Vietnam Holidays

Main Cities and Resorts in Vietnam

Vietnam is an awe-inspiring country which will take your breath away with its incredible beauty and charm.

Decades after the devastating Vietnam War the country has now become a booming tourist destination, with so many amazing things to see and do.

Vietnam has it all - ancient villages, pagoda temples, stunning beaches, idyllic islands, enchanting bays, verdant forests, mystical caves, towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and bustling markets.

You’ll be seduced by the country’s rolling highlands, coastal retreats, abundant flora and fauna, dense forests and huge expanses of rice fields.

Vietnam, which is bordered by China, Laos and Cambodia, is uniquely shaped like an elongated letter S and has a spellbinding coastline which has many fantastic holiday getaways along its incredible 3,260km length.

Various areas of Vietnam experience different seasons but generally a good time to visit is between December and February when temperatures are milder and there is minimal rain.

Let's take a look at some of the main cities and resorts which make Vietnam a compelling place to enjoy the holiday of a lifetime.

Hanoi: The capital city of Vietnam has a rich and diverse history since proclaiming independence from China in 1010. Despite being the country's capital, Hanoi is not as fast-moving as bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Major attractions in this beguiling city include Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son Temples, The Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda which was built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong in 1049. Dong Xuan Market is worth a visit with its impressive local specialities such as carpets and basketry.

Ho Chi Minh City: This vibrant city - also known as Saigon - blends the old and new perfectly with its wonderful combination of historical and modern attractions. There are many captivating attractions including Dam Sen Park, Ho Chi Minh Museum, The tunnels of C? Chi and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a 19th century French masterpiece. You'll also discover many ancient sights and architecture which represent more than 300 years of combined Vietnamese, Chinese, and European influence. Ho Chi Minh City has many cinemas, theatres and an abundance of bustling night clubs and bars where holidaymakers can dance the night away.

Hue: This wonderful city is located in the central region of Vietnam. It is steeped in history with many jaw-dropping attractions including the Tombs of the Emperor, the Imperial Citadel and the Perfume River which divides the old and new areas of the city. Hue is renowned for its exquisite embroidery and you'll even find a museum dedicated to the craft. It also has superb gastronomic delights including its legendary bun bo hue, a noodle soup with slices of beef and chilli oil which was prepared for the Emperor.

Danang: This is a delightful port city by the Han River which has become a magnet for tourists with its pristine beaches, inspirational landscapes, ancient pagodas and rich history and culture. The city's hillside H?i Vân Pass offers spectacular views of Danang Bay and the Marble Mountains. Other attractions include Dragon Bridge, Cham Museum and Danang Cathedral. The beaches here are truly phenomenal - they include Non Nuoc Beach which is regarded as one of the best in the world and My Khe Beach, a 20-mile expanse of silky white sand.

Mekong Delta: The immense Mekong Delta occupies a large area of southern Vietnam and includes the location where the famous Mekong River reaches the sea. Its extensive rice growing has earned it the name 'Vietnam's rice basket'. The Mekong Delta is also famous for It is also famous for fish farms, sugarcane, fruit, and coconut. A great time to visit is during the Lunar New Year and Mid- Autumn Festival when they are impressive displays of local custom and pageantry. Attractions include Cat Tien National Park and My Tho, the capital city of the Tien Giang province.

Phu Quoc: This magical island located in the Gulf of Thailand which has been described at the Vietnamese Phuket with its absolutely jaw-dropping beaches, crystal-clear waters, freshwater springs and mesmerising mountains. The island derives its names from a famous fish sauce produced there and you'll discover many seafood delicacies if you travel to Phu Quoc by boat or plane. It's also a great place for scuba diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, windsurfing and kayaking.

Nha Trang: This place is a dream come true for beach lovers with its enchanting white sands, crystal- clear waters and little islands with coral reefs which are popular with scuba divers and snorkelers. The city also has many historical treasures dating back centuries including Long Son Pagoda and Po Nagar Cham Tower. You'll also find an abundance of shops, a huge city centre market and excellent restaurants where you can sample the local delicacies. Hon Chong Beach is one of the popular sandy expanses and the inviting islands off the coast include Hon Mieu, Hon Tam and Hon Mot.

