I. A glimpse at the development of Saigon architecture via history.

The town of Saigon has long been a hub of cultures and economy; hence, it is explainable that this city is where cultures meet. Not only carrying their customs and norms, but people from different parts of the world gathering there also bring along their signature architecture design. Varying styles of houses and buildings, as a result, have appeared across the city.

In its early days, Saigon used to be similar to other Vietnamese regions. Wood, bricks, plasters, and tiles are the major materials that formed Saigon houses. It was not until the early 20th century that building materials from different countries were imported and the blends between Vietnamese classical styles and Western elements existed.

1. Saigon buildings bear a strong Western architecture vibe

At that time, Saigon buildings were uniformed in terms of height and styles. A house tended to have 3 floors. The first floor was the tallest to tap Vietnamese thinking of “Nha Cao Cua Rong” (high ceiling and wild gate). It often served business activities. The two higher floors had lower ceilings and were where the families lived. Interestingly, the houses on the same blocks would have the same height, thus looking exceptionally aesthetic.

Typical Saigon buildings at that period often had red roof tiles, light turquoise wooden louvered windows, and Indochina-style balustrade, which were quite sophisticated yet elegant and graceful.

2. The influences of Chinese architecture

Aside from Western influences, Chinese elements also exist in the buildings in Saigon in the past century. You can feel the Chinese vibe when reaching the Cho Lon area, which is in District 4 & 5 nowadays.

Funny thing is, two parts of Cho Lon are home to different styles. In the place where Chinese people from Guangzhou immigrated to, their houses followed the traditional neoclassical architecture of their home city. In the other part, where people came from HongKong and Singapore – the once English colonies, the modern vibe was more clear.

3. Saigon Buildings nowadays

Time flies and Ho Chi Minh City still keeps rocketing. The fast development pace has entailed new high buildings and skyscrapers all across the city. By the end of 2018, Saigon ranks second (following Hanoi) in the number of sky buildings with 799 buildings that are higher than 200m. Most of these high buildings concentrate in the riverside districts like District 1, 2, 4, 7, and Binh Thanh District.

The highest skyscrapers in Saigon today is Landmark 81, which is 461.3 m (1,513 ft) high. This is also the highest in Vietnam and the 14th highest buildings in the world.

II. Iconic Saigon buildings of the 21st century.

As mentioned above, the city possesses nearly 800 towers that reach and exceed 200 meters. These Saigon buildings might be the office towers, apartments, the shopping malls, or the combination of these. Even though more and more high-rise buildings are being or about to be constructed, in Saigoners’ minds, the Bitexco Financial Tower and Landmark 81 are always the landmarks of the city.

1. Bitexco Financial Tower – once the landmark of Saigon

Since 2010, Bitexco Financial Tower had been the most famous skyscraper in HCMC for years until it was surpassed by the higher Landmark 81 in 2018. It used to be the tallest buildings in HCMC with a height of 262 meters. Consisting of 68 floors, this tower houses the Ho Chi Minh City office of Bitexco Real Estate Group and serves as the office tower for several domestic and multinational enterprises.

Bitexco Tower is the pride of Saigon architecture thanks to its spectacular design. The tower resembles the shape of a lotus flower – the National Flower of Vietnam. Especially, on the 52nd story of the buildings exist a helipad, which is the first non-rooftop landing area for helicopters in Vietnam.

The tower is open to tourists who come to admire the city’s beauty. On the 49th floor of this building locates an observation deck called Saigon Skydeck, from which people can catch a 360° view of the splendid Saigon. You can then head up to the EON bar, restaurant, and cafe on the 50th – 52nd floors for an afternoon tea party while enjoying the majestic skyline outside the window.

Possessing excellent architecture, Bitexco has won several awards ever since it was still on the paper. In 2011, the building was honored with the Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards for international structure valuing more than 100 million USD. 2 years later, it was named by CNN as one of the World’s 25 Great Skyscraper Icons of Construction. It was also voted to be the 2nd Coolest Skyscraper in the world by Thrillist.com in 2015.

