VN 04: TASTE OF VIETNAM

Overview

 

Itinerary

DAY 1: HANOI (D)
Welcome to Vietnam, transfer of 45 min to your hotel in town, (if it is still early then we can venture out for some culture shock on a short walking tour in the Old Quarter of Hanoi - this is the way to get familiar with the people and the culture). Welcome dinner and water puppet show at night. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR (B/L)

Pick you up at 8:30AM from your hotel, spend your day touring the capital and visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda.

After lunch, visit Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology. Then take 1 hour trishaw (cyclo) ride to visit the trading area in Hanoi Old Quarter. Stop at Hoan Kiem Lake to learn more about the legend of the Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

DAY 3: HANOI – PHAT DIEM – HOALU – HANOI – LAO CAI (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Driving to the village of Kim Son and visit Phat Diem’s cathedral then continue to Van Lam village and board a small sampan for a spectacular 3-hour cruise through numerous waterways, beautiful rural landscape of limestone cliffs and rice paddies, to the stunning Tam Coc caves. Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon visit Dinh and Le Dynastic temples before returning to Hanoi in the late afternoon to take the night train to Sapa. Overnight on the train.

 

DAY 4: LAO CAI/SAPA (B/L)
Arrive at Lao Cai Train station at about 5.30am. Take a transfer to Sapa. Having breakfast and relax before explore Sapa Town. In the afternoon, take a 2km short trekking to Cat Cat Village, the home of H’mong Ethic. Meeting & talking with locals to learn more about their daily life. In the evening, enjoy a dinner in a cosy and friendly atmosphere. Overnight in Sapa.

 

DAY 5: SAPA -LAO CHAI - TA VAN - TA FIN VILLAGE - LAO CAI - HA NOI(B/L/D)
Breakfast at hotel and take a short trek to Lao Chai - Ta Van Village. Back to the hotel to check out around 11:00am. Pleasant drive to Tafin village (12km from Sapa) of Red Dzao ethic. Touring to the village to visit Tafin handicraft shop and explore the daily life of Red Dzao. Here you have a good choices to buy woven and textile brocades, which is made by ethic people. Visit Tafin Cave and small hamlet of Black H'mong people.

Return to Sapa and take a transfer to Lao Cai station for night train to Ha Noi. Overnight at an AC 4 berth soft sleeper.

 

DAY 6 : HANOI – HALONG (B/L/D)
Arrival from Sapa in the early morning. Take a mini van Ha Long city then boat cruise straight to the Bay with seafood lunch served on the Bay, cruise along the wonderful Bay in the afternoon with cave visit and swimming, dinner and sleep on boat (under thousands of stars)

 

DAY 7: HALONG – HANOI (B/L)
Morning enjoy the sunrise, that would be great picture as it is raising up from the ocean and through the peaks of the limestone islands. Breakfast served on boat. Cruise back to Ha Long City. Lunch on boat before disembarking and drive back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

DAY 8: HANOI – DANANG – HOIAN (B)
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Danang. Welcome on arrival to visit the Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and have a look at China Beach. Continue to the riverside town of Hoi An which was an important trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries and which nowadays, is officially listed as a world heritage site. Hotel checks in on arrival. Overnight in Hoian.

 

DAY 9: HOIAN - WALKING TOUR IN THE ANCIENT TOWN (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel then walk with your tour guide to visit around Hoi An- the old Tan Ky House, Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Shop for tailored made silk products or spend your time at the wonderful beach. Free at leisure. Overnight in Hoian.

 

DAY 10: HOIAN – DANANG – HUE (B/L)
Hotel breakfast. Morning driving to Hue via Hai Van Pass and stop at Lang Co Beach on the way. Hotel checks in on arrival. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel and Emperor Khai Dinh’s mausoleum, Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb. Overnight in Hue

 

DAY 11: HUE – SAIGON (B/L)
After an early breakfast transfer to Hue Airport for your morning flight to Saigon. On arrival, transfer to your selected hotel. In the same morning, discover bustling Saigon: Enjoy a tour in the Old Colonial Residential Quarter and discover the old Hotel de Ville, the Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral (built in the 19th century), the dazzling French-style post office and the Reunification Palace (outside). In the afternoon visit the War Remnants Museum, then continue to Cho Lon and stop at Binh Tay Market. Finally, end the day with a visit to a lacquer ware factory. Overnight in Saigon.

