Vietnam

[atalost]

Looking to do a twin centre holiday from London to Ho Chi Minh for a few nights and then on to an island.

Any recommendations on where's best to book this through without getting ripped off?

How long in Ho Chi Minh?
Which Island?
Bed & Breakfast for both?
Any suggestions?
Anywhere to avoid
Going with hubby & 16 yr old son in July

I've not (yet) been to Vietnam but also thinking about it this summer. Isn't Ho Chi Minh and the South quite rainy at that time? There is a thread here you might be interested in https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/holidays/4997844-vietnam-2024?page=2&reply=134112537

I would suggest Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An as a 2 Centre. (Hoi An is fabulous and so much to see and do there)

The only island I am personally familiar with is Phu Quoc which was really disappointing - was there in 2019. Very boring, beaches not brilliant and imo doesn’t really have the infrastructure for international tourists. (Your 16 yr old would be bored rigid!)

A 3 Centre of HCM, Hoi An and Hanoi would be great and very easy to do. Some lovely beach areas at Hoi An or Da Nang which is close by. HCM and Hanoi are completely different from each other with Hanoi being more historical and HCM being much more modern. Just check the weather in each area though as we normally go in March.

Food is fabulous and really cheap! Love Vietnam and have been 3 times during the past 10 years. 👍🏼

No idea, but Vietnamese food is bloody lovely!

I enjoyed Cat Ba island. Second Hoi An.

Why HCM Op? It's a busy modern city and apart from the Chi Chi tunnels and gateway to the delta, there's not much there. I'd fly into Hanoi for 4/5 days instead. Much more to see and perhaps visit Halong Bay while there, then train down to Hoi An or DaNang for the beach part.

would also recommend Hoi An as central Vietnam will be dry in July.

Ho Chi Minh city and Danang/ Hoian along with Cham island.
If you do not mind rain, give Phu Quoc island a go.

I would also recommend Hoi An/ Danang - few nice islands from there and lots of history. My Son sanctuary is worth a visit too.

The war museum in HCM is amazing. I really wished I'd had more time there. We also had a lovely time having cocktails at a sky bar. Only there a day but could definitely have spent longer.

I second Hoi An. It's amazing and has everything! Great food, beaches, tailors/shopping, beautiful! Try and go on a full moon if you can. Absolutely magical.