Whether you’re looking for wildlife breaks, private beach stays, adrenaline-packed value holidays, or cultural awakenings, Vietnam will spoil you for choice! From the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, and the laid-back villages of Sapa to the lush forests of Cuc Phuong, and the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam has a lot to offer all types of travellers.

Looking for: Wildlife?

Nature enthusiasts will find themselves quite at home in Vietnam. Set off to explore two of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ha Long Bay and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which are complemented by its many national parks.

Highlights:

Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba National Park: With its magnificent limestone karsts (geological formations caused by erosion) and intriguing islands, Ha Long Bay is an ecological wonder. A cruise across its bay will well acquaint you with its islands featuring beautiful caves, and interestingly shaped limestone karsts. Explore Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves here, possibly the most beautiful of the thousands of caves of the bay.

Take time out to make your way to Cat Ba National Park, home to Asia’s most endangered primate: The golden-faced langur. Cat Ba hosts 32 species of mammals including langurs, wild boar, deer, and hedgehogs. Around 70 species of birds have been sighted here, including hawks, hornbills, and cuckoos.

Cuc Phuong National Park: Located 130km to the south of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong is known for its Primate Rescue Centre, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, research, and conservation of endangered primates. You can see the black langur, Delacour’s langur, Lao langur, and Cat Ba langur (golden-headed langur). Adventure enthusiasts can choose to trek for up to six hours a day and discover the park’s habitat. Bird watchers can spot some of the 308 species that reside here, including silver pheasants, red-collared woodpeckers, brown hornbills, and bar-bellied pittas.

Nam Cat Tien National Park: Located four hours away from Ho Chi Minh City, Nam Cat Tien is an exceptionally great place for avid birdwatchers! Amongst the 350 species of birds found here, you can see the red junglefowl, green peafowl, Siamese firebacks, red-vented barbet, and grey-faced tit babbler. The park also houses over 100 species of mammals (including a small group of Javan rhinos), 120 amphibian and reptile species, and over 460 species of butterflies!

Recommended tours: Wildlife of North Vietnam, Birdwatching in South Vietnam, Vietnam Birding Trail

Travel Tip: By choosing to stay at parks’ guesthouses, you can bring down the cost of your stay and turn your wildlife holiday into a value tour!

Looking for: Culture?

While this might not be known as a cultural hotspot, Vietnam has a lot to offer a culture vulture. Vietnam stirs up images of beautiful pagodas, lively parties, and colourful traditional dresses. From the fast-paced Ho Chi Minh City to the water puppets of Hanoi, and the quaint architecture of Hoi An, Vietnam offers endless possibilities for cultural exploration.

Highlights:

Ho Chi Minh City: Steeped in culture and history, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. History buffs will head to the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum to learn about the city’s storied past. If you’re looking for religious history, visit Quan Am Pagoda, which is the oldest pagoda in the city. If you’re travelling with kids, take them to Dam Sen Water Park or Dai Nam Tourist Park (located 40km away) that features an open range zoo, amusement park, shopping center, movie theatres, campsite, and much more. Those in search of aesthetic beauty shouldn’t miss out on visiting the Emperor Jade Pagoda, considered to be Ho Chi Minh’s finest pagoda.

Hanoi: Hanoi’s streets showcase a fantastic blend of Chinese, French, and contemporary Vietnamese architecture. This capital city has plenty of museums, shopping opportunities, well-maintained parks, and theatres to keep you busy. Foodies can sample many exotic and appetizing dishes here like Pho Bo (beef noodles),Che Sam Bo Luong (sweet, cold soup), and Bahn Khoai (savoury crepe). At night, make your way to the Old Quarter to experience nightlife like locals with a pint of fresh beer, Bia Hoi, at one of the bars with outdoor seating and watch the locals buzz by.

Hoi An:The historical city Hoi An has more foreign influences than Vietnamese ones. As a result of foreign occupation from an early era, the Cham Kingdom and the Ming Dynasty dominated the city’s history and culture. The Old Town, where all the historic sites are located, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see museums, ancient houses, and meeting halls here.

Recommended tours: Classic Vietnam and Indochina Odyssey

Looking for: Luxury and leisure?

While world-class hotels, fine dining, private beaches, and luxury cruises may not come to mind when thinking of Vietnam. Well, think again, because Vietnam has an opulent side to it as well.

Highlights:

Six Senses Ninh Van: Set on a private beach, Ninh Van Bay Resort is ideal for couples seeking romance in style. All 58 pool villas feature luxurious furnishings and breath-taking views. Enjoy quiet mountain walks; learn scuba diving; or try windsurfing, kayaking, and water skiing. Alternatively, lounge by the beach and unwind with a luxurious treatment at the spa.

Victoria Express Train:Travel in style from Hanoi to Sapa on board the Victoria Express. This ten-hour train journey takes you across serene landscapes of North Vietnam. Exclusively designed for guests of the Victoria Sapa Hotel, the train epitomizes luxury with its elegant carriages and its well designed, wood-panelled, and air-conditioned cabins. A private dining carriage offers guests delectable Vietnamese and European cuisines.

Luxury Cruise in Ha Long Bay: Take a relaxing three-day voyage across Ha Long Bay on board the Au Co Ship. Explore the bay, Cat Ba Island, and the Gulf of Tonkin on the cruise, and take up kayaking and swimming in remote lagoons. Each cabin is furnished with handmade furniture, the latest entertainment system, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a private balcony. Step out of your room to enjoy beautiful views from the deck, for relaxation at the spa, or indulgence in fresh seafood at the restaurant.

Recommended tour: Vietnam Highlights

Still want more from Vietnam? Get in touch to discuss tailor-made tours to many other exotic destinations in Vietnam.

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