15
DAYS GRAND VIETNAM TOUR
ITINERARY:
Day 01 Hanoi - Arrival
Meet on
arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to hotel for
check in.
P.m: City
tour (if time permit): Ngoc Son & Quan Thanh Temple and Army Museum.
Accommodation in Hanoi.
Day 02 Hanoi - City tour
(B/L)
In the
evening: Water puppet show, the unique Vietnamese traditional art.
Accommodation.
Day 03 Hanoi - Halong
(B)
Breakfast. Today we set off through the paddy fields
and all towns of the pretty Red River Delta for Halong Bay, where 3000 karst
islands jut out of this huge, picturesque bay so close to China. Halong means, “where the dragon descends
into the sea” and is so-named after the legend which has the bay created by a
dragon which lived in the mountains. As it ran to the sea one day, its tail dug
up the land leaving only small areas (the karst islands) visible - the rest
filled up with water. Short sight
seeing in Hai Phong including visit to Du Hang pagoda and Hang Kenh temple.
Lunch at local restaurant en route and continue road to Halong. Arrive in
Halong, transfer to hotel for check-in. Accommodation in HaLong Bay.
Day 04 Halong Bay - Hanoi
(B/L)
Discover
Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage of outstanding natural beauty. The
picturesque Halong Bay has more than 3,000 limestone islets rising from the
clear emerald water, many of them containing beautiful grottoes. A 5-hour boat
trip will visit one grotto, then continue to explore more of these wonders of
creation. Seafood lunch on board.
P.m: Drive back to Hanoi and transfer to hotel.
Accommodation in Hanoi.
Day 05 Hanoi - Hue (B/L)
Transfer
to airport for morning flight to Hue on Vietnam Airlines. Hue
is the former Imperial and intellectual capital of Vietnam. Once an outpost of
the Hinduized Cham Empire, the area around Hue was conquered in the 14th
century by the Viets from the north. In 1687 the Viets made Hue their capital,
and continued their expansion into Cham territory. It remained the capital
under the Nguyen dynasty (the last dynasty) until 1945.
Meet on arrival and
transfer to the local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the
Imperial Citadel. Modelled on Beijing's Forbidden City, Emperor Gia
Long built this fortress with walls 30 feet thick around the ancient city, from
where he could both live and rule. We also visit Hue Museum, a small jewel of a museum with furniture and artifacts from
the Imperial City and later you visit
the local Dong Ba market, known for the prettiest conical hats in Vietnam.
Accommodation in Hue.
Day 06 Hue - Danang - Hoi An
(B/L)
In the morning we’ll take
a boat ride on the perfume river to the Thien Mu pagoda – a symbol of Hue. From
there we drive to the tombs of the Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. The tomb of
Tu Duc, a 19th century Emperor who lived in the most splendid opulence, is
regally set among groves of frangipani and pine trees. The tomb of the 20th
century Emperor Khai Dinh is grandiose but, unlike that of Tu Duc and the
others, is a melange of Eastern and European architectural styles which perhaps
accurately reflects the changing political currents which were taking place in
the country at the beginning of the century. We return to Hue for lunch at
local restaurant.
In the
afternoon we’ll drive over the
beautiful Pass of the Clouds to Danang. Upon arrival, we stop to visit the Cham
Museum, repository of some 300 sculptures. The Chams were a Malayo-Polynesian
people who arrived in Vietnam in the second century and established a coastal
Empire from Hue south as far as Vung Tau and Phan Rang (where their descendants
still live). In addition to a profound Hindu influence, Buddhist and Khmer
influences are also to be seen in their art and architecture. Continue to visit
Marble Mountains and China Beach before proceed to Hoi An old town. Check in to
the hotel and accommodation in Hoi An.
Day 07 Hoi An (B/L)
We set off this
morning to the old port town of Hoi An. Known as Faifo to early Western
traders, Hoi An was one of the major ports of Southeast Asia from the 17th to
19th centuries. Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese traders had small communities
here, and the old wooden houses, bridges and temples are reminiscent of a
Vietnam of centuries past. We enjoy a walking tour around this relaxing little
town which is a marvelous spot for shopping and souvenir hunting.
Lunch at local
restaurant followed by a biking tour to the countryside of Vietnam. This tour will take
you into the very heart of rural Danang for a special insight into the every
day life of a local village community.
The small settlement of Hoa Chau, nestled among seemingly endless rice
fields, allows the visitor to experience first hand the very backbone of
Vietnam's rural culture. Accommodation in Hoi An.
Day 08: Hoi An - My Son – Hoi An (B/L)
Begin the day with an excursion to My Son, Vietnam’s most evocative Cham
site recently named by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The Cham people
considered this area, in the shadow of Cat’s Tooth Peak, the domain of the
gods, and it served as the religious and intellectual center of the culture.
