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13 Day Vietnam Vistas

Departing 26 March 2011

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Highlights:

• Ho Chi Minh City sights (Saigon)
• Cu Chi Tunnels
• Presidential Palace and History Museum
• Mekong Delta
• Vinh Trang Pagoda
• Da Nang
• Hoi An
• Specialty Cooking class with Miss Vy
• Cycling tour of Hoi An
• China Beach
• Marble Mountain
• Imperial Citadel
• Dong Ba Markets
• Hue Tour ‐ including a cruise of the Perfume River
• Motorbike Tour of Hue
• Historical Tombs
• Over night Halong Bay on a Traditional Junk Cruise

Inclusions:

• Personal Australian Escort from Australia
• Return International Airfare
• Internal Domestic Flights
• Accommodation in First Class Hotels
• Meals and sightseeing (including entrance fees) as per itinerary
• Ground transportation in Private air-conditioned vehicles
• Local English speaking tour guides
• Pre Trip Documentation Session
• Visa Processing (Australian Passport Holders)

Exclusions:

• Meals not specified above
• Drinks not specified in itinerary
• Items of a personal nature
• Travel insurance
• Items not specifically mentioned above

Price:

• $4599.00 per person (twin share)
• $1040.00 single supplement

Itinerary:

Day 1. Australia to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)    (D)
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest city and commercial hub, with a large French influence. It is an amazing city of contrasts with friendly people, great shopping and fantastic food. Tonight enjoy a special Welcome Dinner with traditional musical entertainment at one of Saigon's premier restaurants. 3 night stay: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2. Cu Chi Tunnels and City Tour           (B,L,D)
This morning we visit the Cu Chi region where we explore the vast underground network of tunnels used by the Communist guerillas during the Vietnam War. Marvel at their ingenuity and resilience as you see their secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms. This afternoon we tour Saigon, viewing the colourful Hotel De Ville the busy Chinese quarter,lively Binhtan Market and continue onto Notre Dame Cathedral. We then continue onto the former Presidential Palace and the History Museum which houses an excellent display tracing back the origins of the Vietnamese people. Tonight dinner is served at a wonderful local restaurant.

Day 3. Mekong Delta Tour                          (B,L)
Today we travel the bustling highway into the surrounding countryside where you will pass lush rice paddies carefully tended, before boarding your motorized sampan for a unique experience on the might Mekong Delta Waterways. You will see how, to the people of the Delta, the water is a lifeline, the focus of daily activity as you journey through a maze of tributaries and fruit plantations. Enjoy a sample of delicious fruit in the shade of a fruit farmer's garden before continuing via even smaller waterways to lunch, where the specialty is a remarkable dish of "elephant's ear fish". We then make a stop to view the "Vinh Trang Pagoda and it is the oldest in the Delta. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.

Day 4. Da Nang & Hoi An                            (B,L,D)
Today we fly to Da Nang and head south to the charming town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will then enjoy lunch at Brother's Café before embarking on a guided walking tour of Hoi An. This unique town is "traffic free" as no cars are allowed to pass through Hoi An, rendering it an excellent walking village. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at our hotel. 2 Night Stay: Hoi An

Day 5. Hoi An                                           (B,L)
This morning after breakfast we will attend an exciting half day Cooking Class at Ms Vy's cooking school. Ms Vy has been featured in over 20 newspapers, magazines and documentaries demonstrating the subtle art of Vietnamese cooking. As a student you will shop with your teacher at the Hoi An Central Market where you will learn to choose only the best and freshest ingredients. Your teacher will briefly explain the historical details of Vietnamese gastronomy, the reasoning behind the combination of the ingredients and the nutritional value. They will demonstrate the preparation methods and help you to do the same and at the end of it all you will have the opportunity to eat your efforts! The remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure to look around Hoi An until about 4.40 pm when we venture into the nearby countryside to take a cycling tour that will take you into the very heart of rural Hoian for a special insight into the every day life of a local village community. The small settlement of Cam Thanh, nestled among seemingly endless rice fields, allows the visitor to experience first hand the very backbone of Vietnam's rural culture. Enjoy a cycle (or walk) through the village, shaded from the sun by a canopy of bamboo thickets, passing by local homes, vegetable and fruit gardens, a village temple and a husking mill.Depending on the season, you will have the opportunity to see the local farming community threshing and harvesting. Tonight dinner is at your leisure.

Day 6. Hue                                               (B,L,D)
This morning we travel overland to the beautiful city of Hue, traveling via China Beach and the Marble Mountains. Hue was the religious, economic and cultural epicenter of Vietnam until 1945. Today Hue is a calm, peaceful and relaxed place to visit with a distinctive French flavour. This afternoon we visit the Imperial Citadel and view the colourful Dong Ba market before checking into our hotel. Tonight's dinner is at our hotel.  2 Night Stay: Hue

Day 7. Hue                                               (B,L)
Today we embark on a tour of Hue's surrounding area. We start with a relaxing cruise along the tranquil Perfume River and see the beautiful seven tiered tower of the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's most famous monument. After lunch at a local restaurant, we mingle with locals and return to Hue by motorbike. Stop at Dong Ba market if time permits. This evening is at your leisure.

Day 8. Hanoi                                            (B,L,D)
This morning we fly to Hanoi, the gracious capital of Vietnam, built around several lakes and one of Asia's most interesting cities. This afternoon we will enjoy a city tour including Hoan Kiem Lake and Nogoc Son Temple, The Army & History Museum, Hanoi's 36 Ancient Streets and a cyclo ride. This evening we have a special treat - a performance of the delightful water puppets on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. Unique to Vietnam, these puppets "dance" on a stage of water and is an event not to be missed! Tonight we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. 3 Night Stay: Hanoi

Day 9. Halong Bay                                    (B,L,D)
Today we journey through the picturesque countryside to Halong Bay. Often called the eight wonder of the world, it is undoubtedly Vietnam's most spectacular natural attraction. Here we board a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay. Drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island.

Day 10. Hanoi                                          (Brunch)
Spend a half-day cruising through new waters stopping to visit colourful grottoes and to swim at deserted beaches. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon stopping en route at Dong Trieu ceramics factory.

Day 11. Hanoi                                          (B,L,D)
This morning after breakfast, we further tour Hanoi and view the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum then visit the beautiful One Pillar Padoga and the Temple of Literature. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight's farewell dinner will be at one of Hanoi's most famous restaurants.

Day 12. Hanoi - Melbourne                        (B)
Day at leisure.  Time for some last minute shopping!  This afternoon we bid a fond farewell to Hanoi as we transfer tot he airport for our journey home.

Day 13. Home
Say goodbye to your new found friends, with the promise of a get together to share photos, stories and plenty of memories from your unique travel experience.

B -  Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner