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.