south vietnam
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
PROPOSAL : SOUTH VIETNAM – 9D8N
DEPARTURE : 01 Jan 2014 – 30 April 2014
NUMBER OF PAX : TBA
PREPARED FOR : TBA
VIETNAM DESTINATION
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
With so much to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City and the scenic surrounding area, this tour ensures you take it all in.
Covering the most significant landmarks in the city to learn about its history and culture, the tour then takes you out
to the diverse landscape of the Mekong Delta. Cruise on a traditional rice barge through the network of canals,
passing riverside life and stopping to meet the locals. A deep discovery of the Southern region with Ho Chi Minh City,
Mekong Delta and Dalat will bring you an unforgettable and valuable experience of our country.
DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL (-/-/-)
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, our guide and driver will welcome you to Vietnam and drive you to your hotel for check
in. Free time in the evening.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: HO CHI MINH CITY FULL DAY (B/-/-)
After breakfast at the hotel, our guide will pick you up to start the Ho Chi Minh City Tour. Saigon is the dynamic
commercial center of Vietnam. Despite the hustle and bustle, the city retains its connections to the past. Embark on
a walking tour to see Saigon’s historic landmarks. 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,
headquarters of the Saigon Government during past conflicts. Drive 6km to another area of the city to visit Thien
Hau temple built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century. It is to honor the goddess of the sea and
protector of fishermen. The temple’s interior courtyard is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and
antiques shrouded in incense-smoke. It is always bustling here with worshippers from the local Chinese community.
You may have the chance to write out your wishes on a small red note and pray for your wishes to come true.
Continue to visit Binh Tay market, the biggest one in Viet Nam, built in the early 20th century.
Return to your hotel and relax. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 3: TAY NINH – CU CHI TUNNELS (B/L/-)
Start your journey with a 3-hour drive northwest of Saigon to the Cao Dai Great Temple. The 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 outsiders can observe. A simple local lunch is at a rural cafe (the best available in this
undeveloped area). Another one and haft hour drive will take us 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’s resilience during the conflicts. Return to Saigon for an
evening at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 4: HO CHI MINH CITY – CAI BE (B/L/D)
Start the day with an excursion 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 another 20-minute cruise, leave
your boat, and enjoy a 10-min walk on narrow lane 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 also take a stroll around the orchard to learn how it contributes to the family’s livelihood.
Then head to the home where you will spend the night. After freshening up, and if the sky is still bright, take a stroll
to find out more about the neighborhood. The Mekong delta sleeps early, and wakes early. The bed may be not
luxurious but this is a great way to experience nature and the surroundings, with the sounds of crickets, lizards,
frogs as your goodnight lullaby!
Note: Homestay as an optional tour
Overnight in Cai Be
DAY 5: CAI BE – SOC TRANG – CAN THO (B/L/D)
Rise up early and watch the village come to life in the early morning, enjoy walking or cycling tour around the island.
Boat transfer to Cai Be harbor where the car is ready to bring you to the next spot – Soc Trang province - a perfect
destination for who love to explore off-the-beaten-track place and try the local food. You can see the Khmer cultural
characteristics everywhere, especially at Khmer pagodas. You will visit Doi Pagoda or Bat Pagoda which is the most
famous pagoda in this province. The pagoda is the place where thousands of bats used to stay, hanging their body
under the pagoda’s roofs or threes. Other which cannot be missed is Kh’leang pagoda - one of the oldest pagodas in
Soc Trang with harmony combination of great buildings and nature. One more well-known pagoda is Chen Kieu
pagoda where you will be impressed by the sophisticated design by Chinese. It is skillfully decorated with a layer of
stylishly designed bowls and plates of different colors by ancient artisans and was built with a spiritual significance.
Then continue to get to Can Tho – the biggest center of Mekong Delta for hotel check-in.
18.30 When the Ninh Kieu boat will take you to relax and enjoy the romantic evening of lovely Can Tho city. A
dinner with the particular dishes of the Delta will be served. Cruising boat, under the sky full of stars, you enjoy an
interesting kind of Southern music in Can Tho - the renovated opera “Dan ca tai tu”. Specially, you’ll send your
wishes on lotus-like lanterns on the Hau River with twinkling candle. It will be engraved on unforgettable memory.
Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 6: CAN THO – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/-/-)
08:00am, 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 get off your boat and meander
around the local Le Binh 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; free time at leisure.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 7: HO CHI MINH CITY – DALAT (B/-/-)
After breakfast, you will get transferred from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat (8 hours) with a stop en route to vist tea
and coffee plantations. Endowed with the fresh and romantic environment; Dalat is considered a city of love in
Vietnam, becoming a very attractive destination for honeymoon vacations. Upon arrival in Da Lat, visit Dalat local
market to get some local specialities. Overnight in Dalat.
ay 8: DA LA
Day 8: DALAT CITY TOUR (B/-/-)
After breakfast, start your day with the visit at Dalat City and its surroundings. 6km south west of Dalat is Datanla
Waterfall which is not so imposing or tumultuous as some others in Dalat but it exerts an extraordinary attraction
to adventurers. You can see Datanla waterfall with a wild and attractive landscape; then continue to Thien Vien
Truc Lam pagoda located on Phoenix Mountain and next to Tuyen Lam Lake. Every year, from all over the world,
hundreds of Zen followers come here to practice meditation. We will visit Dalat’s Flower Garden considered a
natural museum that houses a fine collection of native and exotic flowers.
