Vietnam
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A
Vietnamese Journey - from Saigon to Hanoi
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14 Days
from $3,779 |
| Departure
from USA |
Hotel
Category |
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Silver |
Gold |
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$3799 |
$4199 |
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$3939 |
$4369 |
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$3779 |
$4179 |
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$4279 |
$4759 |
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$3799 |
$4199 |
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$4279 |
$4759 |
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Single Suppl. |
$999 |
$1439 |
Two
accommodation categories are offered. Gold hotels are better located, offer more amenities
and have superior standards of service. A higher category of accommodations, De Luxe, is
available in Hanoi and Saigon at an additional surcharge.
Inclusions
Round-trip airfare from San Francisco or Los Angeles, rail travel as featured, 10 nights' hotel
accommodation in the category selected, 2 nights' sleeper accommodation on overnight
trains, daily breakfast & 2 lunches, all transfers and tours in Vietnam as featured.
Exclusions
Meals other than specified, all personal expenses, travel
insurance, airport taxes
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Step
back in history as you travel around Vietnam – a history that began centuries ago in
China and in more recent times when it was part of a European colonial regime before
undergoing the tragedy and turmoil of war. Today, while fast becoming one of the modern
nations of Asia, it still retains the beauty and unique influences of its Chinese and
French heritage – in architecture, cuisine, customs and culture. Explore Vietnam from
a different perspective while you travel along the length of the country by rail –
taking express and local trains all the way from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Hanoi, with
frequent stops at interesting places along the way.
Ho
Chi Minh City (Saigon)
A bustling city where noodle shops, motor scooters and
street-side cafes vie for space along tree lined boulevards – a city that still
retains much of its French colonial atmosphere. A city tour is included along with a
second tour to the outskirts of the city to visit the famous CuChi tunnels. Two nights are
spent here and you would have ample opportunity to do some exploring on your own.
Nha Trang
This idyllic area, almost 300 miles north of
Saigon, is Vietnam’s ‘Riviera’ with some of the country’s finest
beaches and crystal clear water along with some spectacular scenery all around. Your tour
here includes a day cruise to visit some of the offshore islands as well as a visit to a
local fishing village along with a seafood lunch.
Danang & Hoi An
Many centuries ago this was the center of an
ancient civilization and it is famous for its unusual architecture and sculpture. Your
trip includes a guided walking tour of the ‘old world’ city of Hoi An including
the Phuc Kien Pagoda and the Japanese Bridge. You will have plenty of time to walk around
on your own and soak in the fabulous atmosphere of this magical town.
Hue
The cultural center of Vietnam and no
doubt her most beautiful city. Built along the Perfume River, the legacy of Nguyen dynasty
Emperors can be seen at the Royal Tombs. Your tour also includes a sampan cruise to the
Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the most impressive and religiously significant – as
well as a visit to the Minh Mang Mausoleum, famous for its sculptures.
Hanoi
The capital city, it is an unique
architectural collage of ancient pagodas, beautiful lakes and gardens, tree lined
boulevards and colonial buildings – all set in the atmosphere of a bygone era. A
comprehensive city tour is included – the One Pillar Pagoda, the Quan Thanh &
Ngoc Song temples and the Hoan Kiem Lake. A highlight is the walking tour through the
famous Old Quarter, with its 36 narrow streets, each housing artisans and craftsmen.
Halong Bay
This coastal area stretches over almost a
thousand miles with countless gem like islands scattered over a carpet of emerald ocean
waters. Your tour includes a 5-hour cruise in this fascinating region, which has been
declared a World Heritage Area. A tour of the nearby city of Haiphong is also included. |
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Friendly faces greet you everywhere
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Detailed Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Leave Los Angeles very early this morning on a China Airlines non-stop flight to Taipei,
where you arrive the following morning and change aircraft to your flight into
Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.
Day
2
Arrive in Saigon in the morning where you will be met by our representatives at the
airport. You will be transferred to your downtown hotel with an orientation tour of the
city on the way.
Day 3
A full day’s touring awaits you – in the morning, visit the highlights of the
city including the Presidential Palace, Old Post Office, Saigon Cathedral, China Town with
the Thien Hau Temple and the Binh Tay Market. In the afternoon, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels;
about an hour’s drive north of the city, these tunnels were notorious pockets of
resistance during the Vietnam War. Return to your hotel in Saigon.
Day 5
A full-day trip to the picturesque Mekong Delta is planned today: Visit the riverside town
of Vinh Long, which is reached after a 3-hour drive. The canals and villages surrounding
Vinh Long are a fascinating showcase of daily Vietnamese life – your tour includes a
river cruise and frequent stops are made at interesting points, such as the Cai Be
floating market. Also included is lunch on one of the islands.
Day 6
Leave Saigon this morning for your flight to Danang. You will be met upon arrival and
taken on a tour of the city: Visit Cham Museum, established by the French and housing a
fabulous collection of sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist deities from the 4th to
the 14th century. This is followed by a tour of the Marble Mountains before you
check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town of Hoi An with its
traditional architecture and narrow streets. Join a walking tour through the old part of
the town, where your guide will explain the significance of landmarks such as The Japanese
Bridge, the Tan Ky ancient house and the Phuc Kien pagoda and market.
Day 7
Free time this morning to explore on your own or simply to relax. In the afternoon travel
by train (about 4 hours) to Hue, undoubtedly Vietnam’s most culturally significant
city.
Day
8
Hue is located on the banks of the Perfume River and is surrounded by mountains, which add
a dramatic backdrop to the city. Your tour includes a boat cruise as well as visits to the
Imperial City and numerous other monuments in the area.
Day 9
A free day in Hue – explore the city at your own pace, sit down for a coffee at one
of the many open air cafes and simply soak in the magic atmosphere of Hue.
Day 10
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the capital city of
Hanoi, where you will be met again upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. In the
evening, tickets to a traditional water puppet show have been reserved for you.
Day 11
Today, enjoy a full days’ touring around Hanoi – a fascinating city made all the
more striking by its blend of French and Chinese architecture. Visit the One Pillar
Pagoda, the Quan Thanh & Ngoc Son Temples as well as the Hoan Kiem Lake. Join a
walking tour of one of the highlights of Hanoi – the Old Quarter, a part of town with
narrow lanes housing workshops of all sorts of craftsmen and artisans.
Day 12
You will be transferred to the railway station this morning for the short train ride
(about 3 hours) to Haiphong, Vietnam’s most significant port city. The downtown area
here also contains many examples of the imposing French colonial architecture. You will be
taken on a tour of Haiphong – visiting temples and pagodas – before continuing
to your hotel in Halong.
Day 13
This coastal area in the Gulf of Tonkin stretches over almost a thousand miles with
countless gem like islands scattered over a carpet of emerald ocean waters. The islands
have numerous caves and grottoes filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Halong Bay is
reputed to be the most spectacular of Vietnam’s many natural attractions. Your tour
includes a full-day cruise (8-hours) in this fascinating region, which has been declared a World Heritage
Area. A seafood lunch is included.
Day 14
Leave Halong early this morning and drive back to Hanoi Airport in time for your late
morning flight back to the United States, with an intermediate stop in Taipei again. You
arrive in Los Angeles early in the afternoon, with ample time to connect with flights to
your home destination |
Pagoda in Hue
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