2. Landmark 81 – the tallest among Saigon Buildings

Since 2018, Landmark 81 has taken the crown of Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower (349 meters tall) to become the tallest buildings in Vietnam. This Vietnamese architectural work is also the tallest in Southeast Asia (by July 2018) and ranks 14th in the list of high-rise buildings all over the world.

Landmark 81 belongs to Vingroup’s Vinhomes – the country’s biggest real estate corporation that owns many high-end Saigon buildings. Surprisingly, this mega project is conducted by a Vietnamese bidder called Coteccons, who won huge international competitors like Lotte and SsangYong to become the main contractor of Landmark 81. In other words, this high-rise is “authentically” Vietnamese.

This skyscraper is 461.15 meters high, consists of 81 floors, and has a prime location. It is situated on the western riverside of Saigon River in Binh Thanh District and is the center of Vinhomes Central Park – a luxurious mix-used area developed by the same investor. Landmark 81 houses a luxury hotel, high-end apartments, opulent shopping centers, bars & restaurants, and an observation deck. This is the result of the ideas and designs from the worldwide famous designers, consultants, and contractors who have contributed to the fame of the reputable buildings like Sydney’s Opera House, Shanghai’s Lotus Hotel, and Arab Saudi’s Bahrain World Trade Center.

The inspiration for Landmark 81 comes from bamboo – the familiar image that has accompanied the nation ever since the very first days, witnessing the establishment, expansion, and defense against the outside invaders. Resembling the bamboo clump, Vinhomes’ Landmark 81 showcases the unity, stability, and non-stop development of the country. Thus, it is undeniably the nation’s pride in architectural design.

Among Saigon buildings, this skyscraper offers the most impressive observation deck. Its observation area is located on 3 stories from No. 79 to No. 81, providing a panoramic bird’s eye view over the dynamic Ho Chi Minh City. Notably, the deck is equipped with microscopes and touch screens so that viewers can catch the clearest city view.

Inside the building also locates first-class elite clubs where only desirable guests can get exclusive access. Extravagant wine and cigar lounge are situated at the top bar to offer you the most elegant and lavish moments. Besides these exquisite facilities, visitors coming to Landmark 81 can also relax in the 14-hectare-wide Central Park – the largest riverside park in HCMC.

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III. Top ancient and old Saigon buildings

1. Saigon Opera House

The Municipal Theatre, better known as Saigon Opera House, is the first to be mentioned in the list of most outstanding Saigon buildings during the French colonial period. Together with the bigger counterpart – Hanoi Opera House, this building is a typical example of Beaux-Arts architecture – the neoclassical style that was popular in Paris in the 19th and 20th century.

During the war, this 500-seat building worked as the seat of the Lower House Assembly of Saigon Government. After 1975, it turned back to be a theatre and then underwent a restoration in 1998.

Nowadays, the Saigon Opera House is an appealing destination for art lovers. It is the venue for various art performances, namely A O Show – a must-see cultural show for any Saigon tours.

2. Independence Palace

Also known as the Reunification Hall, the Independence Palace is an architectural work that represents the historical values of Ho Chi Minh City. The palace was built in 1962 and used to be the home and the workplace of Southern Vietnam Governors during the Vietnam War. During the Fall of Saigon, it marked the end of the War when the Northern Vietnam Army tanks crashed its main gates on April 30th, 1975.

The building was designed by Vietnamese architect Ngo Viet Thu; therefore, it breathes the eastern vibe via its every single detail, from the inside to the outside while still blending well with the western architectural style. The details of the palace shape like the Mandarin letters that represent different meanings.

3. Notre Dame Basilica – One of the typical Romanesque Saigon Buildings

Being built in 1880, the Notre Dame Basilica is the important worship place of a large Catholic Community in Saigon. To pay a visit to Notre Dame Basilica is always a must-do for any Saigon tours.

