Vietnam Holidays in 2013

If you’d prefer to visit the bright lights of the country’s cities, then Vietnam’s 1000 year old capital Hanoi, certainly delivers. Shoppers will be delighted with everything, from silks and handicrafts offered across the bustling markets. Families will be enthralled by the Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park, which takes visitors on a cultural trip across the history of Vietnam through watery rides and attractions.

At the heart of the Vietnamese culture is its food, and there is plenty of opportunity to try some authentic cuisine during your stay here. Most regions have their own speciality dishes, and you will find everything from local beachside seafood shacks and street side diners, to upscale restaurants offering modern fusion dishes.

Sitting in Southern Vietnam, the Anoasis Beach Resort is found in a tranquil oasis, where families will enjoy a peaceful break. Children will love time spent at the Kid’s Club and playground, whilst the adults laze by the outdoor pool or try their hand at tennis, badminton, jet skiing, cycling or beach volleyball.

Beautiful deserted landscapes can be enjoyed across the country’s surrounding islands, such as the Con Dao Islands, which boast striking reefs and coves. One of the most unique experiences for exploring is to take an elephant ride, which will see you travelling across natural landscapes, through waterways and into forests.

The Vietnamese are famed for their cuisine, and there is no better place to try some authentic local food. Each region offers its own special signature dishes, from the rural restaurants that cook with fresh ingredients that are sometimes bought to order, to the slick city restaurants serving modern fusion cuisine. Romantic meals can be enjoyed at the beachside, on pretty terraces looking out over the sea.

You will find plenty of privacy in the Ana Mandara Hue, which boasts villas scattered across its 2.8 hectares of landscaped gardens. Found within moments of the beach, couples can enjoy a magical stay here, whether it is spent lazing by the pool, soaking up the sun on the sands, or indulging in some local cuisine in the restaurant.

The striking landscape spreading across the country just calls out to explorers, and there are endless activities you can try. Hiking routes are found across the national parks and mountains, where you can also mountain climb and cycle. You can travel across the coast on an island hopping trip, or you can venture through the forests on an elephant ride.

In Vietnam’s more rural areas, you will find some regional specialties that are characteristic to each particular district. Many regional restaurants offer dishes made with locally grown produce, so you will discover many new recipes if you are exploring the countryside areas. The seaside villages and beach resorts specialise in fresh seafood, which you can often enjoy whilst looking out over the shoreline or even with the sand between your toes.