Vietnam - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 94

ITINERARIES
One Week
Begin in Hanoi , immersing yourself in Old Quarter life and touring the capital's sights and famous
museums for a couple of days. Then make a day-trip to Halong Bay to lap up the surreal karst scenery
from the deck of a boat, ideally with a cold beer in hand. Move down to Hue to explore the imperial
citadel and any number of wonderful pagodas on the banks of the Perfume River. Then shift to Hoi
An for two days of foodie treats, old-world ambience and beach time. Finish off with a night in Ho
Chi Minh City (HCMC) .
Two Weeks
Acclimatise in the capital, Hanoi . See the sights, then wine and dine. Tour incomparable Halong Bay
by boat, then take in the extraordinary caves and karsts of Phong Nha . Hue , city of pagodas and
tombs, beckons next before pushing on to charming Hoi An . Rest up here, and hit lovely An Bang
beach nearby if the climate is benign. Party in Nha Trang , Vietnam's beach king, then continue south
to idyllic Mui Ne Beach . Round things off Saigon-style in Vietnam's liveliest metropolis, HCMC .
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Connections
Vietnam shares a long border with Laos, with seven possible crossings. Visas for Laos are
available at all border posts for most nationalities for between US$30 and US$40, payable
in US dollars (other currencies may be accepted too). A passport photo is also required.
Crossing from Laos to Vietnam, you must have a visa organised in advance; visas are not
available at the border.
There are five main border crossings between Vietnam and Cambodia and many other
minor ones. Cambodian visas are available on arrival (US$20) for most nationalities
(photo required). Vietnamese visas must be arranged in advance.
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Internet Resources
» Vietnam Coracle ( vietnamcoracle.com ) Excellent independent travel advice.
» The Word ( www.wordhcmc.com ) Based in HCMC, this superb magazine has compre-
hensive coverage and features.