~ 20 Day Tour ~ 28th April - 17th May, 2019

Experience Vietnam’s history and culture, and take a closer look at Cambodia’s spectacular temples

“Friends to travel with....”

2121 Point Nepean Road, Rye Vic 3941

www.oshannessys.com.au

Email: enquiries@oshannessys.com.au

O’Shannessy’s Sorrento Travel Pty Ltd T/A:

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

Book and pay your deposit before

31st October, 2018 and receive an

additional $100 pp discount

Toll Free: 1800 354 352

Per Person Twin Share $ 7,985 Repeat Clientele Twin Share $ 7,885 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $ 1,750

Tour Departs: Sunday 28th April, 2019 Tour Returns: Friday 17th May, 2019 Deposit: $500 per person upon booking Balance due on invoice approximately 90 days prior to departure

Single travellers who are prepared to twin share will be matched with another passenger (of the same gender), HOWEVER, if this is not possible, you will need to pay the

Single Supplement.

Tour Price Includes: Pick up from and return to your home - Greater Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong, the

Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas and some areas of Gippsland, Bendigo and Phillip Island are now also included in our pick up area.

FLIGHTS: International flights: Melbourne to Hồ Chí Mihn City; Hà Nội to Siem Reap, Siem Reap via Hồ Chí Minh City to Melbourne. Vietnam domestic flight: Hồ Chí Minh City to Da Nang. All flights include taxes and transfers.

Quality ensuite motel accommodation. Ensuited Cabin on Hạ Long Bay Cruise. Maximum participants on tour is 30. Tour Escorted from Melbourne by our O’Shannessy’s representative. Local English speaking guides. 2 bottles of water per day on tour. Quality air-conditioned touring coach. All gratuities for Driver & Guide, venues and porterage at accommodation whilst travelling

with the group. All tours and interest venues as per itinerary. Meals: 18 full breakfasts, 16 lunches, 17 dinners, and 2 inflight meals.

(2 Dinners and 3 Lunches at own expense as per itinerary)

Tour cost does not include: Items of a personal nature and any optional extras. Travel Insurance A valid national passport is needed for all holidays, with minimum validity of 6 months

after return. If you hold a non-Australian Passport, please check visa requirements with your local

consulate; the responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveller. Vietnam Travel Visa (Single entry Visa) (approx. cost is $95 plus postage or courier costs). Cambodian Travel Visa (approx. cost is $50 plus postage or courier costs).

The following cancellation fees apply for this tour:

Deposit is non-refundable 60 to 89 days BEFORE DEPARTURE 50% Refund of Tour Cost 30 to 59 days BEFORE DEPARTURE 25% Refund of Tour Cost

WITHIN 30 DAYS OF DEPARTURE - NO REFUND No refunds on any unused portions of the itinerary.

TRAVEL INSURANCE IS NOT COMPULSORY HOWEVER IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND IS AVAILABLE FROM OUR OFFICE.

O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours reserves the right to change the price and vary any accommodation, or other features of the tour at any time at their own discretion.

VIETNAM • Hồ Chí Minh City (Saigon)

• Reunification Palace

• War Remnants Museum

• Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral

• The Noodle Soup Restaurant

• Chợ Lớn

• Thien Hau Pagoda

• Bến Thành Market

• Củ Chi Tunnels

• Bến Tre, Mekong Delta

• Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda

• Marble Mountain

• Hội An

• Huế

• Lang Co Beach

• Citadel of Huế and The Forbidden City

• Thien Mu Pagoda

• Boat Cruise along Perfume River

• Bến Hải River and Hiền Lương Bridge

• Vinh City

• Ninh Bình

• Overnight Cruise on Hạ Long Bay

• Thien Canh Son Cave

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda

and The Temple of Literature

CAMBODIA

• Siem Reap

• Ta Prohm

• Banteay Srei

• Apsara Dance Show

• Angkor Thom - Bayon Temple, Phimeanakas Temple, Baphuon Temple,

the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

• Angkor Wat Temple

• Kampong Phluk - floating village

FITNESS OF TRAVEL

Whilst the tour is comfortably paced to suit most people; we recommend participants have a reasonable level of fitness as there are stairs,

uneven surfaces, extended sightseeing on foot and boarding on/off a number of small boats.

