In March 2023, Charlotte, our Customer Relations Specialist, embarked on an exciting journey through Vietnam, traversing the country from north to south. Read about her experiences here.
Ha Long Bay was a real highlight of the trip for me.
A stunning natural spectacle with limestone cliffs jutting out of the water. The incredible views made the overnight stay on the Pelican Cruise in the centre of the bay an unforgettable experience. At several points during the program, you can experience the cliffs up close: Tai Chi on the sun deck, short hikes, a visit to a cave or kayaking in the bay.
Before reaching Ha Long Bay and our floating hotel for the night, we made a memorable stop at an oyster farm. My colleague, Louisa and I were already impressed with Hai as our guide, but that day he truly shone. As he shared stories about the oyster farm, our group grew, captivated by Hai’s storytelling. In no time, a lively cluster of travellers from another group had gathered around him, and he continued his tales with a mischievous smile on his lips.
The time on the Pelican Cruise was also a great opportunity to get to know other travellers.
With around 25 guests on the ship, we quickly fell into conversation with visitors from all over the world. For example, I went canoeing with someone from Argentina and we chatted about everything under the sun.
On day 8 of our trip, we visited the Mekong Delta area with our fantastic guide Lam.
It was an incredibly exciting day, filled with a diverse array of local experiences beyond the bustling metropolis we’d experienced in Ho Chi Minh City. We witnessed the creation of various products, including rice paper, coconut sweets, and other rice-based snacks. The best part? We could sample and purchase these delicious treats right on the spot.
We embarked on a serene sampan journey along the tranquil river, offering us a deeper understanding of the surrounding landscape. Following this, we enjoyed a hands-on lunch experience where we had the chance to test our own culinary skills. While our creation may not have looked quite as impressive as expected, it tasted delicious. Our wonderful guide, Lam, was a constant source of insight and guidance.
She even complemented our fruit platter for dessert with something she had picked herself: a pink fruit whose shape and texture reminded me of an apple.
We spent the last part of our trip on the island of Phu Quoc.
We had the pleasure of staying at the Green Bay Resort, which was truly a paradise. During my time there, I didn’t want for anything and there were countless ways to spend the day, whether it was renting a canoe or SUP board, taking a refreshing swim, indulging in spa treatments, or hitting the fitness area, savouring delectable dinners at one of the two exquisite restaurants, or simply unwinding on the beach with a captivating book.
The resort was also committed to sustainability. I noticed thoughtful touches like repurposed packaging, used both at the breakfast buffet and the shampoo containers in my bungalow’s bathroom. In addition, the resort had its own herb and vegetable garden, located right next to one of the two restaurants. So, you could watch fresh mint being picked for the refreshing melon juice.
With kind regards
Charlotte
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
Classic tour from north to south with pretty Hanoi, mini cruise in Ha Long Bay, charming Hoi An, the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush Mekong Delta. Extend the tour with a beach holiday.
The classic tour in which you experience the contrasts from north to south in Vietnam spiced with the charming Siem Reap and the world-class attraction of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Look forward to experiencing the soul of Vietnam in the old, beautiful capital of Hanoi and the unique, iconic nature of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. You round off your tour in charming Hoi An.
Discover the charm of the Mekong Delta, the peaceful beauty of Lak Lake, and the enchanting cool highlands of Da Lat – all framed by vibrant city life in Ho Chi Minh City and the palm-fringed beaches of Mui Ne.
From the rice terraces of Sapa in the north to the waterways of the Mekong Delta in the south – a tour brimming with UNESCO sites, encounters with locals, imperial history, and a mini cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Discover the greatest highlights of Indochina on a classic journey to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, where UNESCO sites line up like pearls on a string.
Discover the very best of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia – from the serene atmosphere of Luang Prabang, Sapa’s lush rice terraces, and the imperial city of Hue, to vibrant life on the Mekong Delta and the awe-inspiring temple ruins of Angkor.
Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Experience the diversity of southern Vietnam, from the vibrant urban energy of Ho Chi Minh City to boat trips along the Mekong Delta, including a visit to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long. Round off your adventure with a relaxing beach holiday on the island of Phu Quoc.
Experience the contrasts of southern Vietnam: from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to tranquil boat trips through the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta, and a visit to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long. Round off your adventure on the golden beaches of Mui Ne.
Classic tour from north to south with pretty Hanoi, mini cruise in Ha Long Bay, charming Hoi An, the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush Mekong Delta. Extend the tour with a beach holiday.
The classic tour in which you experience the contrasts from north to south in Vietnam spiced with the charming Siem Reap and the world-class attraction of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Look forward to experiencing the soul of Vietnam in the old, beautiful capital of Hanoi and the unique, iconic nature of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. You round off your tour in charming Hoi An.
Discover the charm of the Mekong Delta, the peaceful beauty of Lak Lake, and the enchanting cool highlands of Da Lat – all framed by vibrant city life in Ho Chi Minh City and the palm-fringed beaches of Mui Ne.
From the rice terraces of Sapa in the north to the waterways of the Mekong Delta in the south – a tour brimming with UNESCO sites, encounters with locals, imperial history, and a mini cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Discover the greatest highlights of Indochina on a classic journey to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, where UNESCO sites line up like pearls on a string.
Discover the very best of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia – from the serene atmosphere of Luang Prabang, Sapa’s lush rice terraces, and the imperial city of Hue, to vibrant life on the Mekong Delta and the awe-inspiring temple ruins of Angkor.
Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Experience the diversity of southern Vietnam, from the vibrant urban energy of Ho Chi Minh City to boat trips along the Mekong Delta, including a visit to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long. Round off your adventure with a relaxing beach holiday on the island of Phu Quoc.
Experience the contrasts of southern Vietnam: from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to tranquil boat trips through the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta, and a visit to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long. Round off your adventure on the golden beaches of Mui Ne.
