Unless you have been here during the past twenty years, your mental picture of Vietnam is probably dead wrong. Many Westerners—especially Americans—expect a land of darkness, deeply marked by the still-festering scars of war; the people (many of whom are burned and limbless) are zombies, tamed and controlled by a wicked and oppressive regime; their contempt for the West is boundless.
Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. For most who visit Vietnam for the first time, the big surprise is that is an exciting, spirited and remarkably beautiful place full of happy, healthy, optimistic people. While it is the world’s third poorest country, it has one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
Vietnam can be divided into three different regions with different history,
culture and weather. Many believe Northern Vietnam to be among the most
beautiful places in the world. Hanoi is ancient, with architecture going back to
a time when it was a part of China. You will find incomparable shopping and
dining in this cosmopolitan city. The World Heritage site of Halong Bay just a
few hours from Hanoi is one of the most spectacular places to see in Asia.
Further south, the ancient capital of Hue is full of history, while equally
ancient Hoi An is charming, mostly unspoiled, and has one of the best beaches in
Asia.
Southern Vietnam offers a lot of diversity. Stylish, fun-loving Ho Chi Minh City
(Saigon) is the country's economic capital. From there you can visit the French
hill station town of Dalat and enjoy a year 'round tropical beach at Phan Thiet.

Purple Dragon offers all-inclusive travel programs and unique side trips designed to help first-time visitors get acquainted with incredible Vietnam. Creating the the perfect adventure could not be easier! Our programs are all modular. Choose a destination and arrive any day. Add any extra sightseeing you like and your trip is tailor-made to suit your own schedule, tastes and budget. Your private tour includes personal guides, so you'll never be herded around on a bus with 40 strangers. Although we have already chosen the optimum amount of time to visit each place
you can extend your stay in any of our destinations.
It is easy to spend two weeks or more exploring Vietnam. If you have a week or
less, however, and have never visited Vietnam, combining Saigon, Hanoi and
Halong Bay is the best way to see and do the most.
Purple Dragon's Vietnam packages offer great value and save you time and effort by arranging your choice of hotel, round trip airport transportation, and sightseeing with a personal English-speaking guide. You can always add extra
nights and optional sightseeing if you wish.
Hanoi Highlights
If you can only
afford two nights in Hanoi, this program is perfect for you. It includes a full
day city tour by "cyclo" (pedicab), lunch in a traditional restaurant, and an
unforgettable performance of water puppetry.
Hanoi & Halong Bay
This is our most
comprehensive Hanoi advanture. In addition to the features included in "Hanoi
Highlights" you get an overnight trip (with two days cruising) to spectacular
Halong Bay, plus your choice of full day trips. Six days,five nights.
Grand Hanoi
You will be
pampered on this program with a Benz waiting for you at Noi Bai airport, a room
at the historic Metropole Hotel, a city tour, and an overnight trip to Halong
Bay, where you will live aboard a teak yacht.
Sapa
We we currently
offer Sapa on a custom tour basis.
Ask us!
Hue and Hoi An
Explore
Central Vietnam on this five-day program with two nights each in Hue and Hoi An.
Hue, Vietnam's ancient capital, is full of history and magnificent architecture
left by long-dead emperors. Hoi An is an idyllic village with narrow lanes,
canals, four hundred year old buildings and one of the loveliest beaches in
Vietnam.
Saigon Sizzle
Four days
and three
night in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling economic capital. In addition to a full-day city tour you also make a full day trip to the
Mekong Delta with your private local guide.
Simply Saigon
Guests with less
time may choose this two-night program that includes a full day city tour. Both
of our Saigon programs also include a taste of the local nightlife.
Dalat Delights
A former French
Hill Station a few hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat is known as the "Honeyoon
Capital of Vietnam." The town is full of gardens, small farms, colorful markets
and some odd things to see. Dalat is a terrific get-away because it is
incredibly peaceful and surrounded by natural beauty. From there you can
return
to Saigon, or continue to Phan Thiet (below)
Bana Belt Beach Bash
While most of Vietnam's great beach are closed for business between October and April, Phan Thiet welcomes visitors 362 days of the year. It practically never rains here. Beyond the beaches lies a colorful fishing town with fresh prawns and
even a bit of nightlife.
There are no exclusively-gay venues in Vietnam, so do not waste your time if you
are going only for the nightlife. Both Saigon and Hanoi have several mixed bars and discos that attract local gay people
and Saigon has a restaurant where local gays go to see and be seen on Sunday
mornings. The "scene" seems to move around every night, prompted by a flurry of
SMSing. Unless you know someone these places may be difficult to find.
Nevertheless, most Vietnamese are very friendly and easy to meet, keeping in
mind that people in the north are conservative and stony-faced until they get to
know you. English is widely spoken. We will provide more information in our
"Before You Go"
information.

There really is no bad time to visit Vietnam. October and November tend to be very wet in central Vietnam. The north is cool, though not terribly cold, during the winter
except for Sapa, which can be quite chilly. The south is tropical all year.
Unlike neighboring Thailand, Summer is high season and the best beach weather is
May through September. Aside from always-tropical Phan Thiet, November through
March are not suitable for beach holidays.

A visa is required for citizens of most countries. Visas are not issued on arrival. Before your trip we will give you extensive "Before You Go" information that includes tips about packing, weather, money, shopping, food, travel practicalities and local culture that will help you enjoy a worry-free holiday.