Should we do a layover or just get a seat with more legroom?

February 13, 2026 — 5:00am

We have a trip booked to Vietnam and Cambodia, flying into Hanoi and out of Siem Reap. Which airlines would you recommend? For flights less than eight hours we usually fly economy, but for longer we need more legroom as we are tall. Happy for a layover but not a stopover.
G. Nicholson, Nunawading, Vic

You could have a layover in Singapore but the flight time from Melbourne to Hanoi is about nine hours 20 minutes, which is only about 90 minutes more than the flight time from Melbourne to Singapore. It would make more sense to book a seat with greater legroom on a non-stop flight to Hanoi rather than a Singapore layover. Vietnam Airlines is the only carrier offering a non-stop service between Melbourne and Hanoi (budget carrier Vietjet flies to Ho Chi Minh with connections to Hanoi).

Vietnam Airlines’ aircraft on the route is generally an Airbus A350-900 which has a premium economy cabin where the seats have a pitch (legroom) of 38 inches (97 centimetres). In the economy cabin there are two rows of bulkhead seats which can be booked for a moderate additional cost, ideal for long-legged flyers. On the return journey from Siem Reap you will need to fly either back to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines before boarding your flight to Melbourne.

My husband is walking France’s Haute Route in mid-August, and I’m looking to fill in a week or so in Europe. I’m a solo, fit, middle-aged, culture loving, foodie female. What would you recommend?
P. Evans, Coolangatta, Qld

Since the usual route for walking the Haute Route is France’s Chamonix to Zermatt in Switzerland, it makes sense for you to stay in one or the other. Chamonix is a bustling, energetic mountain town, and it beats Zermatt for variety, local excursions, flexibility and cost. It has plenty to do without hardcore alpine hiking, including easy valley walks past lakes and through meadows. The Montenvers train to Mer de Glace glacier is a must as is the Aiguille du Midi cable car ride, the highest vertical lift of any cable car. Chamonix is well supplied with the usual French array of cafes.

You could also do day trips to Annecy, Geneva and even Courmayeur in Italy’s Aosta via the Mont Blanc Tunnel, the bus takes under an hour. Zermatt has more stunningly awesome scenery, you’ll never tire of the views, and it’s car-free which adds to its charm. There are some beautiful walks without big climbs such as the Five Lakes Walk and the Gornergrat Railway is beyond incredible. Chamonix will be busy in August, Zermatt will feel calmer. The Haute Route takes 8 or 9 days – my choice would be five nights in Chamonix and the rest in Zermatt.

My daughter and I will be staying six nights in Rome, Naples for three nights and then the Amalfi Coast before a tour of Puglia. Any suggestions for accommodation, particularly Sorrento for seven nights, convenient for public transport? We are not five-star travellers, any recommendations for accommodation and tours?
S. Spagnardi, Melbourne, Vic

In Rome, Residenze Argileto is in a prime location on the border of Monti, the city’s cool zone, with heaps of cafes and restaurants on the doorstep, it’s within walking distance of the capital’s prime sights and the price is a steal. Hotel Modigliani sits in a quiet street close to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, another great budget choice. Be prepared for ultra small dimensions if you go for the lowest cost rooms. In Naples, I like Foro Carolino, a boutique B&B right on Piazza Dante above a piano maker, you’ll hear him tinkering during the day. The rooms are vast. Those overlooking the piazza can be noisy, ask for one at the back if you need quiet. Facilities and service are minimal, apart from breakfast. Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel would be a better choice if you want more facilities.

Sorrento is a great choice. You can easily explore the villages along the Amalfi coast from there as well as the islands in the bay. Palazzo Jannuzzi is small and fun, located on Piazza Tassi, right at the heart of Sorrento. Palazzo Marziale is old-school aristocratic, packed with antiques, paintings and prints from the Savarese family, the owners since the 15th century. Sorrento’s centre as well as the ferry terminal are an easy stroll.

We’re travelling independently as a couple from Xian to Shanghai over 10 days and trying to work out the best itinerary to incorporate Hangzhou and Suzhou. Any hotels and must-see suggestions would also be appreciated.
P. Lee, Kingsford NSW

Xian to Shanghai is a fabulous journey through the prosperous, culturally rich and scenic Jiangnan south of the Yangtze. Spend your first three nights in Xian to take in the Terracotta Army (go early, or late afternoon), the City Wall, an evening of street food in the Muslim Quarter and take time to explore the parkland surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. For your accommodation, Gran Melia Xian is an outstanding choice and the price is a steal.

From there, take a train to Hangzhou and stay three nights to explore this ancient capital renowned for its cultural heritage. Take a stroll around West Lake and top it off with a boat trip, preferably at dawn or dusk, take in the Buddhist pagodas and grottoes at Longjing Tea Village, the temple complex at Tiger Run Spring and the green hills and tea terraces at Longjing Tea Village. The Four Seasons West Lake is plush and peaceful, highly recommended. Continue to Suzhou for a two-night stay. Enriched by its strategic position on the Grand Canal, wealthy families of the 11th century built gardens here, laying down the template for the Chinese garden of strategically placed rocks, hillocks and waterscapes. Take in the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Lingering Garden, the canals along Pingjiang Road at dusk and the I.M. Pei designed Suzhou Museum. Tonino Lamborghini Hotel Suzhou is an elegant fusion of Sino-Italian design. Spend your last two nights in

Shanghai, visiting The Bund at night, the streets and cafes of the French Concession, Yu Garden, the Power Station of Art and the galleries in the amazing M50 art complex, repurposed from disused factories and cotton mills. The Peninsula is fabulous but expensive, Upper House is funky and brilliant.

Travel advice is general; readers should consider their personal circumstances