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Our Vietnam expert, Erin, set off back to her beloved Vietnam this summer with one goal in mind... to uncover the magic little details that can take a holiday from 'great' to unforgettable. Over two weeks, Erin journeyed from the lively streets of Hanoi all the way south to the sleepy villages of the Mekong Delta, swapping out standard city tours for quirky excursions, hands-on workshops, and authentic encounters with local communities. She kayaked through the remote countryside, herded ducks, and made the most of Vietnam's famous street food by learning the ropes for herself in a local kitchen. Erin’s trip was packed with offbeat moments and plenty of inspiration for designing truly one-of-a-kind holidays in Vietnam. Read all about her adventures below... Where did you go? My adventure through Vietnam took me from the lively capital of Hanoi all the way south to the sleepy riverside villages of the Mekong Delta . My trip was all about getting off-the beaten-track and rubbing shoulders with the locals in the rural communities outside of the cities. I maximised my time in the countryside throughout the trip and continuously found myself surrounded by dramatic landscapes, unique culture and friendly locals. Don’t get me wrong Hanoi and Saigon are some of my favourite cities in Asia (and did feature on this adventure), but this trip was all about moving away from the hustle and bustle and moving into the serenity that Vietnam has in abundance. Spending time in lesser-visited regions such as Pu Luong and Phong Nha , making use of the public transportation systems and travelling in the ‘green season’ made for a truly authentic exploration of vibrant Vietnam. Erin cycling in Ninh Binh What did you get up to? My itinerary was action-packed from start to finish! I wanted to fill the itinerary with as much variety as possible and so there was a bit of everything in there – cycle tours, cooking classes, vespa street food tours, kayaking, trekking, farm visits and as many local interactions as I could squeeze in! I swapped out a regional flight in favour of an overnight train, I deepened my understanding of Vietnam’s troubled history and ate so many spring rolls that I very nearly ended up becoming one. Did you discover any secret spots you can tell us about? Cẩm Kim is just a 10 minute cycle away from the centre of Hoi An’s Ancient Old Town – but it feels like another world. There is no getting away from the fact that Hoi An is busy with tourists – and with good reason – but exploring Cẩm Kim whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre and offers a new perspective of Hoi An . I would recommend setting aside at least half a day during your stay in Hoi An to explore Cẩm Kim and I think the best way to do it is on a guided tour by Electric Bike. The island is full of local artisans who are delighted to welcome you into their homes and workshops and show off their skills in woodworking, cooking, & textiles. During my tour, I learned how to make rice milk and subsequently ‘Smash cakes’ (which were delicious!), Rice wine with Mr Dau, explored the Kim Bong Carpentry village, and even helped to make some traditional sleeping mats using dried reeds. By moving away from the town centre for just a few hours, I was able to experience the unique Hoi An culture in a hands-on way! Erin in Hoi An Talk to us about the food... The food! I could talk about the food from this trip for days! In Vietnam, the regular greeting isn’t – ‘Hello, how are you?’ it’s, ‘Hello, have you eaten?’ I honestly don’t think there is anywhere quite like Vietnam for food - but my standout meal has to be on the Bassac Boat during my cruise of the Mekong Delta. There are a number of different ways you can experience the Mekong – you may choose to simply include a day trip from Saigon, where you’ll experience an introduction to the way of life on the river. Alternatively, you could stay at one of the riverside lodges, which allows for easy exploration of the villages by foot or by bicycle as well as the benefit of being able to laze by a pool in the midday heat. Or you could include an overnight cruise on a traditional Bassac Boat – this is what I did during this trip and I absolutely loved it! The charm of the wooden Bassac Boat is endearing, but with just 12 dinky cabins and without the bells and whistles of the more luxurious Junk Boats of Halong Bay, you could easily be misled into believing this could be underwhelming. On the contrary, this was one of my favourite parts of the trip. You are still able to disembark and experience the sleepy riverside villages of the Can Tho province by bicycle and also have the opportunity of visiting the Cai Rang floating market in the early morning. The time aboard is spent relaxing on the sun deck with a cocktail in hand as you meander through the waterways of the delta. The highlight of the cruise for me was the wonderful food served on board (and there was lots of it!). For lunch, the set menu consisted of prawns cooked in coconut juice, calamari fritters, clay-pot fish curry, sauteed diced beef with rice and vegetables, followed with a fresh fruit platter. For dinner the menu was Mekong style fried spring rolls, caramelized, clay-pot pork, chicken & lemongrass curry followed with a French crepe. It was absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection – the perfect meal to end my trip in Vietnam. Where was your favourite place you stayed? I absolutely loved staying at The Pu Luong Retreat . Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located around 160km southwest of Hanoi – it’s often missed from itineraries due to the longer transfer time from the capital, but the 4-hour drive is worth it. Trust me! Northern Vietnam is characterised by its dramatic scenery, traditional villages, rural communities and spectacular rice terraces. In an ideal world where time away has no limits, you could explore the Tonkinese Alps in Sapa, the traditional Thai & Muong village communities in Mai Chau , the dramatic limestone karsts in Ninh Binh, the hairpin bends of the mountain passes on the Ha Giang loop and the photogenic rice terraces in the Hoang Lien National Park – but you would need at least a month to pack all this in and Pu Luong offers it all! The room at the Pu Luong Retreat maximises the breathtaking views of its elevated position with the town – I could have spent hours sat on my balcony looking out on the quintessentially Vietnamese vista. During my two-night stay at the retreat, I visited the picturesque waterwheels and trekked to the Kho Muong Village – the oldest Muong village of the region - and enjoyed seeing the way of life for this rural, self-sufficient community. Pu Luong offers a refreshing and peaceful escape from the hubbub of Hanoi and allows the more adventurous traveller an insight into authentic rural Vietnam. I adored it. Erin on the balcony at Pu Luong Retreat What was the quirkiest thing you did? During my rural adventure through Vietnam, I stopped for a few nights in the stunning town of Phong Nha . I travelled by overnight train south from Ninh Binh (but you could also fly from Hanoi) and stayed at The Phong Nha Lakehouse Resort , just outside of the small town centre. After a hearty breakfast, a quick freshen up, and a kayak on the lake I headed out on a guided cycling tour of the Bong Lai village. I waved at the locals as I cycled quiet village paths surrounded by rice paddy fields and small hamlets and made stops for photos and refreshments along the way. It’s a peaceful excursion showcasing the tranquillity and beauty of the Vietnamese countryside. The highlight of the tour though was, without a doubt, the stop at Duck Tang Farm – a unique and utterly joyful Farm experience in the heart of the village. This is a working farm, primarily managed by Anne & Ha, the granddaughters of the farm owner. Anne & Ha are delightful and do a seamless job of blending slow, eco-tourism with their passion for TikTok. Every visit will be different due to the nature of farming, but during my visit I was lucky enough to experience the home-grown fruit garden, fishing using traditional techniques and meeting the stars of the show – the ducks! I fed them, herded them and experienced a ‘duck massage’ – the experience was both hilarious and wholesome in equal measures. Erin at Duck Tang Farm Tell us about your favourite experience? One of my favourite excursions was ‘Making a Banh Mi Sandwich’ in a nearby village to Hoi An. Na, a Hoi An local, met with me in the early morning and we headed to the central market to collect the ingredients required to make Vietnam’s favourite sandwich. Together, we navigated the bustling stalls alongside local shoppers and I learned about the shopping & cooking culture from the perspective of Vietnamese women. We then headed to Na’s home, located on the outskirts of Hoi An, beautifully nestled on the banks of The Thu Bon River and began to craft the infamous Banh Mi. This excursion merged all my favourite things about Vietnam into one delicious morning and I came away with a recipe I will be sure to share with my friends and family for many years to come! What did you learn? Guided city tours can be a fantastic way to orientate yourself in a new a city and make sure you get to see and learn about the iconic landmarks, but they’re not the only way (or always the best way) to discover a new city. During my trip, I incorporated excursions that allowed me to experience each unique city in a really immersive way. For example, instead of a walking tour of Hoi An – I chose to include the ‘Making a Banh Mi Sandwich’ excursion where I not only learned some culinary skills to take home with me, but also go to experience a snapshot of what it means to live as a local in Hoi An - visiting the market, the town centre, the bakeries and the residential outskirts of the Ancient Old Town. Similarly, I included an Egg Coffee Workshop in Saigon where, again, I learnt something new whilst simultaneously experiencing the unique culture of Saigon. I feel that