> Vietnam – Some Touring Suggestions
Learn More About Vietnam
Vietnam is a fantastic country to explore, with so much rich culture, fascinating ancient and more modern history, and scenic contrasts.
Weather wise it is split into three sections, each with their own climate pattern. The north, essentially Hanoi/ Halong Bay can be cold and misty particularly in the months of November to early February, so you need to pack accordingly. It starts to warm up from mid February onwards, and the spring months are generally very pleasant, as is September. July & August can be hot and humid.
The Central area, Danang /Hoi An is more temperate, although the period November to early February can be cooler than maybe expected – good for sightseeing, maybe not ideal for the beach. The temperatures start to climb from February onwards and the period March to September is generally bright and sunny and the seas calm. Some typhoons might be experienced in the months September to December. This area has the Hai Van mountains, and those resorts just south, like Danang & Hoi An, tend to get warmer quicker and have less rainfall than the resort areas north of the range such as Lang Co which hold the winter climate longer so are generally good April to September only.
The South
Saigon and the surrounding area is hot and humid year round, and is at its most popular in our winter months.
It is the one area of Vietnam that can be sold year round if warmth is the consideration, as even in the summer months when you have slightly more rain, this is usually in hard showers rather than persistent. As with all of our arrangements, the following are just a few ideas. They can all be easily adapted to suit your personal requirements.
Vietnam Highlights - North to South
3 nights in the capital, Hanoi, with an extra night to visit Halong Bay to stay overnight on a traditional junk. Then fly south for just over an hour to Danang and stay 5 nights in one of the super beach front hotels, also making time to visit atmospheric Hoi An which is just a short drive away from most of the hotels.
You can also visit Hue on a day trip. A long day, but well worth it for those wanting to see one of the most charming cities in the region. Continue south by one hour flight, arriving in Saigon and stay 3 nights. Incredible city, so exciting, great buildings and super shopping. A must on any tour of the region.
Visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels and if time allows continue south to experience the totally authentic Mekong Delta for at least a night, two nights if we can encourage you to take an overnight cruise on the river.
Southern Highlights
3 nights in Saigon, 2 nights in the Mekong Delta with overnight cruise and then take the road transfer to Phan Thiet, where you have the lively resort of Mui Ne (can be popular with Russians in the winter months) or the the much quieter Ke Ga where you have the wonderfully romantic hide and chic retreat of Princess D’Annam.
Spring Suggestion
With regular flights several times weekly from Hong Kong direct to Danang. Why not consider 3 nights in Hong Kong first before flying onto Danang and then maybe end in Saigon for a few more days.
Vietnam Plus Ideas
There are regular flights into Saigon and Hanoi from all of the major cities in the regions, such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong, so multi-centre touring holidays are easy to arrange. Emirates also fly daily into Saigon, so a combination with Dubai is an interesting option. There are now flights several days weekly from Hong Kong to Danang and we are sure more will follow quickly from other points. We can also easily combine Vietnam with both Cambodia and/or Laos.
Vietnam – Some Touring Suggestions
Hotels in Vietnam
> Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay is one of the major attractions of any tour to Vietnam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, located just under 3 hours drive north east of Hanoi. The total area is vast, covering over 1500 kilometres, with over 1900 islets, mostly limestone with a tropical forest topping.
Princess d’Annam Resort and Spa, Phan Thiet
The Princess d’Annam Resort and Spa is one of the most acclaimed luxury hotels in the region. Located a scenic 4 hours drive north of Saigon, in the quiet resort of Ke Ga. 20 minutes from Phan Thiet and 40 minutes from Mui Ne. A real hide and chic top class retreat. It is wonderfully isolated with little else in the immediate area, so you just enjoy the spacious and comfortable accommodation
Apricot Hotel Hanoi
The Apricot Hotel is a delightful boutique hotel, with the emphasis on personalised style and attention. French Colonial façade and interior, with grand sweeping staircases and chandeliers. Vietnamese art is displayed throughout the property.
Centrally located overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, with the French and Old Quarters easily accessible. The airport is 50 minutes.
Renaissance Riverside Hotel, Saigon
A superior first class hotel. The Renaissance Riverside Hotel is located on the banks of the Saigon river in District one of the city. You are just minutes’ walk from the main shopping areas of Saigon and the famous Opera building.
La Veranda, Phu Quoc
The island of Phou Quoc is just one hour flight south of Saigon. An up and coming resort island, although developing at thankfully a slower pace than many of the resorts on the mainland. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and superb beaches, The Veranda is the most stylish hotel.
La Veranda is designed in a French colonial style, with a simple elegance, the 70 rooms continue the traditional theme with wooden floors and chic Vietnamese touches.
Hotel Des Arts Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Hotel Des Arts Sai Gon is a member of the Accor M Gallery collection. A modern exterior, with a classic elegance and simplicity interior, combining traditional Indochina elements with timeless French chic elegance. Centrally located in the popular District Three, a few minutes’ walk from the iconic Notre Dam Cathedral.
> About Vietnam
Indochina is the collective name for Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, the former French territories in the region. Despite huge changes in the last decade, the French influence still remains in majestic colonial buildings, the art scene and of course the food. Vietnam is also the country that is developing fast with many new hotels and resorts, most attractive, others not quite – but it still remains a totally enthralling place to visit.
