GoPhilanthropic

Vietnam is a country of natural beauty and charming cultures. It offers a unique blend of the East and West with a tremendous range of historical and cultural activities. A veritable heaven for nature lovers, we highly recommend at least one day in Halong Bay to cruise among these outstanding limestone cliffs. All of our suggested itineraries propose time beginning or ending in the two main cities of Hanoi and Saigon, with time in between visiting the picturesque central cities of Hue, Danang and/or Hoi An. Time permitting we highly recommend a day exploring the winding canals of the Mekong Delta with its floating markets and serene countryside.

This beautiful nation still struggles - Despite being widely visited by tourists from all over the world, Vietnam is still among the poorest nations in the world. A World Bank report on poverty, revealed the average annual income at less than US$240 per person. GoPhilanthropic has identified a few programs that assist in educating and caring for the young to secure a brighter future for the next generation. By helping to donate cows or sampans (boats) to rural villagers we can also contribute to those trying hard to self-sustain. See the projects…

Hanoi - Vietnam's lovely capital is a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. With narrow alleyways lined with shop houses selling traditional handicrafts and arts, the old center is an enchanting place to wander. Other major attractions include the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Opera House.

Halong Bay - With thousands of exquisite limestone islands rising from the waters, this bay was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. According to legend, the bay's beautiful scenery was carved out by a dragon as he made his flight seawards. The bay is best enjoyed by a leisurely excursion by boat, with stops to explore the area's many cliffs and caves.

Nha Trang is perhaps one of Vietnam’s most beautiful seaside resorts. It features miles and miles of empty beaches, deserted bays, numerous islands and coral reefs. Swim, snorkel and dive all day. A few days at the Six Senses Spa and Resort will have you refueled for the remainder of the trip.

Hue - This imperial city was the cultural and intellectual center of Vietnam. The old imperial palace, the citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is one of Vietnam’s landmarks, are only a few examples of the sights of Hue. There is also a boat trip down the Perfumed River, which leads to the six impressive imperial tombs.

Danang - The road from Danang to Hue crosses the famous Pass of Ocean Clouds, one of the most spectacular parts of Highway One. The Cham Museum, the Marble Mountains and China Beach are all in close vicinity, the latter being famous for the wave surfing GIs of the Vietnam War.

Hoi An - For many centuries Hoi An was one of South-East Asia's most important ports. Fortunately Hoi An was spared much of the destruction of the Vietnam War. No other town in Vietnam has such well-preserved ancient buildings. Today Hoi An is unsurpassed for its charm and has blossomed into an artists' colony.

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Once again the city has become the effervescent economic center of Vietnam. To some it's a hectic and terribly noisy city, to others the former ‘Paris of the East’ with Vietnam's best restaurants and cafés and an intense nightlife.

Mekong Delta - This huge river delta is home to a bustling rural culture of floating markets along its many river branches and canals. Although it is difficult to single out individual towns, Vinh Long, Chau Doc, Ha Tien, Soc Trang and Tra Vinh are all especially worth seeing.