We want to visit vietnam and want to mix a bit o beach and other would be looking at a max of 10 days and would be going in from Bangkok possibly April (nearer to the begining)
Looking for med accommodation not back packer not luxury.
whilst we want to get a feel for the country and culture not ashamed to say that we are not total culture vulture and in our 50's.
we will be returning to bangkok.
Don't want ardous long bus rides so what is the best way to do it?
any advice would be welcome.

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

Hi Jax,

I'm a bit disappointed that no one has answered your query re: Vietnam as I am thinking of going there next year before going on to Phuket. From what I can see on the internet it seems there is a big gap between hotels. They seem to jump from really expensive to super cheap. We wanted something about 3-4 star but not too much jumps out in this category. I hope someone can fill us in. I, like you, want something on the beach, not too much in the way of culture, just relaxing, eating, drinking and some shopping. I may be a philistine but I am going to do what I enjoy and not what others think I should be doing. At the end of the day it's my holiday and if they want to trek from one tourist spot to another, go for it. I'll just lie down and relax. I prefer to talk to the locals to get a true feel about the place.

Regards
Michelle

Friends of ours went to Vietnam at Easter two years ago - spent some time in Ho Chi Minh City, then to Hanoi, then to a beach resort at Hoi An.
All the domestic travel was by air - I think Vietnam Airways, although it can be done by car/taxi if you don't mind long trips over often-rough roads.

She said HCM was the 'cultural' part of the trip, Hanoi the shopping bit and Hoi An 'the holiday'.
Not sure of the HCM or Hanoi hotels, but she stayed at Victoria Beach Resort at Hoi An and said it was fab.

We're considering the idea of going next Easter.

Thanks Kimbo,

Your info gives me a place to start looking.

Regards
Michelle

hi went to Vietnam in September stayed in Ho Chi Minh for 3 days and then travelled to Phan Thiet for 7 days .
We wanted a bit of luxury and stayed at the Majestic Hotel , brilliant and as it was low season we paid about £42 for a double room with breakfast .
Travel to Phan Thiet by taxi took nearly 4 hours with a break for toilet and to eat and drink , the stop seemed to be a major stop as coaches and lots of other tourists were there and we stopped there on way back to airport , if i may digress a little this was the only place we have ever been where you took off your shoes came putting on slippers for entry to toilets !!!!
Phan Thiet has many bungalow resorts in a range of prices and its great beach excellent to chill out and lots of restaurants to finish off the day at brilliant prices .
The most amazing thing that i found out is that the beach in front of hotels/resorts is semi private so no hassle from beach vendors but i must add that in Thailand i look forward to beach sellers for snacks etc.
Very little hassle even in Ho Chi Minh and was very suprised and pleased with the level of service everywhere , ultra smart taxi drivers getting out of cab and opening doors and asking if you were ready before driving off ?
Going back for longer period in March , not sure where , Ho Chi Minh for couple of days rest of time have to do some more research on domestic flights , as I am a full time wheelchair user and do not like being manhandled from planes .
Enjoy we certainly did , Alan

I like the sound of phan thiet. We will be flying into hanoi from bangkok and thought of staying there for about 3 days and than wanted beach. Totally at a loss what to do next and how to get to wheere we want to be.........can anyone help?

__________________
Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

I've seen Halong Bay on several travel shows and it looks great! calm water and you can go on sea kayaks through caves - it looked a bit like the sea kayaking off Phuket/Krabi.
I think you'd need to get a domestic flight to Da Nang airport and then get a car/taxi from there.