Vietnam in 16 days +
Undiscovered Land of the Blue Dragon
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Halong Bay
- Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh
- Accommodation
- All flights
- All transfers.
- Some meals
- Activities
Vietnam in 16 days +
Undiscovered Land of the Blue Dragon
Exoticca Travel Stories
Creating unforgettable memories, one traveler at a time
As in many Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam's festivities are governed by the lunar calendar. Not every year coincide in the same dates, but to celebrate many of them you must wait for a full moon.
Some of their most important festivals are ruled by the Buddhist religion, so pilgrims make the journey from all over the world and events are organized in and around the temples. The Vietnamese consider the cycles of nature, so it is not surprising that there are ceremonies of gratitude for successful crops and festivals to mark the changing of the seasons.
LEARN MOREVietnamese cuisine is one of the tastiest and most varied in Southeast Asia. It has certain French influences, hence one of its most famous dishes, Bánh xèo, reminds us of the classic French crepes.
In Vietnam, fish and chilli sauce is widely used, so it is characterized by its spicy taste. Pork, rice noodles, vegetables and seafood are widely used, prawns being one of the most common ingredients in many of their dishes. Here you will find information about the typical dishes of Vietnam. Do not miss any of them, you will love them!
LEARN MOREVietnam is a shopping paradise. The streets of its main cities like Hanoi, the capital, are full of markets where you can find authentic bargains: clothing, footwear, accessories and a wide range of handicrafts. It is important to keep in mind that the cheapest items are those that are manufactured in the country, so everything imported will have a similar price to the U.K. For example, it is not worth buying electronics or mobile phones since they are not cheaper than in any European countries.
All cities have shopping centres, although most of them are focused on tourists. The Vietnamese usually buy their wares in the markets, where they must go to different stalls to pick up all the items they need. The best places to go shopping are Hanoi, where you will find the old market; Ho Chi Minh City, where the Ben Thanh Market, An Dong and the modern Windsor Plaza shopping center are located; Or Hoi An, where you can find custom-made clothing.
LEARN MOREA travel destination loved by all who have visited, Vietnam tour package is the definition of exotic charm and offers visitors a world of Buddhist pagodas, energetic cities, rice paddies, and tropical beaches, not to mention the eternal magic of the winding Mekong River and the magnificent Halong Bay. A Southeast Asian country on the South China Sea, Vietnam shares borders with Cambodia, Laos, and China.
The bustling capital of Hanoi is known for its dizzying traffic, brilliant cuisine and authentic atmosphere, alongside a helping of charming French colonial architecture. On the other hand, the most populous city of Ho Chi Minh, formerly Saigon, in the south of the country, has a more westernized feel. And in the middle of the country, the cozy Hoi An will show you the lighting of Vietnam.
It is true that Vietnam tours will show you a land of contrasts, from the sleepy hills of Sapa to the idyllic beaches of Phu Quoc and the desert sand dunes of Bao Trang, Vietnam is as diverse as it is enchanting.
A socialist republic, the country has a distinctly exotic feel that is so often desired by intrepid travelers, both in the otherworldly beauty of its natural wonders and in its dynamic non-stop cities. So dive into a nation filled with mouth-watering street food, millions of motorbikes, awe-inspiring scenery and some of the warmest and most hospitable locals you’ll ever meet with a holiday to Vietnam.
Vietnam’s turbulent 20th-century history is well-know, but the country has a long and fascinating heritage that has shaped the country into what it is today. The territory of modern-day Vietnam has been inhabited since Paleolithic times and for over a millennium it had close ties with China, a period in history that heavily influenced the countries culture, traditions, and beliefs.
It was not until the 10th-century that it emerged as an independent kingdom under a monarchy, marking a long period of imperial dynasties, each leaving their own mark on the country and its people. You’ll notice the French influence if you go on package holidays to Vietnam, which began in the 18th-century as the peninsula was colonized and settled by the French, eventually becoming French Indochina. The majority of the French settlers made their home in Ho Chi Minh, or Saigon as it was called, leaving a legacy of exceptional architecture such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office; not to be missed on a package tour of Vietnam.
During the years of World War II and the First Indochina War, communist nationalist groups gained momentum in Vietnam, resulting in the division of the country into North and South. The Vietnam-America War followed as the two parts of the country, backed by their corresponding allies fought each other for control of the nation. This devastating conflict endured for almost 20 years, culminating in the Fall of Saigon in 1975, bringing about the reunification of the country as a Communist state. Many relics of this turbulent time can be revisited on a tour of Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City at the War Remnants Museum or the Cu Chi Tunnels.
One of the unique characteristics of Vietnam is its huge length, with a coastline which stretches a staggering 3,455 kilometers from north to south. Luscious beaches dot the coastline whilst inland you’ll find dense forests, rolling hills, and rice paddies. The two delta regions of the Red River Delta and Mekong Delta offer travelers on a tour of Vietnam the opportunity to experience the most representative examples of rural life amongst the flooded plains and mangrove forests where the river is both a means and a way of life.
In the north of the country, Sapa stands out as a shining example of Vietnam’s natural beauty; an emerald green paradise of hillside rice terraces, hiking trails and villages, offering fresh air and respite from bustling city life. It’s easily accessible from Hanoi. The country’s best known natural wonder is Halong Bay, an icon of Vietnam. Bejeweled with thousands of vegetation covered limestone karsts, its mystical waters invite you to spend lazy afternoons relaxing on the deck of a traditional ‘junk’ boat, appreciating the eerie quiet of the landscape. It’s an obligatory stop if you travel to Vietnam.
Phu Quoc Island is Vietnam’s answer to sun-soaked paradise. Here you can find the best beaches in the country and enjoy the laid back vibe of the island, located off the south coast of the mainland. The islands of Can Dao are another favorite of those looking for a beach-side escape in Vietnam and also the Nha Trang city.
Vietnamese culture is the result of many different influences over the centuries which have given the nation a unique identity. Chinese, Khmer, and Champa cultures have all impacted on the cultural landscape, although the French influence is clearly seen in the use of the Latin alphabet and the popularity of Catholicism in Vietnam.
If you take a tour of Vietnam and have the chance to immerse yourself into local life, you’ll find that family and community are more important values than individualism, and it is common for large extended families to live together. The cuisine is a favorite with foodies around the world, for its unique flavor combinations and fresh, spicy aromas.
When it comes to religion, a large proportion of the population hold Buddhist and Catholic beliefs, but the majority of Vietnamese do not follow any religion at all or continue to practice Vietnamese folk religions and traditions. Many Vietnamese are very spiritual and believe in omens and bad luck. Vietnam tour package during a national festival, such as Tet Nguyen Dan, the lunar new year and a celebration of spring, is the perfect way to experience the local culture, especially the appreciation that the Vietnamese have for their ancestors.
Holidays to Vietnam are one of the most exotic travel experiences you could wish for. The exquisite natural beauty, warm hospitality of the locals and fascinating culture and traditions are worth traveling for!
Entry requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the expiry date of their visa.
Visa
Visa required. You can apply for Vietnam’s electronic visitor’s visa at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt
Time zone
UTC + 07:00.
Currency
Vietnamese Dong.
Language
Vietnamese.
Tourist Office website
Electricity
220 V in the majority of the country. Adapter required.
Other useful information
There is free wi-fi in the most popular tourist spots of the country.
Health
Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.
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