DAY 1: Sunday 28th April, 2019 SAIGON (HỒ CHÍ MINH CITY)

With all the packing done and excitement levels high we begin with personal pickup from home and transfer to Melbourne airport to board our flight to Hồ Chí Minh City (commonly known as Saigon). Saigon is one of the world’s true cosmopolitan cities with a history, culture and style obtained from colonial France, ancient China and the art deco era. Once the main port of Cambodia’s Mekong territory, Saigon became the capital of France’s Cochinchina and later the capital of the Republic of Vietnam. It remained the capital until the fall of Saigon in 1975. On our arrival, we will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to our hotel.

In-flight meals. OVERNIGHT: Liberty Riverside Hotel, HỒ CHÍ MINH CITY

DAY 2: Monday 29th April, 2019 SAIGON FULL DAY CITY TOUR

We spend today sightseeing around Saigon. The tour starts at the Reunification Palace, which was the scene for the final stages of the Vietnam War and was used as the head quarters by the South Vietnamese president during the Vietnam War. We then visit the emotional War Remnants Museum where sensitive photographs and infantry weapons are on display; and also the French-style Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral built between 1886 and 1890. After a typical Vietnamese lunch at The Noodle Soup

Restaurant we visit C h ợ L ớ n , t h e Chinatown of Saigon. We then view the Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea and finish the tour at Bến Thành Market in the centre of Saigon later in the afternoon.

OVERNIGHT: Liberty Riverside Hotel, HỒ CHÍ MINH CITY

DAY 3: Tuesday 30th April, 2019

CỦ CHI TUNNELS ~ SAIGON RIVER SPEEDBOAT

Today we visit the Củ Chi Tunnels, 50km from Saigon, where we can explore the tunnel network built by the South Vietnamese Communists in 1946. We view a documentary made at the time showing how the Vietnamese Communists (Việt Cộng) survived in the tunnels. After lunch we return to Hồ Chí Minh City on the Saigon River in a speed boat ride.

OVERNIGHT: Liberty Riverside Hotel, HỒ CHÍ MINH CITY

DAY 4: Wednesday 1st May, 2019

SAIGON ~ MEKONG DELTA

This morning we travel through rice fields and fruit farms to Bến Tre, a southern province in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival we take a short stroll through a shaded area of the coconut farm, where we can enjoy the tropical fruits which are grown in

the region and local folk music. We then go to the river bank for a short journey, by sampan, to the coconut candy factory where we can sample the

candy and sip some honey tea. After lunch in the garden, we visit Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda which was built in 1849 and is a combination of Asian and European architecture.

OVERNIGHT: Liberty Riverside Hotel, HỒ CHÍ MINH CITY

DAY 5: Thursday 2nd May, 2019

FLIGHT FROM SAIGON TO DA NANG ~ HỘI AN

Today, we are taken to Saigon Airport for a flight to Da Nang. We are transferred from Da Nang Airport to our hotel, stopping over at the Marble Mountain for photos before lunch. This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop or maybe visit a tailor and order a custom suit. We settle into our accommodation in Hội An for the next 3 nights.

OVERNIGHT: Hoi An Beach Resort, HỘI AN

DAY 6: Friday 3rd May, 2019

HỘI AN OLD TOWN CITY TOUR

Today we visit the highlights in the old town including the Japanese covered bridge, Phuc Kien Chinese Town Hall, temples and the beautiful old houses. We see the local market on the river side of Hội An, and in the afternoon we enjoy free time for shopping and relaxing.

OVERNIGHT: Hoi An Beach Resort, HỘI AN

DAY 7: Saturday 4th May, 2019

HỘI AN AT LEISURE Hội An is a beautiful village and offers so many experiences for visitors. Today we have a free day to explore, shop or just relax at the beautiful resort. There are numerous restaurants, shops and markets in the nearby town.

