Comparisons to help you decide
The "this or that?" questions you ask when planning a Vietnam trip, with a clear answer.
Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay / Bai Tu Long BayHa Long, Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long Bay: which one to choose?All three bays have the same limestone karsts, but not the same crowds. A comparison to choose your cruise: boats, activities, access.Day trip / 1-night cruise / 2-night cruiseHa Long cruise: day trip, 1 night or 2 nights?Day trip, one-night or two-night cruise in Ha Long Bay: actual time on the water, activities and who each one suits.With an easy rider / Riding yourselfHa Giang Loop: easy rider or riding yourself?Doing the Ha Giang Loop with a local driver (easy rider) or riding yourself: safety, licence, insurance, freedom. An honest comparison.Sapa / Ha GiangSapa or Ha Giang: which mountains to choose in northern Vietnam?Rice terraces and trekking in Sapa, or mountain passes and a motorbike loop in Ha Giang? Comparison: scenery, access, length, crowds and who it suits.Hoi An / Da NangStay in Hoi An or Da Nang?Hoi An and Da Nang are 45 minutes apart. Where to stay for your trip: charm, beach, family, nightlife, airport.Phu Quoc / Nha TrangPhu Quoc or Nha Trang: which beach to choose in Vietnam?Phu Quoc or Nha Trang to end your trip on the beach? The answer depends mostly on the month: seasons, atmosphere, access and activities compared.Night train / Domestic flightNight train or plane in Vietnam: how to get around?Night train or domestic flight between Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang and Saigon: travel time, comfort, a hotel night saved, and which legs suit the train.Vietnam / ThailandVietnam or Thailand: which destination to choose?Vietnam or Thailand for a Southeast Asia trip? Scenery, beaches, food, ease of travel, seasons: the comparison to help you choose.Trang An / Tam CocTam Coc or Trang An: which Ninh Binh boat trip to choose?Both boat trips wind through the limestone karsts of Ninh Binh, but not in the same way. A comparison: caves, length, crowds, season.Hue / Hoi AnHue or Hoi An: where to spend your nights in central Vietnam?Imperial city or lantern-lit old town: a comparison of Hue and Hoi An to split your nights in central Vietnam. Sights, beach, atmosphere.Cruise / Cat Ba IslandCat Ba Island or a cruise: how to see the bay?Stay on Cat Ba and take day trips, or spend the night on board? A comparison for seeing Ha Long and Lan Ha bays: time on the water, freedom, access.Ninh Binh / Ha Long BayNinh Binh or Ha Long Bay: which to choose from Hanoi?Karsts in rice fields or karsts at sea? A comparison of Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay from Hanoi: scenery, budget, length of stay, season.Hanoi / SaigonHanoi or Saigon: which city to choose in Vietnam?Old capital or southern metropolis? A comparison of Hanoi and Saigon to choose your gateway: atmosphere, climate, day trips, suggested nights.