PROPOSAL : EXPERIENCE VIETNAM BY TRAIN – 12D11N

DEPARTURE : 1 Jan 2014 – 30 September 2014

NUMBER OF PAX : TBA

PREPARED FOR : TBA

Vietnam is now firmly on the world stage, but only since the

early 1990’s travellers started arriving. Today visitors from all

over the world have the opportunity to discover the beauty of

Vietnam. Brilliant green rice fields, bustling city streets, grand

colonial buildings, colourful markets, temples and pagodas,

deserted sandy beaches, glorious mountain scenery, colourful

ethnic minorities, delicious cuisine, luxurious hotels and resorts,

THIS IS VIETNAM TODAY.

The country is divided into three distinct regions, the south, the

centre and the north. The northern capital Hanoi, is the seat of

government and home of the revered Ho Chi Minh. This is the

artistic and cultural heart of the country, with Hoan Kiem lake

at the centre. In the Old Quarter, at the Temple of Literature, in

the colonial buildings and the museums the past comes to life.

Saigon is the commercial powerhouse of the country, with

international hotels, shiney malls, old markets, museums, China

Town and café life. The city is truly multi-cultural.

There are Seven World Heritage sites in Vietnam declared by

UNESCO in 2011. The spectacular natural wonder of Ha Long Bay (1994), the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

(2003), the central sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi (2010), Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (2011),

Complex of Hué Monuments (1993), Hoi An Ancient Town (1999), My Son Sanctuary (1999). Vietnam offers the

ultimate in adventure and luxury travel

VIETNAM DESTINATION

Vietnam’s major provinces are well-connected by the train system. Travelling by train in Vietnam is truly an

unforgettable local experience. The biggest advantage of this means of transportation is the reasonable price and

safety. The fare is far less than air travel and only slightly more expensive than bus. Rustic as it is, the slow train

travels between mountains, forests, valleys and alongside the ocean, which allows everyone to enjoy Vietnam’s

authentic natural vistas. Moreover, Spending time on a train is an interesting way to make friends with local people

and have a closer view about their daily life. This tour is designed for those who would like to explore Vietnam’s

main cities and countryside within twelve days. This journey includes Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon)

with visits to Mekong Delta, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue and Halong Bay.

Map: Train Route in Vietnam

Day 1: HANOI ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

Arrive in Hanoi, Your guide and driver will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the city center by private

car to start your city tour. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will take a cyclo tour through the fascinating old quarter and

see the bustling local life. Then you will drive to visit Hoan Kiem Lake - the popular historical and legendary beauty

spot in the centre of the city. Visit Ngoc Son Temple or Temple of the Jade Mountain, is one of the most

picturesque temples built on an isle in Hoan Kiem Lake and entered across the Rising Sun Bridge (The Huc). Return

to your hotel for check in followed by free time to take a rest or discover more of the city on your own. Overnight in

Hanoi

Day 2: HANOI – HA LONG BAY (B/L/D)

Spend a night aboard a traditional junk and experience the mystical scenery of Halong Bay, where thousands of

limestone islands rise from the emerald sea to create unique sculptural shapes. Surrounded by colourful floating

villages this makes Ha Long a truly wonderful destination.

In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up at the hotel lobby by private car and drive

you to Ha Long (170km from Hanoi), designated a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1994. Upon arrival, a welcome

cocktail is offered on board as you check in the cruise. At 12:00, the cruise starts sailing on Ha Long Bay. A

Vietnamese lunch is served on board. En route, enjoy the view from the sun deck and later visit beautiful caves in

the bay. During the afternoon, swimming or kayaking activities (optional) are available. A Vietnamese dinner is

served in the elegant dinning room. Overnight on board in Ha Long Bay.

Day 3: HA LONG – HA NOI - HUE (by train) (-/Brunch/-)

In the early morning, watch the sunrise as the cruise sails on through the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay

heading towards the shore. Check out of your cabin after breakfast and transfer back to Hanoi by car (around 3 –

hour drive). Later, visit Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and the historic Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (outside visit; the

mausoleum is open in the morning only); an imposing monument built using marble and granite, and where the

preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides . Then, free time for your shopping and enjoy Hanoi until the transfer by car

to the train station for your night train to Hue (departure at 19:00pm– arrival 8:00am+1). Overnight on train.

Day 4: HUE (B/-/-)

Arrival in Hue around 8:00am in the morning. Your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you by private car

to a local restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast, you will begin your tour in Hue.

Hue was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from the 17th to 19th century.

With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel, the city retains its Royal charm.

Start the tour with a visit to the Imperial Citadel including the Capital Citadel (the bastion), Royal Citadel (the

sanctum), and the Forbidden Citadel (the royal family’s residence). Drive 30 minutes to the serene Tu Duc Royal

Tomb, designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. A small business making incense sticks is an interesting

stop before continuing the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, where the architecture and atmosphere showcase

elements of eastern art and western designs. Return to your hotel for relaxation and discover more of the city on

your own in the evening. Overnight in Hue.

Day 5: HUE – HOI AN (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel, depart by car from your hotel to visit Thien Mu pagoda - one of the oldest religious buildings

in the country. Among the many interesting artifacts housed at the complex is the car that took the monk Thich

Quang Duc to Saigon, where his self-immolation took place in 1963. Then, enjoy a boat trip to the tomb of Minh

Mang Emperor on the west bank of the Perfume River. The Minh Mang Tomb is a perfect combination of manmade

and natural beauty of Hue, where architecture fits harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.

Depart from Hue to Hoi An - driving along the scenic coast through the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co to the

Pass of Ocean Clouds. We will stop en route to visit Cham museum wit its impressive sculptures .

Enjoy your evening at Hoi An ancient town. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6: HOI AN (B/- /-)

Breakfast at the hotel, then start your walking tour in the ancient town. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi

An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage-listed ancient town has well-preserved buildings,

pedestrianised streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse into its illustrious past. The narrow lanes are

ideal for walking to visit the old merchant’s houses with influences of Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese

architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation

with outstanding wood carvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with tropical specialties including silk,

which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day.

In the afternoon, walk around Hoi An ancient town to the port where you will embark on the boat. From the boat,

you can enjoy the busy daily life of Hoi An people along Thu Bon River. Continue to Thanh Ha pottery village where

you can learn about the daily life of Thanh Ha people. Observe all the steps of making a pottery products such as

vases, pots, kettles, cooking pots,...Return to the boat to visit Kim Bong carpentry village and listen to the history of

the village. Visit the ship-building yards and see the handicrafts and sculptures. Return to your hotel and explore

the rest of the ancient city by yourself for the remainder of the day. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 7: HOI AN – DA NANG – NHA TRANG (by train) (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel then your driver will take you from Hoi An to Da Nang train station. You will board on the

train from Da Nang to Nha Trang (10 hours). The train follows the coastal route, providing spectacular views of

beaches, cliffs and rice paddies. Upon arrival Nha Trang train station in the evening, your local guide will meet you

and drive you to your hotel. Free time for relaxation and overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 8: NHA TRANG - HO CHI MINH CITY (by train) (B/-/-)

In the morning, breakfast at the hotel and free time to relax and enjoy on the beach. Nha Trang is a seaside town,

also the capital city of Khanh Hoa Province – on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. Nha Trang has become

increasingly popular in recent years because of its magnificient crescent-shaped beach. The beach has some of the

best scuba diving in Vietnam as well as many interesting places to see and lots delicious food to enjoy.

In the afternoon, visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, the Dam Market, the Nha Trang Stone Cathedral or the Long Son

Pagoda where the giant Sakyamuni Buddha statue sits on the top of the hill. Then, you will get transferred to the

train station for the night train to Ho Chi Minh City (8 hours). Overnight on train

Day 9: HO CHI MINH CITY – TAY NINH – CU CHI – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/L/-)

