Faraway 2024 | Page 136

Mekong River

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

Hue Lang Co Danang Hoi An

Quy Nhon Bai San Ho

Nha Trang

Ho Chi Minh City

Gulf of Thailand Con Dao

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 ( eg Hanoi , Halong Bay , Ninh Binh and Sa Pa ) is perhaps at its best between September-December when the weather is generally warm and sunny . March to August is ideal for the central region ( Hue , Hoi An , Danang , Quy Nhon ) and to avoid the heaviest rains in Southern Vietnam December to April is best .

Cu Chi Tunnels Chau Doc

Phu Quoc Cai Be Can Tho

Tra On

Ho Chi Minh City

Nha Trang Dalat

Ho Tram Long Hai

Mui Ne Phan Thiet

Hoi An

A beguiling land which touches the hearts of all who visit

Vietnam ’ s capital , Hanoi , may be relatively small but it ’ s big on energy and charm . Home to elaborate temples and pagodas , elegant treelined boulevards , inner city lakes and French colonial buildings , it ’ s an ideal starting point for a journey through this compelling nation . Straddling the Perfume River , Hue is Vietnam ’ s former imperial capital and today a UNESCO World Heritage site . Perfectly picturesque with palaces and pagodas the old city is one of Vietnam ’ s most important cultural and historical sites . Formerly known as Saigon , Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam at its most dizzying . Whilst the number of gleaming skyscrapers within this fast-mover may be growing , time-honoured traditions remain intact and there ’ s lots of delightful districts to explore . A tour to the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels is recommended . When you ’ ve had your fill of engaging cities but aren ’ t quite ready to hit the beach , head north to the mesmerising Ninh Binh region to absorb its magical riverine landscape . Perhaps take a memorable cruise around the surreal UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay or soak up the Mekong Delta ’ s scenic watery landscapes . After touring , what better way to conclude your holiday than with time on the beach . And , as beaches go , Vietnam pretty much has it covered with over 2,000 miles of coastline sprinkled with secluded coves , sublime islands , sun-baked white sands and clear waters . Resorts on the central coast include Hue , Lang Co , Danang and the ancient trading town of Hoi An , which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with glorious beaches close by . Further south , Quy Nhon boasts a beach-blessed shoreline and grand boulevards . On the alluring south eastern 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 you ’ ll find the idyllic islands of Con Dao , known for its sweeping beaches and excellent scuba diving . Another gem here is Phu Quoc island which welcomes you with glaringly white sand and a wealth of enticing seafood eateries .

UNMISSABLE VIETNAM EXPERIENCES

Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person 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 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 .

PRIVATE EVENING VESPA TOUR from £ 95

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 £ 369

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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