Vietnam with Luxury & Style (10 Days): A Sample Itinerary
ID #: DT-V-10-6-21-12-BESI
DavidTravel
Itinerary Highlights include:
On this independent program, discover one of Southeast Asia's most exciting destinations. Delve into timeless cities in authentic style, travelling the streets of colonial Hanoi by cyclo and wandering through Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown. Venture further afield to historic Hue, the former imperial capital, and romantic Ha Long Bay, weaving amid hundreds of towering limestone islands by private cruiser.
• Absorb the mysterious beauty of Ha Long Bay - studded by soaring limestone islands - on an overnight stay in your private luxury junk (boat)
• Venture off the beaten track to UNESCO World heritage site Hue for an in-depth understanding of pre-colonial Vietnam
• Contemplate the natural beauty and tranquility of the region during a sunset boat trip in old-world Hoi An, another UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Experience Southeast Asia's legendary hospitality and relax in the region's award-winning hotels, including The Nam Hai with its private villas dotting China Beach
• Get a close-up view of Hanoi's Old Quarter with a cyclo ride, a mode of transportation still used by locals
Overview:
Vietnam is an utter assault on the senses; at once dizzying, frenetic and fascinating. Conical-hatted street vendors sell their wares on the pavements outside gleaming high-rises and exquisite temples are surrounded by streets buzzing with thousands of motorbikes.
Wherever you travel you can't fail to be intrigued by this frenetic, fascinating country. The capital Hanoi is the focus for arts in Vietnam and as been since its foundation in the year 1010 while in Ho Chi Minh City business is king. Hue is steeped in imperial history, Hoi An the place to soak up the atmosphere and the largely undeveloped coastline is the place to kick back.
Life in urban Vietnam is conducted on the streets. In bia hois (pavement pubs) men sup ice-cold beer and odors from makeshift food stalls fill the nostrils: see steaming pho, a noodle soup with various unidentifiable chunks of meat, or grilled chicken feet. Along nearly all the moped-clogged streets produce is sold. Tubs wriggle with live sturgeon, crabs and frogs (still a delicacy from French colonial days), baskets are top heavy with colourful and bizarre fruit, and every possible piece of a pig is on sale.
Rural Vietnam is entirely different. Just a short distance from the cities, water buffalo wallow in green rice paddies and elegant women wearing traditional conical headwear cycle along dusty paths.