephelitis vaccine?
Fantastic post - well pieced together! Are you a travel agent by chance?
rhinopaul
9 Jan 17#82
So, is that your analogy of backpacking?
I have been doing it for 20 years over 46 countries, never came across any smelly students,plenty of mixed age groups from 16 -60 from all different backgrounds.The only cold showers I had were when I was in the middle of a desert to cool down whilst keeping dare we say it CLEAN. Probably had more diarrhea in the UK than I have traveling . Not every ones cuppa but if you want to be closed minded go fling your $#it elsewhere.
rachelandgromit
9 Jan 17#83
I think you could easily spend 3 weeks and longer! Sometimes you could get cheaper rates going direct but when I did my trip I always compared rates direct and actually found it cheaper going through Ebookers although when I booked I had an 18% off code. I guess you could just turn up and haggle and just check rates online and book there and then if they were quoting you higher than an online rate.
Nope, didn't get that vaccine. And nope, not a travel agent. Work for local government.
CurlyMedic
9 Jan 17#84
Hi Rachael
Can we whittle it down to 2 weeks at all? 3 weeks is too long with my work commitments.
Many thanks...Ravi
lukerunacres
9 Jan 17#85
Great find
Be79n
9 Jan 17#86
I done a 21 night trip with Greckos adventures that pretty much done this, total cost was around £1075 per person so works out more expensive. Then you have to pay for flights on top of this. worked out around £1500 each.
spongebob1913
9 Jan 17#87
Thanks! the vaccine was recommended to me by my GP last week, when I found out how much it was I opted to not... as it was over 200 pounds!
Really sorry to keep battering with questions.. when you hired motorbikes.. were they automatic?
cowsmoooo
9 Jan 17#88
I highly recommend go walkabout for travel insurance. I got bit by a dog in thailand and they paid out within a week of making a claim. Also the cheapest.
Be79n
9 Jan 17#89
I didn't bother with any vaccines, I did take mosy spay though that contained DEET.
I have to say the food I had on this trip was the best I have ever had in the world. So cheap to. I lived on duck and sea food. One place was 3000VND a beer, that is around 11p!!.
As for safety for me it was common sense not to flash cash. Before going I left my decent watch at home and brought a cheap digital one. I brought a money belt but didn't end up using it as didn't feel the need.
One tip is to always lock your luggage even if it is in your hotel room. Remember the average wage out there is like $200 a month so you leave that laying around in your hotel room its like a cleaner in the UK finding £1500-£2500 just laying around. You can get plenty of luggage locks on ebay.
One couple on our trip had money go missing from there hotel room but no troubles apart from that,
jsoap
9 Jan 17#90
The point is that you can get a single 30 day entry visa for Vietnam, and then use the free 15 day visa when re-entering from Cambodia - saves a few pounds.
stuaird1
9 Jan 17#91
great post and effort for sharing...id love to do this but cant due to familiy commitments however a few years a gao i did Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore and it was amazing.
rachelandgromit
9 Jan 17#92
Yes, this is what I did. Got the single entry visa on arrival when entering in Hanoi (think it was $25 or $30) and then when entering back into Vietnam by boat use the 15 day free visa waiver.
andy5and
9 Jan 17#93
Halong bay is probably the most disappointing place I have ever seen.Even if you take a boat that travels the quieter part its still overcrowded (with boats) and boring.
Sapa is well worth a visit stayed for three nights in a homestay trekking down the valley.Great home cooked food and plenty of rice wine.
Thank you for your post Rachel :smiley: Am just about to go to Vietnam for a 11 night trip but am struggling with the itinerary. So much to see and do and so little time. Sigh! So found it and some of the comments very useful for ideas...
Zer0
9 Jan 17#96
Thank you both for the info!
Off to Laos and Cambodia for 3 weeks on Friday so all these kind of tips are extremely useful :smiley:
Zer0
9 Jan 17#97
Can you recommend any accommodation in Sihanoukville? Hoping to go there at the end of my trip and visit the islands
andy5and
9 Jan 171#98
Otres beach is a better choice than Sihanoukville. Beautiful blue sea and white sand.
