When you heard the word ‘Vietnam’, an image of the impressive natural scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage Halong Bay may spring up in your mind. However, don’t forget the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and stunning landscapes in northern Vietnam as well. Thanks for being blessed with hidden beauty, Vietnam is one of the most exciting holiday destinations in the world. It is not just a country, but a vast land where the people are as diverse as the landscape. Where to go in your Vietnam tours completely depends on what you really want to do. Let’s check out my pick of top 5 best Vietnam holiday deals and get ready for an unforgettable time in this lovely country!
Hanoi
The sheer variety you find in Hanoi makes it an addictive and action-packed destination all year round. Whether you love shopping bargains, buzzing bars, tasty food, or art and culture, all can be do-able right in Hanoi. You can arrive at Hanoi Old Quarter, join a walking tour, Hanoi cycling tour, or cyclo tour, or jump in a hire car and then explore the beautiful countryside of the Red River Delta.
A four-hour or five-hour tour in the Old Quarter offers you a chance to stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake. Moreover, you can cover the main themed streets with a stop at several old houses, pagodas, and temples; sample Pho, banh mi, bun cha, cha ca. A particular thing many enjoy is to see Vietnamese people in their daily activities. A Red River Delta Hanoi day tour offers hands-on activities at traditional handicraft villages where the traditional values have long been well-preserved.
Halong Bay
If you are looking forward to a chance to soak up some sunshine during your North Vietnam tours, then there is no better place to kick back and relax than Halong Bay – UNESCO World Natural Heritage.
Halong Bay is blessed with the breathtaking natural beauty of its unforgettable geography, beaches, and caves. Also, its unique culture in the fishing villages is a magnet for travelers.
It is a Vietnam’s perfect island paradise if you are looking to really get away from it all. To get bird’s-eye view of Halong Bay from Seaplane is one of the most enjoyable thing. Furthermore, it is interesting to discover mysterious caves such as Thien Cung, Sung Sot, Trinh Nu, etc. Nothing is greater than sun-bathing on awe-inspiring beaches such as Ti Top, Tuan Chau, Ngoc Vung, etc. At the same time, you also can exercise by kayaking between karsts limestone outcrops, BBQ party on beach, or practice Tai Chi on sundeck.
Hoi An
Hoi An is well-known as a lovely town of the historic quarter, temples, pagodas, and shrines, picturesque waterscape of Thu Bon River. It is a must-visit site for magnificent setting lovers. You will never get bored in this ancient town. Hoi An owns an abundant offering, ranging from ancient buildings and sun-kissed golden beaches to exhilarating family attractions. All makes it a kaleidoscope of color and a hub of activity.
To get more information about Hoi An, please take a glance at Hoi An what to do.
Fill your days feasting on some of the best dishes in Vietnam including cao lau, fried wonton (hoanh thanh), white rose (banh bao banh vac), khot cake (banh khot), mussel rice (com hen), chicken rice (com ga), grilled pork with rice paper (thit nuong banh uot); and not forgetting My Quang (Quang noodles).
Ho Chi Minh City
Southern Vietnam’s icons, such as Opera House, Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace, Saigon Cathedral of Notre Dame are just a few of the attractions to see. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s most populous and most popular city has more to offer for culture lovers. Saigon owns miles of museums and monuments, many of which are free. Therefore, it seems to be part of the reason why it becomes one of the most visited cities in Southern Vietnam, especially for families and school groups. It is such an ideal place to see Vietnam’s history in restrospect. If you are willing to learn more, drop by the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which hosts an eclectic collection of the former leader’s possessions and galleries like Fine Arts Museum.
While Saigon is an ideal city for history buffs and culture lovers, it is also a great jumping-off point for trips to the Mekong Delta.
Mekong Delta
If you are in the mood for sunny and warm days, hospitable Vietnamese people, why don’t you head south for some lush tropical orchards and memorable cruise trips?
Without the hustle and bustle of Southern Vietnam cities, the Mekong Delta offers an easy-going spirit and plenty of floating markets to explore. For sheer glamour, glitz and gorgeous scenery, there is no place like the Mekong Delta region. On touring the huge orchards, rice paddy fields and swampland of the Mekong Delta, it seems like stepping into another world.
To experience the real Southern Vietnam heartland, you should cruise on a river or row sampan through small canals; visit floating markets, houses, fish farms; listen to Southern traditional folk songs (don ca tai tu); and of course, try local dishes.
Whatever you are looking for, beach-bumming, party outdoors, and sun tanning in summer changing leaves in autumn, blooming flowers in spring, or snowy weather in winter, the best Vietnam holiday deals will definitely tick all the right boxes come shine or rain.
Some sample Vietnam itineraries you might like:
