This is mostly down to a relaxation in Vietnams economic policies allowing the country to finally start realising its true potential. This combined with the popularity of Indochina amongst travellers in recent years means that Vietnam is a very exciting place to be right now. You so rarely get to enjoy a country at its peak - either you are one of the early pioneers when facilities are poor and the locals are generally a little unsure about your presence; or you have missed the peak and the tourist trail is already well and truly trodden. Obviously both of these stages also have their advantages; however there is something very special about travelling in a country when it’s riding high. Take a tour to Vietnam and you’ll know exactly what we mean!

Many visitors are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting; the stunning hills, mountains and valleys to be explored in the north; the Mekong Delta in the south and the many hundreds of miles of deserted beaches that lie in-between. The majority of our itineraries allow you to travel the length of the country ensuring you get to enjoy all the amazing beaches, the patchwork of rice paddies to be seen mile after mile in all directions, and to enjoy the abundance of fresh seafood that plays such an important part in the popularity of Vietnamese cuisine – you think it tastes good back home, just wait until you taste the real thing!

Vietnam also has a lot to offer anyone who is looking to push themselves a little; with some great adventure tour itineraries....some of the finest in Asia. The north is any keen trekkers dream, The roads and trails that follow the original route of the infamous Ho Chi Minh trail and continue into the delta offer superb riding and the central highlands provides the perfect setting for kayaking and rock-climbing tour itineraries. You’ll also get to meet and learn about the minority hill tribes that live in the areas you are exploring, through the use of our home stays (spending a night or two in a village home.)

Holiday and Adventure Tour Highlights

Hanoi's Old Quarter

Vietnam's capital city still retains its ancient legacies, no more so than in the congested Old Quarter. You can spend hours wandering the narrow streets of the old merchant traders.

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Sa Pa

A former hill station set amongst the northwest's breathtaking mountain scenery, is the perfect base for trekking to the numerous minority villages of the Dao and Hmong peoples.

Ha Long Bay

Take a boat around spectacular Ha Long Bay - a World Heritage Site - and sail amongst countless grottoes, islands and jagged limestone rock formations, which jut out of the emerald South China Sea.

Hué

Take a trip back in time on a slow boat along the Perfume River through aristocratic Hué, stopping off to visit ancient pagodas and the majestic mausoleums of former emperors.

Hoi An

Spend a few relaxing days in this riverside port town, with charming, centuries-old wooden merchant houses and Chinese Assembly Halls interspersed amongst its quiet streets.

Ho Chi Minh City

Soak up the colonial ambience of its tree-lined boulevards and grandiose French-style villas, many of which now house excellent museums.

Mekong Delta

At the heart of the meandering Mekong Delta, My Tho is an ideal base to explore the myriad of slender canals that unravel picturesque floating markets, fruit orchards, paddy fields and coconut plantations.

Pho

Sampling the Pho (the local noodle soup, pronounced ‘fur’) from the variety of street stalls throughout Vietnam. Heaven in a bowl. When to visit

The weather, the festivals and the tourist season - they all make a difference - more

Nick Pulley
www.selectiveasia.com