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tet special
provide binoculars, snorkelling equip-
ment and top-of-the-line Canadian
made kayaks.
A trip to Halong is first and fore-
most about relaxing, so within minutes,
even in the winter every single pas-
senger will make their way to the deck
to sip drinks in the light sunshine and
cool wind. The sea makes Halong much
warmer than Hanoi, so it’s possible to
swim in the blue and clear water for
much of the year.
Those with energy can climb the 427
stone steps to the summit of Ti Top island
for the most incredible 360-degree view
of Halong Bay. And when the sun sets,
with a canopy of glittering stars above
and the glistening fluorescent lamps of
the cuttlefish boats in the distance, the
bay is truly magical. It is pure bliss just to
sit around with the other travelers, your
friends or your partner.
Some may be tempted to try an
adventurous night activity and join fish-
ermen casting out nets for cuttlefish
before heading for bed, while others
are happy just to sit and take it all but
with a nightcap.
Halong Bay is really amazing during
Tet with very few local tourists, so you
really feel you are the only one in the
world there, making you feel closer to
the nature.
Sapa in the clouds
The US magazine Travel + Leisure
placed the terraced fields of Sa Pa in
their list if the most beautiful terraced
fields in the world. The mist shrouded
mountains are breathtaking. The rice
terrace farmers and water buffaloes
are made to photograph. It is pure
joy to wander through the villages,
past the friendly people in their ethnic
costumes. Children, ever eager to
practice their English will greet you
and you may be invited in to people’s
family homes.
Another highlight is the weekend
market in Sapa. A little further afield is
the famous Bac Ha market – so popular
that some tourists book a helicopter
tour from Hanoi to Bac Ha just to see
it. Those who have more time should
take an overnight train to nearby Lao
Cai however.
At least five days are needed for
a perfect tour to the northern tribes
and markets. In Vietnamese culture, the
market place is an important meeting
place, not simply a place for trading.
There is not one child who does not
want his or her mother to take him or
her to the market because many live
in remote areas and work hard in the
fields to make a living. They have few
everyday opportunities to meet friends,
relatives or neighbours, so the market
is a great place to do so.
Market trips will introduce the most
colourful markets of the tribes living in
north Vietnam. You will encounter many
interesting people, and visit their villages
that are located at the foot of Vietnam’s
highest mountain, Mountain Fansipan.
And during Tet, if you are lucky, you will
be enjoy the ice or snow which brings
an amazing beauty to this hillside town.
Floating through the delta
For something new, try a river
barge cruise on the Song Xanh and dis-
cover floating markets, exotic food and
friendly people. Tourists can travel up-
stream on the Mekong River on a rustic
sampan. The ideal escape from Saigon,
1, 2 or 3 night packages are available.
For exclusive private travel prices range
from $265 – 427 per person (offered by
Luxury Travel). Private cruises include
an unforgettable candlelight dinner.
Tours depart Ho Chi Minh City for
Cai Be floating market, Vinh Long and
Sa Dec’s beautiful canals. Boats then
carve their way among water jacinth
plantations passing French style villas
and Chinese temples. Next, its on to
Can Tho, famed for its Cao Dai Temple
and ancient houses, before heading to
Cai Rang, best known for its floating
markets. On the return leg to Ho Chi
Minh City the boat docks briefly in the
town of My Tho for a short break.
During the cruise, fresh cotton tow-
els, exotic seasonal fruits, hot green tea
and two bottles of mineral water will be
provided free of charge. The tour price
includes all private transportation and
transfers, on board English or French
speaking guides. The private charter of
the Song Xanh sampan includes daily
breakfast and full-board meals, fresh
fruits with hot green tea and mineral wa-
ter, a bicycle ride and xuong rowing, plus
any relevant admission fees and permits.
Island Escape
Con Dao was once a hell for pris-
oners, but now it is a true paradise for
travelers. Six Senses Con Dao is one of
Southeast Asia’s most luxurious resorts.
Resting in the quiet waters of the East
Sea, the Con Dao archipelago remains
an unspoilt gem and relatively unknown
on the worldwide scene. Swathes of
white sand form breeding grounds for
turtles and visiting dugong herds, while
inland teems with bird life and the chat-
ter of monkeys and squirrels.
The island covers an area of 70km²
and is home to 5000 inhabitants. The
pistine Dat Doc beach lies 8km from
Con Son Airport, in a National Park en-
compassing both marine and terrestrial
resources. Con Dao will also be home to
the sixth Evason Hideaway resort, the
boutique category of the luxury Evason
brand. Each Hideaway combines the
intrinsic values of the destination with
the height of a luxurious, contemporary
lifestyle. Con Dao will take the usual
Evason eco-friendly philosophy a few
footsteps further, and lead a new style of
environmentally sustainable resort, from
construction materials to energy saving
wizardry. The resort aims to achieve a
feel of luxury marrying exclusivity and
the natural environment to create an
unforgettable experience.
Mekong Delta
Sapa