Vietnam is a dazzling destination; soft, powdery beaches on the coastline give way to rugged mountains and fields of green rice in the interior, and Halong Bay offers a gorgeous welcome to the country. Experience a blend of European and Southeast Asian cultures in Hanoi, the country’s colonial capital, or enjoy the modern buzz of Ho Chi Minh City with its growing skyscrapers and bustling markets. Explore ancient temples and well-preserved villages to get a sense of Vietnam throughout the centuries, and enjoy the unbelievable cuisine...
It’s hard not to feel awed by the spectacular scenery of Vietnam’s Halong Bay, as you sail through the emerald-green waters and view the limestone formations jutting out in every direction. These islands are the main attraction here, allowing you to enjoy a wealth of outdoor recreation from hiking to scuba diving. Stop off at Tuan Chau to enjoy a little beach time, or go rock climbing in Cat Ba National Park.
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit for history buffs! You’ll see French colonial architecture like the 19th-century Notre Dame Basilica, as well as reminders of the role it played during the Vietnam War. Get a feel for what it would be like to be a soldier here in the Cu Chi Tunnels, a warren that takes you under the city, or shop for mouth-watering treats and crafts in the Ben Thanh Market.
The best time to visit will depend on your cruise ship’s itinerary, because the climate varies considerably from one end of the country to the other! One thing to keep in mind is the monsoon season – the southwest monsoon season lasts from May to September, and the northeast from October to April. So if you’re visiting the south of the country it’s best to visit between December and April, and the north is dry and sunny between October through December. Of course, don’t let a little monsoon scare you off- usually the rainfall is short-lived and temperatures are generally balmy!
Touring around this beautiful country allows you to see its stunning natural formations, one of the highlights of which is Halong Bay. It features 1,600 limestone islands and caves, named a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. War history buffs will be fascinated by the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, giving a glimpse at the life of Viet Cong soldiers. Don’t miss a look at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, a flat tower standing 40 metres in height with ancient roads and palace ruins offering a look at the city’s heritage. Hoi An is another historic centre, with colonial building converted into modern businesses.
Visitors to Vietnam are in for a serious treat when it comes to dining. You may already be familiar with Pho, the satisfying noodle broth sprinkled with fresh herbs, or spring rolls, translucent rice paper filled with greens and protein. There’s also an abundance of rice-based dishes like ‘com tam’ which features pork served over broken rice with cucumber, tomato, and pickle garnishes. Enjoy giant savoury pancakes stuffed with shrimp, sprouts and pork, or sticky rice with a range of toppings. And for lunch on the go, banh mi sandwiches are served in baguettes, showing the French colonial influence on Vietnamese cuisine.
Vietnam
A fantastic way of seeing Vietnam is by River. Ho Chi Minh City has lots of places to visit such as the markets and Saigon Opera House. One of the key highlights is the Cu Chi Tunnels...
Vietnam
So our journey started back on the 01st December where we flew overnight from Manchester via Dubai to Ho Chi Minh City (formally known as Saigon) in Vietnam.
Learn more about Ho Chi Minh, one of Vietnam’s most famous political figures, by paying your respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Although entry is free of charge, you’ll need to dress appropriately to see his remains preserved in a striking glass case at this monument.
Go back further in time at Hue Imperial City, where you’ll be able to stroll among historic monuments including royal palaces, pagodas, temples, and tombs. The Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities is a highlight of central Vietnam, positioned on the Perfume River.
Vietnam’s coastline is marked by its limestone formation, but to see how it’s formed the interior visit the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province. It features the world’s largest cave, called Son Doong, with ceilings as high as 200 metres! If you’d rather stay above ground, the park is a popular destination for hiking and cycling as well.
Don’t miss the chance to see the Sand Dunes of Mui Ne, natural formations that make a beautiful backdrop for photos and seeing the sunset. You’ll see locals flying colourful kites and enjoying picnics on these massive sand dunes, and you can hire a plastic sledge if you want to enjoy a ride down the slopes.