OK reddit, I need some advice.
Quick bio: 34, male solo traveller, from the UK, veggie, professional job at home so not on a particularly tight budget.
Had 5 weeks off work, decided definitely wasn't going to waste it, so flew out to Hong Kong. Spent 2.5 weeks there, then (after a few stressful visa issues), came over to Vietnam without having planned anything. I spent 3 days in Hanoi but really didn't like it. Weather was poor, so didn't bother with Halong Bay or Sapa tours. Yesterday, flew down to Ho Chi Minh City and have been doing some sightseeing today. Much prefer it here to Hanoi, btw.
So, I have to be back in Hong Kong for my flight home late on the 20th. I want to get out of the cities and see a bit more of these countries, but I'm torn between two choices...
Option 1 is to work my way, by land, up Vietnam, probably as far as Hoi An, before flying to Hanoi for the Halong Bay tour and then onto HK. The Lonely Planet guide I have shows a few "must sees" on this route including Mui Ne, Nha Tram, Hoi An and maybe Hue. The Hoi An to Hanoi flight is £30.
Option 2 is to leave Vietnam until next year, when I can spend up to 6 weeks exploring the region, and instead head to Cambodia. Friends of mine have said Cambodia is amazing. Flying out of there isn't particularly cheap, £150 from Siem Reap to Hanoi
I love exploring nature, so hikes, animals, kayaking, etc. I'm veggie, so availability of veggie food would help (Vietnam has been faaaairly easy). I should have the same 5-6 weeks off this time next year, so can (and probably will) come back. Although a solo traveller, I do tend to go for private rooms, I've done dorms for years, which are ok, but in places like hanoi and ho chi minh city, it's very nice to come back to my own quiet space. Bit of a introvert, so find it very hard to socialise with strangers, which is OK for museums and whatnot, but can be difficult sometimes (thank the stars for selfie sticks, never thought I'd be saying that!). Anyways, not sure how relevant all of this is.
What do you think would be my best option, given that I have 9 days left, and wouldn't mind spending 2 of those on a Halong Bay tour.