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Vietnam
Vietnam is a destination rich in local culture, tradition and history, and home to people with a refreshing warmth and friendliness unequalled in other parts of Asia. A tactile journey for the senses, Vietnam is best viewed as a luxury trip experienced, not simply seen.
First stop on the itinerary is Hanoi, Vietnam's capital. Located in northern Vietnam on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is both the economic heart of northern Vietnam and the country's political centre.
Hanoi has been Vietnam's capital for nearly ten centuries, during which time the city has endured numerous invasions, occupations, and name changes. The Chinese ruled Hanoi on and off for centuries, until Vietnamese general Le Loi secured the nation's independence in 1428. However, it wasn't until 1831 that the Nguyen Dynasty renamed the city Ha Noi, which means "Between Rivers" or "River Interior."
Despite the battles that have raged around it, Hanoi retains much of its historic charm. Hanoi is home to more cultural sites than any city in Vietnam, including over 600 pagodas and temples. Hanoi is also the cultural and culinary epicentre of Vietnam, and for good reason.
Food lies at the heart of local culture: in every holiday on the Vietnamese calendar food plays a central role. The staple of Vietnamese cuisine is pho ga (chicken noodle soup) or pho bo (beef noodle soup). Coffee, baguettes, and pastries were introduced by the French colonials, and still remain popular in modern cuisine. Dog meat is a delicacy in the Hanoi area.
While in Hanoi, be sure to check out the Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake. With its maze of streets dating back to the 13th century this destination is a must for travellers wishing to absorb some history. The Old Quarter was once home to merchants who worked in trades like jewellery, silver, and silks, and the street names today reflect these trades.
Another must-see is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum featuring the embalmed man himself. Whilst inside, no talking, short pants, or disrespect permitted. Photographs are not allowed either. A visit to the Mausoleum can be followed by a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, situated around the corner. The museum is home to personal items from Ho Chi Minh's life, housed in a building completed in 1990, which is meant to resemble a white lotus.
Lastly the Temple of Literature is a fine testament to Chinese and Vietnamese architecture. The Temple was established in 1070 to honour the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It became the country's first university six years later. The courtyard features 82 stone tablets, each mounted on the back of a carved tortoise.
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is located between the northern edge of the Mekong Delta and the South Eastern region. The Saigon River winds snakelike around the city before joining up with the East Sea.
For the past three centuries, Saigon has been a major trade centre. It is the busiest city in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City dwells in a constant rush hour. Its streets are a maze of markets, cafes and vendors hawking their wares. Yet this metropolis is still the home of age-old traditions and relics of an ancient culture.
If luxury accommodation is what you're after, the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, in Ho Chi Minh City offers a refreshing break from the bustle of the city. Located in the heart of the city's business and entertainment district, the Sheraton Saigon Hotel is a haven of comfort and style with personalised service and convenient amenities.
The Giac Lam Pagoda is considered the oldest pagoda in the city. Its design reflects the southern Buddhist architecture with its dark interior, meticulously crafted sculptures and hundreds of 200-year-old statues of Buddha, Bodhisattva and Arhat.
Hue or Thua Thien Hue is the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam, founded on the northern bank of Perfume River in the 17th century by the Nguyen Dynasty. With its hundreds of temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs this city is like a living museum, making it perfect for the countless luxury tours that take place there every day.
The main place in Hue are the Citadel and Forbidden City, a replica of the Forbidden City in Beijing , Khai Dinh Emperor's Tomb and Thien Mu Pagoda, a 19th century seven story pagoda perched on a hill overlooking Perfume River.
Any luxury holiday must include a visit to Halong Bay. H?long Bay is a United Nations World Heritage site featuring thousands of limestone karsts and isles rising from the ocean. Two of the bigger islands, Tuan Chau and Cat Ba are inhabited. Both islands have tourist facilities, including hotels and beaches.
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