sometimes opting for the more immersive experiences over the standard city tours, will often result in forming a deeper understanding and connection with the local area – and usually is combined with having more tales to tell when you arrive back home! What's the one thing people can't miss? I honestly think that an itinerary in Vietnam isn’t complete without a food tour – and I really think this should be done on the back of a Vespa! The food in Vietnam is delicious and subtly changes as you move from the north of the country through to the south. Aromatic, flavourful and fresh is how I would describe it – and there are so many dishes that should definitely make their way to your chopsticks during your holiday! Saying this, it can be tricky to know exactly where to eat and what to order. Like anywhere, the towns and cities have an overwhelming number of options and it can be confusing to differentiate between the tourist traps and the local favourites. Having a food tour, takes away this confusion and ensures you can enjoy the street food and local delicacies under the guidance of your personal culinary expert! I recommend having a food tour towards the beginning of your trip as this will acquaint you with some local dish names and help you to make food choices later in your holiday. If you feel adventurous, I whole-heartedly recommend doing a food tour in Hue or Saigon by Vintage Vespa. This is my favourite way to explore the food scene in a Vietnamese city – as you get to enjoy a bit of sightseeing (you’ll cover more distance than on a walking tour), you’ll get to travel the way the locals do and you’ll have some incredible food along the way! On this trip, I enjoyed a vespa food tour in Hue and was able to sample some of the city’s favourite specialities such as Banh Beo, Banh Nam and Bun Bo Hue. All totally delicious, but probably things I would have been hesitant to try without the knowledge of my lovely local guide, Nhienle. What are your top tips for any Vietnam holiday? First of all… travelling in Vietnam out of peak season is just as amazing (if not more so)! Weather apps and internet scrolling might have you believe that the only time the weather is good in Vietnam is between March and April, but this just isn’t the case. I travelled the full length of the country in late June and early July – ‘Green Season’ – and not a single element of the trip was disrupted by the weather, in fact, I hardly saw any rain at all. Travelling in green season means fewer crowds, more local interactions (as this is when the Vietnamese typically take their time off to travel the country) and reduced costs. Grab a local E-Sim on arrival at the airport. Vietel & Mobifone have brilliant 4G coverage throughout Vietnam (even in the rural areas) and for around £15, you can stay connected for your full trip. If you are heading to Ninh Binh (and I think you should!), then definitely take a Sampan Cruise from Tam Coc. Sure, it’s a bit ‘touristy’ but for good reason – the landscape is breathtaking! From the Van Lam pier in Tam Coc, you’ll enjoy a spectacular hour-long cruise in a private sampan to the three caves passing by vibrant rice paddies and magnificent karsts. My tip here is to go early. I hopped in my sampan at 08.00 and I honestly felt as if I had the whole region to myself. The boat cruises get very busy at around mid-day when the day trippers from Hanoi arrive and it can start to feel very crowded on the water (especially in Peak Season). 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A brand, spanking new year is around the corner. 12 fresh months, 52 weeks, 365 days – all just waiting to be filled with adventures. Travel was well and truly back in 2022 (thank goodness!), and 2023 is set to be bursting with holidays left, right and centre. We’ve been busy designing holidays all over the World, here’s a handy infographic to show where you’re going (so far) over the next 12 months… Have you booked your 2023 holiday yet? If not, now’s the time!   Get inspired…   Wildlife, nature and Pura Vida lifestyle is top of the bill in 2023. Costa Rica is the most popular holiday destination amongst our clients (so far), with 12% of holidays heading to the nature lover’s paradise.   Costa Rica holiday highlights ☑ Visit Arenal , Costa Rica’s adventure capital, and zip line through the canopy, soak in the hot springs, kayak in the shadow of a live volcano and hike over hanging bridges. ☑ Soak up the wild beauty of the Osa Peninsula . Reaching this region is a bit of a challenge, but being simply the best place to see wildlife in all of Costa Rica, we’d argue it’s more than worth it! ☑ Sun yourself on one of the beautiful beaches along the Northern Pacific Coast . Don’t miss a visit to the tranquil Nicoya Peninsula (and a stay at the incredible Lagarta Lodge , too!) Costa Rica holidays     A county of so much variation and contrast, it’s not tricky to see why Vietnam makes up a huge 10.9% of our 2023 holidays already.   