Featured destination: Vietnam

Rich in majestic scenery, natural colour and lush vegetation, Vietnam is the kind of country that will haunt you with its beauty. From rugged mountains to rice paddies, it is a country of extremes, and it will not cease to amaze you with what it can offer.

Vietnam is a destination that is still less travelled than its nearby counterpart, Thailand, which has become a must-see long-haul trip for many. But Vietnam has the same splendour, beautiful beaches, and wondrous attractions, as well as vibrant energy in the cities, just fewer tourist crowds.

There is, of course, the exceptional history of the country, with much of the French colonial influence remaining in the form of architecture, as well as war-time reminders in the battlefields and tunnels of the Demilitarised Zone.

It is the very diverse Vietnamese people themselves though, with their open and welcoming attitude, who could turn any trip to this delightful country from a great experience to an amazing one.

When to go:

Vietnam is a country that can be visited at pretty much any time of year, since the climate can change dramatically from region to region. There is likely to be rain whenever you travel, although it is heaviest in the south in September and October.

Optimum times to travel through the whole country are likely to be February to April, as well as November, while the central part of Vietnam can have excellent weather from March to August. The north can be hot in UK summer, and very cold in the hills in UK winter.

Escorted and private tours:

Many tours to Vietnam begin by flying in to the north of the country, starting in Hanoi, then involve travelling down and flying out from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Classic tours usually take in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An (with its beautiful beach), the Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta and the Cai Rang floating market, as well as Ho Chi Minh City.

Of course, depending on the operator, many tours may have extensions or add-on excursions, as well as possibly being combined with touring other parts of Indochina such as Cambodia.

To enquire about tours to Vietnam, telephone us on 0845 475 0342