Off to "nam" soon...
- Thread starter Obliviax
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Last place I'd choose to go to, especially without my M16. Good luck, it appears to be a lot has changed since the late '60's. Let us know how it goes.Hanoi, Hue, Quang Tri, Khe Sanh, Halong Bay and back to Hanoi. Any restaraunt recommendations? Still looking for a one-day Halong Bay cruise (8am to 5pm, all I see online are overnights).
Hanoi, Hue, Quang Tri, Khe Sanh, Halong Bay and back to Hanoi. Any restaraunt recommendations? Still looking for a one-day Halong Bay cruise (8am to 5pm, all I see online are overnights).
Just curious- why Vietnam? I just never had any desire to visit there or the surrounding region (other than Ankor Wat in Cambodia and maybe the beaches in Thailand). I hope you report back on the trip and have a great time.
I believe I saw Andrew Zimmern do a show from Vietnam. If you like roasted insects and strange animal parts you are going to the right place. If any board member gives you suggestions, it will demonstrate the ultimate breadth of our collective knowledge! I'm curious your reason for going? Business? Adventurous traveler? Served there? You like Asian women? We look forward to some great trip reports.
Hanoi, Hue, Quang Tri, Khe Sanh, Halong Bay and back to Hanoi. Any restaraunt recommendations? Still looking for a one-day Halong Bay cruise (8am to 5pm, all I see online are overnights).
I spent 3 weeks in Vietnam last August as we travelled from Saigon north to Hanoi and we LOVED it!!! The country is beautiful, the people are friendly (and not anti-American in the least as 75% of the population was born after the war), and the food is fantastic (nobody eats bugs and Vietnamese cuisine is repeatedly lauded as the best in Asia).
Be sure to check out Hoi An (a World Heritage site) when you go to Hue as it's not too far away and you'll cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass - if it's clear, the view is unforgettable - en route.
Are you planning to visit Ha Long Bay from Hanoi? If so, it takes three hours (one way) from Hanoi to the port to board the boats so that's why most of the excursions are overnight. It's probably best to budget the extra day and do an overnight trip.
Vietnam is one of the best-kept travel "secrets" (and I've traveled all over the world) and I'm already trying to figure out a return trip. Have a great time!
I served there in 1968 and know veterans who have visited the country in the past few years. It is vastly changed now as you might imagine. When I do google earth views of areas where I served it is all built up and developed. I think you will find the people polite and accommodating.
The coast is beautiful with some wonderful resort areas and beaches and so are the mountain areas. I operated in the Central Highlands and the coastal 2 Corp area. Of all of the cities in this area Dalat is the best known of the resort centers and has a historical background as the summer resort for the French when they occupied the country.
On your trip, Hue and Khe Sanh are the two destinations that have probably the most U.S. history from the war. Hue during the 1968 TET Offensive and the siege of Khe Sanh which was a huge Marine base, both occurring at the end of January 1968. You could get some propaganda offered up during those trips but there is plenty of books and articles on both if you are inclined to do some research ahead of time. The History Channel just had a four hour series on the Vietnam War including major segments on Hue and Khe Sanh.
Good luck on your trip and enjoy yourself, I will very interested in your trip report.
The coast is beautiful with some wonderful resort areas and beaches and so are the mountain areas. I operated in the Central Highlands and the coastal 2 Corp area. Of all of the cities in this area Dalat is the best known of the resort centers and has a historical background as the summer resort for the French when they occupied the country.
On your trip, Hue and Khe Sanh are the two destinations that have probably the most U.S. history from the war. Hue during the 1968 TET Offensive and the siege of Khe Sanh which was a huge Marine base, both occurring at the end of January 1968. You could get some propaganda offered up during those trips but there is plenty of books and articles on both if you are inclined to do some research ahead of time. The History Channel just had a four hour series on the Vietnam War including major segments on Hue and Khe Sanh.
Good luck on your trip and enjoy yourself, I will very interested in your trip report.
It's always good to hear from those who have been there. I like hearing about out of the way places that I may not have given much thought to before.
Of course, it's no shocker that people on this board have been there already and are willing to help out with info/ tips etc.
Very helpful, thanks...
my brother was stationed in Quang Tri and Khe Sanh for about 8 months ~ 1970. It was after Tet and during vietnamization so he wasn't too badly "in the soup". However, he just retired and I think the "closure" will be good for him.
We do visit Halong Bay but its right after the grueling flight out. We spend a night in Hanoi (at the magnificent JW Marriott) and then have two nights planned in a hotel in Ha Long Bay. From there, back to Hanoi to fly to Danang and drive up to Hue. We have three nights in Hue. One day is reserved for Quang Tri and Khe Sanh. What we do with the other is unsure (Hoi An or Ba Na Resort are the two options, or, we may just need a day to sit). Then its back to Hanoi, we have a full day and night then we take a red-eye out for the 30-something hour trip home.
