Meghann Barrios February Newsletter - Vietnam

From the ancient neighbourhoods of Hoi An to the vast Mekong Delta, the country offers an astonishing variety of scenery. Whether your fascination is wartime relics or beaches and rice paddies, see Vietnam now, because every year it seems to reinvent itself. Geological riches, legendary street food, historic cities and endless tropical coast await in Vietnam

Explore Vietnam by National Geographic Journeys

13 DAYS - HANOI TO HO CHI MINH CITY

Immerse yourself in Vietnam’s mesmerizing culture and momentous history on a journey from the emerald mountains of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the south. Discover a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the imperial city of Hue and mystical Ha Long Bay. Glimpse rural life on a hike through idyllic Mai Chau Valley; enjoy a cyclo ride through the heart of bustling Hanoi; and descend into the famed Cu Chi tunnels, where Viet Cong guerillas lived during the Vietnam War. Learn to cook oodles of noodles at a G Adventures-supported youth-training school, cruise along Halong Bay in a traditional junk boat, learn how to make a traditional lantern in the lantern capital of Vietnam, step back into history at the Cu Chi Tunnels and Hanoi Hilton. Enjoy lunch at a Buddhist Nunnery and walking tour of Hoi An Old Town. Tour price starts $1,839 per person

Vietnam Family Adventure

12 days Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Gifted with a staggering abundance of flavorful food, fascinating culture, untouched nature, and disarmingly friendly people, Vietnam has more than earned its rep as one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. This fun-focused family trip packs as much of the good stuff into 12 days as humanly possible – including cruising Halong Bay, exploring the Imperial Citadel, and even a boat trip to a floating market – yet still offers more than enough time to relax. Don’t forget to pack your smile; you’ll be needing it often here. Explore Hanoi by cyclo, ruise the peaks in Halong Bay, slurp up some noodles after learning to make them, meet local families in the Mekong Delta and discover bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Take a guided tour of the Imperial Citadel and opt to visit to the Royal Tombs and Tien Mu Pagoda. This family adventure is designed for groups travelling with children between the ages of 6 and 17. Tour price starts $1,402 per person

For my 18-to-Thirtysomethings travelers -

Southeast Asia: Northern Hilltribe Trekking & Beach Vibes

33 days Bangkok to Bangkok

Now's the time to explore Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travelers. Meet the sunrise through the ruins of Angkor Wat, sample seafood on a cruise through Ha Long Bay, and explore Bangkok by night as you search for your new favorite watering hole. Take time between highlights to explore on your time, and return home feeling like you've made the most of Southeast Asia — and then some. Wander through Nha Trang's markets, relax on the beaches of Koh Rong, ee the ruins of an ancient temple complex, witness limestone karsts around Vang Vieng and trek through forests in Thailand to visit rural villages. Tour price starts $2,399 per person

While locals prefer to travel by motorbike, the best – and most scenic – way to see all Vietnam has to offer is by sea. Some of the country’s most visited destinations, like Halong Bay and Hoi An, as well as hidden gems, like the caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, are right on the coast. By opting for a cruise, you can spend your days exploring a former imperial city or the fascinating sand dunes of Mui Ne, then head back to the boat to sunbath or snorkel.

3-Day Luxury HaLong Bay with Aspira Cruise - Cruise to less touristy area of Lan Ha & Ha Long bay is an ideal trip for those who seek for truly experience. ASPIRA CRUISE with perfect combination of modern & traditional design will not only bring you a journey in comfort & luxury but also take you deep into natural wonders with various interesting activities: kayaking, swimming, biking, etc.. Cruise price starts $490 per person

Ho Chi Minh City Day Tour: Street Food

Ho Chi Minh City

With so many food options in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, it's almost impossible to find the best local eateries. Luckily, the local people have let us in on their little secret of the best street food spots and we want to share that with you! Prepare your tastebuds and jump on the back of a scooter for an exciting adventure through the vibrant city districts and their cuisines. Your stomach will definitely thank you! Enjoy 6 delicious Vietnamese street food dishes 3 Drinks and 1 Dessert See 5 of Saigon's colorful districts and hidden alleyways. Panoramic view of the city Enjoy an exciting adventure on the back of a scooter Learn how to make the most popular street food. Tour price $52 per person

Vietnam Hike, Bike & Kayak

10 days Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

Perfect for the active adventurer, this trip will have you hiking, biking, and paddling through the best of Vietnam. Kayak through Halong Bay’s towering limestone karsts, trek the Mai Chau area, and cycle through small towns for an authentic taste of Vietnam. When you’re not pedalling or paddling, you'll visit the country's cultural highlights like the Cu Chi Tunnels and Emperor's Tomb, or overnight at a local family’s homestay. Whether by bike or on foot, this tour will keep you grounded in Vietnam's intriguing culture. Kayak through limestone karsts in Halong Bay, walk among the hills of Mai Chau, cycle through unspoiled countryside, soak in the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, visit the tailors and beaches in Hoi An and wander the vibrant streets of Hanoi.

Adventure in Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - Halong Bay

5 days from Hanoi

Northern Vietnam contains some of the most spectacular nature anywhere in Southeast Asia, and indeed the world as a whole. From roaring Ban Gioc Waterfall to serene Ba Be Lake and stunning Ha Long Bay, this part of Vietnam. Visit Chi Lang, Quy Mon Quan Gate, Dong Khe Battle Site, Ethnic Villages, and a 3-5km walk. Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, Ethnic Villages, discover Ba Be Lake, Puong Cave, Tay ethnic villages, visit Ha Long Bay by cruise and discover Thien Canh Son Cave. Tour cost $550 pp, operates August - December

Cai Rang Floating Market & Mekong Delta

2-Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City

Escape the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City in favor of the tranquil Mekong Delta on a 2-day tour that provides a great introduction for first-time visitors. A guide takes care of planning activities, accommodation, and transfers so you don’t have to, and provides an insider’s perspective into the culture of southern Vietnam. You’ll explore Cai Raing Floating Market, the biggest in the region, and enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. Explore the largest floating market of the Mekong Delta with a guide for an insider's perspective All meals, accommodation, transfers, and activities are included. Tour price $115pp

Golden Bridge Danang

Interesting Facts of Vietnam

  • Vietnam is considered the world’s leading exporter of cashews and black pepper
  • Vietnam's Son Doong Cave is the largest cave in the world
  • Drinking snake wine as a sign of vitality is said to have therapeutic and substances that can help cure back pain
  • Traditional Vietnamese cuisine has 5 shades of flavors including sweetness, salty, sourness, spiciness, and bitterness that are combined smartly to create savory and dessert dishes.
  • Home to water puppetry. A reminder of the precious moral values and traditions passed down from one generation to another generation in Vietnam.
  • According to ancient Vietnamese folklore, Vietnamese people are descendants of dragons
  • More than eight-in-ten people own a motorbike in Vietnam

Meghann Barrios w/ Leo's Bon Voyage Meghann@lbvtravel.com Appointments by request