DeLuxe Kombi "Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Saigon“ mit Erholung auf Con Dao Insel

About the destination: Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and also its second largest city, is one of the most charming cities in Asia with a unique character. Years of foreign occupation have left a mark on this city as it is shown in the interesting museums, the historical buildings, the pagodas, the mausoleum, and its own French quarter give the city a very distinctive atmosphere. The best way to get to know Hanoi is to walk around. The historical center is not very extensive, many places to visit are there or in the immediate surroundings, and walking is the best way to have some contact with the friendly people of Hanoi. Hanoi is known as a city of lakes as there are many lakes and trees all around the city, the biggest being the West Lake, Ho Tay, and the most famous in the city center being the Lake of the Restored Sword, Ho Hoan Kiem. The beautiful thing about Hanoi is the interesting contrasts of architecture, ranging from the traditional old buildings of the Old Quarter to the European style huge buildings of the French Quarter to the Communist monuments at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and surrounding areas, not to mention the beautiful traditional architecture of its temples such as the Quan Su Pagoda. Hanoi is a peaceful and hectic city, buzzing with street life and exotic markets yet serene around the tranquil pagodas and temples. The City of the Soaring Dragon is the place to be in Vietnam.

About the destination: Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam. It is a modern, lively and bustling city. It is economically active, filled with lively markets and it is unequivocally the nation’s commercial center. Though the country’s most modern city by far, it retains a unique Vietnamese flavor and you can still see evidences of an illustrious Colonial past of this former pearl of the orient. In the core area, which locals still affectionately refer to as Saigon, you’ll find some of the city’s main attractions such as the Opera house, railway station, Notre Dame cathedral, Reunification Palace, the Saigon river and the Markets. To take a break from the city, you can take a tour to the Mekong Delta or to Da Lat, if you have more time. Da Lat, located in the highlands approximately 300km from the city is worth the trip as there is plenty to see and do including waterfalls, gardens, the old French Quarter and the local restaurants which served magnificent local food. The commercial and financial hub of Vietnam is an exciting and interesting sprawling metropolis that does its best to preserve the way of life and culture of this magnificent county.

About the destination: South of the mainland, the idyllic Con Dao islands of Vietnam, with about 6000 inhabitants, are the perfect ocean antidote to the feverish energy and inclement pollution that characterize the country's mega-cities. For decades the main settlement of Con Son was used by French and Americans as a penitentiary center for anti-regime activists and criminals. Many of those jails are today chilling points of interest. History aside, Con Dao is endowed with breathtaking beaches and rich coral reefs that offer the best landscapes of Vietnam. The islands have been declared National Park, and have rewarding excursions to rain forests and remote bays. The tiny capital of the islands is a delight to explore on foot, with its streets (almost) free of traffic, a couple of traffic lights (which do not work) and a solitary gas station (which closes at siesta time). It is the slow version of Vietnam. You can start with a morning walk for the spectacular walk of the village, with the turquoise ocean shaping the horizon to one side and, on the other, an ocher row of beautiful French colonial villas. It passes through the old Gallic customs center, where Camille Saint-Saëns composed his opera Brunehilda in 1895. Then you can visit Con Son Market and have the local breakfast (rice porridge or noodles) and Vietnamese coffee, thick as molasses and slow dripping. If you fancy more a cappuccino and an omelette, you can go to Infiniti Cafe & Lounge, with a bohemian atmosphere and a magnificent terrace on the street. To get an overview of the islands, their natural environment (the Con Dao are important sea turtle breeding areas and have 11 endemic tree species) and their role as a concentration camp, you can go to the modern Con Son Museum, which prepares the visitor for the prison circuit. It is a good idea to go to the beach and change the chip. With a scooter goes north of the island with Son, passing before high granite hills and houses of fishermen wrapped in wild bougainvillea. In a corner of the coast, near the airport and flanked by rocky promontories, is the Dam Trau cove, with fine, clear sand, surrounded by casuarinas and pandanos. On the shore there are several places to feast on fresh seafood (the crab is very rich). Back you can pass by the super-luxurious Six Senses resort (Angelina and Brad stayed in it in 2011), which occupies a stunning covered beach for a drink or gourmet dinner. Another option is to dine in Thu Ba, run by a family in Con Son. It serves rich Vietnamese dishes (and has lots of vegetarian options). The owner, who speaks English, guides diners with the letter and makes suggestions.