In the afternoon, drive up the hill to the Summer Palace of the last Emperor of Viet Nam – Bao Dai, and visit his
residence giving you an insight to how royalty would have lived in the 1930s with its wonderful location.
Wind your way to Crazy House, with its unusual architecture has strange twists and turns, roofs and rooms. This
guesthouse and art gallery is designed by the daughter of a former Vietnamese President. Each room is decorated
with its specific theme, such as Ant Room, Bamboo Room, the Eagle Room, etc.
Drive up the hill to the French-built rail station opened in 1928. The old steam engine is still there, but replicas
have replaced the old cars. Embark on a back-in-time train ride 7km further to Trai Mat, passing vegetable and
flower gardens. Hard seat, open air, loud machine, all part of the experience! Pay a visit to Linh Phuoc pagoda built
from debris of glass, pottery bowls and porcelain between 1949 and 1952.
Return to your hotel and relax. Overnight in Dalat
Day 9: DALAT– PHAN THIET/NHA TRANG – BEACH EXTENSION (B/-/-)
After breakfast at hotel, free time at leisure till the transfer to Phan Thiet or Nha Trang (Extra Cost) for beach
vacation upon your request (3 nights/ 5nights/ 7 nights).
Recommended Hotel in Phan Thiet/Nha Trang:
Standard: Blue Ocean Phan Thiet Resort/ Yasaka Nha Trang
Superior: Phu Hai Resort/ Yasaka Nha Trang
Deluxe: Anantara Mui Ne/ Sheraton Nha Trang
“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
Standard Category 1,785.00 968.00 781.00 611.00 575.00 205.00
Superior Category 2,056.00 1,090.00 902.00 733.00 697.00 354.00
Deluxe Category 2,818.00 1,493.00 1,305.00 1,153.00 1,099.00 633.00
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)
FLIGHTS: Flight timetable to be advised upon your group’s trip.
ITINERARY
CLASS
TIMETABLE
NET PRICE PER
PERSON Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang (SGN-DAD) Economy Day 5 (to be advised) 113 USD
Danang – Ha Noi (DAD-HAN) Economy Day 6 (to be advised) 113 USD
All airfares are excluding taxes and subject to change by the airlines.
LIST OF HOTEL USAGES:
Standard Category Superior Category Delxue Category
HO CHI MINH CITY
Elios Hotel
Superior Room
233 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1
Tel: 084838385584
Web: www.elioshotel.vn
CAI BE
Mekong Lodge
New Wing Room
Dong Hoa Hiep, Cai Be
Tel: 084733924026
Web: www.mekonglodge.com
CAN THO
Kim Tho Hotel
Superior City View
Add: 1A Ngo Gia Tu, Ninh Kieu
Tel: 0847102227979
Web: www.kimtho.com
DALAT
Best Western Dalat Hotel
Superior
09 Le Dai Hanh, Da Lat
Tel: 084636252999
Web:www.dalatplazahotel.com.vn
HO CHI MINH CITY
Eden Saigon Hotel
Junior Deluxe City View
38 Bui Thi Xuan, District 1
Tel: 08. 6298 8388
www.edensaigonhotel.com
CAI BE
Mekong Lodge
New Wing Room
Dong Hoa Hiep, Cai Be
Tel: 084733924026
Web: www.mekonglodge.com
CAN THO
Victoria Can Tho Hotel
Superior Room
Add: 293 Tran Van Kheo, Cai Khe
Tel: 0847102227979
Web:www.victoriahotels.asia/en/our-
hotels-in-viet-nam can-tho-resort
DALAT
Saigon Dalat Hotel
Deluxe
180 Duong 3/2, Da Lat
Tel: 084633556789
Web: www.saigondalathotel.com
HO CHI MINH CITY
Sofitel Plaza Saigon
Superior
17 Le Duan, District 1
Tel: 084838241555
Web: www.sofitel.com
CAI BE
Mekong Riverside Resort & Spa
Lake view Room
Hoa Khanh, Cai Be
Tel: 084733924026
Web: www.mekongriversideresort.vn
CAN THO
Victoria Can Tho Hotel
Deluxe Room
Add: 293 Tran Van Kheo, Cai Khe
Tel: 0847102227979
Web:www.victoriahotels.asia/en/our-
hotels-in-viet-nam can-tho-resort
DALAT
Ana Mandara Dalat Hotel
Villa Room
Le Lai, Da Lat
Tel: 084633555888
Web: www.anamandara-resort.com
INCLUDING:
Accomodations based on twin share
Private transportation
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 (separate quotation)
Meals not mentioned
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 Christmas - & 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 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 with 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 ASD highly recommended that participants have travel insurance.