Experience The Very Best Of Vietnam

Discover the bays and the cities to the culture and cuisine of this fascinating country with Contiki…

Stretching along the borders of China, Laos and Cambodia, Vietnam is an explorer’s dream destination for discovery. Forcing you to get out of your comfort zone, you can’t experience this country without immersing yourself in the culture, history, food, local people and dramatic landscape. With 10 days and three domestic flights, you can see, do and feel it all on Vietnam Highlights with Contiki.

Beginning in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Ho Chi Minh, you can witness the many influences
from the USA and France with countless places to eat and drink, incredible architecture and even pastries that could rival those found in the French capital.

With a city tour, you get your first burst of Vietnamese history with visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum, before flying to the sweeping beaches and turquoise waters of Nha Trang, where you’re free to try local fruits, snorkel to offshore islands, and watch the sunset at a beach bar for a whole day.

Jump on another flight to Dan Nang and drive to Hoi An, a pretty little town with Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and European influences. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is drenched in history, and a local guide is more than happy to share with you the stories behind the old merchant shops, the 400-year-old bridge and the pagoda.

In the afternoon, why not order some clothes to be handmade with beautiful materials and unique designs from local tailors? Then head out on a countryside bike ride past rice fields and traditional
homes, before opting for a cooking class. With a free day to do with as you wish in Hoi An, you can
explore the ruined Hindu temples of the Champa Empire, visit boutique galleries and antique shops,
and browse the local market.

Leaving Hoi An, you travel onwards, through the Pass of the Ocean Clouds, past the blue coast and rolling green hills, to Hue. After admiring the gardens, statues and lotus flower ponds of Tu Duc
Mausoleum, it’s onto the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, which you reach on a dragon boat down
the Perfume River.

Jumping on another flight, you land in the northern capital of Hanoi. Romantic and full of vitality with French, Chinese and Vietnamese influences, the Old Quarter is the place to be with a maze of
laneways, houses and shops. In contrast, you visit the Temple of Literature, a peaceful paradise with
walled gardens, pillars and decorated dragons that is nearly 1,000 years old!

From Hanoi, your final destination is Halong Bay, undoubtedly one of the most picture-perfect places in Vietnam. Board a Chinese-style junk boat for an overnight cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, including views of the Gulf of Tonkin, flourishing forest, striking cliffs, beautiful beaches and nearly 2,000 islands. With some freshly caught seafood for dinner, enjoy the comfort of an overnight cabin on board the traditional boat, before returning back to Hanoi on your final day to continue your adventures!

This 10-day tour through Vietnam starts at $1,485pp and includes nine nights accommodation, three domestic flights, transport, a Contiki Trip Manager and a new group of friends to travel with! Many of the activities are also included, but you can add on me-time optionals to enhance your experience even further.

Vietnam Highlights is one of many Contiki Holidays Asia trips from 9-25 days. If you’ve only got a few weeks to travel or if you’re looking to experience Asia and make new friends along the way, definitely consider organised group travel as an option. It’s great to share your experiences with like-minded people, and even better if they’re with you for the ride. Give Contiki a call on 1300-188-635, head to Contiki.com or visit your local travel agent.