Influenced by the French civilization and Christianity styles, Notre Dame embodies the typical vibe of the 19th and 20th centuries with the harmony of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Notably, all the materials used to construct the church was imported from France. The most outstanding feature of Notre Dame Basilica is the 60-meter high twin towers which are inspired by France’s Notre Dame de Paris.

4. Saigon Central Post

Opposite to Notre Dame Basilica is the Central Post – another city’s landmark that bears the typical French colonial style.

Dating back to 1891, it is rumored to own credits to Gustave Eiffel – the world-famous French architect who designed the Eiffel Tower – the landmark of Paris and Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi. Saigon Central Post represents the perfect combination of different architectural styles, namely Gothic, Renaissance, and classical French vibe. Walking into the Central Post Office, visitors would feel like you are brought back to the 20th-century building in Europe rather than a post office in the East.

5. Ho Chi Minh City Museum (Gia Long Palace)

Gia Long Palace, which is now the city’s museum, is another typical French colonial architectural work to visit in Saigon. The palace was designed by Alfred Foulhoux – a famous French architect and completed in 1890. It was initially the Museum of Commercial Trade where South Vietnam’s goods and products were displayed. However, after decades of ups and downs in the 20th century, this building underwent several changes in names and purposes of use. Today, it houses the Ho Chi Minh City Museum that showcases the history of the city during the Vietnam War.

Inside the museum, there is a secret underground tunnel that South Vietnam’s President Ngo Dinh Diem built to become an escape route.

6. Ha Chuong Hoi Quan Pagoda – The Chinese Assembly

While other Saigon buildings refer to the influences of Western architecture, Ha Chuong Hoi Quan Pagoda is where you can feel the strong oriental vibe by the Chinese community. It was built by Chinese-Vietnamese community who roots from Fujian and is dedicated to the Goddess of Seafarers.

The highlight of this Chinese Assembly is its 4 carved stone pillars. These dragon-wrapped stones were made in China and then delivered to Vietnam by boat. Additionally, the oriental ornaments also appear densely on the pagoda’s walls and roofs. Aside from its significant cultural and religious value, Ha Chuong Hoi Quan Pagoda has always been one of the most beautiful architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City.

7. Cafe Apartment at 42 Nguyen Hue

Nestled alongside Nguyen Hue Walking Street is an impressive 9-story cafe apartment at No. 42. Before 1975, this is one of the Saigon buildings where many high-ranking Saigon government officials stayed. It also once served as the residence for the United States’ advisors and navy servants during the Vietnam War.

Nowadays, this apartment is home to different offices, co-working spaces, stores, and coffee shops. The cafe on this buildings offers a great view of the bustling Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where lots of cultural and entertainment events take place every weekend.

8. 14 Ton That Dam Cafe Apartment

Without knowing it in advance, you might have walked across 14 Ton That Dam without even thinking about entering this hidden world. Located in Saigon downtown, this is one of the most memorable buildings that you should visit.

Stepping into the dark, old entrance, you will penetrate a whole different world that houses a sprawling maze of corridors, exterior stairwells, mezzanine levels, home units, dark antechambers, and courtyards open to the bright, tropical sunshine. This French colonial-era place is now turned into a hip icon of Saigon youngsters with a number of cool cafes, hipster bars, fashion boutiques, and street food zones.

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IV. To Wrap Up

The architecture and the bustling life on the streets have comprised the spectacular landscapes of Saigon that have allured travelers worldwide. By looking at Saigon buildings, tourists will be able to learn about the city’s development throughout history. If you have the chance to visit the Pearl of the Far East, don’t forget to spend some time witnessing the special architecture of these significant buildings and skyscrapers.

Want to plant a tailor-made Saigon trip that is similar to none? Contact Lux Travel DMC. As a leading luxury tour operator in Vietnam, we are confident that we could offer you a one-of-a-kind itinerary that will leave you with unforgettably pleasing experiences.

