Yeah the flight cost for both up and down (saigon da nang) was cheaper than 1 side train ticket between same cities and the travel time is same 1.5 hours max each side
not really, the train times in Hanoi are inconsistent, the locals working in the businesses along the tracks couldn't even accurately predict the time. some of the tracks were closed off some not. Halong Bay is a waste of money but didn't know that until I did it. I backpacked Vietnam north to south and it didn't rain once until I was in DaLat (rainy, colder climate by location) however there was rain in the forecast every other day (innacurate).
For number 3, what I usually do is book a hotel in one city, then if I need to fly somewhere I do it in the middle of the trip, then I just fly back to same city for the remainder of my trip. Booking a round trip flight to and from the same city, and booking a hotel as part of a package deal is easier and actually cheaper in the long run, so I honestly don't mind losing out on a couple nights that I paid for. And this way, I can just leave what I don't need at the hotel, so I can just fly with a small backpack. The biggest mistake I see people make is they try to see too much, instead of just picking one or two regions. Any place that takes me more than 4 hours to get to, I don't bother with.
Ba na hills was really fun! Although the time I went the weather was really harsh and lightning struck and rain was pouring everywhere so me and my family had to stay inside for 3 hours just to take the cable cars back down.
It really is a beautiful place. I have been there a few times and it is always a lot easier and less busy when it is raining (which seems to happen a lot at the top of the hill). I think people really need to get there early because a lot of the time it can take a whole day (or two) to comfortably explore the whole place without rushing. It seems like a placd you could easily visit in one day but but thats not true. If you only have one day to visit then thats great but i think people should try to plan for 2 days because it gets so busy.
A genuine question though. I have a Niyo Global card so do you think it'll be useful enough in Vietnam and whether it'll be better to make card payments instead of cash or vice-versa?
From my own experience: I was there in April because I got invited to a trip. The guide told me I was a month too early for the breath taking postcard sights bc it was still cloudy and misty. He recommended visiting from May onwards.
You need a visa to go to Vietnam. When you apply you have to say what airport or land border crossing you will enter Vietnam and leave from. I booked mine out of Ho Chi Minh City while there but I knew I was travelling north to south
