South Vietnam by Bookletia

PROPOSAL

SOUTH VIETNAM – 9D8N

DEPARTURE

01 Jan 2014 – 30 April 2014

NUMBER OF PAX

TBA

PREPARED FOR

TBA

VIETNAM DESTINATION Vietnam is now firmly on the world stage, but only since the early 1990’s travellers started arriving. Today visitors from all over the world have the opportunity to discover the beauty of Vietnam. Brilliant green rice fields, bustling city streets, grand colonial buildings, colourful markets, temples and pagodas, deserted sandy beaches, glorious mountain scenery, colourful ethnic minorities, delicious cuisine, luxurious hotels and resorts, THIS IS VIETNAM TODAY. The country is divided into three distinct regions, the south, the centre and the north. The northern capital Hanoi, is the seat of government and home of the revered Ho Chi Minh. This is the artistic and cultural heart of the country, with Hoan Kiem lake at the centre. In the Old Quarter, at the Temple of Literature, in the colonial buildings and the museums the past comes to life. Saigon is the commercial powerhouse of the country, with international hotels, shiney malls, old markets, museums, China Town and café life. The city is truly multi-cultural. There are Seven World Heritage sites in Vietnam declared by UNESCO in 2011. The spectacular natural wonder of Ha Long Bay (1994), the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (2003), the central sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi (2010), Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (2011), Complex of Hué Monuments (1993), Hoi An Ancient Town (1999), My Son Sanctuary (1999). Vietnam offers the ultimate in adventure and luxury travel

With so much to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City and the scenic surrounding area, this tour ensures you take it all in. Covering the most significant landmarks in the city to learn about its history and culture, the tour then takes you out to the diverse landscape of the Mekong Delta. Cruise on a traditional rice barge through the network of canals, passing riverside life and stopping to meet the locals. A deep discovery of the Southern region with Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta and Dalat will bring you an unforgettable and valuable experience of our country. DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL

(-/-/-)

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, our guide and driver will welcome you to Vietnam and drive you to your hotel for check in. Free time in the evening. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: HO CHI MINH CITY FULL DAY

(B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, our guide will pick you up to start the Ho Chi Minh City Tour. Saigon is the dynamic commercial center of Vietnam. Despite the hustle and bustle, the city retains its connections to the past. Embark on a walking tour to see Saigonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic landmarks. A stroll down Rue Catinat (of Graham Greene's 'The Quiet American') will reveal more colonial classics; the Opera House, a three-story classical theatre (outside visit); the former Hotel de ville constructed in 1901, now The People's Committee building with no public access; the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires(open only 3-4pm everyday otherwise just outside visit); the Central Post Office influenced by Renaissance architecture; and the former Presidential Palace, headquarters of the Saigon Government during past conflicts. Drive 6km to another area of the city to visit Thien Hau temple built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century. It is to honor the goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen. The templeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interior courtyard is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques shrouded in incense-smoke. It is always bustling here with worshippers from the local Chinese community. You may have the chance to write out your wishes on a small red note and pray for your wishes to come true. Continue to visit Binh Tay market, the biggest one in Viet Nam, built in the early 20th century.

Return to your hotel and relax. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 3: TAY NINH – CU CHI TUNNELS

(B/L/-)

Start your journey with a 3-hour drive northwest of Saigon to the Cao Dai Great Temple. The modern sect, founded in the 1920s, is a fusion of Buddhism, Confucism, Taoism, and Christian beliefs. The temple holds a very colorful service at midday which outsiders can observe. A simple local lunch is at a rural cafe (the best available in this undeveloped area). Another one and haft hour drive will take us to the Cu Chi tunnels. The tunnel complex was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide during past conflicts. It also served as communication routes and food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters. Visit the underground villages to understand the tunnels’ history, life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese’s resilience during the conflicts. Return to Saigon for an evening at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4: HO CHI MINH CITY – CAI BE

(B/L/D)

Start the day with an excursion to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta; known as the country’s ‘rice-basket’. Embark on a 3- hour drive with ever-changing views – from the rapidly developing Saigon city to the hectic delta. On arrival, board a wooden motorized boat to explore life and agriculture on the river. The first stop is the bustling Cai Be floating market, filled with a mass of boats bursting with fruits, vegetables, and other products along the river banks. Traders have lived on the river in their boats for generations. After another 20-minute cruise, leave your boat, and enjoy a 10-min walk on narrow lane watching the world go by. Visit an ancient house where four

generations of family members are living together and have lunch there. After a lunch filled with Mekong Delta specialties, you can also take a stroll around the orchard to learn how it contributes to the family’s livelihood. Then head to the home where you will spend the night. After freshening up, and if the sky is still bright, take a stroll to find out more about the neighborhood. The Mekong delta sleeps early, and wakes early. The bed may be not luxurious but this is a great way to experience nature and the surroundings, with the sounds of crickets, lizards, frogs as your goodnight lullaby! Note: Homestay as an optional tour Overnight in Cai Be

