vietnam discovery
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
PROPOSAL : VIETNAM DISCOVERY – 13D12N
DEPARTURE : 01 June 2013 – 30 April 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
This tour is designed for those wanting to see Vietnam’s main cities and surrounding highlights within thirteen
days. This journey combines Ho Chi Minh City-formerly Saigon and Hanoi with visits to Mekong Delta, Nha Trang,
Hoi An, Hue and Halong Bay. All major journeys are covered by short flights making the tour accessible to those
looking for an easy experience of the country.
Day 1: HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL (-/-/-)
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, our driver will pick you up and transfer 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 for the Ho Chi Minh City Tour. The city, is the dynamic
commercial centre of the country. Despite the hustle and bustle, the city retains its connections to the past.
Embark on a 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 the American war. 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: HO CHI MINH CITY – CAI BE – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/L/-)
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 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 learn how it contributes to the family’s livelihood. Return to the city and
overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 4: TAY NINH – CU CHI TUNNEL (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 1 ½ hour drive wiland we will arrive at 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 5: HO CHI MINH CITY – NHA TRANG (B/-/-)
You will get transferred to the airport to take the flight to Nha Trang City. Free time to enjoy the beautiful beach.
Check in hotel. Overnight in Nha Trang City.
Day 6: NHA TRANG TOUR & BOAT TRIP (B/L/-)
Depart from your hotel to Cau Da port for boat trip on Nha Trang Bay. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the
first place to visit. Here many sea species of Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world. Mun Island
is the best island for snorkeling where you can see many colorful corals and fish. You will also be able to see caves
in which the sea swallows make their nest.Then relaxing, swimming and water sports or other activities are
available at Mot Island, Tranh Beach Island, or on a small island calling “Mini beach”. Lunch on the island. On the
way back you will visit a fishing village before going to the shore; Then stop at Po Nagar tower, a sacred Hindu site
dating back to the 7th century before returning to your hotel. Free time at leisure in the evening and overnight in
Nha Trang City.
Day 7: NHA TRANG - DANANG – HOI AN (B/-/-)
In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport to take the flight to Da Nang city; On arrival there you will
take 1-hour drive to Hoi An 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 textiles, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day. You can
explore the rest of the ancient city by yourself for the remainder of the day. Overnight in Hoi An
Day 8: HOI AN LANTERN MAKING TOUR (B/L/-)
One of the greatest pleasures in Hoi An is strolling along the beautiful streets of the old town at night under the
lights of the many beautiful lanterns. These colorful lanterns are not only a symbol of Hoi An old town but also a
part of the spirit of the Hoi An . We would like to offer you a tour to a traditional Hoi An handicraft village to make
some lanterns.
08:00: our guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and you will ride a bicycle to the home of a craftsman in the city.
Here you will get a brief introduction to the history, shape, and color of the lanterns as well as the many stages of
making them. Then , you will be shown how to decorate and make your own lanterns. You can also keep it as a
souvenir. After saying goodbye to your host, proceed to Tra Que Vegatable village to enjoy lunch . Back to Hoi An
town by bicycle. Overnight in Hoi An
Note: No car on this day.
Day 9: HOI AN – DA NANG – HANOI (B/-/-)
Free time at leisure on the beach till the transfer to Da Nang airport for the flight to Hanoi.
Overnight in Ha Noi
Day 10: HANOI CITY TOUR (B/-/-)
With imposing colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Ha Noi is full of charm. Start the tour at
the historic Ho Chi Minh mausoleum; an imposing monument built using marble and granite, and where the
preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. A short walk from the mausoleum is the lotus shaped One Pillar pagoda –
resting on a single stone pillar emerging from the water. Inside is a statue of the Goddess of Mercy with its
legendary “thousand arms and thousand eyes”. Afterwards make your way to the Temple of Literature, the first
University for the sons of mandarins, for an overview of Ha Noi culture and ancient Vietnamese architecture. In the
afternoon, visit the serene museum of Ethnology, a 30-min drive out of town which provides an opportunity to
understand some of Viet Nam’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum’s rich displays showcase the cultural heritages of
diverse communities. Drive back and take a cyclo tour through the fascinating old quarter and see the bustling local
life. Then enjoy a show at the water puppet theatre - a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes of
rural life and episodes of national history. Overnight in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 11: HANOI – HA LONG (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, transfer to Ha Long (170km from Hanoi), designated a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1994.
Upon arrival, a welcome cocktail is offered and check- in on board 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. 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 12: HA LONG – HANOI (-/Brunch/-)
In the early morning, watch the sunrise as the cruise sails on through the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay
heading for the shore. Check out of your cabin after breakfast and transfer back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi
Day 13: HANOI DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
Breakfast at the hotel, free time at leisure until the transfer to Noi Bai airport for your onward flight.
