DeLuxe Kombi - Hanoi, "2 Nächte Halong Bucht Cruise“ Saigon & Erholung auf Con Dao Island

About the destination: Hanoi, Vietnam's capital and its second largest city, is one of the most enchanting cities in Asia with a unique personality. Years of foreign occupation have left an imprint on this city, as evidenced by the intriguing museums, historical buildings, pagodas, mausoleum, and its own French quarter, all of which contribute to the city's distinctive ambiance. The best way to familiarize yourself with Hanoi is by foot. The historical center isn't very large, and many attractions are located there or in the immediate vicinity. Walking is the best way to interact with the friendly locals. Hanoi is known as a city of lakes due to the numerous lakes and trees scattered throughout the city. The largest lake is the West Lake, Ho Tay, and the most famous in the city center is the Lake of the Restored Sword, Ho Hoan Kiem. What's beautiful about Hanoi is the interesting architectural contrasts, ranging from the traditional old buildings of the Old Quarter to the grand European-style 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 city of both peace and hustle, bustling with street life and exotic markets, yet serene around the tranquil pagodas and temples. The City of the Soaring Dragon is a must-visit destination in Vietnam.

About the destination: Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is the biggest city in Vietnam. It's a contemporary, vibrant, and bustling city. It's economically dynamic, teeming with lively markets, and is undeniably the country's commercial hub. Despite being the most modern city in the country, it maintains a distinct Vietnamese essence and remnants of its illustrious Colonial past as the former "pearl of the orient" are still visible. In the heart of the city, which locals still fondly call 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. If you need 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, situated in the highlands about 300km from the city, is worth the journey as there's plenty to see and do including waterfalls, gardens, the old French Quarter, and local restaurants serving fantastic local cuisine. Vietnam's commercial and financial center is an exhilarating and fascinating sprawling metropolis that strives to preserve the lifestyle and culture of this magnificent country.

About the destination: South of the mainland, the idyllic Con Dao Islands of Vietnam, with about 6,000 inhabitants, are the perfect ocean antidote to the feverish energy and heavy pollution that characterize the country’s megacities. For decades, the main settlement of Con Son was used by the French and Americans as a penitentiary center for anti‑regime activists and criminals. Many of those prisons are today chilling points of interest. History aside, Con Dao is blessed with breathtaking beaches and rich coral reefs that offer some of Vietnam’s finest scenery. The islands have been declared a national park and offer rewarding excursions into rainforests and remote bays. The tiny capital of the islands is a delight to explore on foot, with streets almost free of traffic, a couple of traffic lights (that don’t work), and a solitary gas station (which closes at siesta time). It is Vietnam in slow motion. Start with a morning stroll along the village’s spectacular waterfront promenade, with the turquoise ocean on one side and, on the other, an ocher row of beautiful French colonial villas. You’ll pass the old French customs house, where Camille Saint‑Saëns composed his opera "Brunehilda" in 1895. Then visit Con Son Market for a local breakfast of rice porridge or noodles and Vietnamese coffee, thick as molasses and slow‑dripping. If you’re more in the mood for a cappuccino and an omelet, head to Infiniti Cafe & Lounge, a bohemian spot with a great street‑side terrace. To get an overview of the islands, their natural environment (the Con Dao are important sea‑turtle nesting grounds and home to 11 endemic tree species), and their role as a concentration camp, visit the modern Con Son Museum, which prepares visitors for the prison circuit. It’s a good idea to head to the beach and switch gears. Ride a scooter north across the island, passing high granite hills and fishermen’s houses draped in wild bougainvillea. On a corner of the coast, near the airport and flanked by rocky headlands, lies Dam Trau Cove, with fine pale sand, fringed by casuarina and pandanus trees. Along the shore, a few simple eateries serve fresh seafood, with especially tasty crab. On the way back, you can stop at the ultra‑luxurious Six Senses resort (where Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt stayed in 2011), which occupies a stunning, secluded beach, for a drink or a gourmet dinner. Another option is to dine at Thu Ba, a family‑run restaurant in Con Son that serves excellent Vietnamese dishes and plenty of vegetarian options. The English‑speaking owner guides diners through the menu and offers suggestions.

About the destination: Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is the biggest city in Vietnam. It's a contemporary, vibrant, and bustling city. It's economically dynamic, teeming with lively markets, and is undeniably the country's commercial hub. Despite being the most modern city in the country, it maintains a distinct Vietnamese essence and remnants of its illustrious Colonial past as the former "pearl of the orient" are still visible. In the heart of the city, which locals still fondly call 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. If you need 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, situated in the highlands about 300km from the city, is worth the journey as there's plenty to see and do including waterfalls, gardens, the old French Quarter, and local restaurants serving fantastic local cuisine. Vietnam's commercial and financial center is an exhilarating and fascinating sprawling metropolis that strives to preserve the lifestyle and culture of this magnificent country.