About Madeleine Morris Expertise Regarding Vietnam, I have lived in Ho Chi Minh City for more than four years and have travelled extensively elsewhere in the country. I speak Vietnamese quite well, as well as French and Spanish. I can answer questions on where to stay, what to see and where to go. I can also answer questions about cultural etiquette; both professional and personal. For anyone coming to settle for a while in Vietnam, I can answer questions on most topics concercing settling in, doing business, legal and visa issues, language, where to shop, how to get help, emergencies, etc.
Experience I have lived in Vietnam for six years now (and can't seem to find a way to update the "expertise" part of this profile! I currently teach full time at RMIT Vietnam.
Organizations International Ladies in Vietnam Org
Canadian Vietnamese Business Association
Me and my friends would like to visit Vietnam. Time available for us is late Jan early Feb, for 2 weeks. Since we are flying from Istanbul to the far away destination we would like to see the highlights of two countries.
1. Is the climate OK in Jan and Feb?
2. What are your suggestions regarding the itinerary?
Thank you in advance.
Answer January and February are very good months to visit. It's the dry season and so the afternoon torrents don't interfere with your sightseeing.
One proviso though, Tet is in February (Vietnamese New Year) and if you are planning to spend time at one of the resorts, it is important to book it way in advance if you would like to be there during the week of Tet.
Unfortunately, it is early in 2005 - It starts on 8 February (goes by a lunar calendar). If you are in any large city for that period, it isn't a problem. But if you are planning to spend some time at the beach - it's very very crowded for the whole week.
Re: Itinerary. There isn't really very much I can tell you that you aren't going to find in the Lonely Planet Guide. Vietnam is not the far-flung outpost it once was, and there are some very good books on where to go and what to see. Also, there are a number of good tour operators online - Exotissimo, Travel Indochina, etc. They all have extensive info online about the sites and activities.
