Expert: Martin Bullard - 8/27/2008

Question
Hi Martin  -  I am thinking of taking a quick trip with my husband and two boys 15 and 5.  I would like to do as much as possible with out boring the children with too much travelling.  We would like to spend a couple of days at the beach for the youngest and also like to see the history and culture for the eldest.  Can you give me some idea about accommodation, travel and places to go?  I have heard that flying from Saigon to the north then travelling down.  I was hoping to use the trains but have just been told that they are not very clean for the boys?  I would love to hear from you what you would do with two boys.  I am looking forward to hearing from you.  Chees Sam

Answer
Dear Sam,
Nice to hear from you.
I think you will have no problem keeping your kids entertained - All our guests report that their kids had a great time.
Trains are not as clean as in the west but are not THAT bad and are really fun (we recently took our 2 daughters 4.5 and 3 overnight on a train to the beach and they loved it and still talk about it).
To give you good advice I'd really like to know the time of year you intend to travel but in general I can say that 16 days is a good amount of time to see most of the main sights and cities and still have a beach break (or 2).
The best thing for you to do is write to me directly at martin@tonkintravel.com mentioning the time you intend to come and what sort of hotels you are interested in (including price range) and then I'll ask my wife Ly to put together a draft itin including all the elements you mention above and some options and recommendations for hotels etc. Ly is very experienced and is sure to come up with something that your whole family and balances travel with rest, culture and fun.

Even if you don't book with us you will get some sound advice and and a direction for your further research.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Martin