Otres 2 just further down from Otres is where we stayed can't remember the name of the beach hut.
rachelandgromit
9 Jan 17#99
We cruised with Orchid and went to Cat Ba. 2D 1N was enough for me. It was nice to do but I've been on more interesting cruises, like Antarctica.
andy5and
9 Jan 17#100
We did the same trip but I can't remember the name of the boat.The only good thing I could say about it is the food was fantastic.
spatter
9 Jan 17#101
the free bicycle tour in Hoi an is genius
K0YS
9 Jan 17#102
would love to the arctic! any good places to start in putting a holiday together?
rachelandgromit
9 Jan 17#103
Firstly, Antarctica is different to Arctic! Penguins in Antarctica and polar bears in Arctic :stuck_out_tongue:. Antarctica is amazing, very expensive but worth every penny and South Georgia is amazing. Get yourself to Ushuaia as the cruises start from there, November to March is best time. We were there Christmas 2015.
Zer0
9 Jan 17#104
Awesome thank you :smiley:
daskapital
9 Jan 17#105
It was 3 years ago. cam an beach in Hoi An. There were not a lot of people around and there were four of us and there were three guys on two mopeds. They had flick knives. Well they weren't exactly gentlemen but not to sound too cool about it but coming from East London it wasn't the first time someone threatened me with a knife. They didn't do any damage, just took our money and my friends watch and my camera and sped off on their bikes.
Vietnam police couldn't give a flying **** about it. Dude sat there with a cigarette in his mouth doing the aah poor you act. Despite all that , I would still go back because it's a lovely country with great food and beaches and the people in general are nice. But yeah, don't go strolling on the beach when there are few people around and don't get drunk on the beach.
rachelandgromit
9 Jan 17#106
Yikes, we went there too. I'd of been terrified! We never had a large amount of money on us and left watches, all jewellery at home. It was quite busy when we went though so I guess it's targeting quiet times when there isn't many people. There was also a couple of 'pop up' kind of tourist police shops (if that's the right word) in Hoi An we spotted so perhaps tourist crime is on the up?
vardx
10 Jan 17#107
why no on the duck egg, out of interest?
neilbassett1
10 Jan 17#108
I am doing something similar, heading out on Friday, only doing Thailand for ten days instead of Vietnam. Done Vietnam for 3 weeks 2 years ago and it is an incredible place.
As the OP has said, definitely do the "Top Gear tour" from Hue to Hoi An, one of the best things I've ever done on holiday, incredible views.
nicknibz
10 Jan 17#109
:smiley: great post :smiley:
casablancas
10 Jan 17#110
That Pita GR restaurant in Nhà Trang is unreal, far too many Russians though in Nhà Trang.
Jamie74
10 Jan 17#111
This is great, thanks! I'm thinking of doing something similar in July/August but would like 4 nights on a beach at the end to recharge...
The best option I can come up with is Koh Samui where the weather should hopefully be "OK" (i.e. not too wet)...
Does anybody have any other suggestions ?
spongebob1913
10 Jan 17#112
Was it at night or in daylight?
spongebob1913
10 Jan 17#113
Also - are the motorbikes/mopeds you hire automatic? never driven a manual motorbike!
Immoraliste
10 Jan 17#114
Well... go for it. Worth trying everything once. It's a delicacy in many countries in SE Asia and you might like it.
Without wanting to sound dramatic, it was the most unpleasant thing I've ever eaten. You can feel the texture of feathers, the crunch of bones, and the taste was revolting. Because the embryo is fairly developed, you also end up having to swallow it whole.
The rest of the 'odd' foods on offer were very nice, especially if barbecued.
I did hope for a smaller photo, but can't post imgur links.
daskapital
10 Jan 17#115
oh god there goes my breakfast...
spatter
10 Jan 17#116
Samui is fine but big and touristy
Argyll68
10 Jan 17#117
I'm not sure where you were drinking but the price of beer ranges from $2-$3. I was at Siem Reap in November and no where did I see the price of beer at 25c.
dodgymix
10 Jan 17#118
Sapa is also an excellent place to stay for a few nights from Hanoi.. probably my favourite part of Vietnam
dodgymix
10 Jan 17#119
As regards muggings / theft i'm sure in every town and city in the UK if you're unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time it could happen.
Be careful and you'll be fine...
Loved the submarines rolls with added protein (Ants lol)
JustExtreme
10 Jan 17#120
Sounds like an amazing adventure holiday, super tempted
Be79n
10 Jan 172#121
Where on earth was paying $2-3 a beer?, 5 star hotel?.
