Number in Group
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Validity until 30th of September 2011
Price per person in US$ in party of | ||||||
1
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2-3
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4-6
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7-10
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11-15
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16-20
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Single Supplement
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Superior
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2,975
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1,649
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1,604
|
1,444
|
1,413
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1,352
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564
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Deluxe
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4,039
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2,220
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2,152
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1,940
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1,905
|
1,841
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1167
|
First Class
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5,140
|
2,815
|
2,673
|
2,487
|
2,417
|
2,353
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1,538
|
Legend
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Type of trip
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Classical & cultural discovery
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Duration
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20 days North - South, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
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Recommended period
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Year round
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Places we visit
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Hanoi – Sapa - Halong Bay – Tam Coc - Kenh Ga – Hue - Hoi An – Quy Nhon – Dalat – Nha Trang - HCM city – Cu Chi tunel - Cao Dai Temple – Mekong Delta
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Transport
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Air-conditioned comfortable vehicle, boat, airplane, overnight train
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Accommodation
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Standard hotels (can be upgraded upon request)
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Grade
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Relaxed, for all travelers
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Tour guide/leader
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Asia Pacific Ocean's English speaking guide (other languages are available)
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Price
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Tour code
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APO/VC03
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classical tours
Vietnam in depth
(20 days - 19 nights)
Vietnam in depth
(20 days - 19 nights)
Day 01: Hanoi arrival (D)
You will be welcomed by our guide by arrival at Hanoi Airport. We transfer you with a comfortable vehicle to the city center of Hanoi to check in your hotel. This day is scheduled to take some rest after your long flight. You have the opportunity to get some first impressions of the city by yourself and of course our tour guide is always available at your request. Tonight you have dinner in a local restaurant and you overnight in your hotel in Hanoi. Day 02: Hanoi city tour, train to Lao Cai (B, L, D) Today we have full day to discover the pearl of South-East Asia; Hanoi. With charming streets, lined with dozens of old trees, beautiful lakes, colonial architecture and countless interesting monuments, this city will impress you with its lively characters. We begin our city-trip at the Restored Sword Lake, famous of the legend of the tortoise and the sword of 15th century. After the bombardment of this lake by the Americans in 1968 the huge turtle was killed and the little pagoda in the water is the final resting place of this legendary animal. We will continue our way with a visit to the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and his disciples. This temple used to be Vietnam's first university founded in 1076. After visiting this historical sight, you will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his house on stills, the name of Ho Chi MInh lives in the heart of every Vietnamese. We also bring a visit to the Tran Quoc Pagoda and the Quan Thanh Temple. We finish our city-tour by participating in an one-hour ride in a traditional rickshaw (bike) around Hanoi’s old quarter. After dining in a local restaurant, we will catch the train towards Lao Cai. We overnight in our wagon to sleep out the journey that will lasts for at least 10 hours. Day 03: Lao Cai - Sapa (B, L, D) We arrive at Lao Cai railway station in the early morning where our driver is waiting for us. You will be transferred to the Sapa Hill Station on a stunning mountainous road surrounded by hill terraced rice fields and heavily forested mountains. The temperature begins to change as we come higher and higher in altitude. At the altitude of 1,650 m we reach Sapa. Sapa is not only an ideal place for retreat with its moderate climate, it is also a place of cultural value and breathtaking mountainous scenery. The town is inhabited by colorful hill tribes, which are based on the foot of Fan Xi Pan Mount (3143m) and other surrounding valleys. Here we spend our time trekking around, crossing magnificent bridges and witnessing green rice terraces. During our trek we will be exposed to local life and the daily activities. The rest of the day will be scheduled for leisure time to explore Sapa Town on your own with its scattering colonial houses and bonsais gardens. Tonight we have dinner in a tranquil restaurant where we taste some typical local specialties like the ‘Sapa Peach Wine’. We spend the night in a hotel in town. Day 04 : Sapa - Lao Cai train to Hanoi (B, L, D) After breakfast in our hotel we will climb up to Ham Rong Mount. From here, we have a fantastic panoramic view over Sapa Town, which is often covered in dense mist. The setting will overwhelm you with its mysterious character. Great opportunity to make some snapshots! We bring a visit to the Sapa Market, crowded by countless colorful hill tribes where you can buy some souvenirs for the loved-ones at home. In the late afternoon we drive back to Lao Cai to take a look at the Cau Kieu (Beauty Bridge) situated over the Red River which forms the boarder to neighboring China. From here out you can see Hekou, a Chinese Town, with its high-rises and daily activity. By train we return to Hanoi. We overnight in our wagon to sleep during the journey and wake up at Hanoi Railway Station tomorrow morning. Day 