Reply To: Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi (Vietnam)

[Entitled]

Throwing my hat into the ring for similar advice.

Flying into Singapore and out of Bangkok August ’23 as a family with two young teens in tow. Going to take in Ko Samui for some R&R but I’m keen to visit Vietnam.

I was thinking of HCM due to proximity but this thread has made be consider Hanoi as an alternative. Given our flight arrival/departure points I am not desperate to add another city to the list. Ko Samui takes care of the beach so what I want from Vietnam is something different, probably in the countryside, ideally surrounded by ‘real Vietnam’ whatever that is.

Anyone any suggestions for places within easy reach of HCM or Hanoi that might fit the bill and offer something that little be different?