I've just returned and payed 11p in one place. 1 by Benloader, on Flickr
I can't recall the exact place. It was on Pub Street, opposite a bakery and next to a massage place. This was in December. Even in our hotel beer was $1 and that was the most expensive we paid. I never saw beer more expensive than that in Cambodia.
In Vietnam we paid around 10,000 to 20,000 for a large beer (dependent on brand, although cheaper in HCM)
Not that I drunk any of it, I don't like beer!
vardx
10 Jan 17#123
Thanks for that. Think I'll pass, haha.
spatter
10 Jan 17#124
it's fresh beer! sold on Bia Hoi. I can't remember paying more than 11p
K0YS
10 Jan 17#125
Looks like the Ebookers code has expired?
bojangles
10 Jan 17#126
gary glitter will be all over this
johnsmith1997
10 Jan 17#127
Heat added for Viet!! :laughing:
johnsmith1997
10 Jan 17#128
Hope you do realise in Vietnam you pay with your dong.:neutral_face:
mahussain4866
10 Jan 17#129
This is absolutely amazing!! Thank you for your help and me and my friend are definitely considering it for a post-university trip. Just had one question, would you know how we could combine Thailand with this trip and do so, cheaply? Thanks in advance!
Argyll68
10 Jan 17#130
Are you on about draught or bottles?
We only drunk Tiger beer in bottles. Cheapest was $2
rachelandgromit
10 Jan 17#131
It was draught, I think Angkor beer, but don't quote me.
spatter
10 Jan 17#132
you can. we did. internal flights in Asia are normally very cheap. I just booked from Bangkok to the south of Thailand for £9 on air Asia! in august.....
bc111
11 Jan 172#133
If I was younger I would jump at this, Rachel a nicely presented post, I really hope the younger generation and those that have better mobility than me think about it :smiley: Heat added.
Pixelfill
11 Jan 17#134
not for me, but sounds amazing. Heat for the effort in the itinerary
jarviand
11 Jan 17#135
We are actually looking at doing Vietnam at Easter so this info is really useful...thanks
spatter
11 Jan 17#136
if you go to Hoi an stay at camellia home stay. it's fab
us_agent2012
11 Jan 17#137
Any way this could be done over two weeks flight wise?
firefords1
11 Jan 17#138
Haha funny how nearly each booking step uses a personal referral code
rachelandgromit
11 Jan 17#139
I did not use any personal referral codes for each booking step, the discount code AFFVC0117 you can enter into the box at checkout and it gave you 10% or 15% off. That is the code I used to get the prices on this deal however I think it may have expired. It wasn't a personal code, just one I found hunting around, not specific to me.
firefords1
11 Jan 17#140
Ah ok :smiley: great post
spannerzone
11 Jan 17#141
Thank goodness for choice eh!
SamMac123
12 Jan 17#142
are those discount codes affiliate codes?
rachelandgromit
12 Jan 17#143
No, I just found them on a Google search but I think they have expired now. I always look for codes on HUKD, on Voucher Box etc....
Leo0991
13 Jan 17#144
Vietnam has visa on arrival (free) for British, German, French, Italian & Spanish till the end of June 2017 after a successful 2015-2016 run. Saves $25 and isn't widely known as they will still sell you one. Max 14 day stay, no return within 30 days of departure.
Yes, but for the trip above you will need a visa as you are returning to Vietnam from Cambodia within 30 days. If you just wanted to spend your time in Vietnam and it was under the 14 day stay then yes, you wouldn't need a visa.
mattmerch
13 Jan 17#146
angor watt is great went a few years back
stayed here raffles great hotel even better when you get comped :smiley:
going to laos this year :smiley:
roame
13 Jan 173#147
For those expressing reservations about a trip like this, just do it! I'll be in Angkor in May and it's something I face with trepidation for although I've spent quite a bit of time in Cambodia over the years, I've not been back in Angkor since @1998 when it was a very different place, more chickens wandering around the temples than tourists so that will be a shock to the system!
