The UNESCO-listed town comes alive with lanterns and tinsel in December – with 30p beers and T-shirt weather.
The city is lit up with lanterns(Image: Getty)
If you’re fed up with the prospect of yet another freezing cold Christmas market, clutching an £8 mug of mulled wine to keep warm, there’s an alternative option.
For a truly unique festive experience, this market deserves a spot on your bucket list.
With beers at just £0.30, hot chocolates for £1.50 and hundreds of twinkling lanterns lighting up the evening sky.
This enchanting market destination is Hoi An – a UNESCO-listed port town along Vietnam’s central coastline. Throughout December, this historic port transforms with glowing lanterns, fairy lights and tinsel adorning shop windows.
Whilst it might not deliver a conventional Christmas experience – it provides a breathtaking alternative at a fraction of the cost.
There are numerous stalls to explore offering everything from keepsakes to local confectionery and handcrafted goods. Vietnam is renowned for being budget-friendly and Hoi An maintains this reputation, reports the Express.
A glass of locally-brewed beer costs between £0.30 and £0.70 – even at the tourist-popular riverside locations.
Asia travel experts TransIndus describe December as one of the finest periods to experience Hoi An.
A spokesperson said: “Daytimes are usually in the low- to mid-20s, so it’s T-shirt weather for exploring the old streets, and in the evenings you might just want a light jacket if there’s a breeze coming off the river.”
It falls at the tail end of the wet season, meaning occasional downpours or overcast days are possible – but once the rain clears, the atmosphere becomes genuinely enchanting.
They said: “When the rain clears and the pavements start to dry, the reflections from the lanterns in the puddles are beautiful.
“You get steam rising off the street-food stalls, scooters back out within minutes, and the whole old town has this slightly surreal, cinematic feel.”
December in Hoi An blends Western festive imagery with Vietnamese lantern celebrations. Visitors might spot a nativity display or youngsters wearing Santa hats, before witnessing a silk-draped, illuminated riverboat gliding peacefully across the water.
It’s an ideal destination to break away from traditional Christmas habits and immerse yourself in a completely different culture.
A family-friendly UK holiday can be had for just £6.60 per person per night – but there are a few things you’ll need to know before booking this Kent caravan park
Kent Coast Caravan Park could be the cheapest holiday in the UK(Image: HAVEN KENT COAST HOLIDAY PARK)
An online travel expert has discovered what he claims to be the UK’s most affordable holiday, costing a mere £6 per person per night. Haven, who runs the site, assures guests of “the warmest welcome possible” at their coastal holiday parks scattered across the UK.
YouTuber Steven decided to put this promise to the test by visiting their Kent Coast Caravan Park, just an hour’s drive from London.
On his Beachlife and Beyond channel, Steven meticulously outlined what you receive for your money, expressing overall high levels of satisfaction. However, there were a couple of unpleasant surprises that made Haven’s welcome slightly less warm than Steven had anticipated.
Upon arrival at the park for his off-peak getaway, Steven noted that the weather was “absolutely awful”. Despite this, he remained optimistic, and an initial inspection of the accommodation left a positive first impression.
Steven reported that everything was immaculately clean, but he wasn’t convinced by the comfort of the sofa-bed that unfolded from the large corner sofa. He advised: “I recommend, if you’re going to come to one of these caravans, bring your own duvet cover and sleep on top of that. Otherwise the poor sod who ends up lying on this is going to have a really bad back.”
Despite that initial hiccup, Haven staff were quick to provide extra bedding when Steven raised the issue. The caravan was equipped with a decent-sized telly, which was likely to be in high demand given the dismal weather that week.
Steven advised: “We’ve brought our own laptop and HDMI cable, that’s another top tip for you. Haven sites don’t tend to have very good internet…so download some films, stick them on a laptop, bring an HDMI cable and you’re grand.”
In a surprising twist, the caravan boasted not one but two microwaves. Steven also noted: “This is a first for us, a dishwasher in a Bronze caravan.”
The bedroom came complete with sheets and pillowcases – a rarity at similar sites, according to Steven. He was further impressed by the addition of a second TV in the main bedroom.
“I am beyond impressed,” he said.
For those looking for entertainment outside the caravan, there’s a Wetherspoons on site, along with bingo and other activities. However, guests will need to purchase one of Haven’s “Play Passes” to access these facilities.
Without these passes, Steven warned, you’re “effectively banned from the rest of the site”. He added: “They’ve got ‘Gandalf’ on the door stopping you getting into anything.”
While there’s a supermarket on site, prices can be steep, so Steven made the half-hour journey to an Aldi in nearby Rochester for his weekly shop. For those preferring not to drive, supermarket deliveries are available direct to caravans.
The park also boasts a fish and chip restaurant, a Papa John’s pizza franchise, and a Burger King offering caravan delivery.
With the miserable weather, the caravan grew rather cold by afternoon. He grabbed a quick evening meal before venturing out to experience the park’s entertainment.
“Microwave curry in a caravan,” he remarked. “Don’t tell me I’m not a man of culture.”
Despite being low season for British holidays, the bingo hall was surprisingly packed. “Everyone who’s a seasoned holiday park-goer will know that they take bingo very seriously,” he noted. “They are hardcore.”
There’s absolutely no mercy for anyone getting overexcited and calling “House” prematurely, with the entire room of holidaymakers chanting “Shame on you”.
Even when British weather disappoints, several indoor alternatives keep restless children occupied, including two sizeable amusement arcades.
However, disaster struck upon Steven’s return to his caravan when he discovered the shower’s temperature dial was jammed on the coldest setting. He resorted to boiling kettle water for washing.
Despite the shower malfunctioning, Haven responded swiftly by sending a security guard and arranging for a plumber to visit the next day. However, it became apparent that the shower issue couldn’t be resolved immediately.
On the third day, things took a turn for the worse when the site experienced a power outage. A representative from Haven was contacted, who expressed their pleasure that Steven had enjoyed his stay, whilst also apologising for the power disruption.
Regardless of these hiccups, Steven was thrilled with the value he got from his holiday: “We paid a total of £99 for five people for three nights.
“That’s the equivalent of £20 each for the stay, which makes it £6.60 a night.”
He further noted that without the entertainment passes, the cost would have been around £4 per person per night.
One of the closest airports is Turin, and both Ryanair and easyJet fly there.
For another £86pp stay, you can stay in the resort of Superdévoluy in Le Massif du Dévoluy.
This is one of the biggest slopes in southern France so both beginners and pro skiers will be able to find something that suits.
This deal is much sooner, with the two-room apartment deal being for seven nights on December 13.
But it also means you can get in a great holiday just before Christmas.
The best airport to fly to is Grenoble, with both Ryanair and Wizz Air having cheap flights.
You will have to pay for your flights and ski gear yourself, although you can rent lots of the gear when you get there.
Another cheap deal is seven nights at Résidence Vacancéole La Turra also at Superdévoluy for around £136pp.
One skiing pro revealed how booking an April holiday can help you find the biggest bargain.
Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell told Sun Online Travel: “Around 1.5 million Brits go skiing every year.
“Often overlooked, but April is the go-to time for many ski experts and enthusiasts, with a more relaxed feel in the resorts, crisp virgin snow for an early morning start, and long lazy afternoons in uncrowded mountain restaurants.”
She told Sun Online Travel: “Decide if the holiday is predominantly for parents, with the kids looked after in Kindergarten or Ski School or if the idea is to spend family days skiing and playing together.
“Make sure that childcare, nursery slopes and non-ski activities are close to where you stay.”
The seven night stays are cheaper than a night in LondonCredit: sunweb
Christmas markets are not exactly known for being a budget day out. However, research has pinpointed the cheapest Christmas market in Europe, and it’s in a little-known city not many tourists visit
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The square is packed with interesting stalls and things to do(Image: Getty Images)
A day at a Christmas market in the UK can be a pricey undertaking. With reports coming out of traders charging £9.50 for hot chocolate and £8 for bratwurst at Manchester Christmas market, it’s no surprise that people are looking to the continent for more affordable alternatives.
Card terminal provider SumUp has put together a list of Europe’s cheapest Christmas markets, and taking the number one slot is a little-known city in Poland which doesn’t tend to be on most tourist’s radar.
Poznan, the fifth-largest city in Poland, is often overlooked by visitors who flock to Warsaw or Krakow, but its beautiful Renaissance-era old town is the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market, and in the winter it has serious cosy, festive vibes.
Best of all, flights to Poznan take just over two hours from London, and just a few minutes more from regional airports, so you can choose to fly from Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Flights in December cost as little as £30 each way from London Stansted on Ryanair, and budget airlines such as Wizz Air also cover this route.
According to the data, a one-night stay in Poznan will set you back as little as £30.40, while enjoying a beer at the Christmas market will cost as little as £2.50.
The market, known locally as Betlejem Poznańskie, takes place in Stary Rynek – the Old Town Square, famous for its ornate Renaissance and Baroque-era buildings. It’s particularly beautiful when lit with thousands of Christmas lights, with cosy wooden stalls selling Christmas gifts dotted along the square. There’s also a twinkling Ferris wheel and ice rink to add to the festive atmosphere.
It runs from November 15 to January 6, and in addition to the market stalls and rides, there’s a program of entertainment, including carolers, Christmas shows, silent discos, and opportunities to meet Santa.
From December 12 to 14, the city hosts its annual ice festival, featuring numerous ice sculptures throughout the square. There are also ice carving events, and even workshops where kids can give it a try themselves.
While visiting the city, take a trip to the 10th-century Poznan Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Poland. This grand cathedral has a unique underground crypt you can visit, which is the resting place of many of the country’s earliest leaders. An unusual attraction in Poznan is the Croissant Museum, which offers interactive shows and exhibitions about the history and process of making St Marin Croissants. Filled with nuts and fruit, these Polish pastries are different to the French delicacies. And don’t worry, there’s a tasting at the end.
It’s also worth visiting the Muzeum Narodowe w Poznaniu, a national museum which includes works from European and Polish artists including Monet and Delaroche.
Poznan has many unique and boutique hotels to choose from. Perhaps the most unusual is Blow Up Hall 5050, a mixture of an art project, stylish hotel, and sci-fi movie. This design hotel has an impressive array of art on display, and If you wander into the public spaces, your face may end up in one of its video installations. The rooms have no numbers or keys, you use an interactive screen to get into your room. But if you enjoy an unconventional hotel experience, it’s a place you might enjoy.
For a more traditional experience, stay at the Hotel Palazzo Rosso Old Town, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the market. This boutique hotel is situated in a historic tenement building and features an on-site cafe and bar, an Italian restaurant, and comfortable rooms with rustic, exposed brickwork that adds to the cosy feel.
Vatican City is the world’s cheapest destination, where visitors can explore this tiny European country for an average of just £11 per person
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Vatican City attracts millions of tourists(Image: Getty)
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a place steeped in history and culture, you might assume you’d need to set aside several days and a hefty budget. However, that’s not always the case.
While some destinations do demand more time, there’s one tiny city that can be fully explored in just a day. Even better, it’s the cheapest place to visit globally.
According to research by Safari company Go2Africa,Vatican City is one of the least expensive places to explore worldwide.
They analysed different countries’ total tourism receipts for the year and compared this figure with the total number of international visitors to find out where it was cheapest.
They discovered that visitors to the Vatican have an average spend of just £11 per visitor – the lowest in the world.
This is likely because Vatican City is so small that most of its sites can be seen within a few short hours, eliminating the need for overnight accommodation, reports the Express.
Vatican City is not only Europe’s smallest country but also holds the title for being the smallest in the world by size and population.
Just 501 people call this country home, yet it attracts millions of visitors every year.
If you fancy being one of them, there are some must-see sights during your visit.
One of the most famous is St Peter’s Basilica. Construction began in 1506 and was completed in 1615, making it one of the most renowned works of Renaissance architecture.
The basilica is a significant pilgrimage site, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. It’s also home to stunning works of art and intriguing religious relics.
Art enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that Vatican City houses Michelangelo’s renowned La Pietà sculpture, widely regarded as one of the most emotionally stirring sculptures ever crafted.
This marble masterpiece portrays the Virgin Mary holding the body of Christ after his crucifixion. Positioned at the entrance of the basilica, it’s one of the world’s most celebrated pieces of art.
AS the UK descended into the depths of winter, a warmer holiday could be on the cards.
But trying to find the best deal while still catching some sun can be hard, especially if flying from your local airport.
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Here are some of the best holiday package deals for seven of the UK’s most popular airportsCredit: Alamy
However, TravelSupermarket has revealed the holiday destinations with the cheapest average package deals from seven of the UK’s most popular airports.
With deals for as little as £225 each – and that includes seven nights and return flights – here are some of the best spots to go from your nearest airport.
Newcastle Airport
When it comes to Brits travelling from Newcastle Airport, you’ll want to head to Fuerteventura.
With deals on average being around £339pp, the Spanish island is often seen as one of the more affordable in the Canaries.
Other cheap destinations include Malta, with deals from £388pp.
Leeds Airport
One of the most affordable winter sun breaks if flying from Leeds Airport is Agadir.
Morocco is often one of the best destinations for a winter holiday, being one of the warmest destinations without a long flight.
The average package deal price comes in at around £413pp, when flying to the Moroccan city from Leeds.
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited last winter, saying: “It’s affordableluxuryat its finest, and the perfect place for a last-minute holiday with my closest gal pal.
Manchester Airport
Spain comes out on top if you are travelling from Manchester Airport.
The Costa del Sol’s Benalmadena has the cheapest average holiday prices, with seven night breaks around £481.
Other cheap average deals include Lara in Turkey for £513pp, or Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife for £537pp.
Birmingham Airport
Fuerteventura comes out on top as the biggest bargain destination, this time when travelling from Birmingham Airport.
You can spend just £350pp on average for a seven night holiday there.
Other cheap destinations also include Malta for £356pp.
Costa del Sol’s Benalmadena has the cheapest package holidays for Brits travelling from Manchester AirportCredit: AlamyFuerteventura is often named one of the most affordable Canary Islands.Credit: Alamy
London Airport
If you can get to some of the airports in London, you will normally find the cheapest deals here due to then having more airlines in operation.
The biggest bargain on the list, you can fly to Olu Deniz in Turkey with seven nights just £225pp.
With highs of 16C, and beautiful sandy beaches, it is even nicknamed the Turquoise Coast for its bright blue seas.
Other cheap packages include Alayna, also in Turkey, for £281pp, or Hammamet in Tunisia for £315pp.
Liverpool Airport
Sousse in Tunisia is the cheapest winter sun spot if travelling from Liverpool, with average holiday packages for around £290pp.
Nothing says Christmas like a festive market packed with inspiring gifts and seasonal treats, and what better way to enhance your experience than an affordable European getaway to marvel at the magic
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The capital of Latvia, Riga, offers an affordable festive getaway with a charming Christmas market(Image: Getty Images)
Wandering around a Christmas market with the aroma of spiced mulled wine and wooden cabins stacked with unique gifts is part of what makes the festive season so magical. And there’s one in Europe, where it’s been dubbed the cheapest for a winter getaway.
There is a catalogue of European countries offering some of the most spectacular Christmas markets, set within their enchanting towns with mountain backdrops that could easily resemble something out of a Hallmark movie. Nevertheless, some of these locations can come with a hefty price tag as costs are bumped up during the festive season, but that doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice our European winter wonderland.
One European destination that offers the magic of Christmas at a bargain rate is the capital of Latvia, Riga, with direct flights starting from just £20. The city, renowned for its pedestrian-only medieval Old Town and Art Nouveau architecture, offers everything you could wish for in a festive winter break.
The biggest appeal during this time of year is their charming and traditional Riga Christmas Market in Dome Square, packed with stalls and a thriving food scene with wintery street-food dishes and Latvian cuisine. Warming mulled wines are also available, along with festive cocktails, while visitors browse the stalls of local Latvian artisans.
And it might be one of the best places for some Christmas shopping inspiration, with a selection of handcrafted gifts such as beeswax candles, gingerbread, socks, wool gloves, and creative kits to create wreaths, wall decor and acrylic dishes. Adding to the magic of the Riga Christmas Market, which runs from 28 November to 4 January , will be music from a DJ every Friday, choirs and music ensembles performing on Saturdays and folk music on Sundays.
The city, considered the ‘Art Nouveau capital of Europe’, is nothing short of captivating with its charming, colourful homes decorating the streets and its lively cultural scene. What’s more, it’s filled with shops and cosy restaurants for a traditional taste of Latvia, and its bustling Livu Square, boasting bars and nightclubs.
Another hugely appealing factor about this European city is its affordability. The annual Post Office Christmas Markets Barometer found that Riga is one of the most affordable European destinations for a two-night weekend Christmas market experience, compared to Copenhagen and Vienna, which have been ranked as some of the most expensive.
The Post Office revealed how much you’re likely to spend in Riga during a two-night break for two during the Christmas market season, and it’s certainly good value for money. They revealed the following prices:
Four cups of coffee from a cafe or bar = £11.49
Two three-course meals for two (including a bottle of wine) = £132.89
Two return bus/train transfers from the airport to the city centre = £7.18
Four glasses of mulled wine, punch or Glühwein at the Christmas market £14.37
Four pieces of cake/gingerbread/stollen at Christmas market £12.57
Additionally, the Post Office found that a two-night B&B stay in Riga and direct flights or Eurostar for two would cost a total of £377.00. With everything included, this weekend getaway for two in Riga would cost £555.50 in total, or £277.75 per person.
This is in stark contrast to Copenhagen in Denmark, which was estimated to set two people back a whopping £1,056.55 for the exact same amenities as above. Or £926.41 for the same two-night trip to Vienna in Austria.
Direct return weekend flights from London Stansted to Riga start from around £87 per person, while you can snap up a mid-week return flight from around £45. Meanwhile, you can grab a flight from Leeds to Riga for as little as £20, or a return for around £42.
Additionally, direct flights from Manchester start from around £25, or £45 for a return flight. You can also fly from the East Midlands Airport (EMA), near Nottingham, from £22 to Riga, or spend around £45 on a direct return.
You can check the best flights on the Skyscanner website here.
Laura Plunkett, head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: “A short break to one of Europe’s colourful Christmas Markets is an attractive holiday option at this time of year. However, sterling’s drop in value is an important factor for travellers to consider before booking a trip, as it varies between currencies. The pound’s fall against the euro is smaller than against other European currencies – five per cent compared with 10.6 per cent against the Hungarian forint and 10.9 per cent against the Swedish kronor.
“The cost of flights and accommodation will also have a significant impact on overall costs so it is doubly important for holidaymakers planning a trip to do their homework to factor in how sterling’s value, flight and hotel capacity and meal costs will affect overall costs. Budget-conscious travellers stand to save hundreds of pounds if they choose carefully.”