Vietnam holiday highlights ☑ Float amidst the towering limestone rocks of Asia’s most spectacular landscape. A cruise on Ha Long Bay is a must for any Vietnam holiday. ☑ Enjoy a slower pace of life for a few days in the yellow-washed gem that is Hoi An . With cobbled streets that come alive with the light of thousands of lanterns after dark, small tailoring shops, riverside cafes and traditional merchant houses, it’s a special place. ☑ Trek with a local hill tribe through the stunning landscapes around Sapa . Vibrant green valleys, perfectly terraced rice paddies, fast-flowing streams and countless waterfalls await you here. Vietnam holidays     A Jordan holiday is so much more than just a visit to Petra. As 9.9% of our booked clients are set to find out next year…   Jordan holiday highlights ☑ You simply can’t visit Jordan without making a trip to “the rose-red city half as old as time”. Petra is as stunning as it is historic, prepare to pinch yourself once you’ve made your way down the Siq Canyon and are treated to that first glimpse of the famous Treasury Tomb. ☑ Experience the feeling of weightlessness with a bob about in the turquoise waters of the Dead Sea . Found at the lowest point on the Earth’s surface (422 metres below sea level, to be exact), it’s a truly unique place to visit – and the health benefits claimed of its waters are worth the trip, too! ☑ Visit the ancient city of Jerash . Found just outside Amman , Jordan’s capital, these ruins are incredibly well preserved and anyone who loves a bit of history in their holiday mix, will be in their element here. Jordan holidays     South Africa is the destination that started HA. It was the very first place we ever sent clients all those many years ago. And, with 8.7% of holidays heading here next year, we’re chuffed that it’s still as popular as ever.   South Africa holiday highlights ☑ Most South Africa holidays we design, start in the incredible capital of Cape Town . And what a welcome. Gorgeous beaches ready for sundowners, fantastic shopping, fascinating history and world-class food and drink – all set against a backdrop of the unmistakable Table Mountain. It’s not hard to see why Cape Town is considered one of the most iconic cities in the World. ☑ Animals, animals, animals. The quest for the Big 5 is at the top of most South Africa holiday wish lists. And, with incredible safari offerings all over the country, wildlife sightings are (almost) guaranteed to be brilliant here. They’re wild animals of course, they go where they please. But, whether you visit Kruger , the Eastern Cape , Limpogo , KwaZulu-Natal , the Kalahari , or one of the many other reserves – we fancy your chances! ☑ Head to the Great Escarpment , to take in some of the very best landscapes South Africa has to offer. With waterfalls, river canyons, forests, wildlife and viewpoints galore (don’t miss God’s Window!) – it’s a great addition to any South Africa holiday. South Africa holidays     It’s finally back! It’s been off the holiday list for far too long, so we couldn’t be happier that 8.5% of the booked travels in 2023 are heading off to this captivating country. Bullet trains, robot cafes, perfect gardens, bamboo forests, ancient walking trails and so much culture awaits.   Japan holiday highlights ☑ We’re not sure you can visit Japan, without experiencing its largest, craziest and most robot-filled cities. Tokyo is often considered the biggest metropolis on the planet – and we love it. For all of its neon lights and progressive technology, its historic soul is very much intact with countless temples, shrines and gardens dotted around the city. ☑ The spiritual heart of Japan, Kyoto is bursting with shrines and history. Step back in time with a bike ride down the ancient streets of the Gion neighbourhood (keep your eyes peeled for Geisha!), head to the bright red gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and even test your sword skills at a Ninja workshop . ☑ Experience a different side of Japanese life and culture with some time in Takayama . The perfect base from which to visit to beautiful, rural countryside (the Christmas-card village of Shirakawago is very close by!) – the antique wooden buildings will charm you in no time at all. Japan holidays     Without doubt the must exotic and alluring getaway you can have within a 4-hour flight from the UK, it’s no wonder that Morocco is always a popular one with our clients, snapping up 8.2% of 2023 booking so far.   Morocco holiday highlights ☑ Spend a day or two on the golden sands of the Erg Chebbi. It’s one of only two places in Morocco where you can see the start of the great Sahara Desert. Take a camel ride across the dunes and sleep under the stars. A highlight of any Morocco holiday for sure. ☑ Explore the bohemian streets, pretty medina and blue-washed walls of Chefchaouen . Perfect for photography lovers, this stunning town is set against a backdrop of mountains with so many trails to explore! ☑ For a real slice of authentic Morocco, venture into the High Atlas Mountains and spend some time with the Berbers . There are trails to explore, mountains to climb, fresh mint tea to drink and home-cooked traditional dinners with local families to enjoy. Morocco holidays     Sri Lanka had a bit of a rocky start to the year, but we’re delighted to say it’s fully back on the holiday radar now! With 7% of booked holidays next year visiting this jewel-shaped island, we’re so excited for more of our clients to fall in love with all it has to offer.   