Will post when I can.
Served near Binh Hoa in 1968. Saigon was a beautiful city with the heavy French influence to include cuisine. Great beaches at Vung Tau. Guess you won,t have to pour some Tiger beer 33 on your sleeve to make sure there is no acid in it ! Enjoy.
Hanoi, Hue, Quang Tri, Khe Sanh, Halong Bay and back to Hanoi. Any restaraunt recommendations? Still looking for a one-day Halong Bay cruise (8am to 5pm, all I see online are overnights).
I was in Viet Nam twice, once in 1969 carrying a radio for an infantry company somewhere NE of Saigon, and once last April. Both trips were 'interesting'. This time around I actually re-visited a small village where we would provide security for an arty base on top of a hill from time to time. We had a native Saigoner, the Vietnamese cousin of a stateside friend, serve as an interpreter. After about 10 minutes in the vil, word got out and within a half hour we had quite a crowd, including two older gents who had memories of the fire base. One of the guys mother was killed in an explosion at the base, and he received shrapnel in his neck. That event was one of several common experiences among us from those days. I had several friends killed in the explosion, but I was out in the bush at the time, where it was 'safe' ;-). After an hour of talking and pictures, we left as fast friends. I never asked which side they were on, but it didn't really matter.
We toured Ha Long Bay (overnighter), Hanoi, Sapa (highlight of tour, next to the firebase village), and Saigon (HCM city). My daughter and her husband went with my wife and I, and they used the Lonely Planet book for restaurant recommendations, plus, we always asked at the desk for recommendations, although it's known that kickbacks from restaurants are part of the deal. The worst food was that on the cruise in Ha long bay, but even that was really good. But the rest was stellar. I forget the names, but in Hanoi, check out the restaurant famous for snakefish soup, it's all they serve and have been doing it for a long time. It's a specialty of Hanoi, and this is the best restaurant for it.
Don't be afraid to buy from the little 'curbside' vendors with chairs and tables 12" off the ground (I'm 6' 5") but look for the ones where there is a crowd of Vietnamese. But avoid buying from the 'pressure sales' women who walk around with a basket selling food, it's stale and high-priced ... but they try to force it on you. If you're a coffee drinker, make sure you do Vietnamese coffee each day in a cool hotel or coffee shop. Beer is the typical 333 (which used to be just 33 back in the day) or Tiger...drinkable but not memorable. Also, while in Hanoi, be sure to visit any temples you pass while strolling the streets, and be sure to visit the touristy one on the island in the lake. Temples off the beaten path, especially some of the Taoist, are pretty cool with no tourists and you can walk around at will inside. Just don't step on the monks who are on their hands and knees scrubbing the floor.
In Saigon, the scale is much larger, and it's cool to tour around, but is often a pita because of all the people, cars and motorbikes. Be sure to visit the huge market, and never pay asking price for anything. Be sure to try some Pho, and the most famous place (forgot name but it's in the books) is where Clinton and other notables have eaten ... phenomenal Pho!
General tips, people are very friendly and accommodating. Taxi service can be sketchy, but look in the tour books for the 'official' cabs and use them, otherwise, it'll be a safe ride, but you may overpay. Cabs, food, hotels, are all really cheap. In the cities, especially Hanoi and Saigon, you'll be intimidated by the traffic when you cross the street, seems traffic 'laws' are optional. But, when you cross, walk with purpose and you'll find that you can weave through 6 or 8 lanes of traffic with no problem, just walk with purpose...we called it 'the dance', as the cars and motorbikes would weave among us. Also, I'd highly recommend buying a face mask for a buck from a street vendor. after a few days, the back of our throats began to sting and bit and get raw. Bad pollution.
Enjoy your trip, I'd love to go back! Tom
I heard Vietnam is awesome for white water rafting although I could not tell you where.
Stay safe Obli
Stay safe Obli
Khe Sanh? Is there a city there now? Or are they showing the Vietnamese flag after the base was abandoned and touting it as a military victory?
http://www.stripes.com/news/special...ttle-of-khe-sanh-77-days-under-siege-1.314627
Con Thien
http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19671006,00.html
Hue
https://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/hue-city-1968-winning-battle-while-losing-war
These are my legacies of Vietnam. I have an even more personal story of reconnecting with our (my) former enemy.
http://www.stripes.com/news/special...ttle-of-khe-sanh-77-days-under-siege-1.314627
Con Thien
http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19671006,00.html
Hue
https://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/hue-city-1968-winning-battle-while-losing-war
These are my legacies of Vietnam. I have an even more personal story of reconnecting with our (my) former enemy.
