Vietnam Incentive. Duration : 08 Days / 07 Nights Destinations : Hanoi Halong Bay Saigon

Transcription

1 Vietnam Incentive Duration : 08 Days / 07 Nights Destinations : Hanoi Halong Bay Saigon

2 Geography Vietnam covers an area of 330,363 sq. km and is about as big as Italy or New Mexico. The country has three main geographic regions - the tropical south dominated by the Mekong River estuary, the dry central region, and the more temperate north comprising the River delta and mountain highlands. Religion Vietnam supports adherents of all the major world religions, as well as followers of religions that are peculiarly Vietnamese: Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, Protestant and Catholic Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Cao Daism, Hoa Hao and Hinduism. In addition spirit and ancestor worship, To Tien, is also practiced. Confucianism is probably the most pervasive doctrine of all. Climate Vietnam s climate is very diverse because the country covers a wide range of latitudes and altitudes. The North: The cold season is between November and April when average temperatures are around 60 F/16 C and it is often wet and chilly. In the hot period, between May and October, the average temperature is about 86 F/30 C. The South: The temperatures in the south are constant all year, ranging from F/25-30 C. The dry season is from November to April and the wet period from May to October. People Ethnic Vietnamese constitute almost 90 percent of the population in Vietnam. Originating in what is now southern China and northern Vietnam, the Vietnamese people pushed southward over several centuries to occupy the entire eastern seacoast of the Indochinese Peninsula. Nearly 100 years of French rule ( ) introduced important European elements, but the Vietnamese still attach great importance to the family and continue to observe rites honoring their ancestors, indicating the persistence of tradition. Manners The Vietnamese used to greet one another by clasping their hands, prayer-like, in front of their faces and bowing slightly. Unfortunately, this charming custom has been replaced by the handshake. When trying to gain the attention of a Vietnamese, try not to point or gesture excessively. This is regarded as rude. Call out their names if possible, if not beckon by using the whole hand, palm downwards. Again, as in the other countries of Southeast Asia, do not touch people on the head as it is regarded as spiritually the 'highest' part of the body. Expect to be the center of attention outside Saigon, Hanoi and the main tourist centers. React accordingly and be a good ambassador.

3 This is a land of serene beauty, traditional charm and bustling industry. A great holiday destination, Vietnam boasts a landscape of misty hills and tropical beaches, a fascinating cultural heritage and a climate that ranges from the cool of the northern highlands to the warmth of the South China Sea coast and the Mekong Delta Day 1 Arrival in Hanoi (-/-/D) Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. As soon as the group arrives at Noi Bai airport on your flight from home, the group will be warmly greeted by Refine Asia staff who will assist the group to clear all formalities and handle the luggage directly to the truck. At the arrival terminal, beautiful Vietnamese ladies respectively greet the group with welcome banner, flowers and cool tissues. All the guests will benefit from VIP treatment with welcome services provided by Refine Asia. With a police escort, the drive from Noi Bai airport to the hotel will take only 30 minutes. Still, the onboard guides will have enough time to give the group a brief introduction to the country as well as to the charming city of Hanoi. Cold water and tissues are always ready for clients needs during the drive.

4 At the chosen hotel, the group will be welcomed with cool towels and welcome drinks at the hotel lounge, while our hospitality staff clear all the check-in formalities for the group. The guests will have the time to refresh or relay after a long flight. Afterwards, the group will join a one-hour cyclo ride to get a first impression of this overwhelming city of Hanoi. There are many ways to see the city, but the best and most unique way to discover the Old Quarter of Hanoi and its authentic atmosphere is to take the traditional transportation cyclo. Starting from the hotel, with the one hour riding on this special kind of moving armchair through the 36 streets which are dedicated to 36 different products in the old quarter of Hanoi, our group will gain a whole day s worth of knowledge about the authentic Vietnamese culture and way of life. Our events team has the good capacity to enhance the cyclo ride with the following incentive elements: Traditional style personal flag embroidered group s company logo or even the individual s personal name which clients can take with them as souvenirs at the end of the ride. Putting the group s company logo on the cyclo cover. Having the cyclo drivers in T-shirts with group s company logo or even wearing the group s company uniform.

5 Welcome Dinner at the National Museum In the evening, our distinguished guests will be greeted with cold towels and refreshments at the National History Museum. At this venue, characteristic of old Vietnamese architecture, a welcome dinner is arranged for the group after the relaxing visit to the museum while enjoying cocktails. While the cocktail reception is held in the cozy atmosphere inside the museum, the welcome dinner tonight will be set up in the courtyard with the impressive museum building as the backdrop. The company logo can be optionally displayed on the building. In the garden, Vietnamese cultural demonstrations (e.g. traditional calligraphy writing & Dong Ho painting) will be arranged in the form of traditional art stalls where clients can interact with the local artists. The well-selected entertainment program (e.g. traditional musical performances, traditional dances and cultural show) will entertain clients throughout the night. Before the group arrives back to the hotel from dinner, we will arrange the following items in their rooms. Good night story about the Restored Sword Lake in Hanoi The welcome gift: a small cyclo gift with the company logo engraved on the plate Good night card with the schedule for the next day. Overnight in Hanoi

6 Day 2 Hanoi (B/L/D) Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese system of exercises for people of all ages founded by Taoist Priests thousands of years ago. It is the set of soft and slow movements descended from the natural movements of animals incorporating the vast knowledge of Taoist meditative practices. Correct Tai Chi practice can help in the prevention and curing of diseases. It promotes health by increasing strength and flexibility. It improves balance and blood circulation. It is also an effective form of self-defense. Today, many thousands of people are enjoying the health benefits of Tai Chi practice in approximately 500 locations in 25 countries around the world. Tai Chi is also recognized by many world sport events, such as the Sea games and the Olympics in the form of Wu Shu performances. When the group arrives at the temple, the magnificent view of the group of Tai Chi students practicing their morning lessons in the front yard of the temple will be seen. After 10 minutes watching the practice, clients will be invited to join the students and learn some Tai Chi. On the completion of the Tai Chi lesson this morning, the Tai Chi students will presents fans with the company logo to the group and wish them a safe journey in Vietnam.

7 Soon after, start the half day city tour in Hanoi. With a millennium-long history, Hanoi is a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks dotted with French-style buildings and historical monuments. The city centre is an architectural museum piece, retaining the air of a quaint and peaceful provincial town, contrary to the fast-paced atmosphere of Saigon. During the half-day city tour, you ll see cultural and historical highlights, comprising: ONE PILLAR PAGODA: built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who ruled from 1028 to Constructed of wood on a single stone pillar, it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom. HOAN KIEM LAKE: right in the heart of Hanoi, this lake contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda, topped with a red star, as well as Ngoc Son Pagoda on its northern shores HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM: This commanding stone monument houses the embalmed remains of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam national hero and is a pilgrimage site for many Vietnamese. Visitors file silently past his glass tomb to pay their respects. THE TEMPLE OF LITERATURE: Originally built as a temple to Confucius, this is the site of Vietnam s first university dating back to Inside are the stone steles mounted on the backs of turtles, inscribed with the names of the university s graduates. The complex is divided into five courtyards with different paths that would originally have been reserved for the Emperor and his mandarins. Lunch will be held at the WILD LOTUS RESTAURANT Hanoi. Being one of the restaurants in Hanoi that are famous for serving Vietnamese fusion food, Wild Lotus restaurant is highly recommended for lunch for the incentive group. Not only do they serve great food, Wild Lotus restaurant is also popular for featuring a very charming and stylish art décor.

8 You ll conclude the tour with enjoying the WATER PUPPET SHOW at Thang Long theatre in the evening. Water puppetry, lit. "puppets that dance on water", is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Today's Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waistdeep pool. A large rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play. Dinner at Forest Restaurant Hanoi With the same theme as the Ethnology Museum, Forest Restaurant is the best choice for the dinner for the group tonight. Located on the East side of the West Lake, Forest Restaurant brings the nature of Vietnam s tropical forest into architecture. It is a plantcovered building and the "Forest" signs are in a rambling, rustic style. The restaurant is famous for serving a large collection of Vietnamese food from all regions in Vietnam. Optionally, a tribal music band can be brought to the restaurant to entertain the group during the dinner. The impressive music performances of the tribal band will add great value to the understanding of Vietnam from all aspects. Overnight in Hanoi

9 Day 3 Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D) In the morning after breakfast, the group will be transferred to Halong Bay for their 2 Days / 1 Night Cruise. Halong Bay is one of the most magnificent scenic spots in all of Vietnam and was recognized as a world natural heritage site by UNESCO in It is a picturesque bay with almost 2,000 islets rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Visit some magical grottoes and relax in the best scenic beauty of Vietnam. Traditional lunch of the freshest and finest seafood is served on board. Gala Dinner at Trong Cave In the evening the guests will enjoy a unique and memorable gala dinner set at the Trong Cave in Halong Bay. The guests will pass through the candle-lit pathway and will with no doubt be bewitched by the mystical scenery inside: A magnificent atmosphere making the evening an unforgettable experience. (This activity is subjected to a certain minimum number of participants. Overnight on board

