Ho Chi Minh City, honeymoon hotels
Q: I'm going to Ho Chi Minh City on a business trip at the end of January but I'm thinking of spending an extra week to see Sapa, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An. Is this too much for one week? Should I stick to just northern Vietnam, or is seeing the whole country possible? - Samath
Vietnam's long, narrow shape encompasses a variety of climates, so the first thing you need to consider is the weather. The country has tropical weather marked by a monsoon season but only slight variations in the temperature, depending on the season and the altitude.
In late 1999 there was snow in northern Sapa, which is 4,000 feet above sea level, while it was quite warm in Saigon, as Ho Chi Minh City is still commonly called.
The temperature remains fairly constant in Saigon, but Hanoi has a marked cooler season from November through March due to chilled winds blowing from China.
If you want to visit Sapa, September through November and March through May are the best times for weather. Daytime temperatures range from 15 to 28 C, and nighttime temperatures from 10 to 18. If you don't mind the cold weather, visit Hanoi first before taking an overnight train to Sapa.
At the same time, you may find the weather in Hoi An and Hue cold and occasional wet. But central Vietnam is rainy through much of the year due to the topography. I think you'll also find similar weather around Halong Bay to the north.
All of the places you have mentioned are worth visiting, though, whatever the weather.
A week for all Vietnam is too rushed. You should choose between Halong Bay, Sapa and Hanoi in the north and Hue, Hoi An and Na Trang in central Vietnam.
Or you may want to spend a few days out of Saigon seeing beautiful Dalat in the southern highlands.
Beach time in the south is best found at Phu Quoc or on Con Dao Island east of Vung Tau.
If Sapa sounds too cold, there are also ethnic villages in the Central Highland provinces of Dak Lak and Gia Lai.
Q: Do you have any recommendations for honeymoon hotels in southern Thailand in the middle of January? Our budget is US$350 to $400 a night.
A: The Andaman Sea coast has better weather in January, while heavy rains continue in the Gulf of Thailand. There are plenty of fantastic destinations for a memorable honeymoon in Phuket, Phangnga, Krabi and Trang.
Trips to Phangnga usually involve Phuket International Airport, but Krabi and Trang have their own airports, and hotel staff can pick you up.
You should certainly be able to find something wonderful in your price range. Check www.Sawasdee.com, www.AsiaRooms.com, www.Agoda.com, www.HotelThailand.com or www.Hotel2Thailand.com.
Look for good deals for the nearby island resorts as well the main destinations. Koh Racha, Koh Yao, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta all have many places designed for honeymooners.
The new, romantic Six Senses Hideaway on Koh Yao Noi may be beyond your budget, but other hotels on the island will suit your budget.
The Racha on Koh Racha Noi has pristine beach. Koh Phi Phi has the Zeavola boutique resort. And consider the fivestar Pimalai Resort and Spa on Koh Lanta.