They inhabited the area continuously from the late fourth century A.D. until
the 13th century. Excavations reveal kings’ tombs that date back to the fourth
century. The towers we see are more than 1,300 years old and were built with
bricks that were carved as a final step. Lunch at local restaurant.
This afternoon you will be taken on a boat ride on
the Hoai River to Cam Ha Pottery village. At every turn you will see the
remarkable tenacity of the local people as they work at their craft that has
been handed down through generations. Courtyards are lined with hand cut
bricks, drying in the accommodating sun. Village elders turn the potting wheels
whilst their children shape the vessels. Accommodation in Hoi An.
Day 09 Hoi An - Danang - Nha
Trang (B/L)
Breakfast. Transfer to Danang airport for the flight
to Cam Ranh on Vietnam Airlines. A short forty-five
minute flight, lies Vietnam's premier beach resort of Nha Trang. With a
backdrop of mountains, numerous deserted islands and kilometres of white sandy
beaches it is hard not to enjoy the benefits of such an idyllic location. Nha Trang has benefited from recent develop
and is ideal for a beach interlude, as an extension to a city stay or a
relaxing break in an overland tour.
Meet on arrival and transfer to the hotel for
check-in. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon we will have a boat trip
to Tri Nguyen Acquarium & islands. At leisure time on the beach then return
to Nha Trang. Accommodation in Nha Trang.
Day 10 Nha Trang - Dalat
(B/L)
In the
morning we will have half day sightseeing around Nha Trang including Po Nagar Cham
Towers. Built between the 7th and 12th Century and named in honour of the
former Cham Princess who introduced her people to profitable weaving and wet
rice cultivation techniques, it is still used as a centre for worship today,
Fishing village and Institute of
Oceanography. Lunch at local restaurant.
This afternoon travel overland to Dalat (approx. 6
hours). Enjoy a spectacular drive through the lush Ngoan Muc mountain pass to
the coastal plain near Phan Rang. The
highland crops of coffee, tea and vegetables are replaced with that of tobacco,
grapes and rice as the road descends into the dry climate.
Dalat was originally built by the French as an escape
from the humid summers of the coast and its heritage is still very much in
evidence today. At 1475 metres above
sea level, Dalat offers cool respite from the humid lowlands. Parts of the town with their faded French
villas, cobbled streets and surrounding pine forests have a distinct European
feel, however Dalat is also well known for some of its more 'quirky'
developments. Check in to the hotel.
Accommodation
in Dalat.
Day 11 Dalat - Ho Chi Minh
City (B/L)
Morning Dalat City Highlights Tour. Much delight will be taken in an exploration of Dalat's architecture - from
the villas of the 'French Quarter' to the unusual guesthouse shaped with each
annex shaped like a different animal, known as the 'Crazy House'! Visit the
town's bustling central market, renowned for its fresh vegetables and fruit
that is rarely found in a tropical country; they even grow strawberries here!
Visit the former Railway Station for a steam train ride and Dalat
Cathedral. Bao Dai's Summer Palace sits
on a hill just outside the main centre.
Bao Dai was the Last Emperor of Vietnam and the Palace has been
preserved exactly as he left it in 1954.
It is a classic example of art deco that is a tourist attraction in
itself. Lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon overland drive to Saigon (approx. 5 hours). The drive takes you from the plateau of the Central
Highlands down through spectacular countryside as the road weaves through
plantations, villages and mountains.
There will be opportunities to stop at silk weaving farms and coffee and
tea plantations en-route as we explore this verdant region.
Check in to the
hotel and accommodation in Saigon.
Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City – Cu
Chi Tunnels (B/L)
Saigon, surely one of the most evocative place names in
Asia and definitely one of the most extraordinary cities in the world. The most
Western in atmosphere of Vietnam's cities, Ho Chi Minh City (to use it's
official name - although to residents and visitors alike it is universally and
affectionately known as Saigon) has a population of 5 million, and a booming
free-market economy. We begin Saigon highlight tour, visit the former
Presidential Palace, which is now preserved as a museum, including the
underground communications bunkers, headquarters for the Saigon Government
during the American War. Visit Notre
Dame, an impressive neo-Romanesque cathedral in the centre of city, the
'wedding cake' styled hotel d'ville, the colonial People’s Committee building
and Dong Khoi Street, formerly the centre of haute couture in Saigon when it
was known as Rue Catinat. A stop will
be made at Central Market if time permits. Lunch at local restaurant
Afternoon Cu Chi Tunnels Tour. This morning journey out of the city centre to the Cu Chi regions, where you will
visit the vast underground network of tunnels built first as a defence against
the French, and later expanded during the American war. It was from here that the North Vietnamese
waged their guerrilla warfare and you will marvel at their ingenuity and
resilience. See secret trapdoors, underground
kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms.