DAY 5: CAI BE – SOC TRANG – CAN THO

(B/L/D)

Rise up early and watch the village come to life in the early morning, enjoy walking or cycling tour around the island. Boat transfer to Cai Be harbor where the car is ready to bring you to the next spot – Soc Trang province - a perfect destination for who love to explore off-the-beaten-track place and try the local food. You can see the Khmer cultural characteristics everywhere, especially at Khmer pagodas. You will visit Doi Pagoda or Bat Pagoda which is the most famous pagoda in this province. The pagoda is the place where thousands of bats used to stay, hanging their body under the pagoda’s roofs or threes. Other which cannot be missed is Kh’leang pagoda - one of the oldest pagodas in Soc Trang with harmony combination of great buildings and nature. One more well-known pagoda is Chen Kieu pagoda where you will be impressed by the sophisticated design by Chinese. It is skillfully decorated with a layer of stylishly designed bowls and plates of different colors by ancient artisans and was built with a spiritual significance. Then continue to get to Can Tho – the biggest center of Mekong Delta for hotel check-in. 18.30 When the Ninh Kieu boat will take you to relax and enjoy the romantic evening of lovely Can Tho city. A dinner with the particular dishes of the Delta will be served. Cruising boat, under the sky full of stars, you enjoy an interesting kind of Southern music in Can Tho - the renovated opera “Dan ca tai tu”. Specially, you’ll send your wishes on lotus-like lanterns on the Hau River with twinkling candle. It will be engraved on unforgettable memory. Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 6: CAN THO – HO CHI MINH CITY

(B/-/-)

08:00am, board a local boat to explore the colorful Cai Rang floating market, where number of boats laden with fruit, vegetables and fish jostle for trade. Sellers advertise their wares by crying out across the waters or tie their goods to a tall pole so that buyers can see from them from a distance. Or you can get off your boat and meander around the local Le Binh market to enjoy another part of local life. Cruise back to the hotel to freshen up and checkout. Return to Ho Chi Minh City; free time at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 7: HO CHI MINH CITY – DALAT

(B/-/-)

After breakfast, you will get transferred from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat (8 hours) with a stop en route to vist tea and coffee plantations. Endowed with the fresh and romantic environment; Dalat is considered a city of love in Vietnam, becoming a very attractive destination for honeymoon vacations. Upon arrival in Da Lat, visit Dalat local market to get some local specialities. Overnight in Dalat. ay 8: DA LA Day 8: DALAT CITY TOUR

(B/-/-)

After breakfast, start your day with the visit at Dalat City and its surroundings. 6km south west of Dalat is Datanla Waterfall which is not so imposing or tumultuous as some others in Dalat but it exerts an extraordinary attraction to adventurers. You can see Datanla waterfall with a wild and attractive landscape; then continue to Thien Vien Truc Lam pagoda located on Phoenix Mountain and next to Tuyen Lam Lake. Every year, from all over the world, hundreds of Zen followers come here to practice meditation. We will visit Dalat’s Flower Garden considered a natural museum that houses a fine collection of native and exotic flowers.

In the afternoon, drive up the hill to the Summer Palace of the last Emperor of Viet Nam – Bao Dai, and visit his residence giving you an insight to how royalty would have lived in the 1930s with its wonderful location. Wind your way to Crazy House, with its unusual architecture has strange twists and turns, roofs and rooms. This guesthouse and art gallery is designed by the daughter of a former Vietnamese President. Each room is decorated with its specific theme, such as Ant Room, Bamboo Room, the Eagle Room, etc. Drive up the hill to the French-built rail station opened in 1928. The old steam engine is still there, but replicas have replaced the old cars. Embark on a back-in-time train ride 7km further to Trai Mat, passing vegetable and flower gardens. Hard seat, open air, loud machine, all part of the experience! Pay a visit to Linh Phuoc pagoda built from debris of glass, pottery bowls and porcelain between 1949 and 1952. Return to your hotel and relax. Overnight in Dalat

Day 9: DALAT– PHAN THIET/NHA TRANG – BEACH EXTENSION

(B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, free time at leisure till the transfer to Phan Thiet or Nha Trang (Extra Cost) for beach vacation upon your request (3 nights/ 5nights/ 7 nights). Recommended Hotel in Phan Thiet/Nha Trang:  Standard: Blue Ocean Phan Thiet Resort/ Yasaka Nha Trang  Superior: Phu Hai Resort/ Yasaka Nha Trang  Deluxe: Anantara Mui Ne/ Sheraton Nha Trang