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning. Your driver and guide will take you by car to your hotel to enjoy

breakfast. Then, start your journey with a 3-hour drive northwest of Saigon to the Cao Dai Great Temple. This

modern sect, founded in the 1920s, is a fusion of Buddhism, Confucism, Taoism, and Christian beliefs. The temple

holds a very colorful service at midday which visitors can watch. A simple local lunch is at a rural cafe (the best

available in this undeveloped area). After another one and haff hour drive we will arrive to the Cu Chi tunnels. The

tunnel complex was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide during past conflicts. It also served as communication

routes and food and weapon caches, as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters. Visit the

underground villages to understand the tunnels’ history, life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese peoples’ resilience

during the conflicts. Return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take a rest in the evening.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: HO CHI MINH CITY – CAI BE – CAN THO (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up at the hotel lobby and depart by car to Cai Be in the

Mekong Delta; known as the country’s ‘rice-basket’. Embark on a 3- hour drive with ever-changing views – from

the rapidly developing Saigon city to the hectic delta. On arrival, board a wooden motorized boat to explore life

and agriculture on the river. The first stop is the bustling Cai Be floating market, filled with a mass of boats

bursting with fruits, vegetables, and other products along the river banks. Traders have lived on the river in

their boats for generations. After a further 20-minute cruise, leave your boat, and enjoy a 10-min walk on narrow

lanes watching the world go by. Visit an ancient house where four generations of family members are living together

and have lunch there. After a lunch filled with Mekong Delta specialties, you can take a stroll around the orchard to

see how it contributes to the family’s livelihood. Cruise back to Cai Be dock where the car is waiting to take you to

Can Tho City – the biggest center in the delta. Hotel check-in and free time to relax.

Overnight in Can Tho

Day 11: CAN THO – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel then board a local boat to explore the colorful Cai Rang floating market, where number of

boats laden with fruit, vegetables and fish jostle for trade. Sellers advertise their wares by crying out across the

waters or tie their goods to a tall pole so that buyers can see from them from a distance. Or you can leave your boat

and meander around the local market to enjoy another part of local life. Cruise back to the hotel to freshen up and

check-out. Return to Ho Chi Minh City by car and free time to discover more of the city on your own. Overnight in Ho

Chi Minh City.

Day 12: HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR - DEPARTURE (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, take a half-day city tour by car to see some of Saigon’s historic landmarks

The city, is a bustling cosmopolitan city and commercial centre of the country. Despite the hustle and bustle, the

city retains its connections to the past. A stroll down Rue Catinat of Graham Greene's 'The Quiet American' will

reveal more colonial classics; the Opera House, a three-story classical theatre (outside visit); the former Hotel de

ville constructed in 1901, now The People's Committee building with no public access; the Notre Dame Cathedral,

a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires (open only 3-4pm everyday otherwise just outside visit); the

Central Post Office influenced by Renaissance architecture; and the former Presidential Palace.

After half-day city tour, you will be taken by private car to the airport for your onward flight in the late afternoon.

“where journeys begin”

TOUR COST : NET PRICE IN USD

Valid 01 Jan 14 – 30 Apr 14

Categories/ Group size 1 pax 2 pax 3-4 pax 5-6 pax 7-10pax Single Supplement

Superior Category 2,166.00 1,233.00 1,048.00 864.00 851.00 288.00

Deluxe Category 3,040.00 1,670.00 1,493.00 1,309.00 1,296.00 716.00

All rates are net, quoted per person in U.S.$ in half twin room. Please add the single supplement if you book a

single room (Except on 1 Pax).

Valid 01 May 14 – 30 Sep 14

Categories/ Group size 1 pax 2 pax 3-4 pax 5-6 pax 7-10pax Single Supplement

Superior Category 2,157.00 1,228.00 1,043.00 859.00 846.00 283.00

Deluxe Category 2,882.00 1,592.00 1,406.00 1,223.00 1,210.00 645.00

All rates are net, quoted per person in U.S.$ in half twin room. Please add the single supplement if you book a

single room (Except on 1 Pax).

Surcharge 50 USD per group per day for any booking falling on 30th,, 31st January, 01st ,02nd February 2014 (Lunar

New Year in Vietnam)

Surcharge during Peak Season and Vietnam Public Holidays is applied upon hotels and cruises policies, please kindly

contact our Travel Consultant for your detailed information.

