The surreal seascape of Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most magical sights. Bizarrely beautiful, this is geology gone mad with hundreds of limestone pinnacles protruding from the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Only accessible by boat, these tiny islands are dotted with beaches and beautiful grottoes which have been created by the wind and waves. Cascading rice terraces and spectacular scenery envelope the former hill station of Sapa, where surrounding valleys and villages are home to hill tribe people who wander into town to trade their wares. The Tonkinese Alps including Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak, are perfect for trekking among tranquil mountains with mesmerising views.
Recommended accommodation
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Emeraude Cruises
Styled after a traditional colonial era French steamboat, Emeraude offers 37 deluxe, air-conditioned cabins, a restaurant, sundeck and two bars.
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Halong Junks
The Halong traditional junks come in a range of sizes, usually with six to eight cabins with comfortable accommodation.
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Victoria Express
For a luxurious and elegant journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai, the Victoria Express offers comfortable sleeper compartments and a smart dining car from which to watch the scenery turn from city to countryside.
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Victoria Sapa
Perched on a hill, overlooking the town, the hotel provides a perfect base from which to explore the local area.
Sample itinerary
DAY 1 - 4 Luang Prabang/Vientiane
Fly to Luang Prabang via Bangkok. Spend two days exploring the landscape, mountains, Royal Palace & the Wat Xieng Thong temple.Trek through local villages & waterfalls. Fly to Vientiane to explore the city, Pha That Luang & Wat Si Saket & pay a visit to Phu Khao Khuay National Park
DAY 5 - 7 Hanoi
Fly to Hanoi to experience the Old & French Quarters.Visit Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, the Temple of Literature & the One Pillar Pagoda or watch a water puppet show. Enjoy a night at Halong Bay on a traditional junk & try the delicious fresh seafood of the area
DAYS 8 - 11 Hue/Hoi An
Take a short flight to Hue on the Perfume River, visiting the beautiful citadel & tombs of the Nguyen dynasty. Then drive to Hoi An. Unwind on the beach or visit the World Heritage Site town & its wonderful architecture. Have a wardrobe of clothes made in a day by the world
famous tailors
DAY 12 - 14 Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, & experience the electric vibrancy of the city. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace & enjoy a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel, once a popular haunt of journalists. Walk around the War Remnants Museum & visit the Cu Chi tunnels
DAY 15 - 18 Angkor
Fly to Siem Reap & spend a few days walking amongst the ancient temples of Angkor. A private guide will explain the intricacies of the different temples from Bayon to Banteay Srei. Spend a night on a temple safari or half a day on the Tonle Sap Lake for a taste of floating village life
Prices start from £2,045 including flights.
Please call us for a bespoke itinerary and quotation