Hoi An: Chinese and Japanese influences prevail in this ancient town beside the banks of Thu Bon River. Among the alluring historical delights you'll come across here are temples, pagodas, wells, tombs, chapels and bridges. Many of the houses here are made of rare wood engraved with Chinese characters. Must-see attractions in Hoi An include the 17th century Japanese Bridge and the stunning old houses along Nguyen Thai Hoc street. It's no wonder this city on Vietnam's central coast is so popular with tourists.

Phan Thiet: The charming fishing port of Phan Thiet is a delightful haven with colourful boats in the harbour, lively outdoor markets and fantastic seafood restaurants. The nearby beach resort of Mui Ne is a popular haven for holidaymakers with gorgeous sands and calm turquoise waters for swimming, diving and sailing. The Phan Thiet area experiences amazing sunrises and sunsets and many visitors choose to rent a scooter and visit the beautiful red sand dunes of Mui Ne.

Beach Holidays in Vietnam

Ho Coc Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam and this three-mile expanse attracts visitors from around the globe. There are plenty of sand dunes close to the beach and other nearby attractions include a rainforest and hot springs.

Some of Vietnam's best beaches are to be found on the various incredible islands. Long Beach is an impressive sandy stretch at Phu Quoc, the country's largest island. Squid fishing, kayaking, paddle- boarding and kayaking are just a few of the popular activities.

All-Inclusive Holidays in Vietnam

If you are planning a holiday in Vietnam is certainly worth considering going all-inclusive - it’s the stress-free option that lets you get on with having a wonderful time the moment you arrive at your hotel or resort.

Unlike traditional pay-as-you-go holidays where you need to monitor your spending constantly, choosing an all-inclusive getaway means almost all your costs are paid-for in advance. Your meals, drinks and accommodation are all taken care of.

It definitely takes a lot off your mind - you won’t need to worry about busting your budget and can simply focus on immersing yourself in the wonders of sun-kissed Vietnam.

All-inclusive deals often also include a range of other pleasant extras such as free use of hotel facilities and amenities - spas, fitness centres and hotel shows and entertainment events, for example.

Some hotels include use of their facilities on the beach, such as sun loungers, parasols and various water sports equipment. The little ones are also well-catered for with free ice creams and other goodies often falling under the umbrella of an all-inclusive holiday.

We have a superb range of all-inclusive 4-star and 5-star resorts to make it simple for you to choose your ideal escape in sun-drenched Vietnam.

Family Holidays in Vietnam

Vietnam is a land of fun and excitement for families craving a thrilling adventure - it has everything you need for an unforgettable holiday experience..

Fun-packed days on the beach and entertaining nights in your hotel await in the lively coastal resorts, including those in the popular getaways of Danang, Nha Trang and Phan Thiet.

There’s never a full moment in magnificent Vietnam where you’re blessed with a huge choice of attractions - you could go for a boat ride through the Ninh Binh cave system, zip-wire into ‘Dark Cave’ in the magnificent Phong Nha Ke National Park or even climb aboard a cyclo-rickshaw for a ride through the streets of Hanoi city.

There really is so much to do in Vietnam - water parks, nature reserves, boating excursions, wildlife parks and jeep tours are other options to make your family holiday a wonderful success.

Vietnam also has an abundance of nightlife and entertainment to enjoy, either in your hotel or the beachfront where you are staying. There’s also plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can feast on Vietnamese gastronomic delights..

You can also opt for a fantastic family day out in one of Vietnam’s historic cities, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where you will discover so many incredible sights and attractions.

Vietnam highlights

Vietnam is a culturally-rich country, with something new to explore around every corner. Wander the streets of the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, where traditional street markets sit under futuristic skyscrapers. Venture north to Hanoi, Vietnam’s fascinating capital, and discover a plethora of ancient temples, intriguing museums and a gorgeous cityscape.

Head towards the coastline and be treated to miles of sandy beaches. Long Beach, on the west coast of Phu Quoc Island, is 20km of soft golden sand and turquoise waters, fringed by swaying coconut palms. Cua Dai Beach is not far from Hoi An, and boasts Caribbean-esque white sands and spectacular sunsets.

Designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994, the stunning Halong Bay is a sight to be admired. Float past towering limestone pillars and jungle-clad islets and experience Vietnam in its true form - a vision of breathtaking natural beauty.

To the centre of Vietnam lies Hue, pronounced ‘Hway’. Here you’ll discover a world of fascinating broken buildings and charred palaces - a constant legacy of the devastating Vietnam War that ravaged the country for three decades. Explore the humbling Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City, and catch a glimpse of old Vietnam, and the last known homes of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors.