Source
r/solotravel•
lengthiness

Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi in a week (by way of Cambodia and Laos)

Asia

Hey all, I'm back at it with another big solo trip (you guys helped me a lot last year). Planning is going well for my destinations at the ends of my trip, but I would like to ask for help. I need to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi in September, and I only will have about eight days. I really want to go by way of Cambodia and Laos for a part of it. My motorcycle skills are really basic, and I'm going to be taking classes until my trip next month but I don't want to rely on that, in case I don't feel confident riding or can't find a bike, etc. Would it be possible to do this trip with tourist buses? I've been researching this part but can't tell how reliable some options are. Just looking at a map, it would be really cool to find a northbound cruise/boat up the Mekong and then divert east to Da Nang (established tours I've found only go south, or they go north into Siem Reap). Has anyone here done something like that?

And, I know, I've read a lot that you should take 3 weeks to really savor Vietnam, and Vietnam only. But due to constraints with work, I don't have that time. And I figure, if I'm going north anyway, I'd like to diversify the itinerary a bit. I strongly want to see all three countries on the ride. Thanks for any advice/insight in advance.

Posted Aug 22, 2019, 7:42 PM UTC

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WeAllWantToBeHappy•

I need to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi in September, and I only will have about eight days.

That's a crazy schedule if you're planning to ride. You'll spend all your time on the highway and seeing/doing almost nothing else.

Trains, planes and buses would be better and safer.

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lengthinessOP•

Past the eight day journey from HCMC to Hanoi, I'll have about five free days in Hanoi so I think I'll get my motorbike fix there, when I won't have to rush anywhere and I'll be within a fair distance of the rental agency should anything happen. I'll probably just take trains/buses. Do you have a preference between the sleeper buses or Reunification Express? Thanks for your comment!

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norcalB55•

That’s a tight schedule! And crossing borders with a motorbike is a nightmare, wouldn’t recommend it.

I would suggest skipping HCMC and just going straight into Hanoi, rent a motorbike there (style motorbikes is a good one) and doing the northern loop! You’d get to see some of the most beautiful parts of the country and won’t feel as rushed as you will be if you try and fit in everything you are planning.

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lengthinessOP•

Thanks for the Style Motorbikes rec! Looks pretty solid so I will look into them in Hanoi. How much time did you give yourself for the northern loop? After my eight day journey, I'll have about five days in Hanoi so I think I'll just ride around there for leisure, rather than transportation.

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JayPeteyFull-Time Traveler•

Is it not worth it just to commit to one country for that period of time and visit Cambodia and Laos another time? I feel like it’s a more interesting and rewarding trip to just stay in Vietnam than to try get a minimal taste of three countries.

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lengthinessOP•

I'm definitely debating it, and I know this sub recommends staying in one country for a time, but I don't think I'll be in Southeast Asia for a long, long time after and I'd like to have a diverse experience. I've traveled with a good amount of stopovers in a trip and I find I enjoy that style.

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JanneOC•

At least from Da Nang to the north you could take trains. They go all the way from HCM to Hanoi but given you want to go to Cambodia and Laos you won't be able to take a train before you get to Da Nang. This would probably save you some time and money since you could take night trains which are pretty affordable, wouldn't have to pay for a hotel/hostel and arrive at a new destination every single day (if you want to). Check out this amazing website for more info on going by trains in Vietnam (and pretty much every other country):

https://www.seat61.com/Vietnam.htm

Anyway: it really is a tight schedule. I hope you'll have a great trip anyway.

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lengthinessOP•

This is great advice. Thanks for sharing that link, it's an immensely helpful resource!

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JanneOC•

You're welcome. One more advice: check the train numbers before you book and the description to those train numbers on seat61. I did not and ended up on a not renovated train...that's alright for a trip during the day but if you book a bed in a sleeping compartment you should really get a ticket for a renovated train. On the old trains you might share your bed with cockroaches...I couldn't sleep one minute during that night :) The renovated trains/cars are really nice though.

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lengthinessOP•

Oh, I hadn't considered that. You've given wonderful insight--thank you so much!!

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aswlwlwlSingapore•

Check out night buses and trains. Youd be able to save loads of time by travelling at night. I recommend buses over trains though. The sleeper buses are really good. You can book them on 12goasia or baolau. I've tried both websites and they're reliable.

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lengthinessOP•

Thank you for that information. Why do you prefer the buses to trains? Most blogs I've read so far recommend the trains, but I'd like some more of your insight if that's alright!

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