 

DAY 12: SAIGON – CAI BE – VINHLONG – CAN THO (B/L/D)
Morning departure from Ho Chi Minh City and drive overland to Cai Be, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. On arrival, board a sampan for a cruise on the Mekong River and its multiple canals to Vinh Long. Visit Cai Be floating market, an old colonial house, a rice corn factory and taste local specialties for lunch. In the afternoon continue to Can Tho, the main town of the Mekong Delta. Overnight in Can Tho.

 

DAY 13: CANTHO –SAIGON (B/L)
Morning start with a Sampan to visit Cai Rang floating market and a family run noodle-making factory. Witness the rural life and the beautiful vegetation along the riverbanks. Discover Can Tho’s market then drive back to Saigon. On the way, stop at Me Kong Rest Stop in My Tho for a rest. Arrive in Saigon late in the afternoon. Overnight in Saigon.

 

DAY 14: SAIGON - BACK HOME (B)
Free at leisure until to be transferred to the airport for back home.

 

Price List

Room Type		Number of Travellers		Price
3-star hotel		2 pax		$1391		Book
3-star hotel		3 pax		$1187		Book
3-star hotel		4 pax		$1072		Book
3-star hotel		5 pax		$1003		Book
3-star hotel		6 - 7 pax		$956		Book
4-star hotel		2 pax		$1555		Book
4-star hotel		3 pax		$1358		Book
4-star hotel		4 pax		$1248		Book
4-star hotel		5 pax		$1181		Book
4-star hotel		6 - 7 pax		$1137		Book
5-star hotel		2 pax		$1842		Book
5-star hotel		3 pax		$1645		Book
5-star hotel		4 pax		$1535		Book
5-star hotel		5 pax		$1468		Book
5-star hotel		6 - 7 pax		$1424		Book
Single Supplement (3-star hotel)		1 pax		$256		Book
Single Supplement (4-star hotel)		1 pax		$447		Book
Single Supplement (5-star hotel)		1 pax		$793		Book

Note: Prices net per person in US$, and may change depending on high or low season.

INCLUSION :
- Accommodation in twin share at selected hotels or similar.

- Private transportation with A/C as itinerary.

- Entrance fees.

- Guide (in english or french, other languages upon request).

- Meals as indicated.

- Domestic Air-tickets, economy class including tax

- Local tourist train Hanoi-Sapa-Hanoi, sharing cabin 4berths

- Private boat trip

 

EXCLUSION : 
- Services not stated in the program
- Drinks
- International airfare to Vietnam and Departs Vietnam on first and last days.
- International airport tax
- Entry Visa for Vietnam
- Insurance
- Personal expenses & Tips


ACCOMMODATION
Hanoi

Flower hotel *** Superior - www.flowerhotel.com.vn

Flower Garden hotel **** Superior – www.flowergardenhotel.com.vn

Melia hotel ***** Deluxe – www.meliahanoi.com

Sapa

Chau Long hotel **** Sup New Wing - www.chaulonghotel.com.vn

Victoria Sapa **** Superior – www.victoriahotels-asia.com

Halong

Huong Hai Junk **** Deluxe - www.halongdiscovery.com

Indochina Sails ***** Superior – www.indochinasails.com

Hoian

Thuy Duong 3 hotel *** Superior room - www.thuyduonghotel-hoian.com

Hoian beach resort **** Deluxe GV – www.hoianbeachresort.com.vn

Palm Garden resort ***** Superior GV – www.palmgardenresort.com.vn

Hue

Hue Queen hotel *** Standard room - www.huequeenhotel.com

Park view hotel **** Standard – www.parkviewhotelhue.com

Celadon Palace ***** Deluxe - www.celadonpalacehue.com

Saigon

Elios hotel *** Superior - www.elioshotel.vn

KimDo hotel **** Deluxe – www.kimdohotel.com

Rex hotel ***** Deluxe – www.rexhotelvietnam.com

CanTho

Ninh Kieu 2 hotel *** standard/Superior – www.ninhkieuhotel.com

Victoria Hotel **** Superior – www.victoriahotels-asia.com

 

