This month, Vietnam winds down to the end of a year with a lighter (yet useful!) update. We have some fantastic new products in the pipeline for January, so I’d like to take this opportunity to share some of my favourite new experiences from 2024. Also scroll down for important destination updates!
Key Takeaways:
- Product: Sidecars, cocktails plus our Travel for Good banh mi cooking class and a photography experience in Saigon -check out some of the favourite experiences we launched this year!
- Hotels: Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery is likely to terminate its contract with Accor.
- Destination News: Cat Ba Island undergoing major construction, a reminder on guest dietary needs during Halong / Lan Ha Bay cruise’s.
- Airlines: Reminder for passenger names on domestic flight tickets, Etihad Airways expands route network and Cambodia Angkor Air changes their name to Air Cambodia.
Product updates
A selection of our favourite products launched in 2024 including EXO’s own ‘Travel For Good’ experiences!
Hanoi By Sidecar: A Journey Through Time
Half Day
- A sidecar adventure through Hanoi’s vibrant streets is an amazing way to see the city.
- Exploring the surroundings of the capital, this unique form of transport also allows a different perspective of the city.
- Fun for all ages, this quirky form of transport is perfect for photo ops.
Cocktail Experience - Saigon
Evening
- This experience explores Saigon’s hidden cocktail bars.
- The fun part? Learning about local herbs and spices and their infusion of flavors.
- Sipping on premium spirits, paired with snacks, for a delectable evening – loved by those seeking a peek at the ‘younger’ side of the city, foodies and honeymooners.
Banh Mi Bites: Making Vietnam's Sandwich
Travel For Good Category
Arts, Food, and Creativity
Half Day
- This Travel for Good experience allows exclusive access to one of Hoi An’s biggest and most renowned bakeries, to see the production of the humble banh mi ‘baguette’.
- Explore the renowned Tra Que Herb Village to learn about the herbs eaten with banh mi.
- Hands on to create your own Vietnamese breakfast experience: creation of banh mi plus a demonstration of Vietnamese coffee? Check, eat (and repeat?!)
Photography Walking Tour, Saigon
Travel For Good Category
Arts, Food, and Creativity
Early morning tour
- This Travel for Good experience explores Saigon’s hidden photogenic locations presented by a resident is sure to impress any visitor.
- Learning photography tips from a professional photographer in an engaging environment.
- Highly enjoyable for aspiring photographers.
Sustainability Updates
This year, we’ve continued to make strides in our sustainability efforts, from making our offices greener to eliminating most single-use plastics on tours in the centre and south of Vietnam. Thanks to all of our partners and travellers for your support!
Destination News
Property Updates:
- Cat Ba Bay Construction: Major construction on a resort and entertainment complex in Cat Ba’s main bay will obstruct views from hotels and cause noise and environmental pollution. Expected completion is expected sometime between 2026 and 2028. The Flamingo Resort and Hôtel Perle d’Orient Cat Ba remain unaffected due to their location. A stop-sell has been added for all hotels in the Cat Ba Town area for the entire year of 2025.
- Reminder- Dietary requirements- Halong/Lan Ha Bay cruises: To ensure we can effectively manage guest dietary needs during the cruise, a list of any specific food restrictions or preferences must be provided at least 7 days prior to arrival. Please note that accommodating last-minute dietary changes may not be feasible and could incur additional costs.
- Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery: The hotel is expected to terminate its contract with Accor. As a result, the hotel has been removed from the Accor global website and is now operating as Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery. We will inform agents directly if any bookings are impacted. We are committed to transparency and will provide further updates as they become available.
- Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel – Now Available Again! One of the most booked hotels in Ho Chi Minh due to the location, design, and amenities (the rooftop bar offers fantastic views), the reopening of the swimming pool after renovation allows agents to book this property again.
Airline Updates & Reminders:
- Reminder – Passenger Names on Domestic Flight Tickets: For agents and guests booking domestic flights independently, please always check to ensure that the name on the booking exactly matches the passport. Vietnam’s domestic airlines have strict regulations and may deny boarding to passengers with mismatched names.
- Etihad Airways expands route network – New routes will be operated from Abu Dhabi starting in July 2025. New destinations include Chiang Mai, Krabi, Hanoi, Phnom Penh…
- Air Cambodia – Starting 1 January 2025 Cambodia Angkor’s name will be changed to Air Cambodia. Please be assured that the change will not impact existing bookings.
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