For a country like Vietnam, which is so diverse in its cultural and natural beauty, it isn’t easy to showcase this sheer variety to travellers in a few days. However, thanks to the expertise of our local product team, we have created an 11-day Classic Vietnam Itinerary, which is easy to book and a great starting point for both new and repeat travellers to explore the majestic charms of this nation.
One of the first people to experience this itinerary before it was revealed to our partners and travellers was our new Account Manager in Australia, Karlie Day. As a first-time visitor to Vietnam, Karlie came with an open mind and was both surprised and thrilled at what the country has to offer.
She says, “My first impression truly started at the airport where I was greeted as soon as I touched down and flew through immigration; the fastest I’ve ever cleared an airport. The tour was well organised and seamless from the get-go, and this continued throughout my entire journey.”
Karlie feels that this itinerary will appeal to all kinds of travellers as it includes the crown jewels of Vietnam like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh, as well as plenty of opportunity for free time and optional tours to ensure everyone gets what they want out of this tour.
“If it’s your first time, you can maximise each day to your heart’s content, or if you’ve been before, you can take it all in at your leisure. You’ll never feel too rushed or too constrained by this trip, unless you want to be,” she adds.
Karlie, for one, chose an optional Vespa tour in Ho Chi Minh City on her second night in Vietnam, which became one of her most memorable moments from the itinerary. Since she had never been on a Vespa before, it made for quite the adventure that enabled her to see how locals live in the city. Moreover, the city had a very different energy during the nighttime, which she had fun exploring while feeling safe and looked after.
“My second most memorable experience would have to be Ha Long Bay. It’s one of those places that I’d been dreaming about for a “halong” time, and it didn’t disappoint. The limestone islands/cliffs were breathtaking, my room was sensational and had a gorgeous view from so many angles! It was a dream waking up surrounded by all of nature’s wonder and glory at 6 am and watching the sunrise over the limestone cliffs,” she says.
Karlie’s experience on this tour has galvanised what she has already been communicating to agents about choosing Discova for a seamless travel experience. After being so well looked after during the trip, her first-hand experience allows her to assure partners that their clients will also receive the same unparalleled hospitality at our destinations.
As one of Asia’s leading Destination Management Companies, Discova is very mindful of making its travel experiences authentic and purpose-driven to impact travellers and local communities positively. Karlie had several opportunities to experience these values throughout the tour.
She informs, “We supported and championed local stories and experiences throughout my journey. From a farm visit in the Mekong, to a herb-tasting experience in Hoi An, I met and heard first-hand stories from the people who lived there and were genuinely so happy to share their experiences. It was wonderful for me to realise that I had made a connection with the people and country I just visited; a perspective I wouldn’t have known before travelling.”
With Vietnam’s history as a former French Colony to its recent war, everyone has their own story to tell from the south, middle and north of the country. As Karlie journeyed up from the south to the north, she personally experienced what Vietnam can offer to a wide variety of tourists. She recommends this itinerary as a lovely introduction to Vietnam for the unacquainted. It is especially suited to travellers who’d like time for personal exploration while also participating in tours to immerse themselves in the natural and cultural sights of a place.
“Vietnam can almost be overwhelming; and people can have their opinions on what you should do. However, I’m a strong believer that each person likes to explore new places in their own way and has reasons for travelling differently from others. Vietnam truly has something for everyone: the foodie, the history buff, the nature lover – just be sure to advocate what type of experience YOU want in Vietnam, and you’ll get it and more,” she concludes.
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