Vietnam

Vietnam is a country of extraordinary extremes and distinctive experiences. From kayaking in Halong Bay, marvelling at the 14th century Cham ruins at My Son, relaxing on the pristine beaches of Danang and exploring ornate temples, ancient cobblestone streets of Hoi An and the modern high-rises of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a land of rugged mountains, lush forests, dense jungles and verdant rice paddies, with unspoiled beaches, bicycle-thronged cities and peaceful, rustic villages. Whether you choose the hustle and bustle of the city in Hanoi and Saigon or the coolness of Dalat, take a tour of this fascinating country, or simply want to spend your holiday enjoying the sunshine and the beaches of the central region, Vietnam will not disappoint.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam is a fascinating city with lakes, parks, wide tree-lined bicycle-filled boulevards, elegant French colonial mansions and sidewalk cafes. A visit to Ba Dinh Square and the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum, an extraordinary tribute to the evolution of Vietnamese independence, and the One Pillar Pagoda are not to be missed. Beyond Hanoi, the beautiful Halong Bay comprising of 3000 spectacular limestone outcrops, cliffs, arches and coves offers incomparable coastal scenery and is known as Vietnam's eighth wonder of the world.

Renowned for its scenic beauty with an endless stretch of unspoiled sandy beach, crystal blue sea and tropical hinterland, Da Nang is located on the east coast of Vietnam, a thriving seaport midway between Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Four of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites: the former imperial city of Hue, the ancient 'Silk Road' trading port of Hoi An, the spiritual centre of Champa civilization, My Son and the mystical Phong Nha Caves in Quang Binh province are situated within a short driving distance.

An old Japanese trading port, the ancient town of Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most charming towns. Wander the streets of this ancient port, visit the unique Japanese bridge and a traditional Chinese communal house or shop for art and silks at the numerous galleries and shops.

As the coastal capital of Khanh Hoa province, the pristine beauty of Nha Trang is legendary. It boasts soft white sand surrounded by warm, turquoise waters filled with an abundance of sea life and dotted with islands. The long, palm-lined sandy beach and a backdrop of mountains provide picturesque scenery. Nha Trang enjoys the well-deserved reputation of having the best climate in Vietnam, with an estimated 250 days of sunshine a year. Sail to one of the numerous islands and enjoy some excellent fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving or perhaps explore the surrounding countryside with its plush green paddy fields.

Often referred to as 'Le Petit Paris' or the 'City of Eternal Spring', Dalat is located at an altitude of 1,500 metres above sea level and enjoys a mild, temperate climate. It is also home to the oldest golf course in Vietnam which was originally built as a nine-hole layout by Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam. Take a stroll around the beautiful Xuan Huong Lake in the centre of the city, shop for local handicrafts at the bustling market or enjoy a round of golf.

Widely and affectionately still known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a mesmerising city of contrasts where elegant hotels, exclusive restaurants and trendy bars vie for space with roadside noodle stalls, local markets, pagodas, karaoke rooms and an endless stream of bicycles, cyclos and motorbikes. Its historic and colonial past is evident all over the city which now boasts an exciting culinary scene and delightful shopping, but it is the charm and friendliness of it's people that makes the Saigon experience so unique. Take an excursion to the amazing Cao Dai temple and the Cu Chi tunnels, visit Reunification Hall, and the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral or just wander the bustling streets and riverfront to enjoy the myriad of sights and sounds that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer.

 *Weather patterns are unpredictable and this data should be used as a guide only. Rainfall data is per month.