|
| |
|
|
| |
Tour Itinerary: |
|
|
 |
|
| |
Day 1: Saigon Arrival
Arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) airport and transfer to your hotel
Half a day tour of Saigon
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.
Overnight in Saigon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Day 2: Saigon (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel before going for your first private Cooking Class at the Vietnam Cookery Center (Hands-On 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 wil have the chance to cook 4 Vietnamese specialties, varying according to the day. Afterwards, dine on the meal just prepared.
In the afternoon have an 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.
Overnight in Saigon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Day 3: Saigon - Danang - Hoi An (B)
Transfer to Airport to catch your flight to Danang. Upon arrival drive from Danang airport to Hoi An.
Hoi An is a 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Day 4: Hoi An (B, L)
In the morning; Cooking class at the Nam Hai with Lunch and market visit on private basis.
Afternoon at leisure and Overnight in Hoi An |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Day 5: Hoi An (B, L)
In the morning Cooking class at Tra Que Vegetable Village on Share basis
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. Working together with the chef. 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 with the herbals which are growned in the gardens.
Afternoon at leisure and Overnight in Hoi An |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Day 6: Hoi An - Danang - Hanoi (B)
After breakfast, Transfer to Danang airport to connect to your flight to Hanoi
Upon arrival, start the Sightseeing in Hanoi
Head to HOAN KIEM LAKE and Ngoc Son Temple, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny TORTOISE PAGODA. From there, walking 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.
Visit a Water Puppet Show a fantastic art form originating in the northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Day 7: Hanoi (B)
Experience street foods and market visit with Hanoi Cooking Center
Welcome to Hanoi Cooking Center (HCC) with a cup of Vietnamese special La Han Tea. Take a pleasant stroll to Truc Bach Lake and taste Pho Cuon (beef rolls). Another short walk to Chau Long and visit the "wet market" where you'll get impressed with all sorts of fresh vegetable, live fish, frogs, eels, silk worms, etc. on sales for the kitchen. Stop to enjoy Banh Tom (shrimp fries) at West Lake Restaurant. Continue to Xuan Dieu for Hanoi's famous "Bun Cha" (grilled pork noodle). Go to Yen Phu to visit a typical old cafe which was opened in 1936. Back to HCC.
Sightseeing in Hanoi
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum can be viewed from the outside only)
Stroll past the HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. The Mausoleum is closed in the afternoons, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes annually in October and November for restoration (can only view from the outside). Continue to the PRESIDENTIAL PALACE (may be viewed from the outside only). Stroll 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. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Visit 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.
Visit the Temple of Literature
TEMPLE OF LITERATURE: a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stele on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.
Overnight in Hanoi |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Day 8: Hanoi - Bangkok - Chiang Mai (B)
Transfer to Hanoi airport and fly Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Flight from Hanoi to Bangkok.
Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.(RT)
Arrival in Chiang Mai
Transfer
Overnight in Chiang Mai |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Day 9: Chiang Mai (B)
In the morning, Visit a jungle area north of Chiangmai and its Elephant camp. You will see how the elephants are trained from young age and the "pupils" will then demonstrate what they have learned. After visit the Orchid farm.
Afternoon: Visit handicraft village.
In the afternoon Visit a giant and picturesque Meo hill tribe Village set in an attractive hillside spot and see the Meo tribesmen dressed their colorful traditional costumes. The tour also take in Wat Phratat Doi Suthep is almost sacred temple containing a holy relic of the Lord Buddha. A panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 feet above sea level.
Overnight in Chiang Mai |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Day 10: Chiang Mai (B, L)
Half a day market visit and cooking class at Baan Hong Nual with lunch on shared basis
Afternoon at leisure and Overnight in Chiang Mai |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Day 11: Chiang Mai - Bangkok (B)
Transfer to Chiang Mai airport to connect with flight to Bangkok.
Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to hotel
In the afternoon, Klong Tour half day
Travel on the picturesque Chao Phraya River- The River of Kings, and through the Klongs (canals) of Thonburi on the west side of the river from Bangkok.There will be a chance to observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways which gave the city the name "Venice of the East We also visit a major riverside landmark,the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). The significant shrine has a pagoda (spire) which soars 79 m. into the sky. It is decorated with glazed ceramic pieces from top to bottom. Overnight in Bangkok |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Day 12: Bangkok (B)
Floating Market & City Temple full day tour
In the Morning visit Thailand famous Floating market at Damnoen Saduak. Late morning drive back to Bangkok and follow by Bangkok City & Temple tour to visit 2 of the most impressive temples, The Reclining Buddha at Wat Po and The Emerald Buddha at Wat Pra Kaew. Then visit Royal Grand Palace
Overnight in Bangkok |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Day 13: Bangkok Departure (B)
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Bangkok international Airport for your flight onward. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
(END OF OUR SERVICE) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
| TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: |
| - |
Accommodation on a twin share basis at listed hotels or similar |
| - |
Daily breakfasts |
| - |
Meals according to the itinerary |
| - |
Flight ticket(s), in economy class (Saigon-Danang-Hanoi-Bangkok-Chiang Mai- Bangkok) |
| - |
Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle. |
| - |
1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour |
| - |
Tours with English speaking guide as per itinerary |
| - |
Admission fees according to itinerary |
| - |
4 Half a day cooking classes as per the itinerary |
| - |
International and domestic airport taxes in Vietnam are automatically included in ticket. |
| |
| TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE: |
| - |
Meals not mentioned as being included |
| - |
Beverages with meals |
| - |
Items of a personal nature, Tips & Gratuities |
| - |
Visas fee if applicable ** Visa Procedures: Vietnam |
| - |
International airfare & Travel Insurance |
| - |
Items not mentioned as being included |
|
|
|
 |
|
| Tour Style: |
PRIVATE |
| Tour Length |
12 Nights/ 13 Days. |
| Visit |
Saigon (Arrival) - Hoi An - Hanoi - Chiang Mai - Bangkok (Departure) |
| Prices |
Starting At USD 6,470* Only. |
| Tour Dates |
Valid from January 10 to October 31, 2012 |
|
| |
|
| TOUR LODGING INFO: 12 Nights Accommodation |
| Accommodation will be provided on a twin sharing basis. |
| Cities |
No. Of Nights |
Deluxe Hotels |
| Saigon |
02 Nights |
The Park Hyatt (park room) |
| Hoi An |
03 Nights |
The Nam Hai (1 bedroom Villa) |
| Hanoi |
02 Nights |
Sofitel Legend Metropole (premium rom/Opera Wing) |
| Chiang Mai |
03 Nights |
Four Seasons Resort (Garden Pavilion) |
| Bangkok |
02 Nights |
The Mandarin Oriental (Superior Room) |
| Accommodation is subject to availability. If the listed accommodation is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered. |
|
| |
|
| TOUR COST: Valid from January 10 to October 31, 2012 |
| Per person in Twin sharing room: |
US$ 6470.00 |
| Single Supplement: |
US$ 3919.00 |
| Per person traveling alone: |
US$ 11280.00 |
| * Prices are Based on Per Person on Twin Share Basis. |
|
|