Sri Lanka holiday highlights ☑ Take on of the most picturesque train rides on earth up into the rolling tea hills in the middle of the country. Make the most of the slight drop in temperature and take a hike to Lipton’s Seat, enjoy a tour of a local tea factory and indulge in High Tea at the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya. ☑ Dig out your binoculars for a safari at Yala National Park . With a varied ecosystem made up of monsoon forests, grasslands, sandy beaches and wetlands – the animal sightings are brilliant here. Plus, said to be home to one of the highest concentrations of leopard on earth, it’s THE place to go if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the illusive cats. ☑ Spend some time in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle to get a taste of the country’s rich history. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the Dambulla Cave Temples and take a bike ride around the ancient city ruins of Polonnaruwa. Sri Lanka holiday     Namibia has been having a bit of a moment recently and – quite rightly – growing in popularity as a Southern Africa holiday destination. An impressive 6.6% of HA holidays next year are heading to this otherworldly landscape…   Namibia holiday highlights ☑ One of the big hitters of Namibia holidays, the sand seas of the Namib Desert (the oldest desert on earth don’t you know!) around Sossusvlei are something very special. The graceful curves of the massive glowing dunes stand in stark contrast to the other-worldly white pans “vleis”, with dead trees and cracked mud, that lay in their shadow. ☑ The Skeleton Coast forms a division between mainland Namibia and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Dotted with shipwrecks, without doubt, this coast line is one of Namibia’s most unspoiled and remote areas. Experience it in true style with this ‘Flying the Skeleton Coast’ holiday. ☑ Head to the wide open plains of Etosha National Park to experience one of Southern Africa’s premier safari destinations. Boasting incredible numbers of elephant, zebra, giraffe, antelope and big cats, (plus fairly good number of elusive Black rhino!), a safari adventure awaits here. Namibia holidays     Nabbing 6.1% of next year’s holiday bookings so far, the orangutan-filled rainforests of Borneo are looking to be popular over the next 12 months.   Borneo holiday highlights ☑ A nature-lovers dream, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. It’s perfect for wildlife spotting, with orangutan, Pygmy elephant and clouded leopard spotted frequently. The area is strongly protected, and access tightly restricted, so make sure you factor in a stay at the beautiful Borneo Rainforest Lodge to experience it for yourself. ☑ Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in the heart of Sepilok. Set amidst lush rainforest and explored via a series of elevated walkways, this is a brilliant place to come for a taste of Borneo wildlife – with the chance to do good along the way. ☑ The island paradise of Gaya Island is the perfect place to unwind on your Borneo holiday after all of the orangutan-spotting excitement. White-sand beaches, fringed with lush palms on one side and turquoise waters the other. Dive on in. Borneo holidays     Canada is vast, diverse and packed full of extraordinarily wide range of scenery and experiences. Whether you’re after beautiful beaches, snowy mountains, wildlife encounters, adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures or a tranquil lake cruise – it’s got you covered. That 5.2% of bookings are in for a real treat…   Canada holiday highlights ☑ Take one of the World’s most iconic journeys, a train ride on the Rocky Mountain Express through the towering snow-capped peaks of the the Rocky Mountains. This two-day rail journey takes you all the way from Vancouver to beautiful Jasper. ☑ Experience the power of Mother Nature at full force with a visit to Niagara Falls . You can take a boat ride right up to the falls, fly over the top of it or even walk right behind the plummeting water. Plus, nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake with its artisan shops, art galleries and cafes is the perfect base. ☑ You can’t truly appreciate the beauty of Canada until you’ve seen Banff with your own eyes. Canada’s very first National Park (created in 1883), the bright blue water set against the backdrop of mountain wilderness, is pinch-yourself perfect.     The charm of the Cambodian smile is ready and waiting to welcome 4% of HA holiday bookings in 2023 (so far, that is!). We have a real soft spot for this country, its beauty, sights, and its warm, resilient people.   