Vietnam

currency

USD / 4 = more than 100,000 * VND,

• $100 = >2,500,000 VND
• $20 = >500,000 VND
• $300 = >7,500,00

VND/100,000(minus 00000)* 4 = almost USD

• 100,000 VND = $4 (3.80)
• 250,000 VND = $10 (9.51)

flights

Booking reference: F9SWXD

to vietnam

Boston to Hong Kong

Tue, Mar 3, 12:30 AM - Wed, Mar 4, 5:00 AM
15h 30m
Cathay Pacific CX811

Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City

 Wed, Mar 4 • 8:40 AM - 10:35 AM
 Cathay Pacific CX767

to Boston

Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong

 Sun, Mar 22 • 11:35 AM - 3:20 PM
 2h 45m
 Cathay Pacific CX766 

Hong Kong to Boston

Sun, Mar 22 • 7:40 PM - 11:00 PM
15h 20m
Cathay Pacific CX812

refs

https://thesensiblefay.com/blog/vietnam-itinerary

tips

• visa requirements
• 12Go
• Agoda - filter travel sustainable or homestays
• travel insurance

David and Tami

Last night we watched the first youtube that concentrated on the north/central regions and are super excited. Today we looked up flights for the best window of time we have. One possibility gets us to SGN Wed. March 4 at 10:30 AM and has us leaving at 1:50 PM On Sunday March 22. We are happy to spend part of that time on our own should you not be ready to leave the nest. How does that sound? Should we buy those tickets?

We can't wait to meet Liam. We are ready to book our flights and wanted to run some things by you. We want meet Tami's family and see your new spot. So what would you suggest for how long 3 days? 4 days?. It makes sense that it would be at the beginning or ending of our trip, since our flight is out of SGN. We are there for 18 days by the current plan. I would like to spend 5-6 days around Da Nang / Hoi An. This time will satisfy my 'escape Boston winter' desires to be in a place where you can snorkel, maybe ride some waves and sit on a beach. Son Tra Peninsula looks interesting, so does Cham Islands and My Khe beach. Maybe stay in a place in Hoi An, that's walking distance from An Bang Beach and use that as a base. Maybe take a train north after that stay.

We are also attracted to the north. We like the beauty of the rural farming landscape around Sapa, and the amazing waterways and island of Halong Bay. Hanoi is probably the city we would like to spend time in. It seems like 7 days in the north would be super cool.

Some things we are less interested in: French colonial architecture, churches, government buildings, post offices, war museums, marketplaces/malls. We like temples a little more, probably especially nestled in a beautiful countryside.

I am sure you both don't know how the three of you will feel, and how much travel you will want to do with a new baby. We can keep things flexible. What do you think of these ideas? Might you have a preference for timing of our stay around your spot and Saigon? Which of these other spots could you see yourselves joining us at? What are other places along our proposed route that you would suggest?

Date: December 12, 2025 at 4:58:52 AM PST

Hello to both of you,

To answer a few of your questions. I think the visit to see us would work out best on the tail end of your trip. 3-4 days would work, including meeting in Saigon the first day. It’s hectic but the visual stimulation makes it worth it. Even just sitting outside on top of one of their hop on hop off busses is really fun. Great overview of the city . There is bus service from Ho Chi Minh direct to the new development here called Waterpoint. Otherwise, it’s a one hour taxi ride for about $14 Not a lot of action around here. But I think you both would enjoy for 2-3 nights, including "Can Tho." The floating market there is facinating. I’ll try to find a few pictures. That is near us. And yes, going over to Tam’s family house would be worthwhile, perhaps having dinner there.

5-6 days in Da Nang and Hoi An would be rewarding. The beachfront accommodations in Da Nang are reasonable. Also, review the city of Hue which is near those areas. The Kings of the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from that area. You can take a boat up the river to the Imperial Palace/countryside temple. It is impressive and informative.

But yes, I agree and get your dislikes as far as what you would not want to waste your time seeing. I have yet to visit the Cham Islands and those other places you referenced. Tami could fill you in better.

To go out in Halong Bay would be epic, coupled with a few nights in Hanoi. We did 2 nights with Dora Cruise Line. One night might be rushing the experience in my view. Sapa, which both Tami and I have not been, might be a stretch with your time frame. Certainly worth a consideration. Utube Dalat which is more near us, somewhere we could perhaps all meet as well.

Excited for you both.

Our first night in the new place with our son. A bit overwhelming for both of us. Exhausted in a good way. Tami taking to motherhood quite well. Her doctor had a lot of confidence in her.

Be well; Fire back with any questions or concerns.

nice baby

So, to summarize our discussion so far...we should plan to get to Saigon on Wed March 18th or Thursday March 19th. Then we would meet up with you there or at your house and then spend time with a couple of adventures that might include Utube Dalat. Or we could meet in Utube Dalat and start our southern adventures with you from there.

Either sounds great and it seems we could keep things open til we are on our way south finding accommodations and such depending where we are.

Tami knows Dalat well , I have yet to go there .

Meeting there appeals to me for sure

transportation

12go

vietnam railway hoi an to hanoi

senior travel tips

1. Weather and Climate: Vietnam’s weather varies a lot depending on the region and month. December to March, North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh) can be cool 53-64°F so pack a light jacket. Central (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue) is mild and pleasant South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) stays warm and humid-avoid midday outdoor activities to prevent exhaustion or dehydration

2. Accommodation: Choose accommodations with elevators, air conditioning.

3. Transportation: Use private car services or ride apps like Grab, where you can travel comfortably with air conditioning. For longer distances, domestic flights or trains with sleeper cabins are great options just book early for convenience.

