Has always been on my bucket list! Did not disappoint.
Cultural Holidays in Vietnam
Vietnam Culture Holidays
Best Cultural Experiences in Vietnam
Hanoi City Tour: Vietnam’s cultural capital and historic heart, Hanoi, blends ancient architecture with modern-day culture, and inside the vibrant Old Quarter you’ll see colonial influences that have shaped the city. Walk among the centuries-old buildings that line the narrow streets and see the historic temples and landmarks that are dotted around the city, from the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison to the impressive Presidential Palace. Hoa Lo Prison once housed American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War but is now home to memorabilia and a French guillotine that tell of Vietnam’s struggles in the 1950s. As you explore the city further, your senses are awakened by the hum of scooters zipping through the streets, the sound of haggling market traders and the seductive aromas of Vietnamese street foods.
Walking Tour of Hoi An: Formerly a major port for traders in the 16th-century, Hoi An is a significant town that takes you on a trip into Vietnam’s rich past. This fascinating outdoor museum lies along the river and its Old Town is brimming with centuries-old merchant’s houses, Chinese temples and laid-back bars. Immerse yourself in Hoi An’s intoxicating atmosphere as you wander though the riverside market where silk garments and large bowls of fragrant spices spill out from the stalls. The iconic Japanese bridge, Quan Thang House and colourful river boats make Hoi An one of the most photogenic destinations in Vietnam.
Cruise the Mekong Delta: Experience a much slower pace as you venture into the land of the Mekong Delta. Known as the ‘rice bowl’, the Mekong is the lifeblood and lungs of Vietnam with its network of canals, rivers and streams that meander between traditional towns and villages. As you cruise along its waterways, you’ll pass boats weighed down with fruits, sugar cane and coconuts and you might even spot a buffalo or two bathing in the rice paddies. If you want to experience authentic Vietnamese culture, head to Cai Rang floating market or stop off at one of the local cottage industries where you can watch coconut candy and rice paper being made.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City: Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the economic hub of Vietnam. Its imposing cityscape and pulsating streets fuse together ancient and modern cultures quite spectacularly. A scooter tour of the city is a fun way to explore and visit some of the main sights such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House and the Central Post Office but if you want to delve deeper into the past, the War Remnants Museum lets you discover the darker side of Saigon. Walking through the city at night is undeniably atmospheric with its noisy markets and street food stalls which tempt you with local delicacies like bánh xèo (savour pancakes) and com tấm (broken rice).
Maureen Forbes Iceland Explorer
Anne Edwards Cape Town & the Garden RouteThis tour was well paced and a great introduction to South Africa, especially for travelers who enjoy exploring the world and finding the unexpected. One of the biggest surprises was the food. The cuisine was so unique and, as our guide advised us, plentiful. Paired with excellent South African wine, you are completely spoiled. Don’t hesitate to try new things such as Bobotie or ostrich.
All of the areas we visited were beautiful. I particularly loved Hermanus with its charming vibe and a spectacular whale watch, and I will dream of Tsitsikamma for a long time. Gazing into tide pools and spotting a beautiful octopus was incredible. Of course, a big part of Africa is the wildlife and this tour gives you plenty of exposure to many of the animals you hope to see. The elephants at Addo felt like something out of a movie. Cape Town is also fascinating. I had no idea the Cape of Good Hope was so vast. The beauty cannot be surpassed. We were lucky enough to have a perfect view at the top of Table Mountain, as well. The people are incredibly kind and friendly wherever you go and it we enjoyed experiencing the mixture of cultures.
The accommodations on this tour vary, but we enjoyed them all. The guesthouse in De Rust was so special as the hosts cooked incredible meals for us each night and treated us like special friends.
All in all, the time in South Africa was something I will never forget. The people, the scenery, the animals, the food…all of it was so much more than what I expected.
Catryn Scantlebury Walking in the AzoresVisiting the Azores was honestly unforgettable. The scenery was next-level — black volcanic ash, vibrant green forests, and bright hydrangeas everywhere in July. We saw so many whales and dolphins, all really close to shore because the sea gets so deep so quickly – it’s one of the best places in the world for year-round sightings. And hopping between the islands (they’re only about an hour apart by ferry!) felt like discovering hidden pockets of history — each one had its own personality. We even saw a pod of whales during one of the crossings!
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