Cambodia holiday highlights ☑ Fall in love with the charms of Siem Reap . Obviously you have to spend some time exploring the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat , but there’s so much more on offer here. Take a street food tour by vespa and enjoy some of the many sophisticated restaurants and chic bars popping up all over the town. Don’t miss an evening at the Phare Circus either, such talent! ☑ Sun yourself on the secret islands of the south coast . With powdery white sand beaches, lapped with clear blue waters, these small islands boast dramatic headlands and jungle forests. They’re also home to luxurious hideaways perfect for a slice of well deserved R&R after time spent soaking up the history and culture of Cambodia. ☑ Journey up into the Cardamom Mountains . This remote virgin rainforest is one of the last remaining habitats for Asian elephants, bears, tigers and the Siamese crocodile. With deserted river islands, thundering waterfalls and Wildlife Sanctuaries to visit, the Cardamom Mountains would be a great addition to any Cambodia holiday. Cambodia holidays     Oman is such a unique holiday destination – and we can’t wait to send 3.5% of our 2023 clients there. With cities, deserts, rich culture, mountain villages and so much history to explore, it has all the makings of a great adventure for all the family.   Oman holiday highlights ☑ Start your adventure with some time in the capital of Muscat . Old Muscat and Muttrah make up the historical heart of the city, with palaces to explore, forts to walk around, giant chandeliers to be wowed by and old souqs to get lost in. With beach resorts nearby and the option to take a sunset Dhow cruise , too, there’s something for everyone. ☑ It might be just a few hours from Muscat, but the Wahiba Sands feel anything but. Stretching nearly 200 miles from north to south, you’ll find towering golden dunes, deep valleys, local Bedouins and an awful lot of camels here. What’s more, with some beautiful tented camps to choose from, you’ll be relaxing in comfort under the starry desert skies. ☑ Venture up towards the Hajar Mountains and explore the sheer canyons, terraced villages and forts around Nizwa . You’ll feel a million miles away from day-to-day life here – a real insight into rural Omani life. Oman holidays     Whether you visit the North Island, the South Island, or both, New Zealand has all of the makings of an adventure worthy of your 2023 holidays. With 2.4% of booked holidays heading here, we’re already excited to see the travel snaps.     New Zealand holiday highlights ☑ Get away from it all and spend some time in Abel Tasman National Park . All of New Zealand is staggeringly beautiful, but there’s something extra special about this region. With sheltered turquoise waters perfect for kayaking and so many incredible walking trails with a more breathtaking view waiting around every corner – it’s a must. ☑ Be captivated by the marine life playground that is Kaikoura . This is THE place to go to spot giant sperm whales, playful dusky dolphins, seals, sweeping albatross and so much more. ☑ Tucked away in the far south-western corner of the South Island, you’ll find the Fjordland National Park. A boat ride through Milford Sound (or the slightly quieter Doubtful Sound), will certainly make you New Zealand holiday highlights list.   So, where makes your holiday wish list?   Latest posts 15 of our favourite holiday ideas Summer holiday ideas: Our team share their favourite summer itineraries The hibernation’s over: Canada holidays are back! The most popular destinations for 2025 so far Holiday quiz: Find your perfect 2025 holiday  

Happy World Ocean Day!  In celebration of the breathtaking beauty and immense importance of our planet’s oceans, join us as we embark on a little underwater adventure (whilst staying fully dry, for now!) Here at HA, we’re passionate about the value of travel. Holidays are all about connecting with people, places, and nature. They’re about getting away from the day-to-day life and being reminded of just how special our world really is. The world is what inspires us to travel, and these travels remind us how important it is to protect what we have. So grab your flippers and join us as we dive into the wonders of the deep blue. Below are 7 of our favourite underwater adventures you can have worldwide. Which would make the top of your list?   1. The Maldives: A tropical paradise underwater When it comes to underwater beauty set to take your breath away, the Maldives is a tough one to beat. Picture crystal-clear, turquoise water, vibrant coral reefs and so much colourful marine life, you won’t know where to look. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced scuba diver or someone who just fancies dipping a flipper in for a snorkel – the Indian Ocean has hidden wonders for you. Swim alongside majestic manta rays, spot sea turtles gracefully gliding through the water, and marvel at the tropical kaleidoscope of fish and coral that call this paradise home. Top tip: Our Maldives expert, Rebecca, really recommends staying at the Sun Siyam Olhuveli to experience the very best of snorkelling in the Maldives. When she visited last year, she snorkelled straight off the beach outside her room and was in the company of reef sharks! Not a memory she’ll be forgetting an a hurry.     