Vietnam

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Vietnam itinerary

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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

Cathay pacific flights/manage bookings

Mckenna Timothy Scott Green 1914920514 u:857..., Ca...!


Booking reference: F9SWXD

to vietnam

Boston to Hong Kong BOS->HGK 

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

Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City HGK->SGN 

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

to Boston

Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong SGN->HGK 

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

Hong Kong to Boston HGK->BOS 

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

refs and tips

multiple services

There are issues with online travel sites OTAs around customer service and refunds in case thing go wrong. Better off trying to book direct with the provider when possible.

domestic air

Tami: We use Vietjet, or bamboo airline

trains/buses/limos/grab

accomodations

tours

blogs

todo

Tami: I usually use fast track service to get through custom more quickly because depend on the day how much flights coming same time at airport especially night time .Wait long line was nightmare:( but still wait for luggage 🧳Let me know what you guys want I can arrange that. Time still far away not worries until early February

Map-of-railway-stations-in-Vietnam-new.jpg

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.

itinerary for seniors

1. Da Nang / Hoi An

Tue3/3 - Mon3/9 region map

We start the trip by flying right into Danang sometime after our flight arrives in SGN at 10:35AM. They say it takes 3-4 hours to clear customs and get to the domestic terminal. We are on a Vietnam Air VN134 3:15 flight so it could be tight. Getting an e-visa and FastTrack That might help. When we arrive in Da Nang we look for out Limo `Peri and Tim` to Hoi An'.

The attraction is a few days on the beach, snorkeling and possibly body surfing.

The limo takes us to The Watermark Beachside Hotel Tue 3/3 - Thu 3/5 for 2 nights.

Early on Thursday morning we head to Cham Island and Tuan Thanh Homestay. Our plan is to spend a day on the island. Then, the next morning we will go out on the dock and try to get on the Tigerfish tour to snorkel for a day. Hopefully they will give us a ride back to Hoi An when the day is done.

When we return from the island to Vinh Khang Homestay, 7/11 Thái Phiên, Cam Pho, Hoi An, Vietnam for one night Fri 3/6 - Sat 3/7, heading back to Da Nang sometime on Saturday.

Stay in Hoi An near An Bang beach at Watermark Beachside Hotel From there we could maybe bicycle 5.2km(3.1mi) into town for an evening or take a Farm Cooking Class. Or catch a show in Hoi An Memories show. there is a museum Tan Ky ancestral house

Or we could base ourselves in Da Nang, maybe near My Khe beach, where the better waves are.

The taxi ride from Da Nang to Hoi An covers about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) and typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic, with travel times around 40-55 minutes common by taxi or ride-hailing apps like Grab. Expect costs around 300,000 to 430,000 VND ($12-18)

One possible itinerary could have us start out in Da Nang for 2-3 nights, then go and take the Cham Island Ferry in the morning, hang on the island for a day, maybe ride a scooter around and stay the night. The next day we could jump on the snorkel tour and get a ride back that afternoon. That evening we could visit oldtown and get a place for the night. Next day we could bicycle rice paddies or do a farm cooking class. That evening we could get a Grab back to Da Nang train/bus/air station and head to our next spot.

Another itinerary could have us base in Hoi An for 2-3 nights. Take day trips to da Nang when there might be waves. Do the beach, oldtown, bicycling, cook class. We could end with an overnight to cham island, come back, and either stay another night or take off for Da Nang. Stay there for a night and then sometime the next day, head for our next spot.

Da Nang 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. Tigerfish are recommended snorkel tour operators.

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.

Cham Islands

map

You should go there and stay one night, rent a scooter and visit the beaches, visit Ray Ong Bang. Then the next morning do a snorkeling tour with Tigerfish and catch a ride with them back to Hoi An. They pick up and drop off customers in Hoi An and take them over to Cham on a catamaran so you get a nice boat ride. They have to make a stop on Cham (to check in with the local authorities and they have to check out later, too) before taking everyone to the snorkel/diving sites. So if you are already on Cham, you avoid the early wake up in Hoi An. They'll pick you up around 9:15am on Cham. They finish with lunch on Chong beach so you can skip visiting that beach by yourself as you'll get that with them facebook post -Josephine Cong

  • Full-package tours can cost from 500,000 VND to 700,000 VND ($20-28)

Accommodations

Other Things to do in Hoi An

Local Food

  • Cao Lau- chewy, yellowish noodles made with lye water and ash from a specific well, with pork, herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy croutons, and a small amount of rich, savory broth
  • White Rose Dumplings - rice paper wrappers shaped like roses, with minced shrimp and pork, steamed and topped with crispy fried shallots, served with a savory-sweet dipping sauce.

