Is it better to start in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?

Which city to visit first in Vietnam?

Okay, so you’re going to Vietnam, that’s awesome! I totally think you should hit up Ho Chi Minh City first.

Seriously. It’s like, the spot for that initial kick of Vietnamese energy. It’s really wild, honestly.

The streets are crazy busy, but in a good way. So many scooters, right? Plus, like, a super cool vibe and a rich history that’ll blow your mind.

• Why Ho Chi Minh City rocks:
  • It’s the economic hub: Like, seriously, it’s the main engine.
  • The culture is amazing: So many different influences blend together there.
  • Food, food, food!: The street food scene is insane. Just, trust me on this. Get some pho first thing when you arrive!

I think, well… I just know, you’ll love it. And the best part is that the prices are really good too.

By the way, don’t forget to check out the War Remnants Museum. It’s intense, but important, ya know? Plus, maybe swing by the Cu Chi Tunnels, if you’re into that kinda thing. It’s a trip. I was just there last month, and it made all the difference in seeing what that war was like!

Where should I go in Vietnam for the first time?

Alright, Vietnam, huh? Wanna dive in?

South Vietnam it is, from October to April. Think Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc. It’s like, the starter pack.

Why? Forget wading through mud. That earlier monsoon season? Turns the Mekong Delta into a dang water park. Smooth sailing, baby!

Ho Chi Minh City? It’s a total sensory overload. Motorbikes are practically a new species. I swear, I saw one carrying a whole flock of ducks once! Food? Delicious. Pho? You betcha.

Mekong Delta? Prepare for boat rides galore. Floating markets are like, the Amazon, but with more noodles.

Phu Quoc? Beaches! Think postcard-perfect, minus the sandcastles from tourists. It’s all about chillin’. My aunt Mildred went and didn’t even bother with shoes. A true story.

• Ho Chi Minh City: Eat all the street food. Seriously.
• Mekong Delta: Get lost on a boat. It’s half the fun, I tell ya.
• Phu Quoc: Sun, sand, sea…and maybe a sunburn? Sunscreen, duh.

Forget the north first. The south? The best for beginners, hands down! Oh and I’ve heard the coffee is like rocket fuel.

Where should I start a trip to Vietnam?

Hanoi… or Saigon… hmm. Which whispers louder? Which city holds the truest echoes of Vietnam? The North, a land of ancient grace, or the South, a vibrant pulse, no?

Hanoi. Yes. Hanoi, perhaps a gentler hand guides you there. Think of mist-shrouded lakes, the scent of pho clinging to the air, my grandma’s stories from the war, were they real?

But Saigon, oh! Saigon bursts onto the scene. A dizzying dance of motorbikes, skyscrapers kissing the clouds, a taste of what is and what will be… a different taste. My heart sways.

Hanoi boasts imperial grandeur. Think temples, old quarters, a thousand years breathing softly. Echoes are strong there… always.

Saigon? Saigon, it embraces the future yet whispers of war… history? It’s there, yes… buried beneath neon lights.

It’s hard. Should your journey begin with ancient secrets, or with a modern heart? What do you seek?

Here’s a way to decide… maybe…

• Hanoi: History buffs, seekers of tradition, dreamers who want to dive into the past, where my grandmother held onto hope.
• Saigon: Foodies, party-goers, anyone craving energy and hustle. It’s raw and real and always moving, like me.

Both, hmm? A start. Just a start.

Where should I go first in Vietnam?

Vietnam. First stop? Ha Long Bay. Iconic. Stunning.

Then? Hanoi. Ancient. Bustling. A stark contrast.

Hoi An next. Charming. Tailored clothing. Cheap.

Mui Ne’s sand dunes. Worth a look. But fleeting. Life is fleeting.

Ho Chi Minh City. Last. A chaotic end. Reflect.

Key Considerations:

• Travel time: Allocate sufficient time for each location. Avoid rushing.
• Budget: Costs vary widely. Research thoroughly. 2024 prices are higher than previous years.
• Interests: Tailor your itinerary. History buffs should prioritize Hanoi. Beach lovers, Mui Ne. My preference: Ha Long Bay.

Specific Note: I spent two weeks in Vietnam in 2023. My flight was delayed. This affected my schedule. Hanoi was unexpectedly crowded. Traffic was atrocious. But the food was good. No regrets.