Vietnam Destinations

Ho Chi Minh city
Ho Chi Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is the economic capital of Vietnam. It’s a bustling, dynamic and industrious centre and by far the most populous city of the country. The streets, where much of the city’s life takes place, are a myriad of shops, stalls, stands-on-wheels and vendors selling wares spread out on sidewalks. The city churns ferments, bubbles and fumes. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of the ancient culture.

Mekong Delta
Considered as the southern rice basket of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is the perfect area for ecotourism, bird watching and discovering Vietnam’s scenic beauty. With thousands of canals nourishing a variety of fruit, trees and tropical plants, the Mekong Delta is a real display of the rural life. Places of interest in the Mekong Delta include My Tho, Vinh Long, Can Tho and Chau Doc.

Phu Quoc Island
Located in the Gulf of Thailand one hour by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, the mountainous and forested Phu Quoc Island has the most beautiful white sand beaches in Vietnam. Although not yet very developed, this wild island with its transparent blue-green waters is a charming and booming destination.

Phan Thiet
The fishing town of Phan Thiet located, 200 km from Saigon on the China Sea, is a perfect stop for beach holidays. In a nice setting with white sand beaches and coconut trees, the beach resort of Phan Thiet is also endowed with amazing spots such as sand dunes, natural lakes and astonishing red canyons.

Dalat
The former French hill station of Dalat is located on the Lang Bian Highlands.
At an altitude of 1,500m above sea level and 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City endowed with, favorable climate and a spectacular natural landscape. The city enjoys fresh air and cool weather all the year round. It is famous for its green pine forests, colorful flowers and fruit the whole year round.
Rolling hills and fertile valley are dotted with lakes and thousands of villas nestling in the pine trees. In the distance, water flows from high peaks into inviting rivulets and imposing waterfalls.

Nha Trang
Although it could well develop into a flashy resort, Nha Trang is still fairly quiet. With its palm-lined white sand beaches and clear waters, Nha Trang’s prime activities are snorkeling and diving, although just relaxing on the beach is an experience in itself.

Central Highlands
Along the border with Cambodia and Laos, the western region of the Central Highlands is one of the remotest areas of Vietnam. Although attracting few tourists, with its picturesque scenery, wildlife, rural life and the presence of up to 31 distinct ethnic minority groups, from Kontum via Pleiku to Buon Me Thuot, this region is a fantastic destination worth seeing.

Danang
Founded in 1888 and called Tourane by the French, Danang is Vietnam’s third international gateway, has long been the busiest port, and is now the main city in central Vietnam. Nowadays, except for a few architectural remains of the French colonial period and its famous Cham museum, the city is mainly an active business city and port. In the outskirts, the most famous beaches of Vietnam offer great opportunities for relaxation. China Beach and My Khe Beach were famous during the American War as the rest and recreation destination for American troops and are also outstanding surf spots.

Hoi An
Known as Faifo, it was an important trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries 40 km south of Danang The picturesque town of Hoi An, with its unique character, is considered the most enchanting place on the coast. A mixture of Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, British and French influence, it retains the feel of centuries past. It's magnificent collection of almost 850 old structures and intact streetscapes just beg to be explored… a great deal of rustic charm and an ideal spot to relax!

Hue
Former capital of the country from 1802 to 1945, Hue is often referred to as Vietnam’s most beautiful city and has long been a major cultural, religious and educational centre. Surrounded by moats, the intriguing Purple Forbidden City which served as the residence of the Nguyen Emperors was constructed by Emperor Gia Long from 1804. Largely destroyed during the American War, the remains of the citadel, which have been partially restored, still contain interesting sights. About 15 km south of Hue are the imperial tombs with the most important being Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh.

Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)
After the Agreements of Geneva resulting in the partition of Vietnam into two zones (1954 to 1975), with the Ben Hai River serving as the demarcation line between the North and the South, a Demilitarized Zone of 5 km on either side of the River was created. Located at the 17th parallel and around 100 km North of Hue, the DMZ was the scene of several battles during the American war and still today contains interesting sites rich in history.

Hanoi
Smaller and more dignified than Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam look likes a provincial city with its green areas, tree-lined boulevards and lakes. Souvenirs of a colonial past and a rich historical background, Hanoi is by far an excellent city for romance.

Halong
170 Km east of Hanoi and located in the Gulf of Tonkin lays Halong Bay. Recognized as one of the world’s most stunning natural treasures, its picturesque landscape of sea and sky has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With over 3000 islets covering an area of 150km2 of emerald clear water and its numerous caves and grottoes, Halong Bay is a truly mystical place.

Mai Chau
Located 70 km southwest of Hanoi, rich in beautiful landscapes, Hoa Binh region, in the heart of the former Tonkin, is home to Muong and Zao ethnic minorities and the first large reservoir in Vietnam. 60 km west of Hoa Binh is Mai Chau a small village occupied by White Thai minority. Easily accessible from Hanoi, these areas offer a small sample of the different ethnic minorities that can be seen in Vietnam.

Dien Bien Phu
Dien Bien Phu, in the heart-shaped Muong Thanh Valley near the Lao border, is one of the remotest parts of Vietnam. Surrounded by steep heavily forested hills inhabited by hill tribes, Dien Bien Phu was the site of a decisive battle in 1954 between Viet Minh forces and the French garrisons. After a 57-day siege, and as result of this battle, the French government was forced to abandon its attempts to re-establish colonial control of Indochina.
Today the site of the battle is marked by a small museum which eloquently tells the story of Vietnamese determination to get rid of the colonial forces. Other places of interest include the bunker headquarters of Colonel De Castries and Dien Bien Phu Cemetery.

Sapa
Located at an altitude of 1600m near the Chinese border in the North-Western Highlands, the former French hill station of Sapa is home to more than 30 hill tribes and Vietnam's highest mountain, Mount Fansipan (3143m). This area, with its spectacular mountain scenery and terraced rice paddies, is a perfect spot to explore authentic hill tribe villages and for trekking opportunities.