Classes

tours

museums/shows

2. Quong Binh - Phong Nha

Mon 3/9 - Tue 3/10

capitol: Đồng Hới

Province in in central Vietnam, 4 1/hrs limo/bus, 6 1/2hr train, 270 Km (162 mi) from Da Nang bordering Laos to the west and the sea to the east. The capital Đồng Hới is known for the remains of its star-shaped 19th-century citadel and the long sandy stretch of Nhật Lệ beach. The city is a base for accessing the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, featuring mountainous jungle and many limestone caves including the massive Sơn Đoòng Cave.

by Train:

  • Hai Van Pass (Da Nang to Hue): This is the undisputed highlight, considered one of the world's most scenic rail routes. You'll see mountains plunging into the sea, secluded beaches, and tunnels, with the train seeming to hang between ocean and sky.
  • Right Side for Sea Views: As the train travels north from Da Nang, the ocean and coastline will be on the right.
  • Check Train Layouts: Some sources suggest seats in the first or fourth carriages, or seats facing forward, but it can vary.

Popular Farm Stays & Nature Retreats in Quang Binh:

  • Chày Lập Farmstay: A relaxing farm stay set among mountains and rivers, offering dome or garden rooms, farm-fresh Vietnamese and European food, and a spa.
  • Moc Nhien Farm: A WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) opportunity focused on sustainable farming and environmental education for volunteers.
  • Hang Tien Cave Campsite: An adventurous option for campers, featuring eco-friendly facilities and natural beauty near a cave.
  • Nguyen Shack Retreat Resort & Palafita Bungalow: Eco-friendly resorts offering bungalow stays in the countryside near Phong Nha.

What to Expect:

  • Nature Immersion: Lush greenery, rivers, streams, and jungle sounds.
  • Local Cuisine: Fresh, locally sourced ingredients, often from the farm itself.
  • Activities: Exploring caves (Phong Nha, Paradise Cave), ziplining, relaxing, and participating in farm life.
  • Eco-Focus: Many places emphasize sustainability and environmental education.

Getting There:

  • Fly into Dong Hoi Airport (VDH) from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, then transfer to your chosen farm stay.

Phong Nha

In Quong Binh province, on Con river northwest of Dong Hoi, between Da Nang and Hanoi, 312 km (187 mi) from da Nang. Famous for caves. Tami recommended Son Doong cave. May be too much geared to fit and rugged 'adventurers': travel guide Best thing to do Blog

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.

3. Ninh Binh

Wed 3/11 - Fri 3/13

From Quong Binh, Dong Hoi we are taking an overnight train leaving Dong Hoi at 11:45PM and arriving in Ninh Binh 9:15Am. Don't go on a tour. It's way more enjoyable to do this by yourself than being rushed by some tour.

Tam Coc

Two nights at Nan House - Tam Coc bookings.com

+84 912 004 405

We will be arriving by train to Nimh Binh at 8:51 on Mar 11. What would you recommend as the best way to get to you from there? I know it is before check-in, but we would like to drop off our bags.

Nimh Binh Attractions

Trang An Boat Tour (300k VND)

If you're referring to Trang An boat tour, you don't book ahead of time. You just go into the ticket office, choose which route you want to go, pay, and they give you the ticket right there and then. Simple as that.

Bich Dong Pagoda

The pagoda is just a pleasant 2-kilometer bicycle ride form Tam Coc through rice fields and villages. Early morning (7:30) is the time to visit to avoid crowds.

Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex (30k to 120k VND depending on the tram package you take)

Thung Nham Garden (150k VND)

Hoa Lu Old Town Night Market (Free!)

Động Am Tiên (25k VND)

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (20k VND)

4. Pu Luong

Fri 3/13 - Sun 3/15

It is about 144km 86mi from Hanoi. Instead of going to Hanoi first, got to Pu Luong right from Nimh Binh. It is only 106mi. (170km).

Nimh Bunh to Pu Luong

  • Pu Luong Express: Daily departure at either 7.30 am or 1.30 pm from Ninh Binh, $20 each way per person
  • The Long Travel: Daily depart at 7:30 am and arrive to Pu Luong at around 11:00 am, minivans seat (16 passengers); $20 each way per person
  • Download offline maps on your phone, you are in the country.

In Pu Luong

Recommended duration: 2-3 days

  • [Around Don Village: As a central village with many homestays, there are numerous small, flat roads and pathways around the area suitable for short, leisurely walks. You can wander through picturesque landscapes and past bamboo forests at a gentle pace, enjoying the quiet rhythm of local life.

