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)

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

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.

Da Nang / Hoi An

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

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