u/g00dthings

I’m planning a solo trip to northern Vietnam and I’m a little stuck between Sapa/Ta Van and Mai Chau.

I get motion sickness, but trains (which I loveeee) and being a pillion on a motorbike are usually fine. Very short bus/van rides are manageable too, though not my favourite. I don’t want to miss out on a place I’d really enjoy just because of motion sickness, but I also don’t want to push myself too hard.

I’m hoping to experience different kinds of landscapes and local cultures, food, temples, cafés, and everyday life. I’d also love opportunities to meet other travellers and connect with people along the way.

Plan 1:
Hanoi > Mai Châu > Ninh Bình > Nam Định > Hải Phòng > Cát Bà & Lan Hạ Bay > Hanoi

Plan 2:
Hanoi > Sa Pa & Ta Van Valley > Ninh Bình > Nam Định > Hải Phòng > Cát Bà & Lan Hạ Bay > Hanoi

Sa Pa + Ta Van: I like that I can take the train to Lào Cai and only have to deal with a shorter road journey afterwards. It also seems like there’s quite a bit to explore, so I was thinking of spending around 4–5 days there.

Mai Châu: This seems more like the slower village experience I would like, cycling around, homestays, cafés, local life, etc. My only hesitation is the road journey, since I get motion sickness and there doesn’t seem to be a train option.

I know these are quite different places, but based on the rest of my itinerary and the kind of trip I’m hoping to have, which one would you recommend?

So please advise. Any recommendations welcome, even outside of this! Thanks

I’m planning a solo trip to northern Vietnam and I’m a little stuck between Sapa/Ta Van and Mai Chau.

I get motion sickness, but trains (which I loveeee) and being a pillion on a motorbike are usually fine. Very short bus/van rides are manageable too, though not my favourite. I don’t want to miss out on a place I’d really enjoy just because of motion sickness, but I also don’t want to push myself too hard.

I’m hoping to experience different kinds of landscapes and local cultures, food, temples, cafés, and everyday life. I’d also love opportunities to meet other travellers and connect with people along the way.

Plan 1:
Hanoi > Mai Châu > Ninh Bình > Nam Định > Hải Phòng > Cát Bà & Lan Hạ Bay > Hanoi

Plan 2:
Hanoi > Sa Pa & Ta Van Valley > Ninh Bình > Nam Định > Hải Phòng > Cát Bà & Lan Hạ Bay > Hanoi

Sa Pa + Ta Van: I like that I can take the train to Lào Cai and only have to deal with a shorter road journey afterwards. It also seems like there’s quite a bit to explore, so I was thinking of spending around 4–5 days there.

Mai Châu: This seems more like the slower village experience I would like, cycling around, homestays, cafés, local life, etc. My only hesitation is the road journey, since I get motion sickness and there doesn’t seem to be a train option.

I know these are quite different places, but based on the rest of my itinerary and the kind of trip I’m hoping to have, which one would you recommend?

So please advise. Any recommendations welcome, even outside of this! Thanks

I’m planning a solo trip to northern Vietnam and I’m a little stuck between Sapa/Ta Van and Mai Chau.

I get motion sickness, but trains (which I loveeee) and being a pillion on a motorbike are usually fine. Very short bus/van rides are manageable too, though not my favourite. I don’t want to miss out on a place I’d really enjoy just because of motion sickness, but I also don’t want to push myself too hard.

I’m hoping to experience different kinds of landscapes and local cultures, food, temples, cafés, and everyday life. I’d also love opportunities to meet other travellers and connect with people along the way.

Plan 1:
Hanoi > Mai Châu > Ninh Bình > Nam Định > Hải Phòng > Cát Bà & Lan Hạ Bay > Hanoi

Plan 2:
Hanoi > Sa Pa & Ta Van Valley > Ninh Bình > Nam Định > Hải Phòng > Cát Bà & Lan Hạ Bay > Hanoi

Sa Pa + Ta Van: I like that I can take the train to Lào Cai and only have to deal with a shorter road journey afterwards. It also seems like there’s quite a bit to explore, so I was thinking of spending around 4–5 days there.

Mai Châu: This seems more like the slower village experience I would like, cycling around, homestays, cafés, local life, etc. My only hesitation is the road journey, since I get motion sickness and there doesn’t seem to be a train option.

I know these are quite different places, but based on the rest of my itinerary and the kind of trip I’m hoping to have, which one would you recommend?

So please advise. Any recommendations welcome, even outside of this! Thanks