I'm travelling to vietnam this year...should i pre-book local flights and accomodation? or just get there?

Question

and book as i go? which way is cheaper? is there an abundance of accomodation over there? any particular places i should visit?

Answer 1

Everything is cheaper when you get there. But if you have the time take the train. The scenary is amazing and worth it. Plus it gives you time to mingle with the locals. If you go to Sapa in the north don't sign up for a tour before hand in Hanoi. They are all rip offs and you can get them for half the price once you get up to Sapa (train and bus). Taking the bus is always cheaper but not so comfortable. I would avoid it if you can. You will never have a problem finding a central place to stay if you don't mind guesthouses. They should only cost about 10-3 dollars a night. Make sure that you bargin on the price of your room and request to see it first. You will always get a discount. If they don't give you one then leave. Maybe book your first two nights in a decent place and then swich to a guesthouse. Those people will try their hardest to rip you off so you need to be very careful! you can email me if you have more questions.

Answer 2

book as you go.. except if you are going during "tet" then you could have trouble getting around because of the abundance of tourest that time of year[ plus all the prices go up] otherwise you will be able to get around fine ..but you should have back -up/ alternative plans whenever you travel in viet nam... [ plan on a plane , but be prepared to take the train ..or a bus..] trust me on that !

  "cho nao cung duoc" [ all places are equaly good to visit], but check out the many response to this question on "resolved questions" in this catagory .. you'll be glad you did ...much good advice , and many suggestions will be found there.

Answer 3

Hi Lisa,

I am Truong at DirecTravelAsia based in Vietnam. We offer various services for tourists. It is also best to book things in advance to avoid fully booked. Things in Vietnam are very busy in October, November and December as this period is peak season.

If you are from the USA, we can also offer international flight services as our partner in San Jose can help.

Should you ever need further assistance or information, please feel free visit our website at www.directravelasia.com and email me at [e-mail]

All the best,

Truong. July 28

Answer 4

Hi, I'm Vietnamese, living in Hanoi. Nice to hear that you plan to travel here. Send me email [e-mail] when you go. With local flights, it's easy to buy tickets, so you may need to pre-book accomodation if you want or I may do it for you (give me commision, ha ha). But in fact, it's not difficult when you are here 'cause even in the worst case, just call taxi and it will drop you in any hotel you want.

Take care and be safe.

Answer 5

Just get there, its easy and cheap, and safe to get around.  If you book it all outside Vietnam you will pay more, no need.  The place is great for domestic travel.  In Ho Chi Minh City, head to back packer area, you'll find everything to get around.  Jsut watch the traffic, and dont smoke the funny green herbs :)

Answer 6

cheaper or safer..?!! i think it's safer if you get everything before you leave .. tickets, travel checks, "maps and places" you'll get them from your travel agent... have a nice trip and good luck.

Answer 7

It depends on the time u decide to travel to Vietnam. If u travel on holiday season, you may run out of good hotels. And I wonder if it's a budget trip or a luxury trip? If it's a budget trip, book in advance is highly recommended.

Answer 8

Pay as you play is the best way. It is hard to be on a rigid schedule unless you are on a guided tour. Keep your options open as much as possible. There many choices for accommodation and its very reasonable.

As far as places to visit, the North and south are very different. I prefer the Northern scenery and Hanoi is a very pretty city. HMC has the night life though.

Also in the North make sure you do a side trip to Ha long Bay

Answer 9

there is no need to prebook anything.  Just got back from Vietnam 1 month ago and did the whole month long trip as we went.  Very easy to get where you want to go and get help if need be.  There is really great and cheap accommodation everywhere and you can haggle for the price of accommodation.  Visit Nha Trang, Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Dalat. We visited all those places and would have done more except ran out of time.  Sapa was my favourite...   Wish I was back there,  have fun

Answer 10

There is a great deal of choice in the major cities. So there is no need to pre-book accomodation. You do not have to tie yourself down now and regret later, for it is a buyer's market over there. There is hardly any need to fly, but if you do, flights may be limited.