Reasons To Visit Vietnam
There is so much more to do in Vietnam than just the odd city tour and museum. Kite making in Hue, a fisherman eco-tour in Hoi An, an educational talk in Hanoi, cycling through the rice terraces of Sapa - there are many wonderful ways to see the country, experience its culture and meet its people.
Famous for the Vietnam War, you can of course visit the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon. However, the country's history has many other facets to be explored such as the old merchant town of Hoi An or the imperial city of Hue. The imprints of the former foreign rules of the Chinese and French are present wherever you go from iconic buildings to everyday life; past and present existing in harmony.
Vietnam offers great value for money from every angle. From hotels to transport to food, your US dollars or Vietnamese Dong will go far!
Vietnamese food is renowned for its freshness, bold flavours and presentation. It is an integral part of the local culture and each region has its own unique and wonderful dishes. This part of Southeast Asia is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to eat. And if you want to learn the art of Vietnamese cooking yourself, there are also a number of fantastic cooking courses for you to enjoy.
The people of Vietnam are among the friendliest you will ever meet. They are also extremely resilient having survived foreign invasions by the Chinese and French, as well as famine and war with their cultural identity remaining intact. You only have to witness the National Flag Raising ceremony in Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi to witness a nation united not simply by patriotism, but by a very strong sense of community and respect.
From the UNESCO site of Halong Bay with its thousands of limestone outcrops to the Tonkinese Alps and lush green rice terraces of Sapa, Vietnam offers an abundance of stunning scenery and landscapes. Besides natural assets, there are plenty of other man-made photo opportunities such as the colourful floating markets of the Mekong Delta and the bustling streets of the Old Quarter in Hanoi.
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Southeast Asia
Arguably one of the most beautiful places in Indochina, northwest Vietnam offers the more adventurous traveller an authentic taste of traditional hill tribe life. Visiting a weekly market is highlight here.
This half day excursion is a combination of mountain biking, sightseeing and walking. Along the ride you will be able to enjoy magnificent views as well as experiences of visiting the Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority and the Ta Van village of Giay.
Located on the foot of Giang Ma Pass, Tam Duong market is one of the most colourful markets in the northwest of Vietnam.
You start the walk on a small trail running downhill toward the Thanh Phu suspension bridge set over the beautiful Muong Bo River.
13 days from £2,515pp
16 days from £2,950pp
8 days from £1,700pp
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Further reading:VietnamWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout VietnamCountry Guides
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