4. Sightseeing: Stick to accessible attractions with minimal walking or steps. Many famous spots like the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market (HCMC), Hoi An Ancient Town, and Hanoi’s Old Quarter can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace.

5. Health and Safety: Make sure to stay hydrated, use sunscreen and a hat, and takes short breaks during the day. It’s a good idea to bring any prescription medications and a doctor’s note, and to check if travel insurance covers medical emergencies abroad. Hospitals in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have international clinics with English-speaking staff.

6. Food and Hydration: Vietnamese food is delicious but can sometimes be oily or spicy. Choose restaurants with good hygiene or those catering to tourists. Always drink bottled or filtered water.

7. Rest and Schedule: Plan shorter days with breaks in cafés or shaded areas. Many older travelers enjoy Vietnam’s slower, relaxed rhythm watching daily life from a riverside café is often just as memorable as sightseeing.

Nha Trang

meh

Ho Chi Minh city

meh, don't want to go to the post office, cathedral under repair, plaza w Ho Chi Minh statue, opera house or marketplace.

Quong Binh farms stay

Phong Nha

travel guide to phong nha

Phong Nha AnAn Homestay

Welcome to An An Homestay – your family away from home in Phong Nha!

At An An Homestay, you’ll wake up to peaceful rice field views and cool off in our swimming pool after a day of adventures. But travel is not only about places – it’s also about people. That’s why every evening, we invite all our guests to join our family dinner, freshly cooked by our mom and sisters. It’s the best way to taste authentic Vietnamese food, share stories, and connect with fellow travelers from around the world.

🌟 Why stay with us?

• 🏊 Swimming pool with stunning rice field views.
• 🍳 Breakfast with sunrise over the rice fields.
• 🍲 Family dinners every night – home-cooked food & the best chance to meet other travelers.
• 🏡 Authentic homestay atmosphere run by a local family.
• 🛏️ Comfortable dorms & private rooms with A/C, lockers, and clean bathrooms.
• 🌿 Garden and cozy common areas to relax or socialize.
• 🚴 Great location: peaceful countryside yet only 15 minutes from the bus stop & town center.
12km from The Duck Stop by bicycle with the beautiful countryside road.
• 🚐 Easy booking for cave tours, motorbike rentals & local adventures.
• ☕ Free WiFi, free bicycles, refill water & the best local tips.
• 🛵 Free pick-up from Phong Nha bus station by scooter (9am–9pm).
• 🎒 Free shower & luggage storage after check-out.

Top 7 Accommodations in Phong Nha Ke Bang for Your Adventure

Chay Lap Farmstay

Best for: Families, nature lovers, budget-conscious travelers

Address:

Rooms: Chay Lap Farmstay offers a variety of comfortable accommodations to suit different needs and budgets. Their Farm rooms are unique elevated bungalows surrounded by nature, while Garden rooms offer spacious terraces overlooking the gardens. Mountain rooms boast stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Food: Chay Lap Farmstay serves delicious meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Their restaurant offers a diverse menu of Vietnamese and Western dishes, catering to various dietary preferences. Guests can also enjoy cooking classes to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Activities: The farmstay offers a range of activities to keep guests entertained, including kayaking on the Chay River, swimming in the pool, cycling through the countryside, visiting local villages, and participating in cooking classes.

Son Doong Bungalow

Best for: Eco-conscious travelers, couples, nature enthusiasts

Address:

Rooms: Son Doong Bungalow offers charming bungalows nestled amidst the Phong Nha village. The bungalows are built with sustainable materials and equipped with basic amenities.

Food: The bungalow serves delicious organic meals prepared with fresh, locally grown ingredients. Guests can also enjoy a variety of herbal teas and local beverages.

Activities: The bungalow offers guided tours to explore the surrounding caves, waterfalls, and jungle trails. Guests can also participate in traditional Vietnamese cooking classes or learn about the local culture.

Da Nang / Hoi An

a-bnb - hoi an -an bang beach $400/6nights1bd 6

Hoi An Farm Stay

snorkeling

The best snorkeling near Da Nang is found at the Cham Islands and the Son Tra Peninsula. The Cham Islands offer a richer marine ecosystem, while the Son Tra Peninsula is more accessible for shorter trips from the city.

Tours: Half-day tours by boat are available and often include snorkeling, fishing, and island hopping to various bays (prices start around $18-29 USD). Tour operators like Dacotours - Da Nang Tours and Sea Trek VietNam offer these excursions.

Son Tra Peninsula

Best for: Close proximity (8km from Da Nang center), natural/less developed feel, local coral spots. Location: Just north of Da Nang city. Key spots: Bai But, Hon Sup, Bai Da Den, Nam Beach area.

Specific Conditions Bai But: Known as one of the five protected coral reef areas on the peninsula, it offers a well-preserved environment for viewing marine life. Bai Nam: This spot is also part of the nature reserve and is noted for its shallow, calm water, which is great for morning paddling and avoiding crowds. However, some reviews mention sharp rocks in some areas, so caution is advised when entering the water from shore.

Vin wonders Da Nang snorkeling

• Da Nang snorkeling tour at Son Tra Peninsula costs around 400,000 ($16)

Cham Islands

• Full-package tours can cost from 500,000 VND to 700,000 VND