From Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh: A Vietnam Journey

The hustle and bustle of Hanoi is complimented by luscious tropical palms and greenery by day and bright lights by night, a beautiful backdrop to the beginning of your Vietnam adventure. Whilst you're here, it would be crazy not to discover the rich history that this city holds. Start at the fantastic One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda steeped in folklore, before adding a UNESCO site to your list - the Thang Long Royal Citadel is breath-taking with its gorgeous golden exterior!

Get lost in the labyrinth of alleyways lovingly referred to as 36 Streets, you'll adore the cute street names, which ones can you spot? Perhaps Sugar, Tin or Paper (yes, these are really street names!)? You can delight at all of these amazing locations, and so many more besides them on your dream Vietnam holiday or honeymoon - your Luxtripper travel expert can even arrange for you to have a guide if you desire a true insider's perspective of this fabulous country.

It would be a crime to visit Vietnam and not savour some of what is perhaps its most famous dish - pho! If you're a foodie, then this is an unmissable treat that you simply cannot leave without trying. Slurp up noodles as steam rises from the bowl of broth in front of you, this is a truly satisfying meal. Of course, you can find this all over Vietnam, but in you won't be able to resist following your nose and caving to the tempting aromas that Hanoi teases you with! 

This amazing cruise will take you on a mystifying journey through the home of one of Vietnam's greatest legends; the locals say that Ha Long Bay was created by a dragon, whose breaths of fire carved the rugged limestone cliffs. You'll feel like you're in Avatar as you float over the glittering turquoise waters, see the best of this renowned bay from the comfort of the majestic Azalea Cruise ship. Feast your eyes on Vietnam's enchanting natural beauty and let the gentle breezes tousle your hair as you enjoy a romantic meal on the ship's deck!

Take the opportunity to hop in a kayak and explore the caves that weave through the dragon-formed cliff faces - lean over the side and let your fingers trail through the cool, sparkling water of this legendary bay. Try your hand at tai chi, the breathtakingly exotic views of Ha Long Bay make for a perfectly peaceful atmosphere that's ideal for finding your zen.

The well-preserved city of Hoi An is situated close to Vietnam's Imperial City, Hue, the home of an amalgam of magnificent structures. You can't miss the Thien Mu Pagoda on your visit to Hue - quite literally! This Buddhist pagoda is seven stories high, and is the tallest religious building in the country. From here, you should definitely see the Imperial Citadel. This colourful fortress is the heart of Hue, and impressively still stands despite a chequered history. Make sure you get a thorough exploration before feasting your eyes on the fine art in the Lang An Palace!

Vietnamese food has a long history, and is now hitting the Western world with it's distinctive flavours! Spend a day learning to master the taste of Vietnam for yourself at a cooking class; learn to craft your own delicious spring rolls, steaming bowls of pho, and perhaps even one of Hoi An's specialities, 'cao lau', delicious thick noodles topped with crunchy pork-rind croutons. Of course, you'll get to enjoy your creations afterwards - the best part of any cooking experience!

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh, home to a harmonious and diverse assortment of sleek skyscrapers and preserved colonial buildings and war relics. This electric city is bursting with energy, but there is still plenty of opportunity for you to find peace. For a boat trip just as beautiful as your cruise in Ha Long Bay, head to the Mekong Delta; as you bob slowly down the river, you'll find yourself being absorbed by a feeling of complete tranquility. The delta is dotted with pretty lily pads, you'll love watching as the view changes gradually from majestic mountainsides to luscious emerald rice paddy fields, like a magical slideshow of Vietnam's beauty displayed just for you. Perhaps you'll even spot a local rowing past wearing a traditional 'non la' hat! This is a truly romantic and intimate date for loved-up honeymooners, a peaceful chance for you to be alone together.

There are so many fabulous things to do in Ho Chi Minh, discover the underground labyrinth of the Cu Chi Tunnels, as well as an amalgam of beautiful Sino-French buildings. Reunification Palace is a real slice of Vietnam's history - a huge North Vietnamese tank rumbled past in 1975, signifying the end of the war. Take a short walk from here to the awesome Notre Dame Cathedral and the Hotel de Ville de Saigon, now officially Ho Chi Minh City Hall. Another must visit destination on your exploration is the Jade Emperor Temple, let the sweet fragrance of the incense that hangs in the air sooth your soul.

Make sure you stop off to explore Ben Thanh market - if you haven't done any souvenir shopping yet, then now is the perfect time! As you discover this city, you'll find yourself tempted by the smells of Banh Mi, give into the cravings and tummy rumbles and bite into one of these generously filled, crusty Vietnamese baguettes... super satisfying and delicious!