Halong Bay by traditional sailing junk and kayak exploration. Journey through Halong Bay on a traditional sailing junk. Kayak through hidden beaches, caves and the jagged limestone cliffs. Kayaking upon the sapphire waters of Halong Bay provides one of the most intimate ways to experience this national treasure. Setting out into the bay aboard a traditional sailing junk, on which you will also spend the night, you will have many opportunities to disembark with your own individual kayak for further exploration. Paddle through the limestone karst formations, along beaches and past beautiful grottoes and caves for a mind dazzling tour of this scenic area.
Peruse Saigon’s markets and the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast underground network of tunnels was first built as a defense against the French, and later expanded during the American War. It was from here that the North Vietnamese waged their guerrilla warfare. Marvel at their ingenuity and resilience while viewing secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms. The more adventurous travelers may explore the deeper second, and even third level tunnels. For those preferring to remain above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from above.
Get lost in the vast rice paddies of the Mekong Delta. A trip to the Mekong Delta will expose you to the flurry of activity and commerce among its waters, which are interspersed with seemingly endless rice fields, colorful floating markets and isolated villages accessed only by boat. The region is scattered with a working collection of temples and resident Buddhists providing opportunities for local interaction.
Visit Thien Hau Temple dedicated to the goddess of the seas. The impressive Thien Hau Temple is said to protect fishermen and sailors. Here, huge coils of incense hang from the ornate ceiling, and can burn for up to three months at a time.
Trek the rolling green highlands of Dalat. Trek up to the highest peak of the Langbian Mountains and enjoy a picnic lunch. Trek along the mountain side to the second peak and the former ‘Radar Peak’, with amazing panoramic views of Lake Dankia to the north and Lat village and Dalat city center to the south. The trek continues down to the Lat Minority Village to explore their unique lifestyle.
Visit Vietnam’s premier beach destination: Nha Trang. In addition to simply taking in the sun on the beautiful beaches, explore the local markets, cafés and tropical fruit orchards of the nearby countryside and take advantage of the unique opportunity to visit some local homes. Visit some of the popular fishing villages on the outlying islands to wander around and mingle with the locals.
Explore the flora and fauna of rugged, craggy and jungle-clad Cat Ba National Park. Cat Ba National Park encompasses lush tropical forests, and intricate caves and grottoes for your exploration. Take a guided biking or walking excursion and visit an organic farm.
Photo Credit: Jackson Pollard via Compfight cc
Traverse the hills of Sapa to its remote tribal villages. Surrounded by the vista of Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan (3,142 meters or 10,308 feet), the region holds countless trails and walks for all levels of enthusiasts and provides an introduction into the lives of the isolated communities of the north. Choose moderate to intermediate hikes which descend into a scenic valley of cascading water crossed by suspension bridges. After a long day of walking on the windy roads and hills around Sapa, soak in a traditional Red Dao herbal bath at Ta Phin.
Marble Mountains of Danang. The Marble Mountains consist of five mountains named after the five elements – Thuy Son (water), Moc Son (wood), Kim Son (metal), Tho Son (soil), and Hoa Son (fire). Stone steps carved into the mountain lead to a Buddhist pagoda, and at the back of it is Huyen Khong Cave. The cave served as a simple hospital for the Vietnamese revolutionaries during wartime. A climb inside through the hundreds of natural caves and grottoes is a must!
Photo Credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
Dining and riding in Hanoi. Indulge in some traditional dishes such as bun cha, delicious pork dishes, egg coffee and noodle soups. Then take a ride in Hanoi’s version of a tuk-tuk, cyclos! The driver pedals you in a bike-like device that looks somewhat like a wheelchair.
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