Good day! I am seeking advice on whether to focus our limited time on the Hanoi + Sapa itinerary or instead choose Da Nang. Which destination would you recommend for travelers facing time constraints? Thank you for your input.
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With limited time, I’d choose Hanoi. We’ve just returned, and each time we go there we love it more. The food is wonderful, there’s an amazing choice of accommodation, there’s plenty to do, some great bars and cafes, the list goes on. It will be cool in January, but it’s a city, so that doesn’t really matter. It may be raining in Da Nang, so maybe not the best choice, and Sapa will be in winter, so quite cold. And with a limited time, the long trip up the mountain may reduce its attractiveness a bit. I vote for Hanoi!
If you time is limited, suggest give priority to the Halong Bay cruise. Depending on flight arrival time, one may head to Halong Bay from Airport. It is a almost 4hour drive including a pit stop enroute for breakfast.
Danang maybe better than Hanoi, with it’s beaches, large number of hotels at competitve rates and shopping.
Bana Hills/SAPA may be a great option if travelling with kids. Its a fantasy cum amusement park which can be done as a day trip from Danang or one can stay overnight at Hotel Mercure
DaNang can include Hue and Hoi An if you have a few days. Otherwise I wouldn’t just go the DaNang, much as I like it. It’s not stereo-typically Vietnam.
Short trip, stick to |Hanoi – also both others would presumably waste fair bit of time travelling there.
I love Hanoi, and would go there before going to Danang every day of the week.
But as far as months to go, January would probably be my eleventh or twelfth choice.
I’d be heading south.
Think HCMC and the Mekong.
Scott
Hanoi city is interesting any time of year.
If you are looking at beach time in Da Nang, nevermind.
If you want pleasant weather, stay in the south.
When?
And what is it that you would like to see and do?
Scott