On another point, Rachel said this:
" On 14 June you'll travel to Hoi An. Now you have a range of methods to get you here and you'll need to account for this in your trip, but I recommend a motorbike. You will drive the 'Top Gear Road' and the views from the pass are stunning as you head down to the coast"
She is 100% right, as in so many places in Asia the best way to experience them is by motorbike. Caveat, make sure your insurance covers motorcycle riding, many don't. Even if they appear to, check the fine print, because without exception, they will only cover you if you would be qualified to ride the same size bike in the UK. So if you think you might want to ride a bike on holiday, at the very least take a CBT course to ride up to a 125cc.
Hate to be a killjoy but seen too many people come to grief in SE Asia because they have come off a bike and insurance company says "no". As a result hospitals in the region are very wary about treating people with motorbike injuries without checking first they will be paid. Make sure a copy of your qualification to ride that bike is stored online so that the insurance claims assessors can access it. Generally speaking there is a mathematical equation at work here, the cheaper your insurance the longer you will wait for treatment beyond the very basics.
Last tip, when you are facing an oncoming vehicle in a limited passing area and they flash their lights, it does not mean "come on" as in the UK. it means the precise opposite, (I'm coming through") and that simple misunderstanding has caused more accidents with British tourists than any other,
Have fun :smile:
barmpot
14 Jan 171#148
14 - 17 June traveling to Hoi An, on the Hai Van Pass, A motor bike would be my last choice, you can go by train - coach - taxi - or motorbike, i am surprised a motorbike has been suggested, they are a bad idea in Vietnam as a whole and notorious death traps on that road. and breaking down is a regular accorence,Go by taxi you will see all that you can on a bike and taxi's are cheap. I am talking from a lot of experience in Vietnam.
jumpinoffthbed
14 Jan 171#149
Don't know why, but it's exactly the response I would expect from someone with the name 'Brian'!
rachelandgromit
14 Jan 17#150
We went with a company called Hue Riders which were amazing.
barmpot
14 Jan 17#151
Hue riders are good, same as the easy riders, but i still stand by my post Don't go by bike.if any body doubts me, go on tripadviser and ask whether anybody would do it on a bike.
barmpot
15 Jan 17#152
having said my comments above, its a good deal the Vietnamese are great people.
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Opening post
Flights are with Emirates and go from LGW. The outgoing flight has two short stops but I personally think these are better than the flights around £10 cheaper with China Southern as Emirates is a much better airline.
I've included bus and flights where I can but airport transfers aren't included. Most hotels will be able to sort these for you and some offer free pick up but you can also make your own way using local buses or taxi. You will also need to add a visa cost onto this. You will need a visa on arrival when you arrive in Hanoi (I think this was $25). You'll also need a visa on arrival for Cambodia which is $30.
There are much cheaper or more expensive places to stay, but I've included ones with good reviews and some I've stayed in myself. They are all also in good locations too.
Details:
7th June
Leave LGW and commence flight to Hanoi.
8-12th June
Arrive in Hanoi 8th June. You will stay at the Hanoi Guest House for 3 nights. I've personally stayed here and it is right in the middle of the old town and is great value. In Hanoi, you can walk the nearby lake, head to Halong Bay or Cat Ba for a cruise or enjoy the food in the old town. Also consider heading to Sapa which has some lovely scenery, rice fields and traditional villages.
12-14th June
You will catch the train to Hue. Again you can get advice on booking this but it will cost around $35 depending on travel class. Alternatively you can also fly. As there are a range of options here you'll need to add this onto your total price. In Hue you will stay for 2 nights at the Jade Hotel. I've stayed here for 2 nights myself and it is walking distance to the palace and there are also plenty of places to eat locally.
14-17th June
On 14 June you'll travel to Hoi An. Now you have a range of methods to get you here and you'll need to account for this in your trip, but I recommend a motorbike. You will drive the 'Top Gear Road' and the views from the pass are stunning as you head down to the coast. You can also stop en route at Danang and Marble Mountain. In Hoi An you will stay for 3 nights at the Beautiful Moon. In Hoi An you can wander the river and old town, view the lanterns in the evening and also head to My Son temple. If you want a tailored suit, this is also the place to haggle and get one made.
