Vietnam – Timeless Charm

Bordering the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea, Vietnam is known for its beaches, emerald waters and idyllic islands just off the long coastline.

Vietnam is, however, also packed with bustling cities, rural adventures and opportunities for old town explorations on foot or by bicycle. Many would also argue that a trip to this fascinating country is not complete without sampling some of the succulent street food on offer.


Featured tours and flavours of Vietnam

Wendy Wu Tours

Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery

This tour will allow you to discover some of the highlights of these two fascinating countries. You will get the chance to hike through the verdant rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi, taste the street food in Hanoi, cruise on the emerald waters of Halong Bay, cycle through imperial Hue, wander the charming streets of Hoi An, take an exhilarating ride on the back of a vintage vespa in Saigon before your journey ends with an unforgettable exploration of the Angkor temple complex by tuk tuk.

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Intrepid Travel

Real Food Adventure – Vietnam

Savouring Vietnam’s culture and cuisine from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, the ‘Real Food Adventure Vietnam’ lets participants chop, slice and eat their way through the country, experiencing one of the freshest and most fragrant cuisines on the planet. From Pho and ancient buildings in Hanoi, Banh Khoai and imperial citadels in Hue, Banh Xeo and lantern-lit streets in Hoi An and Banh Canh and pulsating markets in HCMC, experience Vietnam’s cuisine and its tightly woven place within its culture.

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Wendy Wu Tours

Mekong Odyssey

The Mekong Odyssey will take you through some of Vietnam’s cultural centres, natural wonders and fast-paced cities before cruising upstream along the mighty Mekong. You will get the chance to cruise on the tranquil waters of Halong Bay, wander the elegant streets of Hoi An, take a tour of Saigon’s colonial treasures, cruise the mighty Mekong from Vietnam to Cambodia, take a cyclo ride through the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh before the Temples of Angkor await your discovery.

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  • The Mekong River boasts the world’s largest inland fishery, accounting for up to 25 percent of the global freshwater catch. –World Wildlife Fund

  • At least 1,100 freshwater species swim the waters of the Mekong River – including the last remaining populations of the Irrawaddy dolphin, giant freshwater stingray, and the Mekong giant catfish.–World Wildlife Fund

  • The Greater Mekong region is home to more than 300 million people from nearly 100 distinct ethnic groups.–World Wildlife Fund

  • The Mekong giant catfish can weigh up to 770 pounds and is the third largest freshwater fish on the planet.–World Wildlife Fund

  • Often called ‘the Asian unicorn’, the enigmatic saola are found only in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos.–World Wildlife Fund

 

Vietnam at a glance:

Official Name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Capital: Hanoi – population 3.63 million (est 2015)
Population: 94.3 million (est 2015)
Area: 331,210 sq km
Language: Vietnamese
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time zone: GMT+7 (Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta)
Dialling code: +84
National Animal: Water Buffalo


Famous sights and popular places:

Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital and home to Bach Ma Temple and Dong Xuan Market
Ho Chi Minh City – Sprawling markets, succulent street food and Notre-Dame Cathedral
Hue – Former imperial capital
Halong Bay – Spectacular limestone islands
Hoi An – Fabulous food scene, beautiful beaches, ancient town centre and famous tailors



Reading up on Vietnam – books for the backpack

We believe reading up a little bit on the destination before, during or after you travel not only makes you understand the destination better, but it can also enhance the overall travel experience. Therefore, we have compiled a selection of books and recommended reading you might find useful when planning a trip to bustling Vietnam.

Bustling Vietnam

Southeast Asian street food

Volunteering and Responsible Travel

For more inspiration, ideas, books, recommended reading, gadgets, gizmos and other travel items that might be useful before you go, bring in your backpack during your travels, or after you get back home, please also visit amazon.co.uk/shop/mekongexp and amazon.com/shop/mekongexp

Quick Ticket Finder – local buses, trains, ferries and flight connections

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