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I have a trip planned for the last two weeks of March next year with my 2 teenagers. I’m pretty solid on most of our plans, but have about 5 nights that I’m deciding how we should spend them from Hanoi:
1) this is where I’m currently at: 2 nights Mai Chau (be there for the sunday morning market), 2 nights Ninh Binh; 1 night Halong Bay Cruise (read alot of mixed reviews for the cruise). this feels like alot in a small amount of time…
2)I had really wanted to go to Sapa for the cultural/village experience, but it seems that the last 2 weeks of March might not be the best, so that’s where I ended up with #1 above
3) had thought about Ha Giang loop – seems most love this experience, but I’m a bit nervous to do it with my children (15 boy and 17 yo girl)
So – how would you spend 5 nights in the north? we will be in Hanoi for 4 nights after these 5 nights, and before that are coming from Hue (1 night) /Hoi An (3 nights) /HCMC (2 nights).
thank you!
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“so skip out on the halong bay cruise?”
That’s something that you’ll need to decide.
If you’re not overly enamoured with the whole idea, then give it a miss.
“…..+1 to HCM, +1 to Hue, and +3 to ninh binh? or 1 cruise and 2 ninh binh?”
Yep, that’s the potential decision.
Or, you could drop Hue altogether.
Scott
so skip out on the halong bay cruise? +1 to HCM, +1 to Hue, and +3 to ninh binh? or 1 cruise and 2 ninh binh?
Another vote for adding Ninh Binh and more time for Hue.
“Mai Chau got on the list to experience the sunday market, as a replacement ish for Sapa. and Ninh binh looks great.”
You can always replace Ninh Binh with Mai Chau.
Ninh Binh will probably offer a bit more for the kids, and it’s a bit easier / quicker to get to.
Scott
yes, that’s what it looks like. I was also thinking about adding a night to Hue.
I’m really on the fence with Halong Bay – there seem to be very mixed reviews and it’s quite expensive. but also – I’m not sure when or if I will return. I used to always think I’d return to places, but over time, that rarely seems to happen.
Mai Chau got on the list to experience the sunday market, as a replacement ish for Sapa. and Ninh binh looks great.
Sorry, misread your post.
So it looks like this?
HCMC – 2 nights
Hoi An – 3 nights
Hue – 1 night
Unknown – 5 nights
Hanoi – 4 nights
If so, add a night to HCMC, and then to make Hue more worthwhile, add at least a night there.
Leaves you three nights.
How important is Halong Bay?
If not that important, use those three nights in Ninh Binh.
Scott
Add those nights to what you already have.
Two night stays only give you one full day.
Do less moving.
You’ll see more. 😉
Scott
What do you and your teens like doing?
It would help people offer useful suggestions if you say what your interests are.
Sure you’ll have a great trip.
I have a trip planned for the last two weeks of March next year with my 2 teenagers. I’m pretty solid on most of our plans, but have about 5 nights that I’m deciding how we should spend them from Hanoi:
1) this is where I’m currently at: 2 nights Mai Chau (be there for the sunday morning market), 2 nights Ninh Binh; 1 night Halong Bay Cruise (read alot of mixed reviews for the cruise). this feels like alot in a small amount of time…
2)I had really wanted to go to Sapa for the cultural/village experience, but it seems that the last 2 weeks of March might not be the best, so that’s where I ended up with #1 above
3) had thought about Ha Giang loop – seems most love this experience, but I’m a bit nervous to do it with my children (15 boy and 17 yo girl)
So – how would you spend 5 nights in the north? we will be in Hanoi for 4 nights after these 5 nights, and before that are coming from Hue (1 night) /Hoi An (3 nights) /HCMC (2 nights).
thank you!
I have a trip planned for the last two weeks of March next year with my 2 teenagers. I’m pretty solid on most of our plans, but have about 5 nights that I’m deciding how we should spend them from Hanoi:
1) this is where I’m currently at: 2 nights Mai Chau (be there for the sunday morning market), 2 nights Ninh Binh; 1 night Halong Bay Cruise (read alot of mixed reviews for the cruise). this feels like alot in a small amount of time…
2)I had really wanted to go to Sapa for the cultural/village experience, but it seems that the last 2 weeks of March might not be the best, so that’s where I ended up with #1 above
3) had thought about Ha Giang loop – seems most love this experience, but I’m a bit nervous to do it with my children (15 boy and 17 yo girl)
So – how would you spend 5 nights in the north? we will be in Hanoi for 4 nights after these 5 nights, and before that are coming from Hue (1 night) /Hoi An (3 nights) /HCMC (2 nights).
thank you!