2. The Galapagos Islands: Nature’s Eden on Earth If there was ever a place on earth that was a true haven for wildlife enthusiasts and underwater explorers alike, it’s the Galapagos Islands . These volcanic islands have a unique and diverse ecosystem that offers you an unbeatable opportunity to watch and enjoy nature in its purest form. Playful sea lions, gliding sea turtles and the iconic enigmatic Galapagos penguins all await. Explore it for yourself on this 14-day Galapagos Island Hopping adventure     3. South Africa: Watch the whales along the coastline There’s a pinch-yourself wildlife encounter waiting for you everywhere you go in South Africa , your holiday will be packed full of them. Between June and November, the south coast has ocean-based wonders in store. The southern right and humpback whales have made the journey from Antarctica to the warmer waters of South Africa’s shores, and they pass right by the coastline as they go. Head to the quaint town of Hermanus to watch their arrival without ever leaving dry land, or venture to Plettenberg Bay for a boat trip to get even closer to these magnificent creatures. We’ll cross our fingers and toes that you get to witness some playful breaches! Visit Hermanus and so much more on this South African Fortnight     4. Vietnam: Discover the underwater secrets off Vietnam’s beaches When you think of Vietnam , chances are your thoughts head straight to emerald rice terraces or the bikes and bustle of the cities. But, the coastline of Vietnam is fringed with beautiful stretches of beach and some real hidden gems for underwater explorers. Some of Vietnam’s most renowned snorkelling and diving destinations include Nha Trang (don’t miss a stay at the beautiful L’Alya eco resort !), with its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystem, and the idyllic Phu Quoc Island , where you can explore colourful underwater gardens packed full of multicoloured inhabitants! You’ll swim alongside reef fish, moray eels, and perhaps even the elusive seahorse. Keep an eye out for larger visitors such as stingrays, barracudas, and even gentle whale sharks, too! Soak it all in on this 17 day Ultimate Vietnam holiday     5. Mauritius: Uncover the marine marvels in paradise Tag on a visit to Mauritius after an African safari to soak up the sunshine, admire the postcard-perfect landscapes, walk along the white sand beaches and explore the underwater world beneath the waves. Grab a snorkel and head to the Blue Bay Marine Park, a protected area that’s absolutely teeming with marine life. You might even be lucky enough to swim with a friendly dolphin or two. We love the Constance Belle Mare Plage beach hotel, perfect for a lovely slice of R&R! City, safari and beach? We’ve got you covered.     6. Malaysia: Get your PADI certificate in the Perhentian Islands Found just off the northeastern coast of Terengganu, you’ll find the Perhentian Islands. With turquoise seas lapping against the white sand beaches, it’s the perfect place to unwind under the swaying palms. There are endless local cafes and food stalls dotted along the coastline, all selling fresh-from-the-boat Malaysian specialities – just what you need after a morning exploring the underwater world off the coast. Considered one of the top dive destinations in the world, this is a brilliant place to visit if you’re looking to dive beneath the waves and explore rich marine diversity and stunning coral formations. The Perhentian Islands are one of the best (and often cheapest!) places on Earth to get your PADI certificate. So, if you’ve always liked the idea of learning to dive, chat to Erin, our Malaysia and Borneo expert, about adding a stay here to your holiday. Orangutans and beaches await on this Classic Malaysia and Borneo adventure     7. Sri Lanka: The marine treasures of Pigeon Island Nestled off the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka , you’ll find the captivating Pigeon Island Marine National Park . This protected marine reserve is the perfect spot for a morning on the water. Base yourself in Nilaveli, just north of Trincomalee, set your alarm early and head off on a boat trip to the island. Sadly, the majority of Sri Lanka’s coral reefs were destroyed by the tsunami, but Pigeon Island still boasts an impressive living reef. You’ll swim over the thriving coral and amongst the tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of a beautiful Blacktip Reef Shark, too. Add a touch of ultimate luxury to your visit at Uganda Jungle Beach     Inspired? Get in touch on 01242 253 073 to chat about your next adventure (watery or not!) We understand how important your holidays are to you and will always take genuine care in ensuring it’s the very best it can be.