With a tumultuous history and a promising future, Vietnam is bursting with energy, and a great place to visit. Why? The food, the beaches, the history, the culture and welcoming locals are plenty to go on, but now you can also fly there direct from New Zealand. The real question is “Why not?”
EDIBLE VIETNAM
Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, fragrant and feisty, with even the most humble of roadside stalls turning out delectable dishes. Pho is an aromatic noodle soup festooned with Thai basil and coriander, perhaps a dash of lime juice or chilli. The breakfast of locals, attack it with chopsticks in one hand, a soup spoon in the other, and let the flavour sensation commence! Explore more with a Vietnamese cooking class – going to the markets with the chef is an experience in itself.
FRENCH FLAVOUR
France was heavily involved in Vietnam in the 19th century until independence in 1954. Beautiful colonial architecture is just one resulting legacy – Saigon’s magnificent Old Post Office, designed and built by Gustave Eiffel, is just one example. Enjoy the baked goods of Parisian style cafes with their superb coffee – just beware the lashings of sweetened condensed milk the locals are partial to.
TAILOR-MADE HOI AN
Pack an extra bag if visiting Hoi An. This picturesque town’s tailors can whip up a new wardrobe for you in a couple of days – just take clothes you’d like copied, or even a picture, get fitted and choose your fabric – a 24-hour turnaround is common! Prices are great, but you do get what you pay for, so get recommendations from your guide. Also explore Hoi An’s delightful pedestrianized town centre, early morning fish market, ancient architecture, and wonderful restaurants.
RESORT TO LUXURY
Culture and history covered off? End your Vietnam holiday with a relaxing resort stay at one of the South’s beautiful palm-fringed beaches. Nha Trang has long been a favourite, with lively nightlife in the town nearby. The remote Con Dao Islands are a more exclusive experience, and home to the chic and luxurious Six Senses Con Dao resort. Or try the beautiful Nam Hai resort near Hoi An – fancy a villa facing the white sandy beach, or a pool villa with butler at beck and call? Add to that a top spa, great restaurants, plenty of activities and nearby cultural attractions. Heaven.
HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Modern Vietnam is the product of a fascinating history. Over the centuries, this land has been fought over by the Chinese, India, the Mongols, Portuguese, French and more. History ‘must sees’ include the stunning UNESCO World Heritage listed My Son temple complex, dating back to the 4th century, the ancient trading port of Hoi An with its wooden Japanese bridge dating from the 18th century, and of course Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum in Hanoi.
Why not let World Journeys take you there!
