Highlights of Vietnam 8 days/7 nights

Ha Noi – Ha Long – Hue – Hoi An – Mekong Delta - Sai Gon

Day 1: Ha Noi

Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport your guide will meet you and accompany you to your hotel in downtown Ha Noi. After a short break for relaxation we depart to an afternoon sightseeing tour, which includes the Temple of Literature - the first university of Vietnam and built in 1076. From here we drive on to the Old Quarter and have an amazing cyclo ride combined with short walking tour through the local markets.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 2: Ha Noi – Ha Long (B, L)

Today we drive north-eastwards to see the Bay of Ha Long, one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attractions. We leave Ha Noi and cross the Red River. After a three-hours-drive we will have a stop at Hong Ngoc, a humanity center where we will have the opportunity for a snack and a drink and see the locals manufacturing valuable handicrafts. In the afternoon we will board a traditional Junk for an amazing 4-hours cruise through the World heritage site Ha Long Bay and watch the sunset before going back to the harbor.

Overnight in Ha Long

Day 3: Ha Long – Ha Noi (B)

After breakfast, we leave Ha Long and return to Ha Noi. On the way we make a stop in Dong Trieu to visit the ceramic making village. The afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 4: Ha Noi – Hue (B)

After breakfast we depart to the airport for a short flight to Hue. Upon arrival at Hue the guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel. After check-in and some time of relaxation we continue with a visit to the Imperial City, an impressive royal complex built in 17^th century basing on the ancient practice of geomancy.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 5: Hue – Hoi An (B)

In the morning we will have a boats trip on the Perfume River. We come to see the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is located on the southwest bank of the Perfume River and was the center of Buddhism in Central Vietnam. Then on to the King Tu Duc tomb, which was built between 1864-1867?  The King’s tomb was laid out with palaces, statues and monuments in perfect harmony to form a poetically natural setting. We continue to Lang Co, which we will reach after approximately two hours. Optional lunch in the Lang Co Beach Resort. We head on to Hoi An with a photo stop on the summit of the breathtaking Hai Van Pass. In the evening your guide will pick you up for an amazing walk through the illuminated ancient part of Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An – Sai Gon (B)

In the morning we will be transferred to Da Nang airport and have a short flight to Sai Gon, the Metropole of Southern Vietnam. In the afternoon we start to a short sightseeing tour and come to see China Town as well as the War Remnants museum.

Overnight in Sai Gon.

Day 7: Sai Gon – Mekong (B, L)

Today we drive southwards to the Vinh Long Province, which is situated between two branches of the downstream Mekong River. On arrival, we enjoy a boat trip along the river’s narrow waterways, overhung with dense vegetation. We will have the opportunity to try exotic fruits in one of the many orchards. For lunch, the local delicacy - an Elephant’s ear fish – will be served.

We continue with a visit to the Caibe floating market, before we drive back to Sai Gon.

Day 8: Departure

At leisure

Transfer to the airport

Included:

- Shared Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast ( see hotel category list below)

- All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles

- Local English speaking guides

- All entrance and boat fee

- 2 Lunches

- Added value from 16 Pax up: 1 Tour Leader Free Of Charge in Single room

Excluded:

- Airfares (international and domestic)

- Meals (other than mentioned in the program)

- Visa to Vietnam and Cambodia

- Airport taxes  

- Drinks and personal expenses

- Tips

Surcharge for meals:

• Half board lunch: US$ 38/person ( total: 8 lunches at local restaurants)

• Full board: US$ 97 (total: 8 lunches + 7 dinners at local restaurants

Surcharge for airfare (prices are subject to changes):

• HAN/HUE: US$ 58

• DAD/SGN: US$ 58

HOTEL CATEGORY 2006-2007           

Note:

• 1. Hotel Category

• Standard: 3 stars

• Superior: 4 stars

• Deluxe: 5 stars.

• But please note that for all the provinces that there are no hotels of 5 stars, we quote based on the best 4 stars hotel

2. Kindly pls note that all the hotels are quoted based on the lowest category of room type except indicated in the above. Besides, the rates quoted is for normal period, so pls see the hotel surcharge sheet for details of surcharges during high & peak season

3. At the time of booking, if the hotel quoted is not available, we will book the similar alternative. If the alternative one is of higher rate, surcharge is quoted as advised

4. For golfers, In Phan Thiet, we use Novotel Phan Thiet instead of Victoria Phan Thiet for Deluxe category

HOTEL SURCHARGE DURING HIGH & PEAK SEASON

Note: Compulsory Gala Dinners on Xmas (24.Dec.05), New Year (31.Dec.05) or Lunar New Year (29.Jan.06) at any hotel if any will be