Travel Challenge: Northern Vietnam

Each week we invite competing travel companies to give us their best deal for a specified holiday. Today: a 10-day break in northern Vietnam. Prices are per person, based on two people departing from Heathrow in mid-May...

Travel Indochina

£1,389: Sapa and Beyond

Includes Malaysia Airlines flights to Hanoi via Kuala Lumpur departing 21 May, six nights in hotels, one night in a home-stay and one spent on an overnight train. Daily breakfast is included, along with sightseeing excursions. “Sapa lies at the heart of the Tonkinese Alps and this trip takes in some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking scenery,” says Chris Orme, of Travel Indochina. “The overnight stay at Topas Ecolodge is a wonderful chance to meet the locals.” (01865 268940; travelindochina.co.uk).

Audley Travel

£1,550: North Vietnam Emplored

Includes Malaysia Airlines flights to Hanoi any time in May, four nights in hotels with breakfast, four overnight journeys on trains or planes, and a night’s full board on a traditional junk in Halong Bay. “This tour makes use of a Malaysian Airlines special fare for travel in May only and takes in the best of northern Vietnam, including the stunning Tonkinese Alps, the quiet backwater of Ninh Binh and the Unesco-protected site of Halong Bay,” says Jake Green, of Audley Travel (01993 838140; audleytravel.com).

Ampersand Travel

£1,685: Highlights of Northern Vietnam

Includes Singapore Airlines flights to Hanoi via Singapore departing anytime between 9-19 May, seven nights’ B&B and two nights’ full-board |hotel accommodation and all sightseeing excursions. “You will stay in Mai Chau Lodge in Hoa Binh Province for three nights – a great way to experience the countryside,” says Mark Wright, of Ampersand Travel (020-72 89 6100; ampersandtravel.com).