The more adventurous may explore the deeper second, and even third level
tunnels. For those preferring to remain
above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from
above. Your guide will advise you of
the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering - some are
easily accessed by stairs. We recommend
good walking shoes and sun protection for this tour and advise you may get a
little dirty! Accommodation
Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City -
Vinh Long - Can Tho (B/L)
Pick up at hotel. Drive to Vinh Long and we will get
on a sampan then visit a brick kiln, floating marketing and the famous Mr. Sau
Giao's bonsai garden. Lunch in this garden. Enjoy a bike ride for short
sightseeing tour of Vinh Long including visit to Ngoc Vien Pagoda, local
people's houses, and Vinh Long church... Proceeding to Can Tho. Overnight in
Can Tho.
Day 14: Can Tho - Cai Rang - Sadec -
Saigon (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel.
Boat trip on Mekong River to visit Cai Rang floating
market then drive back to Saigon via Sadec. Visit Rose Garden of Mr. Tu Ton.
Lunch at local restaurant. Drop off at your hotel in Saigon. Accommodation in
Saigon.
Day 15 Ho Chi Minh City -
Departure (B)
Breakfast. Leisure time for shopping….. until
transfer to Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat International Airport for
departure.
|
PRIVATE PACKAGE TOURS-US$ DOLLARS |
||||||||
|
Number of pax ( in half-twin) |
||||||||
|
Hotel category |
1 |
2 |
5-Mar |
9-Jun |
14-Oct |
15-19 |
20 up |
SGL Supp. |
|
3-star |
2,880 |
1,878 |
1,529 |
1,277 |
1,126 |
1,092 |
1,046 |
392 |
|
4-star |
3,594 |
2,138 |
2,586 |
1,546 |
1,395 |
1,329 |
1,308 |
646 |
|
5-star |
4,405 |
2,785 |
2,400 |
2,226 |
2,000 |
1,842 |
1,800 |
1,292 |
|
Validity:
Until 31 October 2008 |
||||||||
Services Included:
·
All transfers &
excursons with good car / coach
·
Meals as specified in
the programme (Half board)
·
Good English speaking
guide
·
Sightseeing fees &
boat trips per the tour
·
Hotel accommodation as
listed with breakfast daily
·
Domestic airtickets :
Hanoi/Hue - Danang/Nha Trang
·
Water puppet show
·
Cyclo ride per tour
Not included:
·
International
airtickets & departure airport tax in Saigon at USD 12.00 nett per person
·
Vietnamese visa fee,
Personal insurance
·
Expenditure of a
personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry, etc
·
The others not mentioned
above
Hotels
3-star
hotels used:
- Galaxy
(or Hoa Binh / Thien Thai/ Hanoi Heritage hotel) in Hanoi
- Halong
Bay/ Sunlight (or HaLong Bay / Bach Dang hotel) in Halong
- Green
Bamboo hotel/ Royal View in Sapa
- Hue
Heritage/ Asia (or Festival / Hoa Hong hotel) in Hue
- Hoi An
hotel in Hoi An
- Que
Huong (or Vien Dong) in Nha Trang
- Golf 3
(or Golf 1hotel) in Dalat
- Huong
Sen/ Vien Dong/ (or Oscar / Bong Sen /
Palace hotel) in Saigon
- Saigon
Can Tho hotel in Can Tho
- The best
available basic hotels in the high land and some other places
4-star
hotels used:
- Gouman
(or Fortuna / Sunway/ Thang Loi hotel) in Hanoi
- Heritage
(or Mithrin / Halong Pearl hotel) in Halong
- Victoria
/ Chau Long (new wing) in Sapa
- Huong
Giang/ Green (or Century hotel) in Hue
- Hoi An
Beach resort/ River Beach resort/ Vinh Hung (or Pacific hotel) in Hoi An
- Yasaka
hotel (or Nha Trang Lodge) in Nha Trang
- Novotel/
Hoang Anh Resort (or Empress hotel) in Dalat
- Kim
Do/ (or Rex / Grand / Continental
hotel) in Saigon
- Golf 4
hotel in Can Tho
- The best
available basic hotels in the high land and some other places
5-star
hotels used:
-
Sheraton/ Melia/ Hilton Opera /Sofitel Plaza hotel in Hanoi
- Halong
Plaza in Halong / Royal hotel
- Victoria
in Sapa
- La
Residence/ Imperial/ Morin hotel in Hue
- Palm
Garden /Golden Sand /Victoria Hoi An resort in Hoi An
- Sunrise
/ Sofitel Vinpearl in Nha Trang
- Sofitel
Palace in Dalat
-
Majestic/ Caravelle (or New World / Sofitel Plaza hotel) in Saigon
- Victoria
in Can Tho
- The best
available basic hotels in the high land and some other places
Thailand
Vacation Tour reserved the right to adjust the itinerary and price without
prior notice. Please view our tern and condition for more details
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