Vietnam Signature Bou que B&Bs (10N11D) 01 July 2018, 11 Days. Vietnam Signature Tour

Transcription

1 Tour: Date: Vietnam Signature Bou que B&Bs (10N11D) 01 July 2018, 11 Days Vietnam Signature Tour One of the most coveted tourist des na ons in Southeast Asia, Vietnam promises visitors a truly unforge able experience. Stretching across 3000 km of coastline, this vast na on is home to diverse and contras ng landscapes from remote villages in soaring mountains, lush jungles, mangroves, and floa ng islands, to glitzy metropolises and colourful crowded markets. Made up of 53 dis nct ethnic groups, Vietnam s culture and cuisine are equally diverse. This 11 day Vietnam Signature Tour is an opportunity to delve deep into Vietnam s history, culture, cuisine and natural world with visits to its top sights and hidden gems. Covering north, south and central Vietnam with a private guide, you ll be able to observe the divergent cultures and panoramas that make up this incredible na on. You ll visit vibrant ci es such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), stunning natural areas including Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta, and significant historical sites such as Hue s Ancient Citadel. I nerary Day 1 Transfer to Hotel and Introduc on to Hanoi Your Vietnamese adventure begins! Your driver and guide will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Hanoi. Later in the a ernoon you ll explore Hanoi s Old Quarter by cyclo (Vietnamese rickshaw), and finish of the evening with a welcome dinner at the hotel s restaurant. Hanoi: Situated in the North, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is the second largest city in the country. More than a thousand years old, Hanoi s rich history can s ll be observed to this day in the ancient architecture of its Old Quarter, as well as in the remnants of French and Chinese style buildings across the city. This bustling metropolis is home to fascina ng museums, turn of the century temples and important historical sites. Meal Plan: Dinner included

2 Day 2 Hanoi Explore Hanoi s rich culture and history with a morning tour of the city s most important sites and museums: Ho Chi Minh s Mausoleum (comprising the late Vietnamese leader s tomb, Presiden al Palace, and house, within an extensive complex of beau ful gardens), the One Pillar Pagoda (just a few meters from the Mausoleum, this is a small and curious Pagoda designed in the shape of a Lotus flower), Ho Chi Minh s private residence, the Tran Quoc Royal Pagoda (a stunning Pagoda situated between city s two lakes, offering stunning views of Hanoi) and the Temple of Literature (erected in honour of Confucious, this is a peaceful haven in the bustling city of Hanoi and was the first University of Vietnam). Later in the a ernoon you ll con nue your tour with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology and Ngoc Son Temple, a mesmerising sacred structure situated in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. You ll then have the opportunity to go shopping on Silk street (famous for its tailor made silk stores), before heading to the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to witness the mesmerizing ancient tradi on of water puppeteering. Meal Plan: Breakfast included Day 3 Transfer to Hoa Lu Your transfer will take you to the picturesque province of Ninh Binh, where you ll visit the elaborate temples of Vietnam s ancient imperial capital,

3 Hoa Lu. Par cularly impressive is the former palace and citadel of the emperor Tien Hoang De, which was reconstructed in the 17 th century. In the a ernoon, you ll be escorted along the Ngo Dong River on a tradi onal sampan, finally reaching the Red River Delta where you ll be able to visit the Tam Coc caves. One of the most popular sites in northern Vietnam, Tam Coc is a complex of three caves hidden beneath enormous rock forma ons, which have been gradually eroded by the river. Once back in Hanoi, you ll enjoy an authen c rural meal at a local restaurant. Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner included Day 4. Hanoi Halong Your guide will take you to the spectacular Halong Bay, where you ll cruise through the poe c landscape on a tradi onal Junk (sailing ship). Throughout the day you ll explore the array of naturally formed islets and caves sca ered across the seascape. In the evening, you ll be served a fresh seafood dinner on the moonlit bay, with the op on of either sleeping onboard overnight or staying at a hotel. Halong A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is sca ered with more than 2000 floa ng islands of kars c rock. Legend has it that these floa ng islands were created by a family of dragons who were invoked by the Emperor to protect Vietnam against Chinese invaders. The dragons flew across the bay, spi ng out jewels and jade, which magically turned into sca ered islands. Together, these islands linked to create a protec ve

4 barrier, which can s ll be admired to this day. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included Day 5. Halong Hanoi Hue Enjoy a refreshing morning swim in the waters of Halong Bay, before journeying to Halong City for a fresh seafood lunch. You ll then be transferred to Noi Bai Interna onal Airport, where you ll take a flight to Hue. Hue Situated in central Vietnam, Hue was formerly the imperial capital and is one of Vietnam s most important historical sites. Hue is best known for its impressive architecture with citadels, pagodas, tombs, palaces and temples set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Perfume River. In 1993, Hue became Vietnam s first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch Day 6. Hanoi Hue Explore the city of Hue, star ng off with a visit to the impressive Minh Mang Tomb (a 19th century tomb complex whose magnificent architecture is set against a sublime forest) and Khai Dinh Tombs (the last imperial tomb built in Hue it took 11 years to build and is considered the most majes c imperial tomb in all Vietnam). In the a ernoon, you ll be taken on a private tour of the sprawling grounds of the imperial city, comprising the Royal Citadel and Forbidden Citadel. Take a boat cruise along the Perfume River and finish off with a visit to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a 17 th century seven story temple, and the unofficial symbol of Hue. Meal Plan: Breakfast