Let Lux Travel DMC accompany you on your upcoming Vietnam trip. Don’t hesitate to drop us a line at any time if you want our support.

Contact Us

• Address: No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Phone: (+84) 4 3927 4120
• Email: sales@luxtraveldmc.com
• Hotline: +84-336-276-996
• Website: https://luxtraveldmc.com

Plan Your Trip Here!

<p>The post Saigon Buildings: Break Down The Architecture Of Saigon Then And Now first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.</p>

In this South Vietnam itinerary of 5 days, we will show you as much as we can, the amazing charms of South Vietnam that you may have missed or never think of!

Day 1: Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City – the most bustling urban life in Vietnam

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! This city is the business and financial center of Vietnam, so there is no doubt about the bustling and energetic vibe here. After a short rest to recover from your long-time flight, you will start your 5 days in Southern Vietnam journey in this crowded and busy city in the afternoon. You will have the chance to stroll through many world-famous landmarks such as Reunification Palace, Cho Lon (Chinatown) or Thien Hau Pagoda. You can also visit many shopping boulevards with fashionable boutiques and hill tribe crafts, high-quality linens and house-wares. Our recommendations are:

• Chinatown/ Cho Lon: It is an old Chinatown in Vietnam and used to be the biggest Chinatown in the world. Cholon is an ideal place for tourists to take a look around and shop without the fear of being hassled.
• Thien Hau Pagoda: This is a Buddhist temple, worshipping the goddess of the Sea, Mazu, who plays an important role in the Vietnamese culture.

Since you will stay in Ho Chi Minh city for 2 days, you can take your time, bring your camera with you and try some famous street food like Banh Trang, Com Chay or Sugar Canes Juice. In the evening, you will be free to choose whichever restaurant to have your dinner, so you should visit the ones with Vietnamese specialties to enjoy the authentic Vietnamese cuisine like Cơm tấm sườn nướng (com tam suon), Bún thịt nướng (bun Thit nuong), Bún bò Huế (bun bo Hue).

After dinner, you should visit the Walking street to see the great nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City! There are a lot of interesting things to do here, but if you need some rest for the next day’s exploring the South Vietnam for 5 days, a relaxing night at your lush hotel doesn’t sound bad!

Day 2: What remained from the past at Cu Chi Tunnel and HCMC

This morning, you will see a very famous historic remnants during the Vietnam War: Cu Chi Tunnel. These tunnels used to be the American Army’s worst nightmare when small yet strong Vietnamese soldiers appear out of nowhere, pull their enemies onto many traps underground or disappear into the underground maze and could not be tracked. Today, these remaining tunnels is a major tourist attraction providing unique experiences for tourists to have a glimpse of how extreme underground life was during the U.S – Vietnam War.

The Cu Chi Tunnels consist of more than 200 kilometers of underground tunnels. You be overwhelmed when seeing how smart and creative Vietnamese people with countless of trap doors, bizarre tunnels leading to specially constructed facilities namely meeting room, kitchen, weapon storage. If you want to explore everything here, you will crawl through dark, narrow tunnels but don’t worry – everything is safe since the most dangerous areas are off-limits.

After the trip, you will be driven back to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch, then in the afternoon, you should spend time trolling around for a city tour to visit the rest of famous places that you’ve missed on your 1st day such as the Reunification Palace, the Opera House and the Hotel de Ville, and the moving War Remnants Museum.