“where journeys begin”
TOUR COST : NET PRICE IN USD
Valid 01 Jun 13 – 30 Sep 13
Categories/ Group size 1 pax 2 pax 3-4 pax 5-6 pax 7-10pax Single Supplement
Standard Category 1,908.00 1,039.00 881.00 719.00 714.00 308.00
Superior Category 2,202.00 1,166.00 1,009.00 847.00 841.00 474.00
Deluxe Category 3,048.00 1,601.00 1,444.00 1,282.00 1,276.00 885.00
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 Oct 13 – 31 Dec 13
Categories/ Group size 1 pax 2 pax 3-4 pax 5-6 pax 7-10pax Single Supplement
Standard Category 1,952.00 1,061.00 904.00 742.00 736.00 329.00
Superior Category 2,331.00 1,253.00 1,095.00 933.00 927.00 515.00
Deluxe Category 3,467.00 1,833.00 1,676.00 1,514.00 1,508.00 1,072.00
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 Jan 14 – 30 Apr 14
Categories/ Group size 1 pax 2 pax 3-4 pax 5-6 pax 7-10pax Single Supplement
Standard Category 1,974.00 1,073.00 913.00 748.00 742.00 329.00
Superior Category 2,352.00 1,265.00 1,104.00 941.00 934.00 515.00
Deluxe Category 3,489.00 1,845.00 1,685.00 1,521.00 1,514.00 1,072.00
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
Saigon – Nha Trang (SGN-NHA) Economy TBA (in the evening of day 4) 90 USD
Nha Trang – Danang (NHA-DAD) Economy TBA (in the morning of day 7) 110 USD
Danang – Hanoi (DAD-HAN) Economy TBA (in the morning of day 7) 110 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
Add: 233 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1
Tel: 084838385584
Web: www.elioshotel.vn
NHA TRANG
Yasaka Nha Trang
Superior Room
18 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang
Tel: 084583820090
Web: www.yasanhatrang.com/
HOI AN
Ancient House Resort
Ancient House Superior
377 Cua Dai Road, Hoi An
Tel: 0845103923377
Web: www.ancienthouseresort.com
HANOI
Hanoi Boutique 1 Hotel
Deluxe Room
07 Ngo Gach Street, Hanoi Old Quarter,
Hoan Kiem District , Hanoi
Tel: 084439290366
Web: www.hanoiboutiquehotel1.com
HA LONG
Marguerite Cruise
Superior Cabin
01 Hoe Nhai Street, Ba Dinh District,
HO CHI MINH CITY
Eden Saigon Hotel
Junior Deluxe City View
38 Bui Thi Xuan, Dist. 1
Tel:084862913371
Web: www.edensaigonhotel.com
NHA TRANG
Yasaka Nha Trang
Deluxe Room
18 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang
Tel: 084583820090
Web: www.yasanhatrang.com/
HOI AN
Hoi An Trails Resort
Superior
276 Cua Dai Road, Hoi An
Tel: 0845103923999
Web:www.hoiantrailsresort.com.vn
HANOI
Lan Vien Hotel
Deluxe
32 Hang Bai / 37A, Ly Thuong Kiet
Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Tel: +84-4-3722 8888
Web : www.lanvienhotel.com.vn/
HA LONG
Bhaya Cruise
Deluxe Cabin
47 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoan
HO CHI MINH CITY
Sofitel Plaza Hotel
Superior Room
17 Le Duan, District 1
Tel: 084838241555
Web: www.sofitel.com
NHA TRANG
Sheraton Nha Trang
Deluxe Ocean View
26-28 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang
Tel: 084583880000
Web: www.yasanhatrang.com/
HOI AN
Palm Garden Hoi An
Superior Garden View
Lac Long Quan Str, Cua Dai, Hoi An
Tel: 0845103927927
Web: www.palmgardenresort.com.vn
HANOI
Hanoi Melia Hotel
Deluxe (ROH)
44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem
District , Ha Noi
Tel: 084439343343
Web: www.meliahanoi.com
HA LONG
Jasmine Cruise
Jasmin Superior
22 Cai Dam, Bai Chay, Ha Long
Hanoi
Tel: 084439275526
Web: www.margueritejunk.com
Kiem District, Hanoi
Tel: 084439446777
Web: www.bhayacruises.com
Tel: 084333512 446
Web:www.cruisehalong.com/halong-
jasmine www.margueritejunk.com
INCLUDING:
Vietnam visa letter on arrival (01-month/ single entry)
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 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.