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Tour Itinerary: |
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Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Meet & Greet upon your arrival in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel
Later start the visits with Oan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny TORTOISE PAGODA. From there, walk to explore the OLD QUARTER; This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses 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 paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life. Afterwards, visit the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY (closed on Monday & Vietnamese New Year), which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.Overnight in Hanoi |
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Day 2: Hanoi (B)
Sightseeing in Hanoi
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 exploration by walk, 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 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. Today it stands near the vast HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Begin at the HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. The Mausoleum is closed on every Mondays and Fridays and closes annually in October and November for restoration (can only view from the outside). Continue through the park to HO CHI MINH 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. 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 shop houses 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.
Enjoy Vegetarian lunch with Nuns at Bo De pagoda and in the afternoon continue with the Excursion to Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas.Travel outside Hanoi to two picturesque pagdodas, built into dramatic limestone outcroppings in the middle of green rice fields. Starting with THAY PAGODA, known as Thien Phuc (Heavenly Blessing), is dedicated to Thich Ca Buddha and 18 arhats appear on the central altar. In front of the main pagoda is a small stage on stilts, where water puppet shows are staged here for festivals. A small path leads up the rock to a smaller pagoda perched above. Continue to the TAY PHUONG PAGODA, also known as Sung Phuc Pagoda, consisting of three buildings built in descending sequence on the hillside. The earliest construction here dates from the 8th century.
Overnight in Hanoi |
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Day 3: Hanoi (B, L)
In the morning cooking Class at Hanoi Cooking Center with a market visit on share basis
Welcome to Hanoi Cooking Center (HCC) with a cup of Vietnamese special tea "La Han". You will then get brief introduction about Vietnamese cuisine, and the highlights of traditional meals. Take a short walk to the Chau Long Market where you can enjoy a tour of the market highlights with the 'wet', unusual fruits, livestock, silk worms and take the photos of those. Back to HCC and commence the cooking class; then enjoy the meal upon its completion.
Afternoon at leisure and Overnight in Hanoi |
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Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Jasmine Cruise (B, L, D)
After breakfast drive to Halong and board the cruise on Halong Bay
Welcome on board and set sail through Bai Tu Long bay while seafood lunch is served. Rest your eyes on the azure waters of this magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragon's teeth, passing picturesque area around Mat Quy islet, Am islet. Mid afternoon, cruise to Cua Van fishing village and enjoy a pleasant bamboo row through the village with floating homes.Visit Tien Ong Cave before going back on board for sunset cocktail. Dinner is served onboard.
Overnight in onboard. |
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Day 5: Halong - Hanoi (B)
Start the day early to enjoy a Tai Chi class on top deck with an opportunity to admit the magnificent scenery of sunrise over the sea. Deep cruise into Bai Tu Long bay, passing Peal Farm, Phao Dai islet, Tam Cung cave, Hon Xep islet , Dau Moi temple while joining our chef for cooking demonstration to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine art. Enjoy buffet brunch on board before arrival to the dock.
Disembark the cruise and drive from Halong to Hanoi for the overnight |
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Day 6: Hanoi - Hue (B)
After breakfast, transfer to airport to connect to your flight to Hue.
Arrival in Hue, pick up and start the with Sightseeing in 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.
Overnight in Hue |
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Day 7: Hue - Hoi An (B, L)
Visit Ba La Mat pagoda with vegetarian lunch
Ba La Mat is an ancient pagoda in Hue which was built in the beginning of the 19th century. Its tranquil setting and ancient charm would bring you a feeling of calmness and peace once you are there. By strolling around the pagoda, you would have chance to learn more about the life of Buddhism monks as well as their work of managing and taking care of the pagoda. Continue to visit the worshiping area; you would be able to experience a praying service for your luckiness, happiness and longevity before enjoying a vegetarian lunch at this pagoda.
Drive to Hoi An 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.
