Terms and Conditions: Prices shown are based on one way fares for a single adult. A per person booking fee will apply.
*Due to rapidly changing flight availability, prices and date selections, fares displayed on these calendars may no longer be available.
It hasn’t even started, yet already 2016 is shaping up as a great year for those bitten by the travel bug. With a raft of new and exciting destinations on offer, many places that seemed a bit “too hard basket-ish” are now more accessible than ever before.
Top of that list would have to be Vietnam. It’s talked about as the new Bali or Thailand, and for very good reason.
And with the recent news that Air New Zealand will be flying direct to Ho Chi Minh, there’ll be plenty of Kiwis keen to experience this country of adventure and relaxation for themselves. And it’s only just over 13 hours (half a day away) away.
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon - for those a little older) is situated in The Southeast region of Vietnam. With a growing population of over 9 million inhabitants you can understand why it’s a melting pot of vibrant culture, life, noise, heat, excitement and everything a bustling, constantly moving city should be. A centre-point to be discovered before heading to the sun-soaked beaches along the coast.
It’s apparent as soon as you step foot in Ho Chi Minh that it’s a mish-mash of influence, yet compellingly enough it works. From the French heritage, and 19th century European style-architecture in buildings nestled amongst Buddhist temples and traditional teahouses that meld into the expanding skyline of skyscrapers and lights. Future meets past with something in-between.
It’s this clash of old and new that makes the place so appealing. There’s something for everyone - shopping, sightseeing, experiences, food and so much more. Whether it’s exploring the Cu Chi tunnels (used during the Vietnam War), a leisurely walk along the Saigon River or tucking into a bowl of Pho (rice noodle soup) at the Ben Thanh Night Market. You’ll find your place in Ho Chi Minh.
On the flipside of the coin, when you’ve done your dash in the city it’s time to dial things back a bit. When you think beaches, until now Vietnam wasn’t one of the first places that came to mind. That could all be about to change. With its endless golden sand beaches framed by richly blue/turquoise water Vung Tau is considered one of the best beaches in Vietnam and resorts and tourism have been developed here to cater for this increasingly popular relaxation destination. Hunt around as there are plenty of beautiful beaches you can choose from where water based activities are on offer or just for lazy days in the sun. It’s up to you.
Air New Zealand’s new flight route is open seasonally from June through October to take advantage of the Vietnamese Summer. Expect temperatures of 30degrees plus most days. So leva ethos bulky clothes at home, you won’t be needing them. If you’re heading to Vietnam travel light and loose, enjoy it for the new experience it will be and whatever new and wondrous things may come your way.