• Reunification Palace: This place is seen as a symbol of Vietnam’s independence. Visiting here, tourists will have the chance to see hidden rooms, secret chambers with antique-look corridors, along with a beautiful tropical garden on the outside.
• Opera House: The famous three-floor Opera house is a colonial building in Saigon. Because of its unique look, this place is a MUST when you check in Vietnam.
• War Remnants Museum: This is where to see how a 30-year war between Vietnam and the USA has affected this S-shaped country. Tourists will be mind-blown by written letters, information and presentation of the War, seeing how a small, poor country regain their independence after 3 decades.
• The Hotel de Ville: Also called Ho Chi Minh City Hall or Hôtel de Ville de Saïgon, this gorgeous French-colonial styled site was built between 1902-1908. Even though this elegant building is not open to the public, you can still have great photos for your Instagram feed just by standing outside. You can visit this place at night since the building and its grounds are lit up.
• Dong Khoi Street: This street is the city’s main shopping places because here, you can easily reach the most luxurious and customized clothes and accessories shops of famous as well as new Vietnamese designers. This area is also the place to buy some unique souvenirs and enjoy a nice drink with city view..

This evening, how about you let fate lead the way and choose whichever local restaurants or street stalls that are crowded with Vietnamese? What to eat in the South Vietnam in 5 days can, in all honesty, be decided by that and you will be blown away with the result. As high chances are, these places are the hidden gems that this never-sleep city offers to you!

Day 3: A journey to the mesmerizing Mekong Delta

Today, you will spend the whole day exploring the mesmerizing Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is located in the southernmost region of Vietnam, where most rice in Vietnam are produced, not to mention all the tropical fruits and flowers. Therefore, you are guaranteed a wonderful view of the evergreen vegetation of the canals and fresh air with tranquil atmosphere while visiting this place on a private boat. You should take a walk along the waterfront and visit several French-inspired houses and shops in the region. So this is, for sure, a fascinating and rewarding experience for all visitors in their trips in the Southern Vietnam for 5 days.

But first off, you need to leave Ho Chi Minh City and after a mere two-hour trip, you’ll arrive at the lush My Tho – Tien Giang Province’s capital and the gateway to the Mekong Delta. In order to explore here, you will cruise on a private boat through the green vegetation of the canals to an orchard. There, you will be treated to a delicious lunch in a bonsai garden in the heart of the Mekong, complete with tropical fruits.

You will also visit the snake farm, Dong Tam, located in Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province. Just 12km away from My Tho City Centre. This Snake Farm is one of the country’s largest centers producing snake-related products like venom, skin or wine for local use and export. Here, you will have the chance to see more than 50 species of snake. Run by the military, this snake farm also has a big collection of reptiles and animals other than snakes such as crocodiles, turtles, bears, sheep, and ostriches. There are chances you come across a mutant, which is the evidence of the American’s Agent Orange in the Mekong Delta during wartime.

The weather and soil conditions in the Mekong area are so perfect that there are countless bonsai gardens here for tourists to visit. So you should spend some time visiting a bonsai garden in Trung Luong before heading back to Ho Chi Minh for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Vung Tau Beach Break

Today is all about relaxing, so the best thing you can do is heading to Vung Tau – a famous beach city in Vietnam. Known as Cap Saint-Jacques under French occupation and is just 125 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, in the past, this seaside city was a popular beach destination for French and American servicemen. Vung Tau is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Vietnam, with sandy beaches and transparent warm blue water all year round.

You should wake up early and head to Vung Tau in the morning so that you have enough time exploring. The two most famous beaches here are Bai Sau (Back Beach) and Bai Truoc (Front Beach). You can also choose the less crowded Bai Dua (Pineapple Beach) or Hon Ba (Women’s Island). These beaches, even though they are not as stunning as world-famous spots, they ensure you excellent chance to swim, enjoy the sunset, and of course, fresh and delicious tropical seafood.

History and culture lovers can also be joyful coming here since Vung Tau has many historical and religious sights such as White Palace (Bao Dai’s King summer retreat built in the French style), Thang Tam Temple (Dinh Thang Tam) with three local legends and a whale skeleton to worship, and so on. When traveling through Vung Tau’s immense rubber, cashew nut plantations and scenic rice fields, you can see many many religious statues like the Niet Ban Tinh Xa, Nirvana Meditation Retreat, or the Thich Ca Phat Dai. If you want an Instagrammable picture, then the French-built lighthouse will make a perfect background for your feed!.