Lunch and dinner at own expense and arrangement. OVERNIGHT: Hoi An Beach Resort, HỘI AN

DAY 8: Sunday 5th May, 2019

HỘI AN ~ HUẾ

This morning we’ll travel to Huế which is about 150km from Hội An. Along the way we drive through the Hải Vân Pass and stop at Lang Co Beach. After lunch, we tour the Citadel of Huế and visit The Forbidden City of the royal Nguyễn Dynasty, which was built from 1802 to

1945. We’ll also vis i t Thien Mu Pagoda, which is considered the

first Buddhist Pagoda in Hue, built in 1601. In the late afternoon we enjoy a boat cruise along Perfume River. We arrive at our accommodation with time to freshen up before dinner.

OVERNIGHT: Saigon Morin, HUẾ

DAY 9: Monday 6th May, 2019 ĐỒNG HỚI ~ PHONG NHA CAVE

Today, our guide and driver will take us to the former border, Bến Hải River and Hiền Lu’o’ng Bridge. After lunch, at a local Đồng Hới restaurant, we will travel by boat to the impressive Phong Nha Cave which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. We will explore the cave with rock

formations having names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court” and the “Buddha”. Later this afternoon, we stop at the relics of Tam Tòa Church in Nhật Lệ riverside which was built in 1886 by the French but destroyed by an American bomb in 1965.

OVERNIGHT: Sun Spa Resort, ĐỒNG HỚI

DAY 10: Tuesday 7th May, 2019

ĐỒNG HỚI TO VINH CITY

Today, we will drive for 200km from Đồng Hới City to Vinh City. Vinh's role as an industrial port city led to heavy destruction by aerial bombing during the Vietnam War. Upon arrival we have the option to visit the village the Former Prime Minister of Vietnam, Hồ Chí Minh was born in 1890 and we can see the original house where he lived during his childhood.

OVERNIGHT: Muong Thanh, VINH CITY

DAY 11: Wednesday 8th May, 2019 NINH BÌNH CITY ~ TRÀNG AN LANDSCAPE COMPLEX

This morning, we will travel 200km from Vinh city to Ninh Bình. This area is abounding with Vietnamese limestone scenery. In the afternoon, we will visit the UNESCO World H e r i t a g e site – the Tràng An Landscape

Complex, where we will enjoy a boat trip which travels amongst the 8 grottoes in the river. The stunning scenery recently appeared in the 2017 King Kong movie, “Kong: The Skull Island”.

OVERNIGHT: Ninh Bình Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort , NINH BÌNH

DAY 12: Thursday 9th May, 2019 HẠ LONG BAY

This morning, we travel 3½ hours to Hạ Long Bay. We arrive at Bai Tu Long Bay in time to board our vessel the Starlight Cruise and cruise amongst the famous World Heritage Hạ Long Bay whilst enjoying a delicious seafood lunch. We explore one of the biggest caves in

the area, the

Thien Canh Son Cave, before stopping at Hon Co Island where you may wish to swim or simply relax on the beach. Returning to the boat we continue to cruise amongst thousands of fascinating limestone formations. Tonight, our boat will be anchored in a quiet bay.

OVERNIGHT: Starlight Cruise, HẠ LONG BAY

DAY 13: Friday 10th May, 2019

HẠ LONG BAY~ HÀ NỘI

We spend this morning cruising Hạ Long Bay. After we explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave we have a buffet brunch on board before we disembark. We then drive to Hà Nội and arrive mid-afternoon where the remainder of the afternoon is ours to relax or explore as you wish.

OVERNIGHT: Apricot Hotel, HÀ NỘI

DAY 14: Saturday 11th May, 2019

HÀ NỘI CITY TOUR

This morning we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the beautiful surroundings of his home. We also see the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature built in the year 1010 and dedicated to the teaching of Confucius. In the afternoon we enjoy a Xich Lo (rickshaw) ride in the Old Quarter and some free time for shopping.

OVERNIGHT: Apricot Hotel, HÀ NỘI

DAY 15: Sunday 12th May, 2019

VIETNAM TO CAMBODIA

After 14 wonderful days in Vietnam we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Cambodia. We will fly into Siem Reap, where we will enjoy a 4 day tour of Cambodia. We will be welcomed by our friendly tour guide and transferred to our hotel for check-in. There is time to explore our accommodation before enjoying dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement.

