Asia over Christmas

[Tiffany Karabaich]

Hi,

My husband-to-be and I are planning a delayed honeymoon from mid-December to the first week in January to Hong Kong, Macau, Hanoi, Halong Bay, and the possibility of Chengdu (for pandas) and Seoul.  Do you have any recommendations for inter-Asia airlines, discounts on boats and attractions, etc.? Off the tourist path stuff, hidden foodie places, and animal viewing/encounters is what we are interested in. Information is appreciated.

If you want to contact me privately, [e-mail].

Thank you!

 

Tiffany

[Anasia Travel Vietnam]

Hi, I am Thu Hang from Anasia Travel Vietnam.

You will need at least 3 days for Hanoi and Halong Bay tour. In my opinion you should have 2 day tour to Halong Bay with the night on boat. This will be more interesting and impressive than overnight at hotel. There are many kinds of boats in Halong and the rates depend on their quality. The tour cost for the time of the Christmas Day- New Year will be higher than usual. Some 4-5* hotels or luxury boats charge more for room rates or you will have to pay more for the compulsory dinner during this time.

Thu Hang  ( [e-mail] )

[Duc Pham]

Hi Tiffany, 

There are several destinations in Vietnam that tourists normally don't notice in the first time. But it will be wonderful trip if you know it sooner

1. Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park

As an UNESCO World Heritage, Phong Nha - Ke Bang is amazing with limestone plateaux, tropical forests and the whole diverse biological ecosystem. With a great geological diversity and spectacular phenomena, this place is the masterpiece of nature, including a large number of caves and crystal-like underground rivers. And I know that Luang Phabang is quite near from the national park so perhaps this is the place you want to drop by on the way heading to Luang Phabang.

2. Floating markets in Mekong River Delta

One special thing in Vietnamese Mekong Delta is tropical fruits, really fresh and delicious. Imagine you have a boat ride to contemplate the landscape, buy a local fruit to taste the flavor of Vietnamese peaceful life, nothing is better (maybe it's my experience and personal opinion but I think it's worth trying once).

3. Da Lat

Being a wonderland of flowers in Vietnam, Da Lat is never lack of color. All of flowers alternatively bloom during the year, just encourage us to take photos, over and over again.  If you like posting photos with beautiful background, it's an undeniable opportunity. Moreover, vegetables are really fresh, more than I expect when I'm there. The nature gives Da Lat a precious gift: a temperate climate so that all plants are proliferate. Being on the highland, the atmosphere seems perfect for everyone to enjoy a nice vacation.

Hope you have a great adventure in Vietnam!