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TOUR ITINERARY
| Day 1 |
Hanoi |
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| Visit King Ly Thai To Statue |
Ly Thai To Statue is located in Indira Gandhi Park, on the east side of Hoan Kiem Lake. The statue is to commemorate Ly Cong Uan who changed his name to Ly Thai To when he ascended the throne. Ly Thai To was the founder and the first emperor of Vietnam's Ly Dynasty (1009- 1225 AD). After ascending the throne, he moved the capital to Dai La which he renamed as Thang Long in 1010 and in the end becomes present Hanoi.
| Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Rising Sun bridge |
HOAN KIEM LAKE: Hoan Kiem means "Lake of the Returned", which is a lake in the historical centre of Hanoi capital. The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life. Legend has it that King Le Loi handed a magic sword called Heaven's Will which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God in the lake. The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua)standing on a small island near the centre of lake is linked to the legend. Ngoc Son Temple: The temple was erected in the 18th century. It honours the 13th -century military leader Tran Hung Dao who distinguished himself in the fight against the Yuan
Mongol invaders, Van Xuong, a scholar and Nguyen Van Sieu, a Confucian master and famous writer in charge of repairs made to the temple in 1864. Jade Island is connected to the shore by the wooden red-painted Huc Bridge (The Huc, means Morning Sunlight Bridge).
OLD QUARTER: they have well over a thousand years of history and remain one of Vietnam's most lively and unusual places, where one can buy anything from a gravestone to silk pajamas. Exploring by walk to the maze of back streets which is fascinating and there are endless things to buy wool clothes, cosmetics, gold and silver jewelry, silk clothes and herbal medicines.
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| Day 2 |
Hanoi - Halong (Breakfast: Hotel ) |
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Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite an exciting exploration by walking, while its many beautiful public spaces - lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments - give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. Begin your day visiting the TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best serving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university.
Continue to the miniature ONE PILLAR PAGODA. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. After the pagoda visit, walk through the park to HO CHI MINH's STILT HOUSE, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days ( 1969). Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Finally, discover the OLD QUARTER of Hanoi by walk. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses is also known as 'The 36 Streets,' each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover's paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life.
| By vehicle from Hanoi to Halong |
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| Day 3 |
Halong - Hanoi - Hue (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Seafood Lunch on Boat Trip ) |
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| Excursion by boat through Halong Bay including lunch (4 hours) |
Board your charming traditional wooden junk for cruising through the Bay. En-route lunch will be served. Following cruise by rock formations with such names as Stone Dog, Incense Burner ( Dinh Huong),Fighting Cock ( Ga Choi). At the core of the islets, there are two wonderful caves and grottoes to visit as Thien Cung ( Heavenly Residence Grotto), Dau Go ( Driftwood Grotto). Disembark at Halong pier.
| By vehicle from Halong to Noi Bai Airport |
| Flight from Hanoi to Hue. |
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| Day 4 |
Hue (Breakfast: Hotel ) |
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Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century.
| Visit the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh |
Venture into the countryside around Hue to the IMPERIAL TOMB OF TU DUC. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theater performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Afterwards visit the IMPERIAL TOMB OF KHAI DINH, dramatically located on a hillside. The last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, completed in 1931, this tomb incorporates distinct European elements into the traditional Vietnamese architecture.
| Visit the Old Imperial City |
Located in the heart of Hue is the IMPERIAL CITADEL, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking FLAG TOWER, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing NGO MON GATE, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit DIEN THO Residence ( Dien Tho palace) is where the Queen mother lived, visit THAI HOA PALACE, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the HALLS OF THE MANDARINS, and the original NINE DYNASTIC URNS, among other sites.
