Where is it best to start in Vietnam?

Where should I go first in Vietnam?

Hanoi. Ancient. Chaotic. Must-see.

Halong Bay. Overrated. Tourist trap. Still… iconic. Go.

Hoi An. Tailors. Lanterns. Skippable if short on time. My trip in ’23? Focused North.

Sapa. Trekking. Rice terraces. Consider it. Didn’t go myself. Regret it.

HCMC. Hot. Bustling. Food scene’s decent.

• Hanoi: Explore Old Quarter. Bia Hoi corner. Street food. Temple of Literature. Water puppet show.
• Halong Bay: Cruise. Kayak. Overpriced, but… the view.
• Hoi An: Get clothes made. Japanese Covered Bridge. Ancient town.
• Sapa: Fansipan peak (cable car). Cat Cat Village. Homestays.
• HCMC: War Remnants Museum. Cu Chi Tunnels. Ben Thanh Market. Notre Dame Cathedral (under renovation, check status 2024). My ’23 trip, skipped the tunnels. Too touristy for me.

Which city to visit first in Vietnam?

Hanoi. Definitely Hanoi first. It’s the political heart. More tradition steeped there. Hm, maybe not more steeped. But different. More sense of history. French colonial architecture is really something else. Reminds me of a trip I took to Pondicherry, India once. Completely different vibe, but similar buildings. Street food? Incredible in Hanoi. Bun cha is the thing there. Remember Obama eating it with Bourdain? Iconic. HCMC is great, don’t get me wrong. But. Hanoi first. More of an arrival in Vietnam feel.

• Hanoi’s advantage: A sense of place. Arrival.
• HCMC’s advantage: Energy. Modernity. Business. Like NYC.
• My recommendation: Start slow. Soak it in. Hanoi.
• Foodie tip: Hanoi–bun cha; HCMC–banh mi.
• Historical note: Hanoi, old capital of North Vietnam; HCMC, old Saigon, capital of South Vietnam. Pre-1975. Relevant.
• Personal anecdote: Rode a motorbike through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Chaos. Loved it. Wouldn’t try that in HCMC, too much traffic. Seriously, HCMC traffic is nuts.
• Consider this: Hanoi is like a slow, strong cup of coffee. HCMC is like a quadruple espresso. Which do you want first?

How do I organize my travel itinerary?

Organizing a travel itinerary effectively requires a structured approach. Think of it like building a house – a solid foundation is key.

Step 1: Data Aggregation. Compile all relevant info: flights (confirmation numbers!), accommodation details (reservation numbers are vital!), visa information (if needed, and check expiry dates!), and crucial contact details. My last trip to Japan in 2024, for example, involved multiple Shinkansen bookings. I meticulously kept every confirmation. You’ll thank yourself later. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-organized digital folder.

Step 2: Digital Document Creation. Now, ditch the pen and paper – unless you’re a Luddite. Use a word processor (or even a spreadsheet for those spreadsheet-loving souls). Google Docs is excellent for collaboration, perfect if you’re travelling with friends.

Step 3: Structural Organization. Divide your itinerary into clear sections:

• Daily Breakdown: List activities, times, and locations for each day.
• Transportation: Detail modes of transport (flights, trains, buses, taxis – even walking!). Note times and booking references.
• Accommodation: Hotel names, addresses, phone numbers.
• Activities: Museum tickets? Concert bookings? Restaurant reservations? Note everything down, I did this for my trip to Iceland this year. It saved me so much hassle.
• Emergency Contacts: Include local emergency numbers, embassy contact info, and the numbers of your travel companions. You just never know.

Step 4: Populating the Skeleton. Fill in the sections with your collected information. Be precise. Vague plans lead to stressful situations. The human brain can only hold so much. It helps to have concrete details laid out.

Step 5: Scrutiny and Refinement. Proofread carefully. It sounds obvious, but missing a flight because of a typo is a costly mistake. Double-check all dates, times, and booking confirmations. Maybe even have a friend check it over. A fresh pair of eyes can catch oversights.

Life is too short for poorly planned trips. Plan well and enjoy the journey.

Is it better to plan a trip with a travel agent?

I don’t know…travel agents. It’s a thought.

Maybe it helps. It’s…a body, right?

• They know stuff, I guess. Like deals. Mom always liked them.
• Booking flights. Car rentals. Everything handled. Is that something, now?
• Discounts or whatever. Mom liked those. She was… practical.
• Connections with… tour companies. That seems safe, I guess.

Mom. She always used a travel agent. Every year, Florida. Orange juice and the beach. I haven’t been since…2018? God.

I wonder, is it like…someone else worrying for you? A burden shared is how she put it.

I kinda miss her. This year, maybe I’ll try it.