Travel Phu Quoc Island

Sitting back in a hammock, looking out over the quiet surf, you may wonder why more people don't know about Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island. It gets almost none of the press of those islands over in Thailand -- and yet with its rugged jungle, squeaking white sands and sparkling cobalt waters, it can more than match them. And though an unbroken beach stretches for almost the entire length of the island's west coast, only a small part of it has been developed. Read more Mekong delta tours

We've seen many an island in Southeast Asia, and we've never stumbled across somewhere quite like here. The mix of isolated and deserted beaches, and a few thriving yet unadulterated Vietnamese towns, make Phu Quoc a rare find indeed. Read more: Vietnam tours

Travel Phu Quoc Island

Given its ease of access (a 21-minute flight from Rach Gia or an hour's flight from Saigon), it's amazing the island isn't far more developed, and while the Vietnamese government has huge plans they remain unrealised, and hopefully will remain just on paper for the foreseeable future. Paloma cruise

The island has something for everyone -- really! Ringed by over a dozen bays and beaches, some yellow sand, others brilliant strips of white, with an archipelago of islets off its south coast, a jungle-covered interior and a handful of fishing villages, there is enough to do for a longer stay than you may be planning.

Accommodation on Phu Quocencompasses a full range of options from affordable backpacker guesthouses through to quite fancy beach resorts and hotels. Hoteliers report that some guests do nothing more than the daily bungalow-beach-restaurant-beach-bungalow circuit for days on end -- for couples in particular, Phu Quoc is a favourite. 

But with a motorbike and a map, there's loads of exploring to do here, and while some of the beaches are under military control, the majority are open to the public.

Many leave Phu Quoc as their final stop in Vietnam before leaving, only to find that a couple of nights just aren’t enough. As a result, flights are changed and itineraries are revised -- so take it from us, revise your itinerary upfront and be sure to allow yourself enough time on Phu Quoc.

Ben Tre travel guide

Ben Tre province is made up of three main islands wedged between the Tien Giang River to the north and to Co Chien River to the south with the Ham Luong River running straight down the centre. All are effectively offshoots of the Mekong River cruise as it splits out into many fingers before spilling out into the South China Sea.

Famous for its coconut desserts, the province is suitably covered in coconut trees. During the war these coconut trees were used to make coconut oil which was then used as a valuable substitute for kerosene. Read more: Travel South Vietnam

Verdant and flat, the province is mostly given over to rice and fruit cultivation, though being an island province, fishing is another mainstay of the local economy. Traditional Mekong life is the norm here and it's a very unadulterated scene -- wandering the market, sipping the coffee, doing a boat trip and skipping through the local museum are the main pastimes.

Ben Tre travel guide

As far as exploring the Delta is concerned, Ben Tre is a dead-end province. Once you've experienced all the province has to offer, you'll need to turn around and head back through My Tho to get any further into the Delta. That's not to suggest it isn't worth visiting -- it is. For starters you can do boat trips from here for a fraction of the price of a trip from My Tho (either organised through Ben Tre Tourist, or via the boatmen at the pier) and, with its large network of minor canals, there's a lot of scope for riverine exploration. There's also a small museum and a pleasing riverfront worth investigating. Mekong Eyes cruise

First things first -- Ben Tre town is clean -- it's as if somewhere between the My Tho ferry crossing and downtown you pass through a cleanliness vortex -- the roads are spotless, the pavements are tiled and smooth and there's little refuse -- even in the market.

Secondly, there's not really all that much to do in Ben Tre. There's boat trips, a pagoda, a small museum, a good market and lots of friendly people, but overall there's not enough here to justify a stay of more than a night or so.

The main advantage of coming here is that the boat trips are far cheaper than in My Tho and you can pretty much visit the same spots. If you're on a budget, Ben Tre is a far better base than My Tho -- it's a pleasant enough place, with a small town charm, that makes it an allround reasonable spot for those with enough time on their hands to dawdle slowly through the Delta.

Calypso cruise Halong bay

Calypso cruise offers the most comprehensive information and services for rock climbing in Vietnam! There is no better way to get high in Vietnam than rock climbing over the turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay, which is quickly becoming the most exciting way to enjoy this world-wonder Bay.

Come with us and challenge yourseft!

Summer promotion :

• discount 10% + free shuttle bus Hanoi- Halong - Hanoi for 2 days 1 night cruises from 01 May - 30 September 2014
• discount 10% for 3 days 2 nights cruises

CABIN FEATURES

Sized from 12.5m2 (134.5ft2), all Calypso cabins are selectively equipped to confine fine bedding, and are well recognized with expansive windows to be exposed to the widest views of the bay. Acknowledging the views are constantly changing, the bathroom is also widely exposed to the views to ensure every moment of yours counts. Read more: Alova Gold Cruise, Image Cruise

Calypso cruise Halong bay

Facilities

• Individually controlled Air-Conditioning
• Wardrobe
• Hot and Cold Shower
• Toilet Slippers
• Toiletries
• Fire Extinguisher
• Life hammer

Dining - Featuring a feast for the senses

The Calypso restaurant offers freshly-caught delicious seafood and other specialties to celebrate the fullest enjoyment of your sail-away. Fine cuisine mingles with friendly staffs, calm water, X-breeze and stunning view of thousands of islets around for a truly unforgettable experience.

Sundeck - No better elsewhere

There’s properly no better else in the world, as the views from the Sundeck are breath-taking, panoramic and constant-changing. The Sundeck offers ideal space and atmosphere to enjoy sunbath, to socialize, to snap great pictures of Halong Bay, to sip a refreshing cocktail while gazing at the rock formations reflected in the crystal clear water of the bay, or just simply lazing as the sun starts to set.

Activities - Enriching the body and the soul

Swimming and kayaking in the crystal waters of Halong Bay are integral experience during your time with Calypso.
Regular events like guest’s birthdays, honeymoon celebrations, Halloween, National days, Christmas, New Year and like such are well attended to ensure your fullest enjoyment and excitement during your valuable time onboard.