Pho Doan to Hieu Village (Partial Route): The section from Pho Doan market has been noted as a suitable easy, flat route for seniors. While the full 6 km route takes about 2 hours, walkers can cover shorter segments tailored to their comfort levels. Bang Village to Kho Muong Village (Partial Route): This route offers gentle trails and views of rice fields and mountains. You can explore parts of the trail to enjoy the scenery and visit the Kho Muong Cave (Bat Cave) area, though the full route is longer. Ban Cong to Bamboo Raft Area: A leisurely 2.5 km walk from Ban Cong leads to the largest stream, where you can see giant water wheels. The paths here are relatively easy and offer beautiful views along the river, with an optional bamboo rafting experience. Walks]

Pu Luong Nature Reserve
  • Trek through terraced rice fields and bamboo forests
  • Stay in a traditional stilt house in a Thai ethnic village
  • Visit the impressive water wheels along the streams
  • Join a cooking class to learn about local cuisine
  • Take a dip in the cool mountain streams
  • Enjoy sunrise or sunset views over the valley
  • Pho Doan Mkt Thurs and Sun arrive before 8a

Guide to Pu Luong’s Villages

5. Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay

Sun 3/15 - Wed 3/18

From Pu Luong, we will take a limo to Hanoi. There we will likely take our first tour, to La Ha Bay

Accomodations

Stay in Old Town somewhere within this map area

Tara Travel Co

5a. Lan Ha Bay

Tue 3/17 - Wed 3/18

map of Lab Ha Bay

instead research Lan Ha Bay Tours

Cat Ba Island?

Sapa ?

6. Visit Tami, David and Liam in the South

Whenever they want to see us 3/18? 3/19? til we leave from SGN Sun 3/22 11:35Am. Wherever they want to go or have us meet them. Fly from Hanoi to ?

David and Tami

1/12/26

Our holiday was great, we started celebrating on the 12/15 third day of Chanukah and continued through Ari and Louisa's week visit that ended last Wednesday. Lots of time with Logan, Asher, Soleil, Louisa and Sulise playing together.

Back to planning for Vietnam. Peri is overdosed watching young people drinking egg coffee in Youtube videos, but has done some good research about places in Quong Binh. Starting to see searches at Bookings.com with 'no rooms available` and `one room left` for hotels in Hanoi. I feel like it is getting to be time to nail down our itinerary.

Here is a summary of what we are currently thinking. A more descriptive version is on the wiki.

  • After arriving at SGN at 10:35Am on 3/3, we do our best to get on a 3:15 flight to Da Nang. Maybe e-visa or FastTrack will help?

Hoi An/ Da Nang

  • We either set up a base of our `chill at the beach` phase near My Khe beach in the city or An Bang beach in Hoi An. My Khe might have better body surfing but either could be flat.
  • Then we play it by ear, or play it by waves, at the beach if waves, otherwise snorkel around Son Tra Peninsula. Or take an overnight trip to Cham Island and hop a ride on a snorkeling boat there. Maybe a cooking class and likely an evening in oldtown Hoi An.
  • Get to the Da Nang train station for a morning train

Quong Binh

  • Enjoy the train ride through Hai Van Pass and 6 1/2 hrs later end up in Dong Hoi
  • Farm stays, caves, hiking, a limo ride away to Phong Ha and environs for a couple? of days

To the North

  • We could figure a way to have the next stop be Ninh Binh, but it may be better just to fly to Hanoi from Dong Hoi on the one daily flight at 10:25AM.
  • Then we may be based in Hanoi until we fly down to wherever we are going to meet you.
  • Maybe a limo bus to Bich Dong, Ninh Binh, get a place to stay for a night or two.
  • An overnight tour to Lan Ha Bay (instead of Ha Long Bay) Cat Ba Island?
  • Another tour or maybe just a bus to Sapa for a night

12/12/25

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

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

12/8/25

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

peri edits

E260115USAA2985289684

  • [Vinh Khang Homestay 7/11 Thai Phien, Cam Pho, Hoi An ]

Pu Luong and culture: Beyond its natural beauty, Pu Luong preserves the rich cultural heritage of the Thai and Muong ethnic groups. Travelers can visit local villages such as Ban Don, Ban Hieu, and Kho Muong, join traditional weaving workshops, enjoy Thai folk dances, savor ethnic cuisine, and stay in rustic homestays nestled in the forest. In addition, traditional tourism villages make excellent stops along the way: Bat Trang Ceramic Village with its centuries-old pottery craft. Tan Hoa Village and Bong Lai Valley in Quang Tri offer tranquil scenery. In addition, Tra Que Village in Hoi An is famous for its organic vegetable gardens and hands-on local cooking experiences. These destinations are easily combined into a Pu Luong itinerary, enriching the trip with diverse cultural and nature experiences.

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