17-20th June
You'll fly from Danang to Siem Reap on 17th June and spend 3 nights in Siem Reap in the Green Park Village (free airport transfer in Siem Reap available). No trip to Siem Reap would be complete without visiting Angkor Wat temple complex. Fight the crowds and get up at 4am to arrive by 5am if you want to see sunrise. I wasn't a fan of Pub Street, but if you want 25 cent beer and cheap massages this is the place to go. Also head into the local villages, hire a bike and get off track and see the local lives of Cambodian people.
20-22nd June
You'll take the Cambodia Post Van (other buses available) for your visit to Phnom Penh. You'll stay for 2 nights at the Sundance Inn. In Phnom Penh make sure you visit the S21 museum and also the Killing Fields, it's such a humbling experience.
22-23rd June
You'll take the Hang Chau ferry (your hotel can help you with booking the tickets $25p) from Phnom Penh back into Vietnam. You won't need a visa as you have a visa waiver. The boat takes around 4hrs. Once in Chau Doc you'll stay for 1 night at the Murray Guesthouse which I've personally stayed at. It is a lovely place with free cycles if you want to explore.
23-25th June
On 23rd you'll take the Futa bus from Chau Doc to Can Tho. I've picked a place I celebrated New Year. The Green Village in the Mekong Delta. It's a homestay and you are in a bamboo hut close to local villages and the river. I loved it here. You won't have hot water and you will see gekos, frogs and probably a mouse or two but you can take the free cycles or their own boat and explore the surrounding area. They also offer tours of the floating markets I a small boat. If you are a bit squemish then look at staying in Can Tho itself. Meals are also included here and they were amazing, some of the best food we had.
25-27th June
On 25th June you'll get the Futa bus to Ho Chi Minh. You'll then spend 2 nights in the Royal Saigon. I've stayed here myself and although it's basic, it is in the heart of the backpacker district and has a restaurant attached which has great reviews too.
On the 27th June you need to be at the airport around 10pm for your flight which leaves early hours on 28th June.
***Breakdown***
Long haul flights from LGW into Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh to LGW for 2 £767.16 book at Travel Up.
4 nights in Hanoi £82.64 (reduce the number of nights if you want to do a Halong Bay cruise) Book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
2 nights in Hue £24.72 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
3 nights in Hoi An £27.30 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
2 flights from DaNang to Siem Reap £258.98 book at Tripsta (Flights are with Vietnam Airlines).
3 nights in Siem Reap £24.15 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
Bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for 2 people $18/£14.64 book on bookmebus.com
2 nights in Phnom Penh £31.88 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
2 Hang Chau Ferry tickets $50/£40.67
1 night in Chau Doc £21.94 book on Ebookers use code AFFVC0117
Futa bus from Chau Doc to Can Tho for 2 people 100,000 dong each (total £7.22, get hotel to book tickets for you)
2 nights in the Green Village Mekong Delta book direct £62.22/$76.50
Futa bus from Can Tho to HCM for 2 people 100,000 dong each (total £7.22, get hotel to book tickets for you)
2 nights in the Royal Saigon Eat and Sleep £29 book on Ebookers AFFVC0117
Total £1399.75/£699.87
Top comments
On another point, Rachel said this:
" On 14 June you'll travel to Hoi An. Now you have a range of methods to get you here and you'll need to account for this in your trip, but I recommend a motorbike. You will drive the 'Top Gear Road' and the views from the pass are stunning as you head down to the coast"
She is 100% right, as in so many places in Asia the best way to experience them is by motorbike. Caveat, make sure your insurance covers motorcycle riding, many don't. Even if they appear to, check the fine print, because without exception, they will only cover you if you would be qualified to ride the same size bike in the UK. So if you think you might want to ride a bike on holiday, at the very least take a CBT course to ride up to a 125cc.
Hate to be a killjoy but seen too many people come to grief in SE Asia because they have come off a bike and insurance company says "no". As a result hospitals in the region are very wary about treating people with motorbike injuries without checking first they will be paid. Make sure a copy of your qualification to ride that bike is stored online so that the insurance claims assessors can access it. Generally speaking there is a mathematical equation at work here, the cheaper your insurance the longer you will wait for treatment beyond the very basics.
Last tip, when you are facing an oncoming vehicle in a limited passing area and they flash their lights, it does not mean "come on" as in the UK. it means the precise opposite, (I'm coming through") and that simple misunderstanding has caused more accidents with British tourists than any other,
Have fun :smile:
All comments (154)
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I know these places are great foodie experiences,but do they have/can you find veggie options?