Around 6 pm, you will be taken back to spend your evening in Ho Chi Minh City. This is your last night staying in Ho Chi Minh City in this 5 – day trip through the Southern of Vietnam.

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Day 5: Departure

This is the last day in a 5-day journey in Southern Vietnam, so many people choose this day to go around for souvenir shopping or jogging around Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy the unique energy of this city to wait for their transfer to the airport for the departing flight.

Some recommended souvenir shops to buy gifts:

• Ben Thanh Market and Cho Lon Wanders (Chinatown): These two markets are the most famous spots for foreign tourists to visit and to buy typical souvenirs like Non-La, Coffee or Ao dai. One thing you should keep in mind is that: there is no such thing as a fixed price there, so you can bargain as much as you like to have the best deal.
• The House of Saigon: They have everything you can think of as gifts, from food to clothing, from handmade accessories to impressive arts made from recyclable materials.
• Authentique Home: If you want to buy furniture with Vietnamese cultural breathe, this place is perfect for you because it is specialized in home decors such as dinnerware, wooden furniture or cutlery.

You have free time to explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own and do whatever you like in most evenings in this 5 days Vietnam itinerary. So here is a list of what to see and what to do on the busy, bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City:

• Street beer at Bui Vien: This is also called “pho Tay”, which means “the street of the foreigners” since this place attracts travelers of all countries and nationalities with its cross-culture style. A night out at Bui Vien street with friends or family members, munching on delicious Vietnamese snack with some beer here is the experience you should never miss.
• Enjoy classy cocktails at rooftop bars: There are plenty of sky bars you can try in this modern city, giving tourists a wide range of options to suit your needs, regardless of whatever it is.

• Listening to live music at bizarre coffee shops: There is no better way to experience the nightlife of Vietnam than enjoying a nice cup of coffee with live music playing.
• Karaoke: this can be considered one of the most popular activities among Westerners. The song list is very variated, too, from ABBA, Eminem to the Kpop sensation EXO- it is all up to you.
• Nightclub in Saigon: The “pho Tay” aka Bui Vien Street is considered the heart of fancy nightclub in Ho Chi Minh city, so I’m sure you will not be disappointed going there.

Lux Travel DMC believes that our 5-day itinerary around Vietnam will help you understand our beautiful country more, have some time off for yourself just to chill and enjoy the moment while you are at it. Should you have any questions or inquiries, feel free to ask us any time!

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About Lux Travel DMC

Lux Travel DMC specializes in custom-made holidays with several choices of high-end services for leisure travel, business travel and MICE serving a wide range of luxury travelers from 1 to 1000 people. Taking into consideration every little detail from our dear customer, Lux Travel DMC promises you the perfect tailor-made holiday for everyone: from couples and honeymooners, families, group tours to foodies, golfers or wellness/spa enthusiasts and other travel interests of your liking.

Contact Us

• Address : No.456 Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Phone: (+84) 4 3927 4120
• Email: sales@luxtraveldmc.com
• Hotline: +84-336-276-996
• Website: https://luxtraveldmc.com

Plan Your Trip Here!

<p>The post Discover the Charms of the South Vietnam in 5 days first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.</p>

One week itinerary suit for group travel packages to Vietnam

A one-week Vietnam vacation packages will required careful planning and prioritizing. Either takes domestic flights, if you want to cover a lot of overland traveling, or better you limit your group to sightseeing in just one area. In Vietnam, fly from energetic and historic Ho Chi Minh City to the imperial Hue in central Vietnam which is followed by a trip to enchanting Hoi An and its pristine local beaches. Then fly on to charming Hanoi, the capital and if visiting the outskirts of Hanoi is more of your group interest then plans it as a day trip, the Mekong Delta can be visited as an excursion through the different designed day trips from the Ho Chi Minh City.

Magical Halong bay is like a crown in the head of Vietnam, this part of the country can be visited in a day / night trip from Hanoi but in order to visit Sapa, known for its stunning scenery and colorful hill tribes, you’ll have to spend two nights on a train.

