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Vietnam Explorer - from Saigon to Hanoi by train
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11 Days
from $2,369 |
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2010/11 Departures |
Silver |
Gold |
| 3/15 - 5/31 |
$2,369 |
$2,689 |
| 6/1 - 8/14 |
$2,799 |
$3,139 |
| 8/15 - 11/30 |
$2,389 |
$2,729 |
| 12/1 - 12/31 |
$2,999 |
$3,379 |
| 1/1 - 3/31/11 |
$2,789 |
$3,139 |
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Departs
Daily
$75
surcharge for each Weekend (Fr - Su) transpacific flight |
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Two accommodation
categories are offered. Gold hotels are
better located, offer more amenities and have superior standards of
service. A higher category of accommodations, Deluxe,
is also available in Hanoi and Saigon at an additional surcharge |
Inclusions
Round-trip air, including applicable fuel surcharges and airport taxes/fees,
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
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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. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore on your
own.
Day 3
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 and are a poignant reminder of the past. Later, return to your hotel in
Saigon.
Day4
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 evening board your overnight train bound for Danang.
Day 5
You will be met upon arrival and driven to Hoi An, a charming town with
traditional architecture and narrow streets.
Day 6
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.
Later, join a boat trip on the Thu Bon River.
Day 7
After breakfast,
travel by car (about 4 hours) to Hue, undoubtedly Vietnam’s most culturally
significant city. On the way visit the sights in Danang. Hue is located on
the banks of the Perfume River and is surrounded by mountains, which add a
dramatic backdrop to the city. Visit the monuments in the Imperial City.
Day
8
Enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Later this
afternoon board your overnight train to Hanoi.
Day 9
Upon arrival in Hanoi, where you will be met again and transferred to your
hotel. After breakfast enjoy a tour by cyclo in the Old Quarter of the city,
a part of town with narrow lanes housing workshops of all sorts of craftsmen
and artisans. In the evening, tickets to a traditional water puppet show
have been reserved for you.
Day 10
Enjoy a full day excursion to Halong Bay. 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 cruise in this fascinating region, which
has been declared
a World Heritage Area. Return to Hanoi in the evening.
Day 11
Transfer 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 in the evening.
OR
Choose an extension tour - ask us for various available
options (e.g. to Halong Bay, a World Heritage site further north of
Hanoi, or to the Angkor Wat in Cambodia or elsewhere in Asia)
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Pagoda in Hue
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