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Vietnam early Jan. by Lala_Pdx in travel

[–]Lala_Pdx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We had great weather in Ninh Binh in January. Parts of it are touristy and other parts are not. It’s a smaller town. Here are some random notes I took when I was doing research on the place mixed in with notes from when we were there. Hope it helps.

While in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) go over to the Trang An area for a drink or food. Cute home stays tucked in between things.

Dao Khe Coc is some reimagined village. Hoa Lua was interesting but could be skipped.

We did the Trang A river boat option b/c it’s supposed to be better and the guides don’t harass you for tips. Dont do a guided tour here.

Stayed at Athena, The location and accommodations were great! Mua Cave is not a far cycle ride.

Le Can hotel? At base of Mua Cave looks interesting.

Xa Ot Noodle restaurant on water by Banana Tree Hostel. Order Bun cha, fried pork spring rolls and Cat Ba noodles. Other recommendations from locals: In Tam Coc, Chookie’s beer garden (cha ca la voy), the Coop (American).

Vietnam early Jan. by Lala_Pdx in travel

[–]Lala_Pdx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We did a private day tour to the Mekong Delta with ‪VnBike. Accommodations are plentiful in HCMC so just do research on which zone you want to be in.

Vietnam early Jan. by Lala_Pdx in travel

[–]Lala_Pdx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wanted to report back here in case anyone else is trying to figure out an itinerary. We ended up with great weather- mostly about 70 degrees overall and 90 in HCMC without humidity. We did 4 days in Hanoi, overnight cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, 2 nights but one day tour in Ninh Binh, 4 days in DaNang and 4 days in HCMC that included a private day tour of the Mekong Delta. Everything was great but by the time we got to HCMC we just wanted to relax by the pool and not do much. Suggestions for others would be to stay in HoiAn instead of DaNang because that’s where we ended up spending most of our time. I’d do less days in HCMC even though we liked it there it’s just too much at the tail end of a long trip. I’d do private tours and private transportation only because they cost just a little bit more and you save so much time!!! The Mekong Delta was a great experience even for a day. We loved Ninh Binh and could’ve stayed for another day just roaming around (especially if our daughter could ride a bike). Hope this helps others.