In Cambodia, up to four days could be spent around the exceptional ruins of Angkor Wat, with one day in Phnom Penh and one in either the laid-back beaches of Sihanoukville or in colonial-inspired Kampot.

One week itinerary which is suit for group travel inLaos, you might fly to Vientiane from Bangkok or Hanoi before heading to wonderfully preserved Luang Prabang in the north. Or fly from Vientiane to Luang Namtha to access the interesting trekking region in the north before over landing it back to the Luang Prabang. Alternatively, after visiting Luang Prabang, fly to Pakse for a trip to the tranquil,laid-back Siphandon (4000 islands) in the south.

Two weeks itinerary for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia

Building on the one week options, you have the chance to cross a border or two. If you fly into Ho Chi Minh City you could see the war relic of the Cu Chi Tunnels and the fantastical Cao Dai Temple before making your way through the Mekong Delta to visit the floating markets in Can Tho, or Cai be. Next step will be Phnom Penh, Choeung Ek and onto Siem Reap by boat, where you will have more time to visit some of the outlying ruins such as Koh Ker and Beng Melea and, at a push, the brilliant, cliff top temple of Preah Vihear. You could then fly from Siem Reap to Pakse for Wat Phou, the sublime Tad Lo and Tad Fan falls and Siphandon, or to Vientiane to access the northern Laos . Alternatively, you could fly to Cambodia first and then fly from either Phnom Penh to the Vientiane or Ho Chi Minh City or from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. If you fly into Hanoi you could visit both Sapa by train and Halong Bay for cruising experience and then fly to Vientiane in Laos continuing to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh by plane.

One month group travel packages to Vietnam and Indochina

The following group travel packages to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia; With one month you can take the sightseeing a little more slowly. Having Explored Sapa, Dien Bien Phu and the area around Mai Chau in northwest Vietnam you could take an overnight train from Hanoi to Hue. You could either travel west into central Laos here ot take the splendid train journey from Hue to Danang. Close by is Hoi An. From there, travel to coastal Nha Trang for its islands or quieter, lovely resort of Mui Ne. From Nha Trang you could go to Dalat, the hub of central highlands and the town of Buon Ma Thuot, Play ku and Kontum, then continue by air or overland to Ho Chi Minh City, from where a side-trip to the golden sand beaches of Phu Quoc is possible. To reach Cambodia, fly on to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap or go by bus and boat through the Mekong delta.

Visit Angkor Wat and then, from Phnom Penh , go south to Sihanoukville to explore the beaches and outlying islands, A day or two can be spent visiting Kampot and the seaside town of Kep, as well as exploring the eerie Bokor Mountain National Park. With one month it is advised to start the extreme north or the South of Laos to cover as much territory as possible. From Phnom Penh you could travel overland to Siphandon in the Southern Laos via Stung Treng. Before heading north take a side trip to the interesting Bolaven Plateau with its stunning coffee plantations and ubiquitous falls. Overland it to Thakhek and do the adventure through the limestone scenery of central Laos, visiting the Kong Lor river cave en-route, Or fly direct to Vientiane in order to catch a flight to Phonsavanh and explore the mysterious Plain of Jars, then overland it to Xam Neua to see the Pathet Lao caves at Vieng Xai. A long but very interesting overland route will take your group to travel to west from here via the trekking areas of Luang Namtha, Muang Sing, and Phongsali, or catch a boat up the Mekong towards the Thai border.

Author wants to share about the magnificent sites and holiday destinations that one can expect before taking any group travel packages to Vietnam .

Lux Travel DMC is the first luxury tour operator in Vietnam and well as numerous winner of different awards , they offers bespoke holiday packages for any visit to Cambodia and other Indochina destinations.

<p>The post Group Travel Packages to Vietnam, Where to Go? first appeared on Lux Travel DMC's Blog.</p>