Friends, family and supporters of the Vietnam Swans often take time-out around our major fixtures to enjoy Vietnam and the many sights and experiences the country has to offer. Over time, many of the Club’s visitors find that football is the icing on the cake, rather than the main attraction.

Lois and Leigh Crang are long-time fans of the Vietnam Swans and recently toured Vietnam with Wide Eyed Tours. This is actually the fourth time that Lois and Leigh have used the company to make the most of their time visiting Vietnam!

Lois tells us more.

Luxury Touring for a Large Group in Vietnam

Football and golf has bought us to Vietnam many times, but our most recent trip would involve 8 guests celebrating our son and daughter in law’s beautiful wedding. Of course we needed advice on how to make the most of our time in Vietnam after the wedding!

Many in our party had not been to Vietnam before and we turned to the Wide Eyed Tour group to help us put a package together that would meet everyone’s expectations. We’d used them in the past to see the very north of Vietnam and the Indochina region across Cambodia and southern Vietnam. Wide Eyed Tours had always delivered professional and highly organised experiences.

Our trip began on a high near Ho Chi Minh City. The wedding was an exciting and fantastic experience. Our new Vietnamese in laws immediately made us part of their family! We really hoped to keep the good times rolling over the next week. With a diverse range of interests, we settled on an 8 day custom itinerary.

Premium Cruise in Northern Vietnam

We flew to Ha Noi where we were transferred to a premium 2-night cruise on Ha Long Bay in our own Bhaya 5, five-cabin vessel. Ha Long Bay is home to over 1000 limestone islands and is truly spectacular. We kayaked, climbed, swam, explored tai chai, cooked, rested and feasted. The views were astounding and crew wonderful.

Crang Holiday Vietnam

Returning to Ha Noi, we enjoyed the sights and foods for another day and a night. The tight streets of the Old Quarter and the new pedestrian area at night are real highlights.

Local Cuisine and Beaches in Central Vietnam

After a short flight from Hanoi to Hoi An, we had three days exploring this beautiful historical town and the surrounding area.

Ms Viet, our charming, entertaining, and informative Tour Guide led us all on a push bike tour visiting locals. We rode along country lanes viewing local life and paused to see farmers toiling in their rice fields using traditional methods.

Cycling along the Thu Bon River, we visited a local fishing village. We got the chance to paddle in the round Vietnamese boats, casting fishing nets with local fishermen.

After we peddled our way through palm forests, across bridges; fields of water buffalo…we took a short break at a local family before enjoying a boat trip inside Coconut Water Palm Forest.

We visited an organic village for herbs and vegetables, experiencing the environmental way to plant. After using the local produce in a cooking class, we sat down to a delicious local lunch. It was an immersive way to experience the local culture.

Crang Holiday Vietnam

Of course, Hoi An offers beautiful swimming, local restaurants and great resorts. We had just the right amount of time to swim by the pool and at the beach, go shopping and enjoy the very best food the region has to offer.

Smooth Sailing Every Time

This trip was fantastic in all aspects, with not one problem. Huy Huyen, our Wide Eyed Tour consultant, needs a special mention for her excellent organisational skills. Everything was a perfect balance between our experiences and leisure. All accommodation was outstanding!

This is what we’ve come to expect, as my husband and I have been on other adventures with the Wide Eyed Tour company before:

  • We’ve traveled from Thailand, through Cambodia, to end up in Saigon. We went smoothly from country to country without a problem and learning so much of the people’s history in Cambodia. Excellent!
  • We’ve explored Ha Noi and then travelled by train to the strikingly beautiful Sapa where we trekked and homestayed. Again, brilliant organisation and always impressive guides informing us of local culture and politics.

This all came about from a great connection with the Vietnam Swans football club. Our son, Bill, introduced us to the company and we have been delighted with each successful holiday! It’s not just the excellent trip organisation: it’s the strength and knowledge of every guide we have had on our travels.

Thanks Travis and the whole Wide Eyed team,

Lois Crang

** If you’ve had a great experience touring Vietnam, get in touch with us to tell us more. The Club is always trying to help out touring teams plus family and friends who visit Vietnam. We love feedback and advice for our visitors.

And don’t forget, if you need help with flights, get in touch with Tim from Places2Go Travel.