05: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D) We arrive in Hanoi at 5 AM in the morning. It offers you the great opportunity to experience the awakening of the city. People drive to their work by motorbike, others exercise ‘Taichi’ around the Restored Sword Lake or find a little restaurant to have a breakfast. After our Vietnamese style breakfast we take you to one of the wonders of nature; Halong Bay. During our way we pass magnificent green rice paddies tended by peasant women with conical hats. The entire rice paddy strip is like a beautifully designed patchwork which leads us to the heart of the Red River Delta. In Halong City we enter our private boat for a full afternoon of cruising in the bay of the dragon, with more than 3000 limestone islands scattering up from the emerald water. An environment of sublime beauty and serenity. Halong Bay was recognized as Natural World Heritage by UNESCO in 1994 and is worldwide known for its unique landscape endowed by wind and water. We visit some of the most beautiful grottos and have the opportunity to get a panoramic view of the bay as we climb the Ti Top Mount. In the evening you enjoy a meal of fresh seafood, including shrimps, squids, fishes and other delicious bites prepared by our professional cooks. After watching the sun go down in this fairytale-like environment we sleep on board of our boat. By night the emerald water even glows up when you paddle through it by hand! Day 06: Halong - Haiphong - Hanoi - Hue (B ,L) We return to Hanoi by car and drive to Hai Phong-one of the most important economic centers of the north. During a trip around town we will visit the impressing Communal House and the Du Hang Pagoda. After lunch in a local restaurant we drive towards Hanoi Airport to take off for a short flight to Hue. On the way we make a stop to visit the Ethnographic Museum. We spend the night in a hotel in Hue. Day 07 : Hue full day visit (B, L) In the early morning we arrive in Hue, where we check-in in the hotel. Hue, the former capital of Vietnam (1802 -1945 under Nguyen Dynasty), is known as ‘the city of peace and poetry’. The city is charming and has a romantic atmosphere. With a small sampan we make a cruise upstream the Perfume River to visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda and the Hon Chen Temple. From here, we will start a trek towards the remote area of small imperial tombs. Impressive and mysterious, because many of these imperial tombs seem to be forgotten by many. We will finalize our excursion at one of the most romantic places of the area; the complex of Tu Duc Emperor's tomb. Located in lush vegetation, the tomb combines majesty with oriental charm. Afterwards we visit the Forbidden Citadel, which seems to be untouched despite turbulent history like the wars. The rest of the day you will be free to visit the Dong Ba Market, to search for nice souvenirs for the loved-ones at home. We overnight in Hue. Day 08: Hue - Danang – Hoian (B, L) We leave Hoi An in the morning by the well-known and stunning Mandarin Road. On the top of the Ocean Cloud Pass, we have a panoramic view over Danang and the surrounding areas. In Danang city we visit the Cham Museum, exposing countless antique articles of the former Cham Kingdom which lasted until the 16th century. Afterwards we climb the Marble Mountains, a set of 5 mountains which represent the 5 factors that constitute our universe. From here, the view upon China Beach is in one word breathtaking. We continue our trip by arriving in Hoian. Also this ancient town was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999. Hoian used to serve as an active port of trade with the Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese people during the 17th and 18th centuries. The streets, houses and architecture are remained ‘untouched’, despite turbulent history. We also visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Tan Ky ancient house before checking-in at the hotel in Hoi An.
Day 09: Hoi An (B)
After breakfast in hotel, we take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River where we will sail towards Ceramic and Carpenter Villages. During our cruise we will witness the life of the local people. The afternoon is scheduled for leisure time. Take some pictures of this magnificent old city or take the bike to cycle to Cua Dai Beach, just 5 km from Hoi An. Worthwhile telling is that Hoi An is famous about its numerous tailor-made clothing establishments. If you wish you can order some tailor-made clothes upon request, which will be ready to wear in just a few hours!! Day 10: Hoi An - My Son - Quy Nhon (B, L, D) After having a nice breakfast in our hotel we continue our trip towards My Son holly land. Located just 60 km from Danang, My Son includes a complex of impressive temples and sanctuaries of the former capital of the Cham's Kingdom. This area used to be a glorious empire between the 5th and the 13th century. Today, most of the temples are nothing more than a mysterious impression of what the bright period of the Indian culture of the Cham people has been. We continue our way on the Mandarin Road to bring a visit to the My Lai Memorial Monument of Massacrein the war by US army in Quang Ngai Province. We continue our drive to our final destination for today Quy Nhon, where we spend the night in a hotel. Day 11: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang (B, L) After 4 hours of driving (250 km) through impressive salt fields and besides coconut plantations, we arrive in Nha Trang, which is known as the most beautiful beach of Vietnam. When we arrive we bring a visit to the Tour Cham Ponagar and the Long Son Pagoda, situated on a hill where a large Buddha statue can be found. We will spend the night in a hotel situated near the beach. Day 12: Nha Trang In the early morning we come aboard from a little boat which brings us to an island situated in Nha Trang Bay. We have a lunch in the afternoon which is fresh sea-food oriented, prepared by our professional cooks. The rest of the day is planned for leisure, you will have plenty of time for swimming and sunbathing on the white sandy beach of Nha Trang, the most beautiful beach of the country with guaranteed warm weather year round. A perfect opportunity to work on your tan! We will spend the night in our lovely hotel on the beach. Day 13: Nha Trang - Da Lat (B, L) Today we leave the coastal area and enter the Central Highlands bordering Laos towards Dalat. The city of Dalat is situated at an altitude of 1,500 m and was chosen to be a hill station during the colonial occupation by the French. This city is interesting because of its exceptional climate. It can be said that Dalat’s climate reflects the 4 seasons in just one day! Because of its varied climate the soil is very rich; fruit, vegetables and beautiful flowers can be found throughout the whole year. After lunch in a local restaurant we explore the Botanic Garden, the Love Valley, Xuan Huong Lake, the old train station and the Crazy House (famous for its incredible architecture). A full day of discovery, satisfaction guaranteed!