“where journeys begin”

TOUR COST : NET PRICE IN USD Valid 01 Jan 14 – 30 Apr 14 Categories/ Group size

1 pax

Standard Category

1,785.00

Superior Category Deluxe Category

2 pax

3-4 pax

5-6 pax

7-10pax

Single Supplement

968.00

781.00

611.00

575.00

205.00

2,056.00

1,090.00

902.00

733.00

697.00

354.00

2,818.00

1,493.00

1,305.00

1,153.00

1,099.00

633.00

All rates are net, quoted per person in U.S.$ in half twin room. Please add the single supplement if you book a single room (Except on 1 Pax). Surcharge 50 USD per group per day for any booking falling on 30th,, 31st January, 01st ,02nd February 2014 (Lunar New Year in Vietnam) FLIGHTS: Flight timetable to be advised upon your group’s trip. NET PRICE PER ITINERARY

CLASS

TIMETABLE

Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang (SGN-DAD)

Economy

Day 5 (to be advised)

PERSON 113 USD

Danang – Ha Noi (DAD-HAN)

Economy

Day 6 (to be advised)

113 USD

All airfares are excluding taxes and subject to change by the airlines.

LIST OF HOTEL USAGES: Standard Category

Superior Category

Delxue Category

HO CHI MINH CITY

Elios Hotel

Eden Saigon Hotel

Sofitel Plaza Saigon

Superior Room

Junior Deluxe City View

Superior

233 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1

38 Bui Thi Xuan, District 1

17 Le Duan, District 1

Tel: 084838385584

Tel: 08. 6298 8388

Tel: 084838241555

Web: www.elioshotel.vn

www.edensaigonhotel.com

Web: www.sofitel.com

CAI BE

Mekong Lodge

Mekong Riverside Resort & Spa

New Wing Room

Lake view Room

Dong Hoa Hiep, Cai Be

Hoa Khanh, Cai Be

Tel: 084733924026

Web: www.mekonglodge.com

Web: www.mekongriversideresort.vn

CAN THO

Kim Tho Hotel

Victoria Can Tho Hotel

Superior City View

Superior Room

Deluxe Room

Add: 1A Ngo Gia Tu, Ninh Kieu

Add: 293 Tran Van Kheo, Cai Khe

Tel: 0847102227979

Web: www.kimtho.com

Web:www.victoriahotels.asia/en/our- Web:www.victoriahotels.asia/en/ourhotels-in-viet-nam can-tho-resort

hotels-in-viet-nam can-tho-resort

DALAT

Best Western Dalat Hotel

Saigon Dalat Hotel

Ana Mandara Dalat Hotel

Superior

Deluxe

Villa Room

09 Le Dai Hanh, Da Lat

180 Duong 3/2, Da Lat

Le Lai, Da Lat

Tel: 084636252999

Tel: 084633556789

Tel: 084633555888

Web:www.dalatplazahotel.com.vn

Web: www.saigondalathotel.com

Web: www.anamandara-resort.com

INCLUDING: 

Accomodations based on twin share



Private transportation



English-Speaking Guide applied for day-tour only



Meals as mentioned in the program (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)



Entrance Fees



Boat Trip as mentioned in the program

EXCLUDING: 

International flight ticket to & out Vietnam



Domestic flight ticket (separate quotation)



Meals not mentioned



Visa stamp fee at the airport (around 45 USD/person)



Drinks and personal expenses



Optional tours



Tips and gratuities for tour guide and services



Any other items not mentioned



Compulsory Christmas - & New Year Gala Dinner

BOOKING PROCEDURE Booking will be confirmed on receipt of advance deposit only. Asia Destinations (ASD) requires 20% advance deposit to hold the booking. (2) Balance 80% must reach ASD 30 days prior to tour departure date. LIABILITY The prices are subject to amendment should the Transporters/ Hoteliers amend their rates prior to commencement of the tour. REFUND After commencement of Travel, no refund in full or in part will be given for services included in the program, which are not utilized.

HOTEL CHECK IN- CHECK OUT TIME Hotel Check in - Check out time is usually 12h00 am. Extended check in - check out time may be granted subject to availability and agreement with the participating hotels. POLICY REGARDING CANCELLATION / NO SHOW / EARLY DEPARTURE . Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive advice in writing and cancellation charges would apply as follows: * Before 30 days - 10% of the total tour / service cost * From 15 days to 07 days - 15% of the total tour / service cost * From 07 days to 02 days - 25% of the total tour / service cost * From 02 days (48 hrs) to departure - 50% of the total tour / service cost TRAVEL INSURANCE To travel around ASD highly recommended that participants have travel insurance.