Naman Retreat Danang – Hoi An, Vietnam
Naman Retreat Danang is a new luxury hotel, highly innovative design combining traditional Vietnamese heritage and modern comforts. Located on a superb stretch of beach, 20 minutes from Danang Airport and just 15 minutes drive to atmospheric Hoi An.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
The Sofitel Legend Metropole is one of the truly great grand hotels of the region. Totally luxurious in a elegant French colonial style. Located in the heart of the French quarter, just a few minutes walk to the famous Hanoi opera house, and 5 minutes to the bustling lanes of the Old Quarter. The airport is 45 minutes away
Fusion Resort Phu Quoc Vietnam
Fusion Resort Phu Quoc is a new deluxe resort hotel, opened in June 2017. Located on the quieter north-west coast of the island, in a sheltered bay. Phu Quoc is the largest of the Vietnam islands, 45 minutes flight south-west of Saigon in the Gulf of Thailand and is just off the southern tip of Cambodia.
Boutique Hoi An Resort, Vietnam
Boutique Hoi An Resort is a delightful, extremely well-priced boutique style hotel, well located just a few minutes drive from atmospheric Hoi An town. Danang Airport is 20 minutes. Attractive beach front. A charming French colonial design style.
82 rooms and villas spread over the extensive grounds leading down to the expansive beach front.
> Mekong River Cruise – Vietnam & Cambodia
The Mekong River Cruise is one of the incredible and exciting river journeys, cruising on the Mekong river from Saigon up to Siem Reap, an 8 day historical voyage of colonial Indochina, much of which is relatively untouched. Departing from either Saigon going north, or from Siem Reap heading south, travellers will experience the full spectrum of culture and life on the Mekong Delta, as well as excursions to cultural and historical sites throughout Vietnam and Cambodia.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay , Nha Trang
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is located on a separate island, only accessible by boat transfer (20 minutes speedboat from Nha Trang, daylight hours only). The airport at Nha Trang is just 55 minutes drive from the ferry jetty where Six Senses have their own exclusive lounge.
Four Seasons Nam Hai Resort, Hoi An – Danang, Vietnam
Four Seasons Nam Hai Resort is located just outside of the photogenic town of Hoi An, and 15 minutes from the lively resort of Danang. A stunning totally luxurious resort, set within extensive tropical gardens leading down to a soft sand beach front. The airport at Danang is 15 minutes away.
Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, near Nha Trang, Vietnam
Fusion Resort Cam Ranh is one of the most popular luxury resorts in the region. Low rise in design, boutique in ambience and personalised attention. The focus here will be spa, relaxation, with high quality accommodation.
Park Hyatt Saigon
The most fashionable and chic address in Saigon, The Park Hyatt Saigon is a luxurious and opulent hotel. Superbly located, the historic street of Le Loi is directly opposite and the hotel faces the famous Saigon Opera House. Although a new hotel, opened in 2008, the design is very much in keeping with the French colonial architecture which is very characteristic of Saigon. Transfer from airport is 50 minutes.
Fusion Maia Da Nang
The Fusion Maia Pool and Spa is a new luxurious spa focused resort, located on a fine stretch of beach. Instantly impressive, has a superb location, excellent facilities, an easy going elegance and ultra friendly staff – in particular in the excellent spa.
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam
The Six Senses Con Dao is positioned on the lush tropical island of Con Dao, 45 minutes flight south east of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city). All of the rustic chic associated with the Six Senses group, with the emphasis on indoor and outdoor space.
Hotel De L’Opera Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotel De L’Opera Hanoi is a trendy stylish boutique hotel, centrally located close to the famous Hanoi Opera building. Set within the elegant French quarter and just a few minutes’ walk to the old quarter lanes and shopping.
Mekong Delta Tour and Bassac Cruise Vietnam
We can offer several tours from Saigon. A full day tour will certainly give you an idea of this fantastic region, but our suggestion would be a two day (one night) extension, with an overnight spent in the busy provincial town of Can Tho, small by Vietnamese standards although still with a population of 1m plus! Our hotel suggestion would either be the nicely boutique Nam Bo hotel, just 8 rooms and right in the heart of the city facing the river or the larger Victoria hotel which is on the outskirts of town, just 6 minutes by water taxi.
> Vietnam Touring Options
On this page we detail just a few of the Vietnam Touring Options, either totally within the country or as a combination with neighbouring countries. All are arranged on a private basis, with driver and guide (different guides will be used throughout the country), so can be easily modified to suit your personal requirements.
As there are no direct flights to Vietnam from the UK, we suggest Bangkok as the most convenient gateway, although Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur can also be used.
All price guides are Per Person Sharing Double Room (Entry level), based on travel between May and/or June when prices are generally at their lowest and include promotional offers.
Supplements will probably apply at other times, particularly mid-summer in the Med, and for rooms and/or transfers arranged for single travellers.
For example Caribbean and Indian Ocean prices for winter can be approximately double the May - June level and about 50% more in Asia.
For the Mediterranean & Canary Islands, Caribbean, Arabia and Indian Ocean (except Sri Lanka) price guides generally include air fare and transfers.
*For Sri Lanka and Far East we show a per person per night hotel guide, excluding air fare, as arrangements tend to be individually tailored multi centre itineraries.
Please refer to Travel Advice on our home page or look at www.fco.gov.uk as the Foreign Office may have issued specific destination information on safety and terrorism.
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