Secondly, are the accommodations you mentions shared (like a hostel shared bathrooms etc) or private with en suite etc?
All accommodation is private en-suite rooms although you can opt for cheaper rooms if you wish or alternative accommodation. I've stayed in many of these places on this deal though so I feel confident recommending them.
Thanks again.
Hoi An is unique. Beyond the old town, rent bicycles and ride out at leisure on the country roads; you'll find the idyllic rural scenes you'd imagined of Indochina. Cycle to the white beaches at Cao Dai. Just go a little further than the resorts and there's noone there but the occasional restaurant and DaNang on the horizon.
Careful of scammers in Phnom Penh. It really wasn't an attractive city but as a Westerner accustomed to liberal democracy visiting Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields REALLY is something worth experiencing just to comprehend that stuff like that actually happens when we stop believing in our societies and demand radical alternatives. I'd be the first to decry faux-angst from transient western tourists, but witnessing what happened there is truly heartbreaking and a motivation against complacency.
Worth reading up on Wikitravel / Wikivoyage pages before you go for info on what transport to use (which cabs are legit) and what scams to be aware of. People there are amazingly generous and good-spirited but like any travel to the developing world there are many scams aimed at tourists.
Oh, and the sleeper train from Hue to Hanoi is worth looking into if you have time.
Hope to go back some time!
were amazing and the island of Phu Quoc was an incredible experience. Thank you for posting this, not for us this year methinks but next year!
In terms of medical insurance, you get (or not) what you pay for. Cheap travel insurance is a rotten economy, they will try what they can to avoid paying out, read the fine print. L&V are not the the cheapest but have one of the best reputations.
The trip sounds amazing. I love both Vietnam and Cambodia. Ha long bay isn't cheap but it's well worth it (despite the excess of tourist boats) - truly one of the world's most amazing sights.
Never had problems with scammers in either Vietnam or Cambodia. Phnom Penh felt a little seedy in places particularly around the memorial and Royal Palace.
The only other minor niggle we had was when we were riding cycles around the Mekong area. We just went off on our own with a map and two women cycling around sunset seemed to be quite a novelty for the locaks and there was two motorbike riding men around 50 who passed us around 4 times, kept touching our arms as they drove past. They then stopped in front of us and insisted we were going the wrong way which we knew we weren't and then laughing. Just didn't react and cycled on and they soon got bored. I was more offended by some of the antics on Pub Street by other tourists :stuck_out_tongue:
The weather is also different in the North compared to the South but June *should* be warm and sunny based on past forecasts online I found!
if people are afraid to travel on their own then I would recommend a company like Intrepid travel....and coincidently there is a sale on now which ends tomorrow - 20% off if this helps....
Here is a similar trip but without flights...
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/uk/vietnam/best-cambodia-vietnam-101957
You get so many great tips on everything including travel insurance
Trying to talk the missus into this trip now but may have to go on my own and treat her to something else.:smirk:
I do think that water spending all the time you did putting your itinerary together you should mention the weather at that time of the year. If the rain isn't an issue (and the delays associated with it) then the humidity may well be.
Good post though. I spent Christmas in Vietnam (Nhà Trang) and New Year in Cambodia (Sihanoukville). Currently in Siem Reap.
Hate long haul flights is there somewhere I could stop off half way for a day or two each way
Is it advisable to book hotels as I go along in case my travel plans change while there
What websites best to book on
I will be departing from London
Also traveling solo not that it should matter prob just a bit more expensive
HEAT:)
I stayed in at the Bou Savy Guest House , Siem reap, a good location for cycling to the temples and close the city centre. http://www.bousavyguesthouse.com/
If you like curry then the Amok curry is divine.
What a moronic argument, got any more of your golden thoughts to share?
Fantastic post - well pieced together! Are you a travel agent by chance?
I have been doing it for 20 years over 46 countries, never came across any smelly students,plenty of mixed age groups from 16 -60 from all different backgrounds.The only cold showers I had were when I was in the middle of a desert to cool down whilst keeping dare we say it CLEAN. Probably had more diarrhea in the UK than I have traveling . Not every ones cuppa but if you want to be closed minded go fling your $#it elsewhere.
Nope, didn't get that vaccine. And nope, not a travel agent. Work for local government.
