Audley in Vietnam
Vietnam was where Audley first began creating tailor-made trips, and we still have the most upto- date information of any UK operator. All of our Vietnam specialists have a passion for the country and all have spent considerable time inspecting hotels and researching new excursions. Our guides do not just provide fascinating insights into Vietnamese life: many become lasting friends.
Most of our itineraries are based around a journey from Hanoi to Saigon, taking in central Vietnam en route, although we also include many of the country’s lesser-known sights that are often overlooked by other operators. To the east of Hanoi we explore the limestone islands of Halong Bay, to the north, the hill tribe communities of the Tonkinese Alps, while south of Saigon we travel through the flatlands of the Mekong Delta experiencing rural Vietnam at its best. The country stretches for over 1,600 kilometres from north to south so we often travel the longer distances by air, with private vehicles covering the more interesting overland sections. Vietnam also combines well with Cambodia’s Angkor temples or a visit to hidden Laos.
Accommodation
With its French colonial heritage, Vietnam has been quick to use its splendid buildings to good effect and turn them into the finest hotels in the region. Many are located in the heart of the old towns, ideally placed to explore the nearby restaurants and markets. All the hotels we use have been handpicked by our staff for their location, character or individual appeal. The coast here is much less developed than in nearby Thailand or Malaysia, and there are some wonderful beaches where we use sophisticated resorts or small family-run guest houses. To explore further afield we can use homestays in the Mekong Delta and the Tonkinese Alps. A night or two in a converted merchant’s house in Hoi An or Hanoi represents an unusual alternative.