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A dialogue between nature and South American heritage

Tour price: from VND320 million

Itinerary: 17 days 16 nights, passing through two countries, Chile-Peru

The journey takes travelers to Easter Island (Chile), home to nearly 1,000 mysterious Moai stone statues standing in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In Bolivia, the Uyuni Salt Flats stretch over 10,000 square kilometers with a pristine white surface that reflects the sky like a surreal mirror.

At Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest lake located between Bolivia and Peru, visitors can explore sacred islands linked to the Inca Empire and visit the floating Uros village, where locals build their homes on reed islands.

The journey concludes in the Atacama Desert, where the absence of light pollution offers a stunning view of the Milky Way.

Visitors can stargaze through telescopes and hear local guides share ancient Andean myths under the night sky.

Pham Van Bay, deputy director of Vietravel’s Hanoi Branch, said the highlight of the trip, spanning more than half the globe, is the “Polynesian Dinner Show” on Easter Island. This renowned indigenous cultural celebration features traditional dances, warrior drum performances and a unique barbecue where food is cooked using hot stones buried underground.

Wild East Africa

Tour price: from VND370 million

Itinerary: 15 days 14 nights, passing through 5 countries Tanzania – Kenya – Zambia – Zimbabwe – Botswana

According to a Vietravel representative, the ideal time to embark on this journey is August, which coincides with the annual migration of over two million wildebeest. Traveling through nature reserves in several countries offers visitors some unforgettable experiences such as setting foot on the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, a vast 8,000-square-kilometer ecosystem that is home to the rare black rhinoceros.

The journey also takes travelers across the endless plains of the Serengeti, where the daily struggle for survival unfolds between lions, leopards and other hunters and their prey.

In Kenya, guests can go on drives in specialized safari vehicles to track Africa’s legendary Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo). They will also have the opportunity to visit a Maasai village, where the nomadic community has preserved its traditional customs, language and rituals for centuries.

The final leg of the trip is Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Here, visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of water cascading over 100 meters into the gorge below.

A day as a Japanese lord

Tour price: VND450 million

Itinerary: Sleep one night at the castle

Visitors to Odawara, a port city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, can immerse themselves in history by spending a night in a centuries-old castle and experiencing life as a feudal lord (daimyo).

The unique program includes staying in a historic castle, wearing traditional lordly attire and symbolically being appointed ruler of the domain. This immersive experience offers travelers a deep dive into Odawara’s rich cultural heritage, which played a significant role in shaping modern Japan.

Vu Thi Bich Hue, head of communications at Flamingo Redtours, said the exclusive tour includes a one-night castle stay, round-trip airfare and services. For the rest of the trip, visitors can either travel independently or join additional tours to explore more of Japan.

Due to high demand and limited capacity at the castles, bookings must be made a year in advance.

Hue said her company already has a group scheduled to depart next year. Guests can choose to stay at either Odawara Castle or Ozu Castle in Ehime Prefecture.

Explore Antarctica

Tour price: from VND499 million

Itinerary: 18 days 17 nights

The journey begins with a flight from Vietnam to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.

A popular activity among international tourists there is taking photos with the iconic “Ushuaia – Fin del Mundo” (End of the World) sign.

From Ushuaia, travelers embark on a cruise to Antarctica, crossing the notorious Drake Passage, known for its strong waves and unpredictable conditions and named after the European explorer Francis Drake.

The highlights of the Antarctic expedition include Neko Harbor, famed for its scenic coves and towering icebergs; Wilhelmina and Guvernoren Bays, where snow blankets the surrounding cliffs; and Paradise Bay, where crystal-clear waters mirror the majestic snow-covered mountains.

If weather and ice conditions allow, the voyage continues through the Lemaire Strait, a narrow channel flanked by dramatic cliffs and glaciers, offering opportunities to observe seabirds against the backdrop of Antarctica’s pristine wilderness.

Hoang Phung Hieu, director of travel agency VGC Travel, said Antarctica is a harsh land but its landscapes are magnificent. Summer lasts from November to March, and is the most suitable time for tourists to explore the South Pole, when the highest temperatures are 0-5 degrees Celsius.

In summer the Sun does not set in Antarctica and there is light 24 hours a day. On warm sunny days the temperature rises to 5-10 degrees Celsius, which is favorable for outdoor activities.

In winter Antarctica has no day and it is always dark, and the temperature can drop below -80 degrees Celsius. This year Hieu’s company has a group of 18 Vietnamese tourists going on this journey.

Explore the Geographic North Pole

Tour price: From VND1.2 billion

Duration: 22 days, 21 nights

Hieu said one of the nearest points tourists can fly to en route to the North Pole is Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. From there travelers embark by ship toward the North Pole, navigating through natural sea channels and areas where the ice is thinnest.

This route offers visitors a rare chance to witness the stunning landscapes of drifting icebergs and observe Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat.

The North Pole, the northernmost point on Earth, is located in the middle of the Arctic Ocean at 90 degrees latitude. At this unique location, every direction points south.

Permanently covered in ice and isolated from any landmass, the North Pole is a remote and extreme destination that continues to attract only the most adventurous travelers.

“Last year we had a customer who paid a deposit for this tour but had to cancel due to work commitments,” Hieu said.

VCG Travel also offers a tour to the South Pole at prices starting at nearly VND3 billion per person.