Can we whittle it down to 2 weeks at all? 3 weeks is too long with my work commitments.
Many thanks...Ravi
Really sorry to keep battering with questions.. when you hired motorbikes.. were they automatic?
I have to say the food I had on this trip was the best I have ever had in the world. So cheap to. I lived on duck and sea food. One place was 3000VND a beer, that is around 11p!!.
As for safety for me it was common sense not to flash cash. Before going I left my decent watch at home and brought a cheap digital one. I brought a money belt but didn't end up using it as didn't feel the need.
One tip is to always lock your luggage even if it is in your hotel room. Remember the average wage out there is like $200 a month so you leave that laying around in your hotel room its like a cleaner in the UK finding £1500-£2500 just laying around. You can get plenty of luggage locks on ebay.
One couple on our trip had money go missing from there hotel room but no troubles apart from that,
Sapa is well worth a visit stayed for three nights in a homestay trekking down the valley.Great home cooked food and plenty of rice wine.
Plenty to keep you occupied for two weeks and its really easy finding flights with the link below
https://www.skyscanner.net/?ksh_id=2e4d4372-a964-4f86-b928-484a025b3612&associateID=SEM_GGT_00065_00001&gclid=CKGt5aG3tdECFUK4GwodtcIDtA&associateid_proc=true
Off to Laos and Cambodia for 3 weeks on Friday so all these kind of tips are extremely useful :smiley:
Otres 2 just further down from Otres is where we stayed can't remember the name of the beach hut.
Vietnam police couldn't give a flying **** about it. Dude sat there with a cigarette in his mouth doing the aah poor you act. Despite all that , I would still go back because it's a lovely country with great food and beaches and the people in general are nice. But yeah, don't go strolling on the beach when there are few people around and don't get drunk on the beach.
As the OP has said, definitely do the "Top Gear tour" from Hue to Hoi An, one of the best things I've ever done on holiday, incredible views.
The best option I can come up with is Koh Samui where the weather should hopefully be "OK" (i.e. not too wet)...
Does anybody have any other suggestions ?
Without wanting to sound dramatic, it was the most unpleasant thing I've ever eaten. You can feel the texture of feathers, the crunch of bones, and the taste was revolting. Because the embryo is fairly developed, you also end up having to swallow it whole.
The rest of the 'odd' foods on offer were very nice, especially if barbecued.
I did hope for a smaller photo, but can't post imgur links.
Be careful and you'll be fine...
Loved the submarines rolls with added protein (Ants lol)
I've just returned and payed 11p in one place.
Even RipOff/Pub street was only $0.50 a beer.
In Vietnam we paid around 10,000 to 20,000 for a large beer (dependent on brand, although cheaper in HCM)
Not that I drunk any of it, I don't like beer!
Heat added for Viet!! :laughing:
We only drunk Tiger beer in bottles. Cheapest was $2
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam/entry-requirements
stayed here raffles great hotel even better when you get comped :smiley:
going to laos this year :smiley:
On another point, Rachel said this:
" On 14 June you'll travel to Hoi An. Now you have a range of methods to get you here and you'll need to account for this in your trip, but I recommend a motorbike. You will drive the 'Top Gear Road' and the views from the pass are stunning as you head down to the coast"
She is 100% right, as in so many places in Asia the best way to experience them is by motorbike. Caveat, make sure your insurance covers motorcycle riding, many don't. Even if they appear to, check the fine print, because without exception, they will only cover you if you would be qualified to ride the same size bike in the UK. So if you think you might want to ride a bike on holiday, at the very least take a CBT course to ride up to a 125cc.
Hate to be a killjoy but seen too many people come to grief in SE Asia because they have come off a bike and insurance company says "no". As a result hospitals in the region are very wary about treating people with motorbike injuries without checking first they will be paid. Make sure a copy of your qualification to ride that bike is stored online so that the insurance claims assessors can access it. Generally speaking there is a mathematical equation at work here, the cheaper your insurance the longer you will wait for treatment beyond the very basics.
Last tip, when you are facing an oncoming vehicle in a limited passing area and they flash their lights, it does not mean "come on" as in the UK. it means the precise opposite, (I'm coming through") and that simple misunderstanding has caused more accidents with British tourists than any other,
Have fun :smile: