Introducing Vanuatu
You're heading to Vanuatu? Fantastic. You're going to love it. But it's not just a decadent escape with balmy breezes and gourmet food. It's also home to several best-in-the-world experiences that very few people know about: a luxury liner, like the Titanic, shipwrecked in clear diveable water; the world's most accessible active volcano on the island of Tanna; a giant banyan tree the size of a soccer field; pounding, cascading waterfalls; extraordinary cultural ceremonies and dances on the island of Malekula; primitive villages where you can witness an ancient living culture; and picture-perfect beaches where there's nobody but you and your snorkel gear. It's also a snorkellers' and divers' Mecca.
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Port Vila, the national capital on the island of Efate, buzzes at the centre of Vanuatu's tourist trade, all colonial and cool, with a view for every restaurant, and hotel beds that float you out over lagoons. If you've come on a package deal, you're just starting your adventure. Stay on when it ends to discover a few of the unique things that are Vanuatu, and to try out the sporty options, like abseiling down a waterfall, parasailing over the glorious harbour, zapping out of a cave of stalactites through a ravine on a blow-up float-ring, turning nature-child for the night on a tiny offshore island.
The best thing about Vanuatu, though, is that you feel safe and happy here. The people are a delight. They love their country and want you to enjoy its pleasures, but they aren't after the 'tourist dollar'. There's no bargaining, no hawkers, no pressure to buy. It is so refreshing.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
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Vanuatu & New Caledonia: travel books to read before you go
18 November 2010
This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Vanuatu & New Caledonia guide provides a selection of travel literature to get you in the...
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Lonely Planet’s top 10 countries for 2011
31 October 2010
Where in the world should you go next year? Our in-house travel experts, including Lonely Planet cofounder Tony Wheeler, have...
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South Pacific: travel books to read before you go
27 September 2010
This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s South Pacific guide provides a selection of literature to get you in the mood for your...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Should we go in the wet season?
by becnaylor 14 September 2011
We are planning a trip in January and were thinking about Vanuatu. I'm a bit worried about the weather at this time of year, being the…
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One more Island
by jenniferr 12 September 2011
Hi all I want to go to Vanuatu in mid October and am in my late 40ts, female and on my own. Want to do Port Villa and around, Tanna and…
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One more Island
by jenniferr 12 September 2011
Hi all I want to go to Vanuatu in mid October and am in my late 40ts, female and on my own. Want to do Port Villa and around, Tanna and…
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Vanuatu
Things to do
- All things to do (120)
- Activities (35)
- Entertainment (17)
- Restaurants (27)
- Shopping (14)
- Sights (27)
- Tours (0)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Vanuatu
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1 Bank Islands
Carve your own trail through a wonderland of white-rimmed islands, wild with natural and cultural treasures
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2 Ambae
Navigate through misty cloud-forest to a mystical world of colourful crater lakes
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3 Espiritu Santo
Flipper-kick into a luxury liner, hack through to a cave, bus up to picture-perfect beaches
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4 Pentecost
Watch the naghol, terrified, as men hurtle from rickety towers, the women spinning a frenzy below
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5 Ambrym
Buy carvings from artisans in tiny villages then settle in to watch the majestic Rom dance
Fast Facts about Vanuatu
Our favourite Vanuatu Blogs (beta)
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Travel Photo – Vanuatu Wall Of Graffiti
Blog: As We Travel - 24 November 2010
Travel Photo – Vanuatu Wall Of Graffiti - We came across this wall in the middle of nowhere, while explore an island in Vanuatu – I think it really sums up the mindset of the Vanuatu People.
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Weird Funny Stories – Anus and Pig Skin
Blog: The Travel Tart - Offbeat Tales From A Travel Addict - 1 October 2010
This week’s Funny Travel Photo is about Weird Funny Stories. It’s a cracker. It was sent in by Annabel Candy from Get In The Hotspot. The sign is regarding a local story about Customs relating to a Weird Funny Story in Vanuatu, from the island of Paama.
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Melanesia – Amazing Things To See & Do
Blog: As We Travel - 29 August 2010
Melanesia, a group of islands north and north east of Australia (including: Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu), is a region that puts an emphasis on what "paradise" really means.
