Vietnam is perfect for adventurous clients who love Asia but are tired of Thailand. Janine Kelso picks the best hotels and attractions
Sandwiched between China, Laos and Cambodia, Vietnam is blessed with sumptuous sandy beaches, vibrant cities, amazing cuisine and a rich culture – helping it emerge as a hot tourist destination in recent years.
While many operators such as Virgin Holidays sell Vietnam as part of a twin-centre break, others including Kuoni, Jetlife, Exodus and Trips Worldwide are selling it as a stand-alone product.
“You can visit Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, tour the country and finish at a beach resort for a great 14-night holiday,” said Jetlife head of product, Paul Tilling. “Vietnam has temples and palaces, dramatic scenery and plenty of charm – plus tourists are still morbidly curious about the war.”
One company that has seen an increase in UK travellers visiting the country recently is Korean Air. Sales manager UK and Ireland Peter Barron said: “People have done Thailand, but they love Asia and want to go somewhere different. Vietnam is like Thailand was 30 or 40 years ago.”
Where to stay
The five-star Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara, Nha Trang, on a sun-soaked beach with a mountainous backdrop, has a spa and dive centre. All the beach villas have private plunge pools.
The opulent five-star Caravelle Hotel is almost an institution in Ho Chi Minh City. If you don’t stay here, sup a cocktail at its rooftop bar. Sample French-colonial splendour at the five-star Sofitel Metropole Hanoi where author Graham Greene wrote his novel The Quiet American.
By day
Teeming with street markets and shops, Ho Chi Minh City is a haven for bargain hunters looking for silk, lacquerware, jewellery and ceramics. Attractions include the History Museum and the former US Embassy.
Explore the legendary Cu Chi tunnels just outside Ho Chi Minh City – a fascinating legacy from the Vietnam War. The underground passages allowed the Vietcong army to move long distances undetected and even contained hospitals.
Stroll along the wide boulevards lined with restored colonial villas in Dalat and explore the nearby lakes and waterfalls. View the lush green paddy fields in the Mekong Delta in the south and visit the colourful Cai Rang floating market near Can Tho.
Marvel at the limestone monoliths rising out of the sea at Halong Bay, east of Hanoi. Arrive by canoe and stay overnight on the beach or on a boat for a real adventure.
Explore Hue, the former home of the Vietnamese royal family, with its 19th century ruins and royal tombs, and finish with a boat tour on the Perfume River.
Kick back on Danang’s famous China Beach or one of Phan Thiet’s palm-fringed beaches or visit Nha Trang with its four miles of sand and plentiful dive and snorkelling sites.
By night
Hip coffee shops rival bars as the place to be seen for Vietnam’s young trendies. After downing a strong cup of ca phe, hit a karaoke club for a traditional night out. If coffee’s not your thing, sample the cheap and tasty draft beer called bia hoi.
Catch a water puppet show, performed to the tune of traditional music, at the Municipal Water Puppets Theatre on the banks of the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi.
Eat like a local on Ho Chi Minh City’s Thi Sach and Dinh Cong Trang streets, which serve up cheap eats. Then party till the early hours in the city’s neon-lit bars and clubs.
Vietnam travel facts
Who flies there: Thai Airways, Korean Air, Air France, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, British Airways and Lufthansa.
Flight time: It’s not possible to fly direct from the UK. Change in Paris, Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong Kong.
Currency: Dong. £1 = 3.19 dong
Time difference: GMT +7 hours
Weather: The tropical south enjoys year-round temperatures of 25C and the rainy season runs from May until November. Typhoons affect the coast between July and November.
Sample product
Exodus offers a 17-day escorted walking tour of Vietnam for £1,447 per person in October featuring Hanoi and Halong Bay and stays in remote village homes. Price includes flights, accommodation, transport, all breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners.
Trips Worldwide offers a seven-night Vietnam Highlights tour for £1,480 per person in July, featuring Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue and Cu Chi Tunnels. Price includes flights, transfers and accommodation.
