Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi?

[Pushka]

A friend had a camera stolen in Hanoi in a similar grab-n-run. It could happen anywhere.

Yep. But it happened to me in HCM. And it wasn't a simple grab. He used a knife to cut the strap, while I was walking and he was on a motorbike. A woman in Thailand died a few months ago from the same thing.

 

[Steelo]

Hanoi and Saigon are bot great. If I had to choose I would base my choice on a number of conditions: Weather and time of year - both cities have slightly different weather patterns; budget and hotel preferences - great prices for 3 and 4 star hotels Hanoi is cheaper; and if you are into history, architecture, art - I would choose Hanoi over Saigon. I love Saigon it is a great Asian city while Hanoi is a bit like an older aunt - a bit more reserved, old, and at times eccentric. And of course there is the food - cuisines are slightly different - the south more spice and chilli. The other factor you may wish to consider are the side trips - a visit to the Mekong delta from Saigon or Ha Long Bay or Sapa from Hanoi. In short I would not compare them - pick which one suits your plans for your first trip and then go back and visit the other one next time.

 

[Moody]

On my first trip in the late 90's there was a distinct change in character between the south and the north, and Hanoi felt very communist and somewhat uncomfortable compared to Saigon. I would definitely have chosen South over the North

The second trip with the kids a few years ago revealed a lot had changed, and now it more depends on your interests. HCMC and surrounds are more interesting, Hanoi is a bit easier to walk around so could be a better bet if you only have a couple of days.

Either way, do yourself a favour and ditch the western hotel chains - they are a rip-off!

 

[Steelo]

I agree about the western hotel chains - you can get them anywhere. The local Hotels - 3 and 4 star can be excellent at an amazing rate - and with genuine Vietnamese breakfast options.

 

[drross]

thanks everyone. we're there in a fortnight's time and i've taken everyones' comments on board. Our first visit-sounds like it will be fun.

 

[jetlagger]

I agree about the western hotel chains - you can get them anywhere. The local Hotels - 3 and 4 star can be excellent at an amazing rate - and with genuine Vietnamese breakfast options.

Care to elaborate?
The local establishments I stayed at were very sub standard on my last trips in comparison to the consistency of the various major chains with their local flavour.
Just my experiences in most cities in VN.

 

[Foreigner]

thanks everyone. we're there in a fortnight's time and i've taken everyones' comments on board. Our first visit-sounds like it will be fun.

HCMC or Hanoi, or both?


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[burmans]

Care to elaborate?
The local establishments I stayed at were very sub standard on my last trips in comparison to the consistency of the various major chains with their local flavour.
Just my experiences in most cities in VN.

You clearly chose the wrong places then, we had brilliant accommodation at extremely cheap rates with very attentive staff.

 

[drross]

HCMC or Hanoi, or both?


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definitely both

 

[amaroo]

Just my experiences in most cities in VN.

+ 1

HCMC - Park Hyatt

Hanoi - Hotel Metropole (Sofitel)

 

[jetlagger]

You clearly chose the wrong places then, we had brilliant accommodation at extremely cheap rates with very attentive staff.

Same ++ experience with the major chains.. along with very professional local staff & influence

 

[Steelo]

Five star Western Hotels are great - and have had a few opportunities to stay at some across the world. However, there are several important considerations - and they include:
Price - not all people and families can afford to stay in 5 star Hotel Chains (nor fly J and F);
Local Hotels add to the experience - in Vietnam have experienced incredible personal warmth and service;
The saving on several hundred dollars over a couple of days (and the price difference is very significant) can mean you have more money to eat great food and visit more places.
I must also say that as long as you do your homework properly you will have a fantastic time in 3 and 4 star hotels in Vietnam at very reasonable rates.

Fine if you have the budget to stay in the top western hotels - enjoy it - but don't disparage those of us who may not have that type of budget or are quite comfortable with a more local experience.

 

[smit0847]

Interesting mix of comments. I loved HCMC but didn't like Hanoi. HCMC had much better weather (in Jan) was far easier to get around and the food and locals were lovely. A very logical and organised city. Hanoi on the other hand was absolutely freezing and in other ways a lot like Bangkok - chaotic, noisy, confusing and the locals were quite rude.

You won't need more than a few days in HCMC - theres not all that much to do. Highly recommend Hoi Ann if you are looking to relax.

 

[Jonova]

Much preferred HCMC to Hanoi. HCMC is a much busier city but the people seemed more friendly and traffic isn't as chaotic as Hanoi. Both cities have their own unique set of attractions and it is definitely worth going to both.

Would highly recommend trips to Halong Bay, Nha Trang and Hoi Ann.

 

[a330j]

I've been to both but prefer Hanoi for a lot of the reasons already mentioned. Time permitting you should do both - air fares in Vietnam can be incredibly cheap and its only a 2 hour flight (usually in a 777 or A330) between the two cities.