I was there last year too
Backpacking because I am young and poor. Im more than happy to offer advice if you have things youd like to do, or any other specific questions.
Sa Pa is great but VERY COLD. You have to buy windjackets and other warm clothes in Hanoi, or bring some from home. Note to AMs wife: bulky clothes= less room to cart home all the shopping. Ha Long bay is very pretty but not recommended in Jan as its very cold, misty and I found it quite miserable. Kayaking the the freezing cold is not my idea of a holiday.
Did not have a single good coffee and so caffeine withdrawal ensued very quickly. Dont know why I didnt just drink Coke. If you like the Vietnamese style of coffee, theres plenty around!
My biggest tip is probably to decide if you want to do North to South, just the North (cold) or just the South (hot). If youve only got 3-4 weeks, dont waste your time with trains and buses unless you want to go to remote places. Take a flight - its cheaper, faster and less stressful.
OT I know, if you have some time, hop over to Cambodia. I LOVED it - really genuinely friendly people, and of course the temple cities, especially Angkor Wat are amazing.
p.s. Good to put a face to WSully






































































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