Overnight in Hoi An |
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Day 8: Hoi An (B, L)
Cooking class at Tra Que Vegetable Village on shared basis (Special Remark: Cooking class min. 2 pax)
Drive to Tra Que vegetable village. Welcome drink before walking through the vegetable gardens where local farmers work their fields using the traditional methods of hundreds of years ago, no electrical machinery here. Here you will have the opportunity to interact with the local farmers and learn about the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later. So make sure your camera is ready. Work with the chef and learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. After the lesson, enjoy what you have cooked. Before finishing the cooking class, you are complemented with a 15 minute foot massage.
Sightseeing in Hoi An, picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Now, this beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot. The walking tour includes:
JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE PAGODA: the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun.
SA HUYNH MUSEUM: located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. TRAN FAMILY CHAPEL: this house for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles.
PHUOC KIEN ASSEMBLY HALL: Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen).
LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOP: Visit one of the lantern workshop in Hoi An. The framework of lantern will be made by the industry itself and clients can observe locals making silk cloth on the lantern.
Overnight in Hoi An |
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Day 9: Hoi An - Danang - Saigon (B).
Transfer to Danang airport to catch your flight to Siagon.
In Saigon visit the Cholon (Chinatown)
The sprawling, densely packed CHOLON (CHINATOWN) constantly bustles with activity and retains a traditional feeling, unlike the more modern Saigon city center. Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with CHINESE MEDICINE MARKET and BINH TAY MARKET, the vast wholesale market selling every kind of good from dried foods to T shirts to electronics. Continue to THIEN HAU PAGODA, build by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess.
Overnight in Saigon |
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Day 10: Saigon (B, L).
After breakfast start the Cooking Class at the Vietnam Cookery Center (Hands-On private Cooking Class)
Attend a cooking course conducted by a professional chef, with detailed explanations of the history and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine by the interpreter. Participants will have the chance to cook 4 Vietnamese specialties, varying according to the day. Afterwards, dine on the meal just prepared.
Afternoon city Sightseeing in Saigon; Beginning with 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 drive 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.
Overnight in Saigon |
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Day 11: Saigon Departure (B).
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Saigon international Airport for your flight onward. |
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(END OF OUR SERVICE) |
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| TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: |
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Accommodation on a twin share basis at listed hotels or similar |
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Daily breakfasts |
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Meals according to the itinerary |
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Flight ticket(s), in economy class (Hanoi - Hue & Danang - Saigon) |
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Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle. |
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1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour |
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Tours with English speaking guide as per itinerary |
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Admission fees according to itinerary |
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Boat ticket(s) according to the itinerary |
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4 Half a day cooking classes as per the itinerary |
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International and domestic airport taxes in Vietnam are automatically included in ticket. |
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| TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE: |
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Meals not mentioned as being included |
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Beverages with meals |
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Items of a personal nature, Tips & Gratuities |
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Visas fee if applicable ** Visa Procedures: Vietnam |
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International airfare & Travel Insurance |
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Items not mentioned as being included |
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| Tour Style: |
PRIVATE |
| Tour Length |
10 Nights/ 11 Days. |
| Visit |
Hanoi (Arrival) - Halong - Hanoi - Hue - Hoi An (Departure) |
| Prices |
Starting At USD 3,830* Only. |
| Tour Dates |
Valid from January 10 to October 31, 2012 |
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| TOUR LODGING INFO: 10 Nights Accommodation |
| Accommodation will be provided on a twin sharing basis. |
| Cities |
No. Of Nights |
Deluxe Hotels |
| Hanoi |
03 Nights |
Sofitel Legend Metropole (premium room/Opera Wing) |
| Halong |
01 Night |
Jasmine Cruise (Jasmine Premium) |
| Hanoi |
01 Night |
Sofitel Legend Metropole (premium room/Opera Wing) |
| Hue |
01 Night |
La residence Hotel & Spa (Superior/New Wing) |
| Hoi An |
02 Nights |
The Nam Hai (1 bedroom Villa) |
| Saigon |
02 Nights |
The Park Hyatt (park room) |
| Accommodation is subject to availability. If the listed accommodation is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered. |
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| TOUR COST: Valid from January 10 to October 31, 2012 |
| Per person in Twin sharing room: |
US$ 3830.00 |
| Single Supplement: |
US$ 2542.00 |
| Per person traveling alone: |
US$ 7070.00 |
| * Prices are Based on Per Person on Twin Share Basis. |
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