A Timeless Charm Vietnam

Spectacular nature. Exceptional cuisine. Cultural diversity. Excellent service.

Vietnam in south-eastern Asia is perhaps one of the most considerably beautiful countries on the continent. Known for its untouched beauty and plenty of untouched attractions such as the vast paddy fields, limestone islands in Halong Bay, or the huge cave system in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, the country delivers quite an unmatched experience. On the other hand, moulded by its rugged and war-torn history, Vietnam today is a faraway shadow of its past, with the cities and towns brimming with elevated and imminent skyscrapers, quaint floating markets, and mopeds zooming through the roads. Add to that the ever-delightful genuine Vietnamese cuisine fast gaining popularity worldwide, and you have a wholesome experience like no other.

The hidden charm

Angkor Wat in Cambodia with a unique prospect to experience the natural beauty and traditional lifestyle throughout your journey. Start with a visit to Vietnam's capital city, travel to Northwest Vietnam to discover the colourful cultures of the hill tribe peoples in Sapa, and sail through the mystical Halong Bay. Conclude your holiday with a visit to the ancient Angkor temples of the Khmer Kingdom.

A Glimpse of Vietnam

It starts in Hanoi – Vietnam's charming capital, cruising on Halong Bay, passing through the Centre's stopover of Danang and Hoian, and ends in the bustling commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City. In a land of breathtaking natural beauty, abiding tradition, and profoundly hospitable people, we introduce you to a week with the highlights of Vietnam that rewards abound for thoughtful travellers coming from the Philippines.

Hanoi

Where Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is alive with new growth geared toward achieving total applicability in the global marketplace, Hanoi's atmosphere speaks more of a reverence for the modest wisdom that comes with time and experience. Though Hanoi's population is young and smart—educated about the world through the Internet and foreign travel—many visitors to this vibrant and welcoming city remark on the city's sense of age and solidity.

Hanoi's modern architecture and amenities are built near a core of ancient streets, foods, culture, and living habits in a harmonious blend that reveres the old while welcoming the new. Hanoi may be your favourite destination in the vibrant tapestry that is Vietnam.

Halong bay

Travellers visit Halong Bay for an up-close look at its unique limestone islands, rock formations, and caves. Carved away over centuries by wind and water, they're spectacular. Rent a kayak or a dregs boat, or take a tour to explore.

Visit Halong Bay and you can experience a very diverse natural landscape, varying from long sandy beaches to thousand-year-old lime karst. Halong Bay covers nearly 1900 islets of different sizes, some very large such as Thien Cung Cave or Surprise Cave, and others as small as a few meters wide. Discover what you see as you make your way to this natural wonder.

Sung Sot Cave

Situated in the Centre of the UNESCO-declared World Heritage area, the Sung Sôt or Surprise Grotto is on Bo Hòn Island and is one of the finest and most comprehensive grottoes of Ha Long Bay. Climbing to the grotto, the way is covered by trees and greenery and consists of great paved stone blocks. Inside, it is partitioned into two sections, the first similar to a vast theatre hall. Many stalactites dangle from the high ceiling, with numerous possible forms and shapes.

Da nang

With wide beaches, fantastic street food, the fabled Hai Van Pass, and a growing group of cafes, restaurants, and bars, it's no wonder the residents of Da Nang sport some of the broadest smiles in the country. The cordial sands of My Khe Beach sweep south from the mountainous Son Tra Peninsula. Da Nang hosts some of Vietnam's top luxury resorts, but much of the beach still belongs to the people who make it their grassland, gym, and source of livelihood.

Top things to do in Da Nang

Enjoy the beach

Be sure to set the alarm clock early at least once during your stay. Along the shore, fishermen sell the day's catch, football, and volleyball matches spring up all around, and people jog, stroll or relax on the sand.

See the Son Tra Peninsula

The Son Tra Peninsula crashes out into the ocean; its densely forested hillsides are home to the endangered red-shanked douc, one of the world's most striking primates. Grab binoculars, hire a motorbike, and head out for a day of wildlife spotting.

Dine on street food

Da Nang is a goal destination for foodies, with scores of seafront eateries and road food stalls. Mi Quang — a dish of rice noodles, pork, shrimp, quail eggs, peanuts, and fresh herbs — is a must-try treat.

Explore Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains is a group of five outcrops crowned with atmospheric pagodas, only 15 minutes from the city. Set out in the early morning to take a peaceful walk up stone steps, explore hidden caves, and respect ancient shrines.

Ho Chi Minh City

Vibrating with energy, innovation and traffic – lots of traffic – Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam's economic heart and the southern region's central hub. A freewheeling, cosmopolitan metropolis, HCMC's dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city's past and future.

Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

See the top landmarks

Walk down Đồng Khởi street to familiarise yourself with the Notre Dame Cathedral, the city's Central Post Office, and the Saigon Opera House. On a more regional level, Bến Thành Market and the Jade Emperor Pagoda are worth a visit.

Shop small boutiques

Around District 1, multiple old apartments and former office buildings have been repurposed as shopping hubs. Decades-old structures such as 22 Lý Tự Trọng and 42 Nguyễn Huệ are brimming with all sorts of fascinating stores.

Hop on a motorcycle

Do as the locals do and hop on the back of a motorbike to see the city on street level and feel its vibrant pulse. Motorbike tours set off in the evening, when the city is at its most romantic and the sidewalk sellers are out in force.

Eat street food

Ho Chi Minh City locals love to gather around dented metal tables across the city for great roadside feasts. Don't miss highlights such as bánh mì, southern-style savoury pancakes and broken rice.