Vietnam - Any recommendations?

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andy tims
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Vietnam - Any recommendations?

Post by andy tims » Fri Feb 02, 2018 11:24 pm

I'm touring Vietnam with my son later this year on motorbikes.

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City via Ha Long Bay. 14 days riding through some amazing scenery, just can't wait.

I thought I'd ask for any "must see" recommendations from those that have visited the country in the last few years.

Thanks in advance.
Andy

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nweash
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Re: Vietnam - Any recommendations?

Post by nweash » Sat Feb 03, 2018 2:17 am

I stayed in and around Hanoi for two weeks back in 2016.

Weather was hot and sticky.

Street food and coffee was amazing.

Riding a moped in Hanoi rush hour is a terrifying and exciting experience everyone should try.

I ate at one “nicer” type restaurant that had an English menu. Got food poising and was out of commission for 3 days. So yeah, stick to street food. It’s generally made fresh everyday.

Got a nice haircut and shave for 3.50 on the sidewalk.

Are you going with someone that speaks the language? Not sure how I would’ve done shit without my Vietnamese girlfriend.

Ha Long Bay is like a Monet painting. Pretty from far, but filled with litter up close. Still kinda pretty.

We did a boat cruise that had some stops at a pearl farm and cave tour. The nighttime scene was real pretty. All the boats were lit up around us for a nice view and we just got plastered on the deck.

The getting to Ha Long Bay and leaving was a pain in the ass/annoyance but the tour itself was nice.

I saw Ho Chi Minhs tomb which was interesting. I was still recovering from food poising so I couldn’t stay long but it definitely had some USSR type architecture.

I saw a couple temples which were cool. Once you saw one or two though they start to feel the same. Did a paddle boat tour that took you through some caves. Real pretty scenery.


I’m sure I’m forgetting a bunch of stuff. Just remember loving the (street) food and coffee.


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“American War” Museum. Had a bunch of tanks/ planes and missiles the US and Russia left after the war.

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Just realized I had a picture of the Vietnamese curry that made me sick Image

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manitoujoe
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Re: Vietnam - Any recommendations?

Post by manitoujoe » Sat Feb 03, 2018 9:05 am

Haven’t been but there’s a cool show on Netflix called Someone Feed Phil that did a good food/highlights episode there. Worth a watch, but just buy into the fact the host is admittedly dorky.


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Selym
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Re: Vietnam - Any recommendations?

Post by Selym » Sat Feb 03, 2018 9:53 am

Top Gear: Vietnam Special

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Sidheguitarist
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Re: Vietnam - Any recommendations?

Post by Sidheguitarist » Sat Feb 03, 2018 10:00 am

https://www.brownells.com/.aspx/bapid=6 ... nells-16e1

Nah, just kidding. Nick’s post, above, is excellent. The idea of touring Vietnam on motorbikes is incredibly compelling. Good for you. :thumbsup:

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aikiman44
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Re: Vietnam - Any recommendations?

Post by aikiman44 » Sat Feb 03, 2018 10:51 am

In Hanoi: War Remembrance Museum, Hanoi Hilton.
Da Nang, Hoi An,
Saigon: whatever you can.
There are mountain villages that host different tribes who come to sell their crafts. Fascinating experience.
When I get home I’ll check the book that came with our tour.
Interestingly, we stayed away from street food, stuck to the recommended places and had no GI issues.
The one back alley place we went to was on a motorbike tour that also included a local rock club.
Great country, friendly people.
Last edited by aikiman44 on Sat Feb 03, 2018 6:52 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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aikiman44
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Re: Vietnam - Any recommendations?

Post by aikiman44 » Sat Feb 03, 2018 6:44 pm

Recommended reading: Matterhorn and The Sympathizer.
Street Without Joy is about the French Indochina war.
Watch Burns’ Doc Vietnam, or as much as you can.
"We'd better synchronize our watches."

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hoppyjr
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Re: Vietnam - Any recommendations?

Post by hoppyjr » Sat Feb 03, 2018 7:24 pm

Be sure to fly their airline.

https://youtu.be/J2zfctpRZDM

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Selym
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Re: Vietnam - Any recommendations?

Post by Selym » Sat Feb 03, 2018 7:31 pm

Image

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Grahamcombat
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Re: Vietnam - Any recommendations?

Post by Grahamcombat » Sat Feb 03, 2018 8:37 pm

If you run across my dads arm send it back. Email me your PP and I’ll cover shipping. Thanks in advance.


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