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| Day 5 |
Hue - Danang - Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel ) |
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| Excursion to Thien Mu Pagoda and Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang with boat trip |
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the PERFUME RIVER, stopping first at the iconic THIEN MU PAGODA, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monument. Continue cruising into the countryside to the IMPERIAL TOMB OF MINH MANG, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a beautiful natural setting.
| By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An |
Journey from Hue over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic HAI VAN PASS, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Continue southwards passing LANG CO, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea, and the large coastal city of DANANG before arriving in Hoi An.
CHAM MUSEUM: this houses probably the best collection of Cham art to be found anywhere in the world. There are more than 300 artifacts in the museum, many dating to the 4th century. There are beautiful sculptures reflecting the 1000 year Cham period.
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| Day 6 |
Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel ) |
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| Sightseeing in Hoi An with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River |
The exquisitely preserved merchant town of HOI AN was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful shophouses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving center of traditional crafts and a shoppers paradise, best explored on foot. Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central MARKET and the small HARBOUR where colorfully painted boats are moored. The walking tour will include visits to a PRIVATE HOUSE, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting; to one of the FAMILY CHAPELS built by prominent merchant or official families as centers for ancestor worship; and to a typical CHINESE-STYLE PAGODA or ASSEMBLY HALL. Continue to SA HUYNH MUSEUM, located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. Visit a handicraft workshop in Hoi An where local products are being made by the industry itself. Finally, continue to the famous JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE PAGODA, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream.
In the afternoon, board a local boat and cruise down the THU BON RIVER, enjoying the unspoiled countryside and stopping to visit a POTTERY VILLAGE and a WOODCARVING VILLAGE before returning to Hoi An harbour.
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| Day 7 |
Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel ) |
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Journey to MY SON, the former religious center of the Champa Kingdom, a sophisticated civilization which held sway over the region from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Today, all that are left are five archaeological sites from different periods, in a beautifully green setting of hills and winding streams. After a brief visit to the VISITOR'S CENTER for an overview of Cham history and culture, visit each ruin in turn, walking along forested paths.
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| Day 8 |
Hoi An - Danang - Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel ) |
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| Transfer to Danang airport |
| Flight from Danang to Saigon. |
| Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels |
Never discovered by American forces, the CU CHI TUNNELS were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.
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| Day 9 |
Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel ) |
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| Excursion to Cai Be Floating Market, with a boat trip to Vinh Long |
From Saigon, drive into the heart of the Mekong Delta to Cai Be, and embark on one of the local boats to explore CAI BE FLOATING MARKET, a lively market of fruit and vegetable barges with a picturesque Catholic cathedral on the riverside. Continue along smaller waterways and canals, stopping at the MEKONG RIVER ISLANDS to visit orchards and local cottage industries. Enjoy watching how the delta residents make traditional treats such as dried longyans, rice pancakes and puffed rice candies, with the chance to sample the local delicacies. Disembark at Vinh Long and return to Saigon.
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| Day 10 |
Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel ) |
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A vibrant metropolis, SAIGON teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorbikes, chatting on cellphones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense.
Begin your tour into modern history with a tour of the REUNIFICATION PALACE. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.
Afterwards driving to the historic center to visit EMPEROR OF JADE PAGODA, one of Saigon's most interesting pagoda. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL and the CENTRAL POST OFFICE. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate CITY HALL (HOTEL DE VILLE), the old OPERA HOUSE (both may only be viewed from the outside). Finally, end up at the central BEN THANH MARKET, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.
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RATES VALID FROM :
01 Nov 2011 - 31 Oct 2012 |
| Number of participants |
Rate per person in U.S. Dollars (USD) |
| Group of 2 persons |
1,114 p.p. (sharing a twin room) |
| Single Supplementary |
233 p.p. |
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Rates are inclusive of |
Rates are NOT inclusive of |
- Accommodation and meals as described (please note that some hotels provide only CBF)
- All transfers within the journey, including pick-up at airport
- Economy class on domestic flights only
- All entrance fees
- English, French or German speaking guides (other languages available upon request)
- For Vietnam: Visa-approval letter
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- Visa fees
- Any Airport taxes
- Other personal expenses
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