Day 14: Da Lat - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Today we travel by bus from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City located in the Mekong Delta. We pass numerous coffee plantations alternated by plantations of rubber trees. We make a stop to take some photos of the spectacular La Nga floating village. We spend the night in a hotel in HCMC.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel and Cao Dai Temple (B, L)
Today an interesting visit to the Cu Chi Tunnel is planned, situated 30 km northwest from HCM City. This complex of underground tunnels stretching over more than 250 km and was made by the Viet Cong guerillas during the war against the Americans. The cleverly constructed tunnel was the key to victory over the modern American forces and Southern Vietnamese fantoccini. During our excursion we also learn more about what ‘Viet Cong life’ looked like during these times. We continue our trip to the village of Tay Ninh where we visit the Cao Dai Temple, the center of Caodaism in Vietnam. Caodaism is a bizarre and unique sect in Vietnam, which represents a mix of Taoism, Christianity and Confucianism. Saints who are praised here are Jesus, Buddha and legendary people like Victor Hugor, Churchill and Nguyen Binh Khiem! Their religious ceremony is celebrated everyday and we will have the chance to get to know more about this mysterious sect. Afterwards we return to HCMC where we will spend the night in our hotel.
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Can Tho - Mekong Delta (B, L)
The Mekong Delta is formed by nine tributaries of the Mekong River and is often referred as the ‘rice bowl’ or the ‘garden from heaven’ of Vietnam. Because the soil is very rich you will find here countless green rice paddies and dozens of tropical fruits, which only grow in this certain area. A visit to this region allows us to explore the ‘life on the water’ of the local people. Because of periodical floods the local people adapted their lives to he water. Experience their floating houses, floating schools, floating mini-supermarkets and even their complete floating markets! You will be overwhelmed by the wet rice civilization. Afterwards we drive to My Tho to come aboard of our private boat which sails us to Dragon Island. Here you will have the opportunity to taste some typical tropical fruit, which are nowhere else to be found in the country. We also bring a visit to some home-run enterprises, where rice crape end coconut sweets are being produced and afterwards you participate in a traditional show, better known as the ‘Cai Luong Folk’. We return to Can Tho, the metropolis of the Mekong Delta, to spend the night.
Day 17: Can Tho - Soc Trang - Can Tho (B, L)
In the early morning we take a local boat which will take us in the direction of the Cai Be floating market. The sightseeing is extremely exciting with hundreds of people participating in the market by boat. Rice, fresh fruits, fish, handicrafts, everything is for sale!! After our visit to the market we have a delicious lunch, fresh fruit and the typical ‘Elephant Ear Fish’ will be served for you. In the afternoon, we travel southwards to Soc Trang, about 60 km from Can Tho. Soc Trang is known as being the home of the Khmer people as it used to belong to the Funan Kingdom (before the Nguyen dynasty in the 17th century). Here we explore the spectacular ‘Bats Pagoda’ which is the home of thousands of bats. We continue our trip by bringing a visit to the ‘Clay Pagoda’ which is 100% constructed of clay. After this legendary visit we continue our way back to Can Tho Minh and spend the night here in a hotel.
Day 18 : Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
We exchange the unforgettable Mekong Delta for the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City. During the afternoon we are going to explore this vivid economic capital of Vietnam. We bring a visit to the Central Post Office of Saigon and the Notre Dame Cathedral, which is the symbol of semi-colonial architecture of the French occupation in Vietnam. We continue our trip with an interesting visit to the Thien Hau Pagoda, situated in the heart of China Town. Overnight in our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City
This day is scheduled for leisure time. A great opportunity to go shopping! Overnight in hotel.
Day 20 : Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (B)
You will have free time until we transfer you to Saigon Airport for your departure.
End of our service.
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