Hue & Surrounding Areas Tours

 Option 1: Hue City Tour (L)
Spend a full day discovering Hue City, the ancient capital of the southern part of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. In the morning take a boat for a cruise on the gentle Perfume River. Visit a conical hat and an incense stick-making village, Dong Ba market and then continue to Thien Mu Pagoda on the bank of Perfume River. After lunch in a local restaurant, where you will taste specialties of Hue, visit the Imperial Citadel, Emperor Tu Duc and Khai Dinh’s mausoleum.

Option 2: Bach Ma National Park Tour
Depart at 8:00 Am from your hotel, one and half hour you will arrive at Bach Ma National Park. After that, drive up to the top of Bach Ma Mountain. You will visit Do Quyen Waterfall - which is astounding and huge in the wooded mountain. It is more than 300m high and 20-30m wide. Lunch time at the local restaurant.
After lunch, we will walk to Hai Vong Dai – Sea Observation Post. Where people can have a panoramic view of immense sea and surrounding scenery. Walking around and discover the nature. Tour ends at your hotel late afternoon.

Option 3: DMZ Tour
During Vietnam-American War, the Ben Hai River was demarcation line between North and South Vietnam. This makes a Demilitarized Zone of five km each from the river. However during the war, the Southern area of DMZ was one of the bloodiest battlefields. This tour to DMZ will take you back to the war sites, including: Ben Hai River, Hien Luong Bridge, Vinh Moc Tunnels, Khe Sanh Combat, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Dong Ha Town, and Rock Pile. Last but not least, you will have a chance to visit Van Kieu ethnic minorities’ people in the Central of Vietnam. Return back to your hotel late afternoon.

Option 4: Hue’s Life Tour
This tour is arranged to let you explore more of Vietnam life with the effected of Royal life. You will visit the traditional handicraft village: Thuy Xuan - Incense making village, see how to make Hue Hat (non Hue) - a symbol of the beauty of Hue ladies. Have a lunch at Tinh Gia Vien. After lunch, you will enjoy the Cooking Class at this restaurant - here you can attend a hands-on cooking class, preparation a classic meal of Hue. Ms. Ton Nu Ha – Golden Hands will demonstrate you.
- 1:30 to 3:30 Visit local market in Hue, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local seller and purchase some of ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.
- 4:00 to 6:30 Starting cooking at Tinh Gia Vien House - Restaurant. Ms. Ton Nu Ha will teach you how cook the Royal Dishes.
- 6:30 onward: We sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked. Tour ends.

Option 5: Half day Cruising Huong River
Start from your hotel at 13.00 p.m. Short excursion to boat port. Then the Dragon boat will take you along the peaceful Huong River to Hon Chen Temple, Thien Mu Pagoda, Minh Mang Tomb. Admire the beautiful landscapes and the sunset on the way back. Dinner and enjoy Vietnamese traditional folk song on boat on Perfume River. Tour end at your hotel around 20.00 pm.

Ana Mandara Resort

Address: Beachside Tran Phu road, Khanh Hoa Province Phone: (84 58) 522 522 City: Nhatrang, Vietnam Ana Mandara means "beautiful home for the guests". Reminiscent of an old Vietnamese village, and furnished with native woods and rattan, the Resort reflects the real image of Vietnam, with its warm hospitality, rich culture and unique tastes.