LIST OF HOTEL USAGES:

LOCATION Superior Category Delxue Category

HANOI

HA LONG

Medallion Hotel

Superior

11 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Tel: +84-4-3926 1302

Web : www.medallionhanoi.com

Marguerite Cruise

Superior Cabin

01 Hoe Nhai Street, Hanoi

Hanoi Melia Hotel

Deluxe (ROH)

44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District

, Ha Noi

Tel: 084439343343

Web: www.meliahanoi.com

Jasmine Cruise

Jasmin Superior

22 Cai Dam, Bai Chay, Ha Long

HUE

HOI AN

NHA TRANG

HO CHI MINH CITY

CAN THO

Tel: 084439275526

Web: www.margueritejunk.com

Camellia Hotel

Deluxe City View Room

57 Ben Nghe Street, Hue

Tel: 084543943943

Web: www.camellia-hotels.com.vn

Ancient House Resort

Ancient House Superior

377 Cua Dai Road, Hoi An

Tel: 0845103923377

Web: www.ancienthouseresort.com

Yasaka Nha Trang

Superior Room

18 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang

Tel: 084583820090

Web: www.yasanhatrang.com/

Elios Hotel

Superior Room

233 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1

Tel: 084838385584

Web: www.elioshotel.vn

Kim Tho Hotel

Deluxe Room

Ngo Gia Tu, Tan An, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho

Tel: 0847102227979

Web: http://www.kimtho.com/

Tel: 084333512 446

Web:www.cruisehalong.com/halong-jasmine

www.margueritejunk.com

Pilgrimage Village Hue

Deluxe

130 Minh Mang Road, Hue

Tel: 084543885461

Web: www.pilgrimagevillage.com

Hoi An Boutique

Superior Room

Tan Thinh, Cam An, Hoi An

Tel: 0845103939111

Web: http://www.boutiquehoianresort.com/

Sheraton Nha Trang

Deluxe Ocean View

26-28 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang

Tel: 084583880000

Web: www.yasanhatrang.com/

Equatorial Hotel

Deluxe Room

242 Tran Binh Trong, District 5

Tel: 084838397777

Web: https://www.equatorial.com/hcm/

VICTORIA CAN THO

Superior Room

293 Tran Van Kheo, Can Tho

Tel: 0847103810111

Web: http://www.victoriahotels.asia/en/our-

hotels-in-viet-nam/can-tho-resort

INCLUDING:

Accomodations based on twin share

Transportation: private car or coach and shared cabin on train (4beds)

English-Speaking Guide applied for day-tour only

Meals as mentioned in the program (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

Entrance Fees

Boat Trip as mentioned in the program

EXCLUDING:

International flight ticket to & out Vietnam

Domestic flight ticket (if any)

Meals not mentioned

Approval Letter and Visa stamp fee at the airport (around 45 USD/person)

Drinks and personal expenses

Optional tours

Tips and gratuities for tour guide and services

Any other items not mentioned

Compulsory Chrismas & New Year Gala Dinner

BOOKING PROCEDURE

Booking will be confirmed on receipt of advance deposit only.

Asia Destinations (ASD) requires 20% advance deposit to hold the booking.

(2) Balance 80% must reach Asia Destinations (ASD)30 days prior to tour departure date.

LIABILITY

The prices are subject to amendment should the Transporters/ Hoteliers amend their rates prior to

commencement of the tour.

REFUND

After commencement of Travel, no refund in full or in part will be given for services included in the program,

which are not utilized.

HOTEL CHECK IN- CHECK OUT TIME

Hotel Check in - Check out time is usually 12h00 am.

Extended check in - check out time may be granted subject to availability and agreement by the participating

hotels.

POLICY REGARDING CANCELLATION / NO SHOW / EARLY DEPARTURE

. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive advice in writing and cancellation charges

would apply as follows:

* Before 30 days - 10% of the total tour / service cost

* From 15 days to 07 days - 15% of the total tour / service cost

* From 07 days to 02 days - 25% of the total tour / service cost

* From 02 days (48 hrs) to departure - 50% of the total tour / service cost

TRAVEL INSURANCE

To travel around Asia Destinations (ASD)highly recommended that participants have travel insurance.