I'm going next month. Originally planning trip to Angkor Wat and Laos. As we did more research, the Vietnam portion has grown to 14 days. Everyone I have talked with raves about how beautiful and great Vietnam is, including the food. We are landing in Hanoi, 3 days 2 nights in Halong Bay, another day north of Hanoi, and then making our way south to Ho Chi Minh with a visit to the Mekong Delta. Spending 3 days 2 nights on beaches in Cambodia before ending trip visiting Angkor Wat. Unfortunately, we had to drop Laos. Best on your trip.
Thanks for your input. We get into Hanoi at 11pm and have an overnight...then try to make it to Ha Long Bay the next day for two nights there (one full day). Perhaps I will cancel that.
Since we are going south from Hanoi, probably can't do Sapa but the pictures look awesome. Will definitely try some snakefish soup! (
Cha Ca Thang Long)?
I'll keep you posted....if you go north of hanoi, do Sapa if you can...i hear its fantastic.
If you decide not to do Halong Bay, maybe you can do Halong Bay on land. Ninh Binh – Thung Nham Cave. From our itinerary:
After breakfast at your hotel, depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, located in the marshy Red River delta, featuring a network of waterways coupled with spectacular limestone formations rising up from rice paddy fields. You first visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu – the capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, admire the architecture of the two temples dedicated to the kings fo Dinh and Le dynasty. Continue to Thung Nham and visit Bich Dong pagoda. Have lunch at restaurant with local specialties. Then get on a small sampan to visit Thung Nham bird park, discover the most features of this area with more than 4000 birds of 40 species flying to inhabit every day. Your best chance to take nice photos. You also explore Hang But (Buddhist Cave), about 500m in length, magical view of the stalactites and stalagmites, including a big Buddha-shaped stalactite sitting beside an underground river, as well as visit orchard of tropical fruits in this area. Return to Hanoi late this evening.
After breakfast at your hotel, depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, located in the marshy Red River delta, featuring a network of waterways coupled with spectacular limestone formations rising up from rice paddy fields. You first visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu – the capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, admire the architecture of the two temples dedicated to the kings fo Dinh and Le dynasty. Continue to Thung Nham and visit Bich Dong pagoda. Have lunch at restaurant with local specialties. Then get on a small sampan to visit Thung Nham bird park, discover the most features of this area with more than 4000 birds of 40 species flying to inhabit every day. Your best chance to take nice photos. You also explore Hang But (Buddhist Cave), about 500m in length, magical view of the stalactites and stalagmites, including a big Buddha-shaped stalactite sitting beside an underground river, as well as visit orchard of tropical fruits in this area. Return to Hanoi late this evening.
I know a girl who lived in Australia and Vietnam for a few months after she graduated from college. She liked Vietnam a lot better than Australia. I actually think Anthony Bourdain said that Vietnam is where he is going to go to retire. Have a safe trip.
Yes, Cha Ca is the name of the soup. If you go to a local market you'll see the snake fish in buckets, alive, along with every other critter that roams the local earth and waters, including dog. Tom
I just watched the Bourdain show...I wrote down several places to eat that he recommended. he did say it was one of his favorite places.
Thanks...just emailed the hotel and they said there are several "boats" that take day tours. Or, I can rent a boat and a guide. The hotel would arrange it. I think that's the way I am going to go. The trip to and from Hanoi is too much to do in a day and the overnight (one afternoon and the next morning) doesn't fit my plans. I am sure it will be fine...the priority is to get my brother to his late 60's early 70's stomping grounds in the central highlands...the rest is gravy.
A friend lost his father there while he wasn't born yet (six months, with three to go). i am going to photograph where he was ambushed (they ambushed a team and kind of baited them along a path that was mined).
I don't know what kind of Pan Pacific Power Play you're running, but Asia is my territory Jack!Hanoi, Hue, Quang Tri, Khe Sanh, Halong Bay and back to Hanoi. Any restaraunt recommendations? Still looking for a one-day Halong Bay cruise (8am to 5pm, all I see online are overnights).
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Hoping that Obli and his bro have this chick in the seat between them. Will make that long flight across the pond a tad more enjoyable.
I've visited twice. Beautiful place. I too recommend that you do a two day trip to Ha Long Bay. To see it properly you need 2 days/1 night. We enjoyed Hoi An. And yes, the food is great.
Global Fan
Cool trip bro. In my family we would have likely had a viet nam soldier, but the girls were oldest. Also true of Korea, and WWll except for my GM youngest brothers--one in bulge, one on a destroyer escort for the Midway.
I think that will be an excellent thing for your bro, and will give him a chance to remember and maybe tell you some stuff that he has not thought of for a long time.
Hanoi, Hue, Quang Tri, Khe Sanh, Halong Bay and back to Hanoi. Any restaraunt recommendations? Still looking for a one-day Halong Bay cruise (8am to 5pm, all I see online are overnights).
Keep your head down and powder dry.....