OVERNIGHT: Sokha Angkor Resort, SIEM REAP

DAY 16: Monday 13th May, 2019 SIEM REAP - TA PHROM - BANTEAY SREI

This morning after breakfast we discover Ta Prohm. This ruin has been swallowed by the jungle and is undoubtedly the most atmospheric in Angkor. Built from 1186 and originally known as Rajavihara (Monastery of the King), Ta Prohm was a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII. We will visit

the enchanting Banteay Srei which is built largely of red sandstone and showcases elaborate decorative wall carvings. This afternoon we travel back to Siem Reap where we have some free time to explore the town, before heading out tonight for dinner and to see the Apsara Dance Show at Angkor Theatre.

OVERNIGHT: Sokha Angkor Resort, SIEM REAP

DAY 17: Tuesday 14th May, 2019 ANGKOR TEMPLES

We enjoy breakfast at our hotel this morning before travelling to see the “Great City” of Angkor Thom. Visits today include the famous Bayon Temple, Phimeanakas Temple within the Royal Palace enclosure, Baphuon Temple,

the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. This afternoon is dedicated to visiting the most famous and magnificent Angkor Wat Temple which is the largest religious monument in the world. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12

th Century and covers an area of about

210 hectares. The temple is the heart and soul of Cambodia and is a source of fierce national pride. On the way back, we will take some time to explore a Handicraft School of Artisan d’Angkor.

OVERNIGHT: Sokha Angkor Resort, SIEM REAP

DAY 18: Wednesday 15th May, 2019 TONLE SAP LAKE ~ FLOATING VILLAGE

This morning we have free time at the hotel to enjoy the facilities, maybe have a swim in the pool or enjoy a spa treatment. After lunch we visit Kampong Phluk Floating Village which is about 20km southeast of Siem Reap. Upon arrival we will be met by a boatman at the dock who will take us along a small stream to the village. The local inhabitants live in homes

built on 6-metre high stilts which protect them during the rainy season. During the dry season when the lake is low these buildings look like skyscrapers. Each year when the water levels drop, many residents build temporary houses at the lake's edge, only to tear them down again when the water levels begin to increase.

OVERNIGHT: Sokha Angkor Resort, SIEM REAP

DAY 19: Thursday 16th May, 2019 SIEM REAP - DEPARTURE - FLYING HOME

We have free time until we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hồ Chí Minh City, before boarding our flight home to Australia.

Lunch and dinner at own expense and arrangement. In-flight meals

OVERNIGHT: In flight

DAY 20: Friday 17th May, 2019 ARRIVE HOME

We arrive at Tullamarine Airport this morning. As always, our chauffeurs will be there to greet us and return us safely home with memories of a fascinating and rewarding tour of Vietnam and Cambodia.

CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL

Any special passenger requirements must be notified to O’Shannessy’s Tours at the time of booking. No passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on the tour while their mental or physical condition is, in the opinion of any representative of O’Shannessy’s Tours, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves, or whereby they become objectionable to other passengers, or they become a hazard to themselves or other passengers. O’Shannessy’s Tours will not be responsible for expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the tour for any such reason. It is also a requirement of O’Shannessy’s Tours that each passenger is able to negotiate coach steps without the aid of the coach crew or other passengers. Any passenger who requires assistance for any of the above is required to travel with a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance. If you are willing to twin share but are a smoker or have a CPAP machine or snore, you will need to pay a single supplement for a sole use room.

For details of other tours available

Phone toll free on 1800 354 352

DISCLAIMER: O’Shannessy’s:

• Advises the airline reserves the right to amend their schedule and airfares without notice.

• Advises price is effective for the dates specified but may be subject to change without notice.

• Advises passengers require a current Passport to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia with minimum validity of 6 months after return.

• Advises non-Australian Passport holders to check re-entry Visa requirements.

• Advises passengers require a Vietnam Travel Visa (Single entry Visa approx. cost is $95 plus postage or courier costs) and if doing Cambodia require a Visa as well (approx. cost is $50 plus postage or courier costs).

• Reserves the right to vary the itinerary in any way at any time deemed necessary.

• Accepts no responsibility for damage or loss of personal belongings and suggests that suitable Insurance be effected for protection of the same.

• Accepts no responsibility or liability for delays, accidents, injury, irregularity or damage caused by other transport/touring companies used as part of this tour.

• Reserves the right to change accommodation at any time without notice.