I spent 7 days in November in Saigon. Took 3 days of it in Vung Tau. You can
get there by boat (hydrofoil) in about 1-1/2 hours, the charter is by Vina
Express ( www.vinexpress.com.vn ) The boat is comfortable and pretty fast.
You can find the office at the Boat Station on the Saigon River. There are
lots of hotels to choose from on the beach. If you want to be more private
try the back beach. The Cap St. Jacque was about $60 USD per night including
breakfast for a suite. The beach is across the street, very short walking
distance. Day trips on the Mekong are pretty good and usually include lunch
and take you to several stops along the river. Check out "Saigon Tourist"
tour agency for the prices and trips.
The weather is going to be hot either place, as far as rain, I can't really
tell you. It's been kind of dry in Saigon this year so far. Taxi service is
about 15,000 VND to start and the rate varies after that, but you can get to
most places for a 1-200,000 VND.
As far as preference, myself I prefer Saigon, it just seems more to do there
for me, places to eat and people watch are all over. If you want to sit and
watch the elite, go to Nguyen Hue in District 1 and try the market places,
there are all the major hotels and this is the central international
business district, most tourists go there. Myself I usually hang out in
District 10, as my wifes family lives there. But plenty to do and see in
Districts 10, 3, 1 and 4
No matter what you decide, you will have a good time at either place.
"Casual Looker" wrote in message
news:40aa3f45$1@news.alphalink.com.au...
> Looking at going to Vietnam for a about 7 days in September.
>
> Just wanting to do some sight-seeing, shopping, eating and relaxing -
> preferrably near the sea.
>
> Hanoi or Saigon ?
>
> Which will be better, weather wise in Sept.
>
> What transportation (time and costs) is required to get to a beach from
either
> places.
>
> Hanoi & Halong Bay -OR- Saigon & Nha Trang or Mekong Delta.
>
> Given only seven days I'm sure I can't do both. Any suggestion as to where
to
> go (how to get there) and things to do would be much appreciated. Not
really
> into cultural stuff just people watching, looking, eating and relaxing.
>
> Many thanks in advance,
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