10 Day 4 Halong - Hanoi - Saigon (B/-/D) Continue cruising and disembark in the late morning at Halong. The group will be transferred back to Hanoi airport for their domestic flight to Saigon. Upon arrival the group will be warmly greeted by their guide and transferred to their hotel for check-in. Dinner at the Au Manoir de Khai The villa housing Au Manoir de Khai was originally constructed during the early 1900s, in classical French colonial style. Extensive renovations have retained the original colonial details that, with the lush tropical garden, create a blend of French elegance with a hint of traditional Vietnam. The blue and gold dining room is well-lit during the day, and made cozy with warm lighting in the evenings. Exquisite table settings and professional servers who really know the food guarantee a refined and relaxed meal. Seafood features prominently (and deservedly) on the all-french menu, although the kitchen does all manner of traditional French food with skill. The foie gras in particular is a favourite, and is a treat even for the most jaded Francophiles. In addition to the dinner, we can also arrange some optional enhancements, such as: One way cyclo or vintage vespa ride from hotel to the restaurant Traditional Vietnamese dance show during the cocktail session Jazz band performance during the cocktail session

11 Day 5 Saigon (B/L/D) Today the group will enjoy an interesting excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi was a bitter battleground for many years during the Vietnam War. Don t miss a visit to this underground village, an intricate network of more than 200km (125 miles) of Cu Chi District, 75km (46 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City. Explore a short segment of this labyrinth of interlaced tunnels; you will be amazed by the tunnels numerous branches connecting to underground hideouts and shelters. Dinner Cruise on Saigon River Back in central Saigon, another amazing dinner awaits: we have arranged an exotic cruise dinner on the famous Saigon River, where the group will be enjoying the city of style and glamour at night. Overnight in Saigon

12 Day 6 Saigon (B/-/D) After breakfast the group will be participating in a half day teambuilding event called Cyclo Hunt. Cyclo hunt is an amusing game which combines the teambuilding idea with exploring Saigon on the cyclo, which is the unique mean of transportation in Vietnam. Participants of the program will be sitting on this special Moving Armchair and go to many well-known places of interests in Saigon to complete the most interesting and creative quests before arriving to the venue for the prize ceremony followed by a farewell dinner. The quests will be customized to the company profile and the purpose of the organizers. With the great fun of team activities, participants of the game will benefit: The fun way to explore the city The better team co-operation and relationship among the players The good overview of your company s business in Vietnam The great encouragement of being creative in problems solving. The unforgettable experience of your trip in Saigon. Subsequently, the group will have the remaining afternoon free for le

13 Dinner at Xu Restaurant & Lounge Located in the Soviet era building utilized by the Ministry of Information and Culture, Xu Restaurant & lounge has been open for just over a year and heralds a new direction in Saigon s bar and restaurant scene. This creation by an Australian Viet Kieu with an obvious sense of style. The interior has undergone a miraculous transformation. Dark woods, subtle lighting, comfortable banquet seating and a stunning dining area create a space that manages to be sleek yet lacking the intimidation factor which venues of this standard can occasionally impart. It is rare for such an establishment to accommodate formal diners and those who are seeking a slightly more casual experience, but Xu manages both easily. Xu Restaurant Lounge is at the forefront of the evolution of Vietnamese Cuisine & Dining Experiences instead of just eating. Overnight in Saigon

14 Day 7 Saigon (B/-/D) In the morning after breakfast the group will enjoy a Half Day City Tour (History Museum, Thien Hau Temple, Binh Tay Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Muinicipal and Post Office) - about 4 hrs. The tour will take the guests around the busiest city of Vietnam, from downtown Saigon to Chinatown, in order to get a general view of the city. Furthermore they will get to know its history and culture with stops at History Museum and Thien Hau Temple. They will not only learn about the past but also get a glimpse of the daily life of stall and street vendors at the Binh Tay Market and see other places of interests such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Municipal Post Office. Meeting with local Artist In order to get a deeper understanding for the Vietnamese culture and traditions, Refine Asia offers a wide range of local ineraction meetings. The foreign guests are introduced to interesting personalities from the Vietnamese society and get the chance to learn something about their work and lifestyles. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Tam is one of these personalities! The successful local artist has participated in several national and international exhibitions. Her infamous realism and landscape silk paintings have been collected by the National Museum of Fine Arts in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the Vatican Catholics Museum (Rome) and other worldwide collectors in the United States, France, Japan, England, Australia, etc. The meeting will either take place in her working studio at home or in one of the galleries in the city centre. (Depending on availability another artist will be met!)

15 Farewell Dinner at Reunification Palace For the final evening in Vietnam, we hold a gala function in the Reunification Palace with delicious traditional fare and first-class entertainment by local dance performers. The Reunification Palace is one of the most interesting places to visit in Saigon. This building remains almost exactly as it was on the morning of 30th April 1975 when the Saigon regime surrendered to the victorious liberation forces and the country was reunified for the first time since Overnight in Saigon Day 8 Departure (B/-/-) Today, the group will have the morning at leisure for shopping and recreation until the transfer for the departure flight for home. Refine Asia wishes a safe flight home!

16 THANK YOU! Your Refine Asia Team