5 Day 7. Hue Da Nang Hoi An A er breakfast, you ll embark on a picturesque journey to Hoi An. Venturing across the Hai Van mountain pass, one of the most beau ful roads in all of Asia, you ll traverse through verdant mountains flanked by the South China Sea and stop for a glimpse of the panoramic view over Lang Co beach. The highest point of the pass sits at 1,627. and is perpetually shrouded in clouds. Con nuing your journey south, you ll stop at the fascina ng Cham museum in Da Nang, where you ll be able to explore the Buddhist Shrines of the Marble Mountain Caves before arriving at your hotel in Hoi An. Hoi An A picturesque riverside town, Hoi An was formally the port of the Cham Kingdom. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town s architecture with narrow streets, roof led houses, carved pillars and lacquered panels lays testament to the heavy Chinese influence in the area during the height of Hoi An s trading years in the 16th century. Meal Plan: Breakfast Day 8. Hoi An Take a stroll through the ancient streets of Hoi An, admiring the complex of 844 houses and temples, and exploring the colourful market on the right bank of the city s river. You ll have free me in the a ernoon to experience Hoi An s mouthwatering street food and pack in some extra shopping. Meal Plan: Breakfast Day 9. Da Nang Ho Chi Minh City

6 You ll be transferred to Da Nang Airport, where you will take a one hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon). A er se ling in at your hotel, you ll be taken on a morning city tour, where you ll be able to admire some fine examples of French colonial architecture (including Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office). In the a ernoon, you ll have the chance to explore the History Museum, Reunifica on Palace, Criminal Museum, Big Market (Cho Lon) and Ben Thanh Market. Ho Chi Minh City Formerly known as Saigon, the capital of Southern Vietnam was bap sed Ho Chi Minh City a er the Vietnam war. This rapidly developing metropolis is buzzing with restaurants, bars and shopping centres. At night, the city transforms into a Tokyo esque light fest, with coloured lights beaming from high rise buildings. Vibrant and fast paced, Ho Chi Minh even has the greatest number of motorcycles in the world! Modernity is met by tradi on, however, as the city is also renowned for its French colonial buildings, interna onally acclaimed museums and historic landmarks. Meal Plan: Breakfast Day 10. Ho Chi Minh City The Mekong Delta (Vinh Long) Embark on an excursion to the Mekong Delta, a breathtaking maze of canals, swamps and islands. You ll visit Cai Be, a floa ng market where you can try exo c fruits. A er an atmospheric lunch in a bonsai garden, you ll be taken back to Ho Chi Minh City for a leisurely a ernoon. The Mekong Delta (Vinh Long) This vast expanse of land is home to more than 20 million people and is renowned for its picturesque panoramas of rice paddy fields, floa ng villages, and jungle like rivers. An agricultural centre, the Mekong Delta is teeming with coconut palms, sugarcane groves and fruit orchards. The region truly gives an authen c insight into rural Vietnam, with its friendly locals and laidback atmosphere. Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

7 Day 11. Ho Chi Minh City Departure Enjoy your free me at your hotel or some last minute souvenir shopping on the last day of your trip. Your guide will meet you later to transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Accommoda on Summary Homestays and Junk Boat Momento House, Hanoi (3 nights) Room type: Standard Annam Junk, Halong Bay (1 Night, 2 Days) Cabin type: Deluxe Déjà vu House, Hue (2 Nights) Room type: Standard Under the Coconut Tree, Hoi An (2 Nights) Room type: Standard Saigon Townhouse, Ho Chi Minh (2 Nights) Room type: Standard INCLUDED SERVICES All described sightseeing as in program above Internal Flights Day 5 Hanoi Hue / Day 9 Da Nang Saigon Transportation in private air conditioned vehicle Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast English speaking guides (local guides) Admission fees to indicated sights Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Meals: B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner) Domestic gov t tax and service charge All entrance fees for sightseeing in the program EXCLUDED SERVICES Travel Insurance in all kinds Meals: if not mentioned in itinerary Drinks during Meals Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others not stated Peak season surcharges Compulsory meals Early Check In and Late Check Out not mentioned Visa handling fee, visa stamp fee. All other service not stated in the program

8 Momento House, Hanoi A boutique hostel in the heart of Hanoi s Old Quarter, Momento Hanoi describes itself as a Culture Centre, with 5 themed rooms that show off different regions and cultural elements of Vietnam. This charming hostel includes free WIFI, a communal kitchenette, and free toiletries. The Rooftop Garden Room provides a great top floor view, a private kitchen and plenty of indoor greenery. Annam Junk, Halong Bay The Annam Junk is a traditional Vietnamese ship, inspired by 14th century wooden junks. Staying overnight aboard this exquisitely decorated vessel, you ll be able to enjoy some spectacular views of Halong Bay as the sun rises and sets over its glistening waters. The ship houses a restaurant and bar serving fresh seafood dishes 18 hours a day. It also offers a beautiful terrace and 28 guestrooms. Déjà vu House, Hue Hosted by three extremely hospitable young women, Déjà Vu offers a well equipped communal kitchen and a charming garden terrace for some quiet relaxation. This private homestay has several spacious rooms on offer, each with a private balcony with garden views. Along with continental breakfast, bookings include free WIFI access, free bicycle hire and even complementary herbal foot bathing!

9 Under the Coconut Tree, Hoi An This brand new eco chic homestay feels like a tropical oasis in the coastal city of Hoi An. Superbly located, Under the Coconut Tree features a private pathway that leads to An Bang beach and is also just a short walk away from Hoi An Market and Cua Dai public beach. Saigon Townhouse, Ho Chi Minh Saigon Town House comprises three individual boutique townhouses in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. The ethos of Saigon Town House, which was started by three Vietnamese friends, is to treat travellers like family and make guests feel at home.