Room type Single Double Triple GardenView Villa $205 $215 Superior SeaView Villa $265 $280 Deluxe SeaView Villa $330 $340 Ana Mandara Suite $415 $440

Overview Accomdation Restaurants & Bar Meeting facilities Sport & Leisure Direction Amenities Business service Air-conditioned library Boutique 24 hour room service Laundry and dry-cleaning services Visa extension services Full size bath with fixed shower IDD telephone In-room safe Satellite television HBO channel 24 hour room service Mini-bar Coffee/tea making facilities Hairdryer Stationery box Daily newspapers upon request Policies Compulsory Gala Dinner on nights of 24th December and 31st December Prepayment for full guarantee required to confirm bookings during this peak period For Group and Long Term stay, please contact Reservation Hot Lines Check in time 1300 hours Check out time 1200 noon There is no additional charge for children under 12 years of age who accompany their parents in the same room provided that an additional bed is not required All reservations must be guaranteed by a credit card American Express, JCB, Visa, Master cards are accepted All rates are in US Dollars and are subject to 5% service charge and 10% government tax (subject to change without notice), exclusive of breakfast

Hoi An Trails Resort

Address: 276 Cua Dai, Phone: (84-510) 923 999 City: Hoian, Vietnam HOI AN TRAILS RESORT is a 4-star Resort, expertly built in six 3-storey complexes and meticulously equipped with international standard facilities and services. The 62 spacious and comfortable rooms and suites, luxuriously decorated and furnished provide you a homey feeling, an ideal home from which to relax. Every room and suite has a panoramic view of either the superbly designed swimming pool and garden full of greens or the rice paddies and the Hoai River across the Cua Dai road.

Room type Single Double Triple Superior room $60 $60 Deluxe Room $67 $67 Junior Suite $85 $85 Grand suite $110 $110

Overview Accomdation Restaurants & Bar Meeting facilities Sport & Leisure Direction - Easy access to national highway No.1 from Nha Trang in the southern or 150km from Hue in the northern. - The famous “Reunification Express” runs along the coast and offers services from Ho Chi Minh city to Ha noi to stop at Danang railway station. - It takes 45 minutes to drive from Da nang airport or train station to Hoi An Trails. Policies - Rates are inclusive of Breakfast, 10% service charge and 7% government tax. - Rates are the prices per room per night. - Peak Season surcharge of US$10 room/night from 20th Dec to 5th Jan.

Vinh Hung Resort

Address: 143 Tran Phu St, Hoi An, Vietnam(0510) 391 0577‎ Vinh Hung Resort is set in a beautiful tropical garden next to the romantic Thu Bon river and is located only a short walk or compimentary boat ride to the historic center of Hoi An. The splendid mix of vietnamese tradition and charm combined with the comforts of international standards will make you an unforgetable stay in Viet Nam.

Room type Single Double Triple Superior Garden View $55 $75 Deluxe River View $90 $100 Suite River View $110 $125

Overview Accomdation Restaurants & Bar Sport & Leisure Other info Direction Vinh Hung Resort is located at Thu bon river and only about 10 going minutes from the center of Hoi An town. * Complimentary shuttle bus to private beach at Cua Dai: + Resort to Cua Dai Beach: 10 am + Cua Dai Beach back to resort: 15 pm Amenities Chilrends playground In room fax machines (on request ) Airline agents Food & Beverage Secretarial services Mail, postage & Message services Compact disk & Dvd player (on request) Transportation & Car rental Laundry services Type writers & Personal computer Shuttle bus to CuaDai beach and Down Town Doctor on call Currency exchange Baby sitting Concierge & Tour desk Credit cards Policies • Rate in USD per room per night including breakfast, tax and service charge. • Check out time is 12 noon.

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa

Address: Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam‎ - (0510) 927 011‎ Referring to the history and mix of cultures of Hoi An, the Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa is built like a small fisherman's village, with small streets and water ponds, small houses with clay-tiled roofs and round Chinese cloth lanterns.

