Vietnam Adventure Holidays

Ha Long Bay is arguably the most famous of Vietnam’s attractions. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to thousands of towering limestone islands topped with dense rainforests. The bay’s blue-green waters are calm and clear during the spring and early summer and many of the surrounding islands have small alcoves with sandy beaches where it is possible to swim. On our holidays to Vietnam including Ha Long Bay, we’ll have the opportunity to explore this incredible natural wonder on an overnight cruise and kayak around Man’s Head Islet.

Originally named Saigon, Ho Chi Minh city was renamed after it was taken back from the US Army during the Vietnam War to honour the North Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh. Today, it is the most populous city in Vietnam and a must-see for those interested in the country’s history. On our holidays including Ho Chi Minh city, we’ll explore authentic local markets in China town and experience local life. We'll also visit iconic sites like the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, the former South Vietnam Presidential Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office.

Hue is a city rich in history, during the Nguyen Dynasty between 1802-1945 it was the capital of Vietnam. On our Vietnam trip we'll uncover the Imperial City of Hue, which was inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing, this huge complex is filled with many palaces, monuments and temples. Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Perfume River, which crosses through Hue, and enjoy some street food, this city is renowned to have some of the best food in Vietnam.

The bustling capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is one of the most ancient capital cities in the world and has been inhabited since about 3000 B.C. Today, the city is a unique mix of colonial-era buildings, ancient temples and modern structures. On our holidays to Vietnam including Hanoi, we’ll enjoy a full day city tour to take in the top highlights and experience a cyclo ride through the animated streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Due to the length of the country, the weather can vary significantly from one region to another. Tropical monsoons occur from October to April in the central region and from May to September in the north and south. It is almost totally dry throughout the rest of the year. It can get exceptionally hot, all year round, but the north has a cooler time between October and April. Temperatures around the country can reach up to 40C° in the pinnacle of the hot and rainy season (May to September), but the northern highlands and the capital Hanoi can often seem cold in the winter months. 

Vietnam is seven hours ahead on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. The Vietnamese currency is the Dong.

Profoundly influenced by the cuisines of France, China, and Thailand, Vietnamese cooking is highly innovative, fragrant, spicy, light and delicious. Duck and beef dishes are popular, as are crispy spring rolls with dipping sauces. The nation’s favourite dish is ‘pho’, a spicy noodle soup, with variations in recipe according to region and family. French colonial influence means superb crusty baguettes and sweet pastries as good as those served in France, at a fraction of the price! Green tea is the national drink, and Vietnam also produces beers.

• The Quiet American by Graham Greene
• Vietnam Rising Dragon by Bill Hayton
• Miss Saigon by Claude-Michel Schönberg & Alain Boublil