Unmissable Vietnam Experiences
Indochina- Vietnam
Vietnam
Nothing short of magical
An ideal starting point for your Vietnamese journey is its capital Hanoi. Relatively small but big on energy and charm, elegant tree-lined boulevards lead to elaborate temples and pagodas, past inner-city lakes, French colonial architecture and street vendors serving everything from pho noodles to sweet treats and even haircuts!
Former imperial capital and UNESCO World Heritage listed Hue has some of the country’ s most important cultural and historical sites. Straddling the Perfume River, it’ s a place of riverside pagodas, extravagant palaces, sprawling mausoleums and a vast walled citadel.
Fiercely modern with a skyscraper-studded skyline, Ho Chi Minh City( Saigon) is Vietnam at its most dizzying, although echoes of the past are also evident. Delightful districts flaunt impressive landmarks, leafy parks, cosmopolitan cafés and grand villas. A tour to the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels is recommended.
When you’ ve had your fill of engaging cities, head to the mesmerising Ninh Binh region in the north for absorbing riverine landscapes. Overnight cruises are a memorable way to explore the surreal UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay or the Mekong Delta’ s scenic panoramas.
There’ s no better conclusion to touring than time on the beach. And, as beaches go, Vietnam boasts over 2,000 miles of coastline sprinkled with secluded coves, sublime islands, sun-baked white sands and translucent waters. Central coast resorts include Hue, Lang Co, energetic Danang and the ancient trading town of Hoi An, another UNESCO World Heritage site with glorious beaches close by. Further south, Quy Nhon boasts a beach-blessed shoreline and grand boulevards and Bai San Ho offers a true escape. On the alluring southeastern coast a bevy of beautiful sandy shores await you including Nha Trang, Ninh Van Bay, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, which is a popular kite surfing spot, and Ho Tram. On the south west coast and close to the Cambodian border are the idyllic islands of Con Dao, known for sweeping beaches and excellent scuba diving, along with Phu Quoc island a welcoming gem with glaringly white sand and a wealth of enticing seafood eateries.
Wherever your travels take you in Vietnam, this seductive land is sure to touch your heart.
LAOS
THAILAND
Sa Pa • • Lao Cai
Gulf of Thailand
VIETNAM
Mekong River
CAMBODIA
South China Sea
• Con Dao
CHINA
Hanoi • • Halong Bay
• Hai Phong
• Ninh Binh
Hue
•• Lang Co
• Danang
• Hoi An
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Quy Nhon
• Bai San Ho
• Nha Trang
Nha Trang •
• Dalat
Ho Chi
Mui Ne Minh City Phan Thiet •
•
Cu Chi Tunnels • • Chau Doc •
• Ho Tram
• Long Hai
• Phu Quoc • Cai Be Can Tho •
• Tra On
Getting there: Non-stop flights from the UK to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi take 11½ hours. Smaller airports throughout Vietnam also have excellent flight links.
Best time to go: Northern Vietnam( Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and Sa Pa) is perhaps at its best from September-December as the weather is generally warm and sunny. January-August is ideal for the central region( Hue, Hoi An, Danang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang) and to avoid the heaviest rains in Southern Vietnam December-April is best.
Unmissable Vietnam Experiences
Get more out of your stay. Prices are per person
Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels with Boat Transfers from £ 79
Enjoy a light breakfast on the boat as you travel to the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels. This labyrinth of narrow passages were used by the Viet Cong soldiers as hideouts during the war and you will explore sections of the extensive network that served as an underground city. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Available daily from Ho Chi Minh City.
136 Indochina
Private Evening Vespa Tour from £ 99
Hop on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter and experience city life the way locals do. It’ s chaotic, noisy and fascinating! Explore the side streets and back alleys where people congregate after work and stop by street food restaurants to try some Vietnamese cuisine( included). Return back to your hotel at about 10.30pm. Available daily in Ho Chi Minh City and can also be booked in Hanoi or Hoi An. Daytime tours are also available.
Mekong Delta Overnight Cruise from £ 429
On this short but sweet overnight cruise from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ ll stay aboard the Bassac riverboat and cruise the mighty Mekong. The boat also slips into smaller canals allowing a glimpse of the very varied life on the banks and water itself. You’ ll also get to step ashore for a walking tour which includes a stop at a farm for fruit and tea. Before returning the next day, you’ ll also pass colourful and bustling floating markets. Price includes full board and overnight accommodation in a cabin with bathroom. Available daily.
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