What to do in Vietnam

A cruise on Halong Bay is a must when in Vietnam, a bucket-list destination with some 2,000 limestone karsts rising from crystal clear emerald-hued waters. You’ll be able to soak up the scenery while relaxing on the sundeck or take part in activities like swimming and snorkelling or even paddle in a kayak to caves with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. You should also ask our specialists about cruises to neighbouring bays Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha – equally stunning, but seeing much fewer visitors.

Enjoy an overnight cruise on Halong Bay on our Highlights of Vietnam example itinerary

One of Vietnam’s must-visit cities, Hoi An is effortlessly atmospheric, with a vehicle free centre and cobbled streets lit with lanterns and loaded with history. Explore on foot, enjoying the majestic architecture and centuries-old buildings, browsing enticing shops, including tailor shops with custom-made services at bargain prices. Don’t miss the Hoi An and Diep Dong museums, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. A must during any stay in Hoi An is visiting one of it’s excellent tailors, who can produce made-to-measure garments in just 24 hours, and at excellent prices. Ask your specialist for a recommendation!

The Mekong Delta is a fertile agricultural region, sometimes called “Vietnam’s Rice Basket,” thanks to the maze of waterways fed by the Mekong River. Its blanketed with rice fields and mangroves while hosting the famous floating markets. They can be visited by hopping on a boat, providing a glimpse of local daily life while browsing offerings like mangoes, coconuts, turtles and snakes.

Experience the heart of the Mekong Delta on our Complete Vietnam example itinerary

Located along the south-eastern edge of Lan Ha Bay in Northern Vietnam, Cat Ba island is breathtaking but has managed to remain unspoiled without having attracted the tourist masses just yet. A fantastic hiking destination, a 45-minute trek will bring you to Ngu Lam Peak, with your reward one of the best views of the island, a panorama of jagged emerald mountains.

Central Vietnam’s central Phong Nga Ke Bang National Park is home to the world’s largest (Son Doong) and third-largest (Hang En) caves. Sitting within dense interior jungle just 20km from the border with Laos, the cave network was only discovered in 2009 and made open to the public in 2013. The caves have since been thoroughly explored and mapped by the British Cave Research Association who, with a network of experienced local adventurers, now run epic overnight adventure tours which culminate in a night under canvas inside the huge entrance chamber. In a few short years Phong Nga has gone from total tourism obscurity to its present status as ‘Asia’s Adventure Capital’.