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7 Reasons to Travel South East Asia with Llama Travel

Written by  Nathalia

7 Reasons to Travel South East Asia with Llama Travel

Vietnam is a country of contrasts, from lively cities and peaceful landscapes to some of the best food you’ll ever taste. One moment you are weaving through scooters and street food stalls, the next you are drifting past rice paddies and limestone cliffs. From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to  Lan Ha Bay and the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s natural beauty is just as memorable as its vibrant culture and history. Llama Travel’s Vietnam itineraries are designed to ensure you make the most of your time in this incredible destination. Here are 7 reasons why you should visit Vietnam with Llama Travel.

1. Build the Holiday You Want

There’s so much to see and do in Vietnam, and the neighbouring countries, and everyone has their own priorities. Our holidays let you mix and match extensions and excursions to create the holiday you want. In addition to the must-sees of the limestone islets in Lan Ha Bay, the historic towns of Hue, Hoi Ann, and Hanoi, you can choose to visit beautiful rural areas such as  Mai Chau and Pu Luong; or the Mekong Delta for more insight into local life. You can also extend your holiday by visiting neighbouring countries Cambodia or Laos.


Japanese Bridge, Hoi An

2. See Vietnam’s Highlights

Our Vietnam South to North tour includes the real highlights of Vietnam, mixing ancient, and more recent, history, beautiful towns and cities, a cruise through stunning limestone isles, and fantastic food and culture.

Lan Ha Bay
An overnight cruise through Lan Ha Bay, the more-secluded neighbour of Ha Long Bay, is included in all our Vietnam holidays. Sail among limestone islets, where you can kayak, try tai chi or take a cooking classes on board. The ship has a rooftop pool, jacuzzi and cabins with large windows to take in the awesome views. Stay anchored overnight to enjoy the stillness of the bay.

 

Cave Rowing, Lan Ha Bay

Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and full of colonial landmarks and modern history. You can enter the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels to see how the Viet Cong lived and fought during the Vietnam War.

Hue
Hue was Vietnam’s imperial capital under the Nguyen Dynasty. A visit to the Imperial Citadel let you explore the royal residences, palaces and temples, including the Forbidden Purple City, giving an insight into the country’s dynastic past.

Hue street food, Bun Thit Nuong

Hoi An
Hoi An is a charming riverside town known for lantern-lit streets, street markets and excellent food. Once a major trading port, it’s now an atmospheric town, with rickety shop fronts that have been in use for hundreds of years. The beautiful Japanese bridge and local temples are a highlight.

Lantern-lit riverside town, Hoi Ann

Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is home to the Old Quarter, a maze of lanes and markets, alongside tranquil spots such as Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature. Explore the city’s mix of traditions and its history through the French colonial and war years.

 

Fruit seller, Hanoi

3. Combine Vietnam with Angkor Wat
Start your Southeast Asia adventure with 4 days in Cambodia. Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat, one of Southeast Asia's most iconic landmarks and part of the world's largest temple complex. Situated in the heart of the jungle, these temples showcase the grandeur of the Khmer Empire (9th–15th centuries), with stunning symmetry and intricate carvings, and recognised for its incredible beauty. The Angkor complex spans over 1,000 temples across an area the size of Paris.


Angkor Wat

4. Explore the Real Mekong Delta

Our Mekong Delta extension spends two days exploring this fascinating area along the river, away from the busy cities. Float past rice paddies and fields of tropical fruit, cycle or take a tuk tuk through traditional villages, visit local markets, and take a Vietnamese cooking class to learn how to make Banh Xeo, a local favourite.

Mekong River

5. Discover Less-Visited Rural Vietnam

Explore the scenic mountains of Mai Chau and Pu Luong, visiting Tai Don villages and hill tribes. Walk among rice terraces and corn fields, take a bamboo raft ride, and cycle through valleys and to waterfalls. This is a chance to experience the slower pace of rural life in one of Vietnam’s most beautiful areas.

 

Lac Village, Mai Chau

6. Extend Your Trip to Laos

Combine bustling Vietnam with the Buddhist zen of Luang Prabang in northern Laos. The former royal capital is a beautiful combination of Laotian and European colonial architecture, with temples, alleyways and charming houses. Experience a sunrise alms-giving ceremony with hundreds of barefoot, saffron-clad monks, then follow forest trails to waterfalls, where you can swim in natural pools. Sail on the Mekong River to caves filled with hundreds of Buddhist statues, and visit a bear rescue centre.

 

Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang

7. Speak to an Expert

At Llama Travel, our consultants know Vietnam first-hand and can help you plan the holiday that works for you. Our trips include the highlights and hidden gems, with well-located hotels and knowledgeable guides, so you can enjoy your holiday knowing everything has been arranged to suit you.

 

Inspired by this and want to experience the best of Vietnam for yourself? Order a free brochure to find out more about our Vietnam itineraries, or contact us to speak to one of our Vietnam Travel Consultants today.

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