Room type Single Double Triple Victoria Superior River View $145 $145 Victoria Superior garden view $150 $150 Victoria Deluxe Sea Side $172 $172 Victoria Family Suite $230 $230 Victoria Junior Suite $220 $220 Deluxe Beach Front $195 $195

Overview Accomdation Restaurants & Bar Meeting facilities Sport & Leisure Direction From Saigon or Hanoi to Danang International airport, the journey takes about an hour. The international airport of Danang provides connections to Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore. Upon arrival at Danang airport, take a 45-minute drive to Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa by shuttle bus or private car. Amenities Multi-lingual hotel staff Transportation facilities Laundry services Private jett Coffee & tea making facilities Mini-bar Major credit cards accepted Sightseeing tour services Postal services Souvenir shop Free shuttle to Hoi An Town Smoke detector system Colour satellite television Sightseeing tour services Foreign currency exchange Library room Parking Individual safe deposit box International Direct Dialing telephone Policies * Breakfast: US$ 10 per person * All above rates are in US dollars, exclusive of 5% service charges and 10% VAT (subject to change without notice) * All room rates are based on single or double occupancy * No additional charge for two children under 12 sharing the same room * Check-in: 2:00pm/ Check-out: 12 noon - Peak season surcharge: US$25 net per room per night Christmas Period: 24/12/08 to 26/12/08 New year period: 31/12/08 to 02/01/09

Palm Garden Resort & Spa

Address: Tan My Block, Cua Dai Beach, Phone: (84.510) 927 927 City: Hoian, Vietnam The name " Palm Garden Resort " was derived from its location, which ideally situates on 5-hectare of unspoiled tropical garden, features more than 400 palm trees. The resort is landscaped with several unique species of palm and coconut trees, as well as furnished it with selective Vietnamese products of silk, wood, and natural ceramics. The planning of the resort with all of its individual bungalows and guest facilities reflects a lifestyle that is calm and soothing. This wonderful ambience of the design and the resort's high standards of service add to a wonderful holiday experience.

Room type Single Double Triple Standard Room $85 Superior Garden View $110 Superior Sea View $120 Deluxe Garden View $125 Deluxe Sea View $145 Bungalow Pool View $165 Bungalow Beach Front $200 Junior Suite $175 Palm Garden President Suite $860

Overview Accomdation Restaurants & Bar Meeting facilities Sport & Leisure Other info Direction By Plane From Saigon or Hanoi to Danang International airport, the journey takes about an hour. The international airport of Danang provides connections to Bangkok, Singapore, and also to some selected provinces within Vietnam. From Danang airport, it takes a 45-minute drive to Palm Garden Resort by shuttle bus or private car. Amenities BEACH Bar Health club Swimming pool Bussiness centre Tea/coffee making Satellite stations IDD telephone Heater temperature and towels. 24-hour room service Outside swimming pool Beauty salon Tennis court Massage Sauna/steam-bath Karaoke Parking Laundry & dry-cleaning service Internet & Email service Fitness room Restaurant Luggage storing room Souvenir shop Tours operations 24-hour luxurious bar Jacuzzi Limousine service Baby-sitting service Recreation facilities Private bathroom Mini-bar Tour Desk Currency Exchange Individual controlled air-conditioning Gymnasium Playground for children Beach Volleyball Airport pick-up service Travel and accommodation services Policies - All above rates are in US Dollars, exclusive of 5% Service Charge and 10% VAT - Check-in time is from 14:00 pm - Check-out time is before 12:00 noon - Buffet breakfast available at US$ 9++ per person - No additional charge for one children under 12 sharing the same bed - Baby cots are available for free - All reservation must be guaranteed by a credit card - Major cards such as American Express, JCB, Visa, Master Card are accepted Cancellation Policy - Cancellation made before 72 hours prior to arrival - No Charge - Cancellation made within 48 hours - One Night Charge - Cancellation made within 24 hours or No Show - Full Length of Stay Charge Transportation Rate for Airport Pick-up - Shuttle Bus US$8++ per person - 4-Seat Car US$25++/way (max of 3 persons) - Mini-Bus US$35++/way (max of 9 persons) - Coaster US$45++/way (max of 18 persons)